Spot Motorcycles » Icon

Icon Alliance Cretin Helmet, Green w/ Monster Graphic | Polycarbonate SSR Speed

Tim — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:27:29 +0000

Cretin: (noun) a stupid, obtuse, or mentally defective person.

That may just say enough about the designer of the Icon Alliance SSR Speed Cretin Helmet. This helmet is (in my humble opinion) just plain ugly, gaudy, and obnoxious. I know I'm not the target market… not by about 30 years… so let's just look at the details.

The Speed Cretin helmet is a quality helmet that meets a plethora of safety standards: DOT FMVSS 218 (US), ECE 22-05 (Europe), SAI AS1698 (Australia), and SG (Japan) safety and testing standards. That pretty much covers all corners of the world. The shell is polycarbonate, and Icon says that the helmet underwent serious wind tunnel testing. I guess those demon wings flow through the air better than appearances would indicate.

Wearers report that the helmet fits narrow -- kind of like the Shoei long oval shell. It is a comfortable helmet with a snug, plush interior. The SSR is available in sizes XS through 2XL. Interestingly, the helmet is available in only one color scheme: Horrible Green. OK, I'll back off here.

The Icon Alliance SSR Speed Cretin Helmet is well-made protection for riders who want a LOT of attention. If the style suits you, the helmet will protect you.

Find this Icon Cretin Helmet:

Find this helmet on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Armored Icon Motorcycle Jacket TiMax 2 | Black Textile or Leather w/ Vest Liner

Tim — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 09:42:57 +0000

The Icon TiMax 2 textile jacket is a rider favorite for good reason. Interestingly, the titanium is not just a sales ploy (although it is certainly that, too). There is actually exterior titanium armor plating and titanium reinforced textile panels in critical areas.

The TiMax 2 comes in two varieties: leather and textile. The textile version, which is the focus of this review, is the more affordable of the two by a wide margin. On the feature list for this jacket, we have CE-approved arm and shoulder armor and ribbed spandex in the flex zones (sounds like something an '80s hair band would wear), all in a heavy nylon shell.

Cooling is aided by zippered shoulder venting, which I find to be an effective vent zone, and a large mesh back panel. When the air cools, just zip in the included vest liner. I personally prefer full-sleeve liners, but they can get a little binding depending on the jacket style.

It has probably become clear from my reviews that I prefer more subtle styling cues. Thus, I prefer the all-black version of the jacket. However, the other colors accentuate the ribbed "6-pack" in the abdominal area (something I have not had since the age of 18). The titanium plates are accentuated in all color schemes. The jacket is offered in sizes XS through 3XL. I have found that Icon gear fits fairly true to size.

Find this Icon TiMax 2 Jacket:

Find this jacket on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Icon Mens Black Motorcycle Boots, Field Armor | Injection Molded Armored Mesh

Tim — Sat, 08 May 2010 21:52:56 +0000

Icon is an interesting company. Where many of the older apparel companies market traditional "tried-and-true" designs, Icon focuses on designs that appeal to the youngest segment of our sport. Some would even call the company trendy. However, the upside to all of this is that young riders like the gear and are wearing it. Further, Icon makes high quality protective gear.

Icon Field Armor Boots are part of this youthful marketing trend. As the name would indicate, the boots are inspired by a military theme. The boots are rugged and much more "clunky" than traditional motorcycle-specific boots. Styling-wise, the design is nice; later I'll discuss the possible downside.

There is little question that this is a solidly protective boot. It has injection-molded plastic toe, heel, and shin armor in its lower calf rise design. It has three substantial buckles to secure it to the foot. For comfort, the Field Armor Boots have breathable mesh inserts. The sole is motorcycle-specific, and there is shifter protection.

It is obvious these are high quality boots, so what is the downside? I have found that boots with a large construction-style (or in this case, military-style) toe box can be very cumbersome in movement over and under the shifter on sport-bikes. This is something to consider when contemplating boots of this style.

Find this Icon Field Armor Boot:

Find this boot on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Men’s White Leather Motorcycle Jacket & Liner | Icon Accelerant Armored

Tim — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:21:42 +0000

The Icon Men's Accelerant leather jacket is simply a quality piece of riding apparel. Icon has a reputation for being a company that appeals to the young and trendy segment of the riding community. Some of their gear is, in my opinion, a little "over the top" stylistically. However, I find the Accelerant to be right on target in the looks department. The two-tone styling with the prominent "Icon" logo across the chest has a bit of a classic look. Some may question the external alloy inserts on the back and shoulder, though.

