Getting Started - Exploring your Clothing and Accessory Options

All riders have been in this position at one stage or another, and getting started can be hard work. It can be particularly hard on the wallet, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to be warm, dry and safe on a bike.. At Infinity most of us have been through the difficulty involved in getting on the road and so we are able to empathise with all riders and use our experience to your advantage. The good news is that these days there is not such a massive difference between the budget gear and the aspirational high end stuff as there used to be

Starting at the top there are loads of helmets on the market which will work well for you, Brands such as Box, Nitro, Caberg and HJC score well in the Sharp tests and start from around £50-£60. As big dealers we always have some clearance models on special as we always need to shift last year’s colours to make room for the new stuff. These can represent great value savings.

A waterproof jacket from a reputable budget brand such as Spada, Merlin or Oxford will set you back from around £80 -£100. For this money you'll get a warm waterproof item with CE approved armour in the elbows and shoulders and a connecting zip for the matching trousers. You may also get a removable warmth liner and if you look around you'll find models with adjustable sleeve tensioners and sometimes a ventilation zip or four. A lot of them will have a foam back pad but rarely, if ever, will this be a CE approved back protector. It's simple a way of letting you know that the pocket is there for you to fit an aftermarket item. Forcefield make the best ones for most jackets and they cost £45.

Ideally your trousers should come from the same folk as your jacket as it means that the connecting zips will actually match. Different manufacturers never have the same zips, but some of them will give you the second half of the zip to sew into another garment. The advantage of the zip is that it helps hold the jacket down and the trousers up whilst helping to avoid garment separation in the event it's needed. Budget around £70-£100 for the trousers and you'll get some decent waterproof ones with CE knee armour and a removable warmth liner. Alternatively consider some Kevlar jeans. Slightly more stylish and similarly priced to textile pants. A lot of people find them more comfortable for daily use and they’re very safe. Just reach for the long johns in the winter and keep some cheapie waterproof trousers handy and you're set for the year.

Reasonable boots can be found from around £70 - £80.  Try them on with the trousers to make sure it all works together. Try and get leather ones, the synthetic boots may have a price that appeals but damp sweaty feet will endear you to no one except passing skunks.

I think most folks have at least a couple of pairs of gloves to suit the conditions of the day. Often people wear one pair into work and another on the way home. For summer use a reasonable pair of leather gloves can be had from about £20-£30 whilst a basic warm and waterproof pair will set you back £30-£40. Get the best ones you can find for the time of year you plan to start riding and then save your pennies for another pair to suit the rest of the year. Again at Infinity motorcycles we often have sale models we need to clear in the bargain bins.

As with anything clothing related, especially the helmet, it's important to get the fit right so come into one of our stores where you can try a variety of sizes and brands and find what's right for you. Helmets are all slightly different shapes, and the most important thing is fit. Walk around the shop wearing it for ten minutes if you're not certain. Also try sitting on a bike with the gear in situ to make sure it's all as comfortable as possible. We will offer you this option as a matter of course as we know how important it is to get it right.

If you’re on a tight budget (and most of us are when we start riding) then we also can offer you 6 month 0% finance so consider that option to spread the cost.  It only takes 10-15 minutes to apply and as always we’re happy to help.

For more information about motorcycle clothing, motorcycles accessories or for general advice, our Infinity team would be happy to help. Contact us today 

Yamaha 0% APR and huge savings; used bike specials; double points offer ends Sunday

Yamaha 0% APR and huge savings; used bike specials; double points offer ends Sunday.

The Development and History of Motorcycle Clothing

As you may have spotted this month, Infinity have an exclusive deal which means double points on all leather clothing. Whether you’ve worn your leathers for years or are ready to invest in the latest products, this blog may be useful as we look at the development and the history of motorcycle clothing through the ages.

The Early Days

Early developments in protection gear and clothing were centred around military and aviation. During World War I, a large amount of brown ‘A1’ jackets were made for pilots and soldiers, and the clothing became widely available and popular due to its warmth, short styling and mandarin collar which could be adjusted for comfort.

After the war, a variety of manufacturers began utilising styles and technologies which improved the safety and usability of motorcycle clothing. Motorcycles increased in popularity throughout the 1920s, and the iconography also developed into styling and materials which we are familiar with today and that have been integrated in popular consciousness. Companies like Schott and Indian Motorcycles provided us with groundbreaking jacket designs such as the Indian Ranger, which is still available today more than 70 years on.

