Moto Goods – Protective Jeans

There was a time when Draggin jeans were the only protective jeans you could find on the market. But not any more. With Kevlar technology becoming more advanced, both small and large companies are putting the material to good use and producing some quality safety apparel for the fashion-conscience rider. We thought we would take a look at the latest Kevlar products that have been creating a buzz in the industry.

SAINT KEVLAR DRILL PANTS

First up, we have an Australian-based company called Saint. They have one of the most exciting Kevlar products we have seen in a while. They don’t just line their pants with Kevlar, they actually make the jean outof Kevlar – so now you don’t feel like you are wearing an adult diaper under your pants. Not only that but they also demonstrate 360° tensile strength, slash, tear and heat resilience. They are also five times stronger than steel. So when we received a pair of these jeans we were eager to find out what they felt like to wear. We were not disappointed; they feel and look like a normal drill pant. The cut seems to be true to size. I usually wear 34″ waist and many are usually slightly big on me but not the Saint’s. The length of the legs are a bit longer but when riding there’s enough there to cover your boots with a bent knee.

Saint haven’t stopped at drill pants, either. They have also released a slick line of denim jackets and vests that are made using a different ballistic fibre called Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (or UHMWPE for a short. Catchy, huh?). We’re told it’s a “space age material from the space age.” Whatever you say, science guys.

UHMWPE (or Dyneema as it’s also known) is ‘5 times stronger than kevlar, super light, puncture and tear-resistant, abrasion-resistant, chemical-resistant and slippery like Teflon’. Sounds too good to be true, yeah? Well, the downside is that the material is pretty expensive to manufacture, so the stuff ain’t cheap. But when it comes to motorcycle apparel and denim, it does its job well and will last for many years to come. [Buy]

HARLEY-DAVIDSON PERFORMANCE JEANS

Harley has just launched its first-ever range of performance riding jeans. They claim to be ‘the most technically advanced jeans in the world’, which is a big claim but it looks like they have the stats to prove it. They offer double the abrasion resistance at half the weight. The jeans feature Draggin’s ‘Roomoto’ protection fabric which offers race-level protection of 7.45 seconds of road abrasion. The lining also has a fancy antibacterial treatment and “climate control” to make your legs cooler in hotter temperatures. 

We were sent a pair of the blue Genuine Performance Riding Jeans and they are exactly what you’d expect from H-D – a classically-styled, straight-legged jean with a slight boot cut. As mentioned before, I usually wear a size 34″, so these must run small because they are a little tighter. They seem very snug on my thighs and then progressively get looser the further you go down the leg until you hit the boot cut. To be honest, they aren’t the coolest looking jeans around but they are very comfortable thanks to their stretch denim. The race-level protection comes at a cost though, as they feel quite thick thanks to the Roomoto lining. These would be perfect for long road trips when you know you’ll be hitting freeways at high speed. [Buy]

TOBACCO JEANS

A little while back we got behind a Kickstarter fund to help raise money for Tobacco Jeans. They were essentially selling their modern-styled Kevlar lined jeans at wholesale prices for those that jumped in early. Needless to say, they achieved their goal and went into fulfilling the many orders they received from around the world. Their jeans are made from quality raw selvedge denim and come in black, indigo and canvas. They are now in full manufacturing mode and their store is up and running. And luckily they are still competitively priced for Kevlar lined jeans. [Buy]

RUSTE PROTECTION

Lastly, if you don’t want to buy a new pair of jeans but own a favourite pair you’d love to turn into protective jeans then Ruste Protection might be the solution for you. Send these guys your jeans, shirt or jacket and their tailors will sew in protective materials like Kevlar into the garment. If you want even more protection, they can also sew pockets for D30 protectors into the knees and/or hips. I would suggest you don’t send them your skinny jeans though, as clearly you’ll need some extra room to house the armour. We haven’t tested this service but it seems like a great concept and at least you’ll know the jeans will fit well and look great, too.[Buy]

via PIPEBURN

MACK: A CAFE-THEMED SPORTSTER FROM DP CUSTOMS

There’s no shortage of builders putting the ‘sport’ back into the Sportster. But if you live in the American Southwest, there’s only one company to call: DP Customs of New River, Arizona.

They’re regulars on these pages, and for good reason. Brothers Jarrod and Justin Del Prado build sharp-looking, high-performance Harleys for a great price.

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This is their latest, called ‘Mack.’ It’s a 2000-model XL1200 with a hot-rodded motor—and more than a hint of café racer styling.

