Some new gear showed up the other day so I thought I would write a review of the new pair of Shift Racing Torque Jeans that I took for long ride tonight for the first time. Motorcycle Superstore has the description here: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=28049&department=113&division=1
As you read this review, keep in mind that I'm a 26 year old, not particularly fashionable or trendy, occasional rider (3-5 times per week) who needs average protection for semi-aggressive commuter riding which could involve lowsides, booting the door of a car performing a blind merge (Road Rash style), and occasional trips to the bar. If you're an old fart looking for some sturdier 501's that you can tuck your turtleneck into, you can stop reading now, these pants aren't for you. That should help put things into context.
Fit: As I guessed, the jeans fit slightly on the loose side. I wear either a 34 or 36 waist in most pants and I opted for the 34 in this case. The fit is comfortable with plenty of room in the legs (read: baggy). I'm a 32 inseam and these are a tad long. It actually works out perfectly when sitting on the bike because the pants don't feel as if they're riding up my legs, exposing my dorky argyle socks. The knee bend when riding pull the cuff just above my ankle. No problems fitting these over touring-style riding boots. I tried them on before and after washing and the fit is the same, so there shouldn't be any problems with shrinking.
Construction: The denim feels pretty heavy and I'd imagine they would hold up better than my Levis did in a 40mph lowside. The leather bits sewn onto the seams, pockets, knees, cuffs, etc. seem sturdy and look pretty cool. The knees have a double layer of material which is reinforced by Kevlar according to the manufacturer. The knee area feels slightly heavier than the rest of the pants, but not cumbersome. The rear pockets are deep and my wallet (which normally would go in my jacket zipper pocket) stayed firmly planted to my ass. There's a strange little lighter-sized pocket on the inside of the left knee. I'm not exactly sure what it's for but you could probably fit a small cellphone in there and you'd be able to feel a call if you're phone is set to vibrate. I routinely check my voicemails and send text messages while riding wheelies through school zones, so this feature could come in handy. These are BUTTON FLY jeans and the button holes are TIGHT. I worked them in a bit with a razor blade to loosen them up a bit. Belt loops are large, thick and sturdy, allowing plenty of room for big belts.
The best feature of the pants is the crotch area (which I have dubbed CrotchCooler(TM)). It's made up of a black cloth material (similar to a knit hat) that is very flexible and allows crazy airflow. The first thing I noticed on my ride tonight is that the boys were blasted with fresh air at speeds above 30mph. Plus, since it's flexible, there's some adjustment range for longer rides, a welcome variation from the rigid jean-crotch which can be a little restrictive. Plus, I think the ladies will appreciate this feature on long rides when they get bored and need something to play with.
Appearance: True to the picture, these jeans have nearly identical "simulated tear" marks as the pictures. They're actually just streaks of bleach in the blue coloring that will probably blend in more over time and multiple washings. There are fashionable bits of coloring in the knees and upper thigh area which give the pants a used appearance. And, there are some zig-zagged seam stitches just below the right front pocket that give these jeans the already-been-repaired look. You could get away with wearing these out in public, even if your bike isn't around, assuming you're under 30 years old.
Overall: I give these pants my seal of approval. Great for street riding with a jean style and added protection. I'm looking forward to many happy, safe miles with this new pair of pants.
I also purchased a pair of the black canvas Icon Hooligan pants. I'll post a review after a few more miles in the saddle.
As you read this review, keep in mind that I'm a 26 year old, not particularly fashionable or trendy, occasional rider (3-5 times per week) who needs average protection for semi-aggressive commuter riding which could involve lowsides, booting the door of a car performing a blind merge (Road Rash style), and occasional trips to the bar. If you're an old fart looking for some sturdier 501's that you can tuck your turtleneck into, you can stop reading now, these pants aren't for you. That should help put things into context.
Fit: As I guessed, the jeans fit slightly on the loose side. I wear either a 34 or 36 waist in most pants and I opted for the 34 in this case. The fit is comfortable with plenty of room in the legs (read: baggy). I'm a 32 inseam and these are a tad long. It actually works out perfectly when sitting on the bike because the pants don't feel as if they're riding up my legs, exposing my dorky argyle socks. The knee bend when riding pull the cuff just above my ankle. No problems fitting these over touring-style riding boots. I tried them on before and after washing and the fit is the same, so there shouldn't be any problems with shrinking.
Construction: The denim feels pretty heavy and I'd imagine they would hold up better than my Levis did in a 40mph lowside. The leather bits sewn onto the seams, pockets, knees, cuffs, etc. seem sturdy and look pretty cool. The knees have a double layer of material which is reinforced by Kevlar according to the manufacturer. The knee area feels slightly heavier than the rest of the pants, but not cumbersome. The rear pockets are deep and my wallet (which normally would go in my jacket zipper pocket) stayed firmly planted to my ass. There's a strange little lighter-sized pocket on the inside of the left knee. I'm not exactly sure what it's for but you could probably fit a small cellphone in there and you'd be able to feel a call if you're phone is set to vibrate. I routinely check my voicemails and send text messages while riding wheelies through school zones, so this feature could come in handy. These are BUTTON FLY jeans and the button holes are TIGHT. I worked them in a bit with a razor blade to loosen them up a bit. Belt loops are large, thick and sturdy, allowing plenty of room for big belts.
The best feature of the pants is the crotch area (which I have dubbed CrotchCooler(TM)). It's made up of a black cloth material (similar to a knit hat) that is very flexible and allows crazy airflow. The first thing I noticed on my ride tonight is that the boys were blasted with fresh air at speeds above 30mph. Plus, since it's flexible, there's some adjustment range for longer rides, a welcome variation from the rigid jean-crotch which can be a little restrictive. Plus, I think the ladies will appreciate this feature on long rides when they get bored and need something to play with.
Appearance: True to the picture, these jeans have nearly identical "simulated tear" marks as the pictures. They're actually just streaks of bleach in the blue coloring that will probably blend in more over time and multiple washings. There are fashionable bits of coloring in the knees and upper thigh area which give the pants a used appearance. And, there are some zig-zagged seam stitches just below the right front pocket that give these jeans the already-been-repaired look. You could get away with wearing these out in public, even if your bike isn't around, assuming you're under 30 years old.
Overall: I give these pants my seal of approval. Great for street riding with a jean style and added protection. I'm looking forward to many happy, safe miles with this new pair of pants.
I also purchased a pair of the black canvas Icon Hooligan pants. I'll post a review after a few more miles in the saddle.