Development and Mass Market

As Rock & Roll and music culture embraced the idea of the leather jacket, production lines had to develop to keep up. In order to streamline the process, industry leading manufacturers dropped many of the styles in their range to produce more of the popular varieties. James Dean and Marlon Brando gave the garment a recognisable brand, and as the decades progressed the leather jacket’s desire increased immeasurably...as well as ties to certain motorcycling and music cultures took hold.

Safety Gear

Leather jackets may still be popular and help prevent abrasion, but today most motorcyclists realise the importance of donning professional and approved safety wear. As the amount of traffic and the speeds involved have increased, extra materials such as Kevlar, ballistic nylon and carbon fibre have been developed to reduce injury in crucial areas and areas of the body that are the most vulnerable in accidents. Scientific discoveries have improved the safety of all forms of motorsport and travel, however in terms of clothing, it really has made sure that if you take a tumble in the modern age, the odds are in your favour.

Above: A modern day chest and back protector from Dainese

At Infinity Motorcycles we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive and quality range of motorcycle clothing. Please do feel free to contact us for information, or check out our latest offers.

Double Club Points on all leathers starts today for limited period

5 Ways to Deal with Warm Weather on Your Bike

As the mercury rises in the UK, it becomes more and more tempting to get on your bike and ride. There’s no feeling like riding around the British countryside in the sunshine, but on hotter days things can potentially become uncomfortable under your protective gear and helmet. There are however some things you can do – and in this blog post we will look at five ways to deal with the heat and keep you enjoying your summer rides.

Adjustable Windshields

The adjustable windshields that come attached to many bikes serve a variety of purposes – including keeping you protected from flying insects and debris. They also however can be adjusted to monitor the amount of wind that gets directed on to you. To avoid cooking in the heat adjust your windshield slightly lower to let more air in.

Lightweight Ventilated Gloves

It’s sometimes wise to have two sets of gloves – the thick leather gloves the majority of riders use in winter will be far too hot for summer days. To avoid sweaty, uncomfortable hands – look for varieties that include a mesh and lightweight fabrics – perforations in the leather that cover the knuckles and palms will also help.

Keep Hydrated

Whatever you’re doing – it’s vital in the heat to avoid dehydration and consume as much water as you can. Riding a motorcycle can be a physically demanding exercise; and you will sweat out a lot more water than you consume if you don’t take hydration into account. Consider purchasing a specialised water bottle or ‘hydration bladder’ which is connected to tubes so you can drink hands-free.

Wear the Right Boots

It’s important to consider the effect of wearing the right kind of boots for hot weather – thick waterproof, leather varieties are safe and comfortable in the cold, but it’s wise to invest in boots with lighter material and breathable, blended fabrics in the summer.

Invest in a Lightweight Jacket

Many manufacturers look at ways to increase the breathability of motorcycle jackets – and each summer you’ll find it a lot more comfortable to wear a jacket with lightweight fabrics and vents. Nylon mesh is often used and padding installed in the vital impact areas – Infinity currently have a less than half price deal for club members on premium Rukka jackets – these are some of the best you can get in the industry.

Infinity Motorcycles have the most comprehensive range of motorcycle clothing and accessories in the UK. If you require any advice and assistance on the best gear for summer, contact us today.

“The Build” Film: Custom Motorcycle Culture

The Build is an interactive documentary – a visually poetic piece of film which tracks the custom bike building lives of a number of American motorcycle enthusiasts.

The film brings us all back to why we love bikes – the customisation of these motorcycles becomes part of the personalities – you can feel the passion and dedication of the people involved, and it stresses the importance of keeping such motorcycling culture alive.

Every shot is clever and well thought out – with a stylistic approach that showcases the bikes at their very best. Each personality blends design, technology and motorcycling culture in different ways, and the films provides insights into these people’s unique world. The scenery is also spectacular, highlighting some amazing biking roads around the film’s location in Portland, Oregon.

The film was produced by Instrument, a digital creative agency based in Portland itself. The film is interesting not just because of the bikes – it breaks ground in terms of pushing the latest internet and web browser technologies – the film is entirely interactive and screenshots, such as the ones in this post, can be taken and shared at any point in the story. It’s a unique and interesting take on a motorcycling film which is bound to be of interest to some of our customers!