The engine has moved on a little since the day it rolled off the Milwaukee production line. The brothers have treated it to Revolution Performance heads, cylinders and pistons, plus Screamin’ Eagle high lift cams.

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Capacity is now 1250 cc. and the cases are protected by an ultra-thin, bright aluminum coating more commonly used on firearms.

There’s a Dynatek single fire ignition and coil to boost the spark, and the engine now breathes through a 42mm Mikuni carb. The stubby 2-into-1 exhaust system, hugging the engine contours closely, is hand-fabricated.

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The rear subframe and tail section is hand-made too, supporting a diamond-stitched seat upholstered in Alcantara fabric. There’s a lightweight Ballistic battery hidden in the tail section.

The biggest change is the suspension and geometry: the front is lower than stock and the forks and shocks are from Öhlins. To improve stability, the trail has been increased and a there’s a Scotts steering stabilizer to banish any trace of twitchiness.

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“The one-off triple clamps are works of art, made by Shane at Chainsikle,” says Jarrod, “along with the clip-ons and rear-sets. He did an amazing job. He also engineered a tidy package for the Scotts steering damper: it mounts cleanly, with the arm out of sight, fixed to the front of the steering tube.”

Increasing power is only half of the performance equation, so the brothers have focused on reducing weight too. The biggest reduction comes from the carbon fiber BST wheels, now shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa rubber.

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There’s also a lightweight aluminum swing arm, made to the brothers’ specs by drag racing specialist Trac Dynamics.

Serious braking power comes from a new Brembo system, hooked up to an ISR master cylinder. The adjustable hand controls and turn signal switches are also by ISR.

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The paint is always a highlight on DP Customs bikes. This time we’ve got a ‘carbon effect’ black, juxtaposed with Porsche’s Voodoo Blue—a shade usually found on the 918 Spyder. On top is a matte clear coat. It’s fine work from Walkers Way Custom Paint of Mesa, Arizona.

“We’re super happy with how the bike turned out, and so is the customer,” says Jarrod. “It’s satisfying to see people put their trust in us to build them something special. And then get their reaction when they see and ride the bike for the first time!”

We bet the reaction was wide-eyed. With tuned V-twin power married to premium sportbike suspension, Mack looks like a helluva ride.

DP Customs website | Facebook | Instagram

via BIKEexif

25 Best Breakfasts in America

B

reakfast is inherently utilitarian — energy consumed to allow you to function for your waking hours. And so, it follows that this functional meal is, even at its most decadent, less complex than the wares that you see from lunches,dinners and even some desserts. There’s no molecular gastronomy in breakfast.

That means the resplendent part of breakfast comes in humble servings, done right — the perfect eggs, pancakes, coffee. There’s room for innovation in breakfast, but the most memorable parts are the staples done perfectly.

This isn’t a list of the most highly praised food spots in every major American city. This isn’t a list of the most celebrated chefs. This is a compilation of places to eat when looking for the best meal of the day done a bit better. There are places off the beaten path in major cities — places you’d have to get lost to stumble upon. And there are spots out on the great expanses of the US, cafes and diners that serve up something hot and delicious every morning, without fanfare. They don’t have stars mounted at their entryways. They don’t have white coats. But they do serve up utilitarian food with soul, and each bite helps to get you through the day, full and happy. That’s the spirit of breakfast.

– Matthew Ankeny

The Best Breakfasts in America 2015
ABRACO – Manhattan, New York
HUCKLEBERRY CAFE – Santa Monica, California
PANCAKE PANTRY – Nashville, Tennessee
FLOUR BAKERY AND CAFE – Boston, Massachusetts
PLOW – San Francisco, California
THE BONGO ROOM – Chicago, Illinois
GREEN EGGS CAFE – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
FLORIDA AVENUE GRILL – Washington, District of Columbia
HASH HOUSE A GO GO – Las Vegas, Nevada
CAFE PATACHOU – Indianapolis, Indiana
GREAT LAKES COFFEE – Detroit, Michigan
GREG’S BAGELS – Baltimore, Maryland
FIRST WATCH – Charleston, West Virginia
CHEEKY’S – Palm Springs, California
LYNORAS OSTERIA – West Palm Beach, Florida
VERA CRUZ ALL NATURAL – Austin, Texas
SARDINE – Madison, Wisconsin
THE HOMINY GRILL – Charleston, South Carolina
JUMBARS – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
BERTHA’S DINER – Buffalo, New York
MAMMA JANE’S PANCAKE HOUSE – The Dalles, Oregon
MAGNOLIA BISTRO – Burlington, Vermont
EDDIE MAE’S EATERY – Delano, Minnesota
PARKER’S MAPLE BARN – Mason, New Hampshire