The jacket is constructed of 1.2-1.4 mm. cowhide with "strategically placed" stretch ballistic nylon for fit and support. In addition to the above-mentioned external armor, the jacket is fitted with CE approved shoulder, elbow, and forearm protection.

Climate control takes the form of shoulder venting for warmer rides, and a removable insulated windproof liner for the cool end of the spectrum. The jacket comes in sizes small through 4XL. Keep in mind that this is a more aggressively cut jacket than some of Icon's offerings. While some incorporate a relatively full "urban" cut, this is more of a sport cut. Take that into consideration when you size this jacket, especially through mail-order.

Find this Icon Accelerant Jacket:

Find this jacket on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Icon Skull Black Leather Jacket | Men’s Motorcycle CE Armored Gear

Tim — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:56:37 +0000

Personally, I'm not into the whole "fear and intimidation" aspect in a lot of today's motorcycling gear. I have never donned flames, bones, or skulls. However, I am a realist, and I know this is a marketable aspect of our sport.

Icon's Men's Skull Leather Motorcycle Jacket plays this marketing trend to the hilt. The jacket sports a stylized skull on the front, a skull and chain on the sleeves, and a large gothic Icon logo and crossed bones on the back. I am terrified just writing this review!

OK… my personal bias aside, this is a high quality jacket. I have owned two Icon jackets in the past - one textile and one leather, and both were very well made. There are features that make the Skull jacket technically desirable. It is made of premium leather and offers a solid mix of venting, both through perforations and shoulder vents. It has a full-sleeve removable liner for cooler weather. Most importantly, is well fitted with CE armor. It has the requisite CE armor in the arms and shoulders, but unlike many other jackets, it includes CE-approved armor in the back rather than just a foam pad.

If the style suits you, this jacket is certainly premium protection.

Find this Icon Skull Black Leather Jacket:

Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this jacket on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Icon Merc Jacket, Armored White | Womens Small Motorcycle Jackets XS

Star — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:53:54 +0000

Armored coats always make me feel like Ralphie's little brother in "A Christmas Story," wrapped head to toe for weather, holding my arms straight out at my sides, and only then realizing I have to go to the bathroom. But armored coats, once you get used to the feel of the armor, are the ultimate for protection.

Icon knows their stuff, and their coats are made from top-notch materials including a Dynax nylon chassis and CE-approved armor. Never thought you'd hear the word "chassis" applied to clothes, did ya? Well, here we go: Dynax is a super heavy-weight abrasion-resistant multi-fiber fabric. In the meantime, CE standards are a set of performance requirements for motorcyclists' protective gear. To this writer's knowledge, they are the only set of standards for measuring performance of safety gear. Didn't you always wonder what those crazy tags meant? Now you know.

This Icon women's coat comes in several sizes, including X-Small, which can't be said for all brands, as many stop at Small and pretend that us tiny women don't exist (or don't ride). It's stylish and good-looking. White is not everyone's first choice for a riding jacket, but white is more visible than black, and being noticeable is a big bonus.

The Icon coat also comes with a tank scratch-elimination flap, which means you can lean yourself in and not worry about your zipper scratching the tank of your baby. $150 is not a lot to pay for style and safety. And a chassis.

Find this Icon Merc Jacket :

Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this jacket on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Icon Hooligan 2 Gloves | Black Leather Thermoplastic Knuckle Armored

Ila — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:07:37 +0000

As it is the most obvious drawback, I'm going to address the ugly first. Icon's Hooligan 2 gloves are not pretty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but nothing coming through my retinas is being translated as stylish. I think it's the big, 1990s-style cartoon lettering on the knuckles and the loose skin look of the articulation areas on the fingers. So, this is looking pretty grim for Icon's gloves, but like proper hooligans, there's more than meets the eye.

That big bubbly lettering is thermoplastic knuckle armor, allowing you to move your hands comfortably while being protected. A goatskin palm delivers grip and abrasion protection while vents keep your sweat under control. Those wrinkly bits at the knuckles give nearly unrestricted articulation.

Icon claims the look is a selling point, but you can't blame a mother for thinking her ugly baby is adorable. Like most of Icon's hand-wear, the construction permits relaxation in the riding position, and the stitching is not going to be letting you down any time soon. Whether you like the look or not, these are purebred Icon gloves.

For about $30 they are well made, and you can proudly say that it's what's on the inside that counts. There is a wide selection of colors to choose from, including a subtle black glove that starts to look awfully good compared to the neon tones of its brethren.

