Bytown Motorcycle Assoc - Review #4

Back in 2001 I had the opportunity to go to Michigan to ride with Ross Lenox, Ed Strohak and Warren Thaxter (all true legends of our sport). It was a trip put together by Warren for Inside Motorcycles and the report is a must-read if you have it.

We were to test 4 motorcycles, 4 GPS units, and riding gear. This was the first time I put on a TekVest, with its full complement of accessories: four pockets (two zippered, two cargo), shoulder pads, drink system, plus cargo room. It also had a front zipper, plus a clip! So you can ride with zipper part way down. Last, it has reflective strips for night visibility (yes dirt bikes have lights). There are so many things I like about the TekVest.

The real story behind the TekVest is its safety elements. It covers much more of you body and has saved my upper body more times then I should need to tell you.

If you fall off, you need a TekVest. The way the vest absorbs the force of your body hitting anything is the real motivation to buy one. Have you seen the TV add were everything is covered in bubble wrap so no one can get hurt? Well it's not quite like that but it is a key component of my riding gear. I can't see myself going back to a sheet of plastic wrapped around my body were the manufacture spends more time and money on what type of decals to put on it than the safety of the rider in it.

Some will tell you that they are hot and a little heavy. Maybe yes, maybe no. My helmet and boots are also heavy and hotter then I would like but I would never ride without them.

I understand there is a demo vest you can try, plus I have two and will loan them to anyone who would like to try it.

Bytown Motorcycle Assocation website