Abraço

Forgettable Storefront, Memorable Meal
Like most storefronts in New York’s East Village, Abraço, at 86 East 7th Street, is both tiny and forgettable. But the family-run kiosk, opened in 2007, has quietly become a neighborhood institution, as notable for its cortado and savory olive oil cake as its rotating collection of ’70s-era records spinning behind the counter. Patrons know that mornings here are only what you make of them. Stay a while and chat up owner Jamie McCormick (formerly of Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco) — who greets his regulars by name — or simply ask for a quick cap’ to go. Your drink will come in a nondescript Anthora, the words “It’s our pleasure to serve you” hugging its sides. It’s white noise at most coffee stands around Manhattan, but the words here still read genuine and warm, even when you’re running late.
– Jack Seemer

86 E 7th St., Manhattan, NY 10003 ⇱ | abraconyc.com

Huckleberry Cafe

Breakfast on the Beach
When in Los Angeles, direct yourself to Santa Monica. And when in Santa Monica, direct yourself to Huckleberry Cafe. This delicious staple, beloved by west siders, offers food mostly culled from the fantastic farmers markets in the city — this means GMO-free, organic and very fresh produce. If you want a simple breakfast, opt for a piece of coffee cake and house-made granola, or keep it fresh with mixed berry crumble tart and lentil ragu or a quinoa bowl with veggies and eggs. The weekend crowds make it tough to find a seat, but then you can order to-go and head to the beach for an even better view.
– Bradley Hasemeyer

1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 ⇱ | 310.451.1322 | huckleberrycafe.com

Pancake Pantry

Music City Flapjacks
In the heart of Hillsboro Village, Nashville, and walking distance from Vanderbilt University, one breakfast joint stands more proud than most. Opened in 1961 by Robert Baldwin, the Pancake Pantry has preserved its family roots — ownership has since passed from Robert onto his son, David. And as the name would suggest, pancakes are the big draw. Served all day, the menu presents a long list of flapjack variants, including those topped with strawberry compote, chocolate ganache, or made entirely of stone-ground cornmeal. But the famous ones are the sweet potato pancakes, made with real sweet potato batter and topped with cinnamon cream syrup. It’s thanks to those flapjacks that the restaurant enjoys both its notoriety, and the line out the door.
– Jack Seemer

1796 21st Ave S., Nashville, TN 37212 ⇱ | 615.383.9333 | thepancakepantry.com

Flour Bakery & Café

Breakfast, Emancipated
Chef Joanne Chang started romancing the city of Boston with her classic, indulgent pastries and savory treats 15 years ago in the city’s then-developing South End. Now, the hungry masses can converge with friends, a latte, and a buttery cinnamon cream brioche in three additional locations throughout Boston: Central Square, Back Bay, and that latest up-and-comer, Fort Point Channel. Bright and bustling, designed with the same air of simple pleasure you’ll find in the food, each Flour is likely to be filled with folks from all walks of Bostonian life — moms, hipsters and financial types alike fill the tables, drawn together by an undeniable craving for perfectly baked everything. Sweets cravers will have a hard time choosing from a full spread of favorites like pain aux raisins, sticky buns and the amazingly crumbly, old-fashioned sour cream coffee cake. Heartier appetites should go for the egg sandwich and revel in the magic combination of smoky bacon, spicy arugula, fresh-baked bread, and the tangy “dijonaise” that has made Chef Chang something of a hometown hero. True to her roots, Chang sources Flour’s ingredients from New England farms and businesses — from eggs to coffee — so it’s a homegrown effort, even when the menu nods French. Don’t forget to pick up some much-loved cookies or tarts to share, too; returning from Flour empty-handed will earn you the same ire as a cheer for the Yankees.
– Lauren Friel

1595 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118 ⇱ | 617.267.4300 | flourbakery.com

Plow

Traditional Food, Unconventional View
The view from Plow’s porch, on Potrero Hill, is not an iconic one. You can see the ballpark, the high rises and the Bay Bridge, but not the icons you expect from the San Francisco skyline: Coit Tower, Golden Gate Bridge, Transamerica. This unconventional view is a detail worth discussing, and you’ll have plenty of time to discuss it; Plow, San Francisco’s holy grail for brunch, always has a wait. Midwesterner Joel Bleskacek and SF local Maxine Siu do breakfast staples made better, and the word is out. The egg sandwich spills yolk and unifies the flavor at the first bite, and the lemon ricotta pancakes perfectly toe the line between sweet and tart. All the fare is worth the wait, so show up, put your name in, be patient and contemplate, analyze and perhaps enjoy the skyline view.
– Matthew Ankeny