Find these Icon Hooligan 2 Gloves :

Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this glove on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Icon Twenty-Niner Men’s Riding Gloves | Motocross Black Leather Mesh

Ila — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:51:56 +0000

Oh wee little Icon riding gloves, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Don't worry, I'm not about to whip out the ol' poetry on you, but I do have a soft spot for these gloves. They are much like my old, beaten-down riding standby pair. Leather on the palms, stretchy fabric on the fingers, and short wrists that tighten just behind the heel of the hand.

Icon's Twenty-Niner gloves are inspired by motocross, meaning they have that sharp, aggressive look that is oh-so Icon. Big gaping vents are positioned to maximize the force of the air up the backs of your hands. Riding position architecture prevents any pulling at the seams or stress on your tender tendons.

The simplicity of the materials and the stumpy structure are really what endear these mitts to me. Goatskin leather on the palm is perfect for abrasion resistance and sturdy wear. These are not for folks who are hitting the mud, since their short stature won't allow the wrists to overlap your jacket sleeves. You also don't get any fun carbon knuckle protection.

Great for cruising and street riding, these do fall off quickly in appeal when your riding becomes more akin to motocross. The Twenty-Niner might be styled after MX gear, but they are not MX gear. However, they only cost around $29 and come in four snappy colors.

Find these Icon Gloves:

Click here to find this product at Amazon.com

Find this glove on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Icon Womens Black Armored Jacket, Textile Fitted | Nylon Insulated Hooligan 54

Ila — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:11:32 +0000

My brother-in-law just bought his third riding jacket. Third. He has a leather, a textile, and now another textile that has "Kawasaki" written on it. Each of these serve a purpose to deal with specific riding conditions, including that riding condition where people are looking at you and wondering what brand you like. I, however, like to buy something once.

Icon's Hooligan 54 takes a stab at universality. The shell is constructed of a strong nylon mesh, which, by the nature of mesh, is breathable. You will never overheat because of this jacket. When the air gets a chill, there is an insulated, water-resistant liner. Removable CE field armor at the shoulders and elbows have your joints covered. Inevitably it will fall short of all-round abrasion resistance when compared to a leather, but textiles have their own advantages.

Textiles are usually more comfy than leather with their flexibility. Being able to move easily is a safety feature in itself, especially on a sportbike. The Hooligan has a high, lined collar which makes a soft fit around the neck and holds out the elements. Internal pockets for convenience and form-fitted for women, the Hooligan won't disappoint anyone looking for comfort and freedom of movement.

So, there are the weather and abrasion tolerances that would lead to two of my brother-in-law's jackets. What about fashion? Icon has never skimped on satisfying vanity. It may not portray you as a loyal Kawasaki fan, but it does have a kind of superstar biker look. Hooligan, in case you didn't know, means something akin to delinquent. The bad girl who's misunderstood, and all that garbage. It may sound cliche, but in pink, purple or black, you'll turn heads. And you darn well better for nearly $200.

Also try the Firstgear Vixen, another fitted women's jacket with a touch of personality.

Find this Icon Hooligan 54 Jacket:

Find this jacket on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)

Icon Womens Bombshell Motorcycle Boots | Premium Black Leather

Ila — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:50:49 +0000

We all love women riders, so it's nice to see Icon offering a pair of boots uniquely styled for the aggressive femininity of women of the road. Most of my riding boots have a distinctly masculine look because I buy them for comfort and safety. Icon's Bombshell boot embraces the necessities of riding without forgetting that fashion is not just for the leather-clad men.

Premium leather protects your feet from abrasion while ankle and insole padding keep your ride comfortable. The heels have metal plates, which would appear functional, but are there mostly to have a splash of shiny metal to complement the (as Icon calls it) "menage-a-quad" buckle design. For general wearability, there are ribbed calf expansion panels and a zipper closure system.

By far the first thing anyone is going to notice about these boots is their sensual form. In bad-girl black or good-girl white, this set of footwear speaks volumes about the wearer. In a world where femininity is no longer misread as vulnerability, Bombshell boots do have one potential drawback: narrow high heels. I would be skeptical about the stability of the heel, but it depends on the type of riding you prefer. The notch where one is inclined to stand on the peg will be secure, but it will also be so far from your foot that feedback could be poor. If you're a woman well-versed in heels, it won't be a problem.

Find these Icon Bombshell Boots:

Find this Bombshell boot on eBay:

CURL error code = 6. (Could not resolve host: rest.ebay.com)