Visit http://www.thebuild.com to watch the film, or follow @instrument on Twitter

If you are interested in finding out more about biking, Infinity Motorcycles are run by a team of bike enthusiasts – we are all experts at what we do – and would be very happy to help. Contact us today to find out more and for the latest motorcycle deals on helmets and accessories. 

5 Reasons to Go Touring in France

There’s now not long to make use of this fantastic Brittany Ferries deal being offered exclusively in partnership with Infinity Motorcycles. Book by 29^th April and you could be experiencing the freedom and sense of adventure that comes with riding across the channel. To inspire you, here’s some information about riding in France and some tips to get you on your way.

Forget Traffic Jams

France is one of the best European countries to ride in. Traffic is generally light, and the roads are conducive to consistent, smooth riding which makes the most of the long, winding stretches of tarmac. Also, for the most part, French drivers outside of cities are happy to let you past and be thoughtful to bikers. If they do let you through though, be sure to stretch out your right leg a little to say thank you.

Stick to D and N Routes

The most scenic routes are the D and N routes in France, which are similar to our A and B roads in this country. Motorways are efficient but hardly what you’d call scenic - there are however some beautiful routes around Provence and the Loire valley to explore

Get to Know the Real France

One of the fantastic things about biking in France is that it frees you from the restrictions that come with taking a car or flying on a conventional holiday. Out in the open, staying in rustic French guesthouse or gites, you are able to experience a lot more and make the most of the culture and what it has to offer – as well as the force effect of over a million square kilometres of beautiful road.

It’s Relaxing

Following on from the previous point – Biking in France can actually be a relaxing experience. The freedom to do your own thing means that you can literally go anywhere you like. It’s a liberating feeling, and one that is likely to slow you down, make you relax and take in more of your surroundings.

The Food

Okay, so we know that France has good food, but there really is something special about getting off the bike after a long day and sitting out in the sun with a plate of French cuisine and a couple of glasses of wine. If you’re biking in the countryside, you’re likely to stumble across rustic, home-cooked, cheap food which adds to the sense of being able to experience France for real…

This exclusive deal could knock 10% off your ferry fare and any holidays you book as part of Club Infinity. With summer around the corner, now has never been a better time to book a biking tour to France. Contact Infinity today for more information.

The History of the Motorcycle Helmet

Today, you may not think twice about suiting up and getting your helmet on before riding, but during the early days of the motorcycle, the only headwear you were likely to wear would be to keep your ears warm.

For something entirely intrinstic to riding culture, it is surprising that so many years passed between the invention of the motorcycle and the first mass produced helmets. In fact, it took a series of peculiar incidents and two World Wars to kick-start research into motorcycle safety – thanks in part to the famous Laurence of Arabia.

Head protection was initially provided to the military during World War 2 for rider’s safety, and was prominent in helping cut accident related injuries by a third 

Although the first helmets, released in the early 1940s, were primitive affairs, they kick-started a trend towards safety and research into rider protection. This is something that continues to this day and helps ensure motorcycling is as safe as ever. 

However, although they were successful at reducing fatalities, many people had to be forced to wear early helmets as their unattractive appearance and uncomfortable nature didn’t fit well with motorcycling slowly becoming a ‘lifestyle’ during the post-war period. In America, new helmet designs and styles became some of the first open face helmets with side protection – the distinctive shape being possible because of the advent of fibreglass. This also let to colourful designs and a customisation which the biking communities of the time became famous for.

Motorcycles were continuing to get faster and faster – and during the time of the open face helmet it became apparent that there was a need for a helmet which could provide eye protection and protection from the elements. Full face helmets began to be produced, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that helmets with moveable visors, as we know them today, were manufactured. Air vents were incorporated to increase comfort in addition to better padding and lining to improve both weight and safety. New materials were developed for use, and stronger materials such as Kevlar and Carbon Fibre saw an evolution towards today’s incarnations.

In 1973, it became law in the United Kingdom to wear a helmet – strangely, over a decade after some other countries. However, helmets became the new norm on the roads – and thousands of personalised manifestations, race replicas and custom designs have been produced since. Helmet testing has also increased the helmet’s safety, and all designs now have to pass through stringent safety laws to ensure they provide maximum protection in times of need.

For more information about motorcycle safety or our current great offers on cheap motorcycle helmets, contact Infinity today or visit one of our stores.