1299 18th St., San Francisco, CA 94107 ⇱ | 415.821.7569 | eatatplow.com

The Bongo Room

Decadence in Wicker Park
Located in Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park area (as well as a second location in the South Loop), the Bongo Room is a crowd pleaser, and expect crowds (especially on the weekends). The austere brownish/grey exterior is consistent with the no-nonsense wood-and-brick digs inside, but the sparse decor is a far cry from the decadent options, like Oreo and praline flapjacks, a chorizo potato avocado omelette, and the piéce de résistance — Meyer lemon and blackberry hotcakes with a graham cracker crust, warm Meyer lemon cream, blackberry coulis and fresh blackberries.
– Amos Kwon

5022 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640 ⇱ | 773.728.7900 | thebongoroom.com

Green Eggs Café

Southern Fare in South Philly
Despite its name, the Green Eggs Café won’t cajole the long-lost Dr. Seuss lover out of you. The name comes from the restaurant’s green attitude and commitment to recycling its waste and biodegradable foods. But name confusion aside, this small spot shells out indulgent breakfasts. Stationed in South Philly, between Dickinson and Clarion Streets, they serve red velvet pancakes, a crème brûlée French toast, and an omelette named “The Kitchen Sink” (if you’re feeling adventurous, get it). For something more Southern inspired, they also have chicken and waffles or pork bacon-creole shrimp and grits — both of which induce transcendent food comas.
– Tucker Bowe

1306 Dickinson St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 ⇱ | 215.226.3447 | greeneggscafe.com

Must dash! Porsche Classic re-issues original 911 dashboard

Is your classic Porsche 911's dashboard worn, faded, and generally showing its age? Then you’re in luck, believe it or not. Porsche Classic has reproduced the unit used in all 911s between 1969 and 1975, using modern build methods but retaining its timeless aesthetics…

Imitation is flattery

Reportedly identical to the original dashboard, Porsche Classic’s reproduction is said to hold up to wear far better, thanks to its modern sub-structures. What’s more, along with the countless other services Porsche Classic offers customers, an addition such as this could well preserve the value of your pride and joy in years to come. The cost of the dashboard is 951.99 euros (inc. VAT), and installation requires removal of the windscreen, just as it did when the cars left the factory.

Photos: Porsche Classic

You can find classic Porsche 911s for sale in the Classic Driver Market. 

W and W ...........

LONG LIVE THE KINGS

LONG LIVE THE KINGS - Short film documentary - from Arthur & Clement on Vimeo.

"La petite vadrouille"

Jambon beurre Motorcycles from Paris is coming.

Be ready !

"La petite vadrouille" from Joris B. on Vimeo.

This Porsche 930 was born of two brothers' remarkable racing ambition

While it might look like yet another tuning company’s cheerful attempt to cash in on the '80s craze for tuned 911s, this 930 was built by the famous French Porsche privateers, the Alméras brothers, and among their (extensive) credentials is a win at the Monte Carlo Rally…

Two brothers, one mission

From the 935-esque aero and (utterly cool) BBS Turbofan wheels, to the two KKK turbochargers and 934 injection system, inspiration for this 3.3 930 was clearly drawn from the competition cars that, at the time, the Alméras brothers were so familiar with preparing. In fact, over 40 years, Jean-Marie and Jacques Alméras dabbled (often successfully) in almost every discipline bar Formula One, so it’s fair to say they know a bit about building Porsches. 

French Porsche lore

Revealed to the world at the 1983 Geneva Motor Show, this car received much attention at the time, particularly from the French press, who took a liking to its carefully developed and balanced engine. Michelin even used it to run high-speed tests for its then-new range of TRX tyres – it could reach in excess of 180mph, after all…

Benefitting from a recent mechanical overhaul (carried out by the Alméras brothers themselves), the car will be auctioned by Artcurial at its upcoming Automobiles sur les Champs 8 sale in Paris. The pre-sale estimate is 80,000 to 120,000 euros; not an unreasonable price to pay for a car that could be considered part of French Porsche lore. And we’d bet it’s a blast to drive (if a bit frightening)…

Photos: Artcurial

This car will be offered for sale at Artcurial's Automobiles sur les Champs 8 sale, which will take place on 22 June 2015 at the Théâtre du Rond-Point, Paris.