some long days in this suit, including an Iron Butt 1000 around Lake Superior, and I do notice a difference in fluid demand. In cold weather it’s all about the base lay-
ers. The R3 essentially removes windchill from the equation with great, glove friendly, hook and loop closures at the wrists, ankles and cozy collar; just layer to your liking and ride. On a recent 320 mile ride to the Cana- dian border, my on-board thermometer never read above 34 degrees and got as low as 31, but my comfort and safety were assured with the right layers, which included a heated liner under the Road- crafter R3. When an electric heated under layer is in order, the Roadcrafter accommo- dates with a thoughtfully located rubber- ized port through which you can thread your power cord. Whatever the temperature, rain gear is
no longer a consideration when preparing for a ride. The entire suit is constructed of totally waterproof, American-made mil- spec 500d Cordura® GORE-TEX® fabric. All zippers are seam-sealed, rubberized and rainproof, so you’ll stay completely dry, even during the wettest conditions. I really put this suit to the test on my trip to the MOA Rally in Hamburg, New York, last summer. We rode the 350 miles from Sud- bury, Ontario, to Hamburg in weather that vacillated between a steady rain and intense downpours for the entire day. While it would be a considerable stretch to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the day’s ride, I can honestly say that not a drop of water got through the Roadcrafter. I like to visit motorcycle dealers and rally
booths where I can look the latest in riding gear. A review of the country of manufac- ture tags on these garments, regardless of quality or price, reads like a travel journal for a Far East adventure: made in China, made in Cambodia, made in Korea, made in Indonesia. Every Roadcrafter is made in Duluth, Minnesota. Mine was made by Mary. In fact, riders are encouraged to stop by the factory, meet the dedicated crafts- people and see the production facility. A must-visit destination for any riders passing through Duluth on their way around Lake Superior, they will find a nice rider lounge,
generously supplied with bottles of water, maps and camaraderie. Roadcrafter suits are available in an
impressive range of standard sizes. Add to that the ability to get custom alterations and you will be hard pressed to find a bet- ter fitting piece of riding equipment. Over 30 standard color combinations give you the freedom to make your suit truly your own. I typically like to make comparisons
between products in order to form the basis for a review, but this suit is in a class
by itself. More a piece of safety equipment than riding apparel, its function-first design is bold and revolutionary. I can honestly say that I ride more now because the Roadcrafter makes it easy to wear “All The Gear All the Time.” I get dressed in clothes for a business meeting, zip on the R3 and throw a leg over, instead of climb- ing in my Camry and driving to the office. The Roadcrafter R3 costs $1,197. There are too many options and features to cover on these pages, so visit
aerostich.com for all of the details.
December 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS 29
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