Being product geeks, we were among the first to climb onto the Klim Adventure Rally suit bandwagon back in 2009. Regardless of whether you like or dislike it, it was a bold step for Klim - and it worked. We've been watching for news on a replacement, and have picked up bits and pieces of info recently (like someone walking around Bend with one a couple weeks ago). Out of respect for Klim's product calendar, what info we saw....we kept info confidential. Today, info on the 2013 Klim line showed up in our inbox, showing a NEW Adventure Rally suit, along with a new hybrid vented / waterproof multi-layer suit.
First, the
Adventure Rally 2: The previous ADV Rally suit was initially conceived by Adventure Spec, Klim's UK importer, as a mostly off-road piece. This was liked by some (us) but caused issues for others (most of the market). The new Adventure Rally 2 has a more traditional ADV touring cut, not quite fitted, but not loose like the predecessor. Armor, something we felt was lacking, received a major upgrade. The ADVR2 now features
d3o Xergo in the key points and adds
Dow Corning Deflexion in the chest.
Superfabric is added for abrasion, stretch panels for movement, and arm regulation straps (!!!) to hold armor in place.
The new ADVRx2 is more substantial than the original. Ex: Size 2X in the original version was 7.6 lbs with all armor. Size 2X in the new Rally is 9.3 lbs. That weight is actually the difference in the Xergo D3O pads, and the deflexion chest armor. I have been critical of the d3o armor for its small size, and thankfully the new Xergo pads are MUCH larger, both in area and thickness. Some of the weight also comes from the fact that there is more epoxy in the superfabric beads than what was used in the original version, but that is minimal.
For comparison.....the ADV Rally 2 does all this while being LIGHTER than the the Badlands. Comparing the two, without armor in them, the shell is actually lighter than Badlands and also the original by a few ounces.
The fit is the biggest benefit to the Rally 2. Klim never liked the fit of the original jacket. The original was not designed to “carry” armor, it was intended to go over a compression suit. This gave it a bulky, billowy feel. The fit of the new Adv Rally has a more snug, tailored fit to it, but it has stretch Gore-Tex for ease of movement. Their R&D calls this “Action Patterning”, and it gives a better range of motion when riding a motorcycle. Most importantly.....the armor will be MUCH more stable inside the jacket during a crash.
Venting is the biggest improvement. The ADVR2 venting is more extensive but also smarter; vents placed in the most effective areas to eliminate inside heat and cool the body. Most riders buying this jacket will be riding a bike with a windshield or faring. They went away from the torso vents on the original Rally, which worked when standing, but not in all bike applications. The new design has an upper torso vent, in front of the armpit, a bicep vent, a forearm vent and a large vertical vent on each side of the back. The vents in the arm are very effective in cooling the body. An interesting point: Klim says that for both snow and moto, adding vents to the forearm area are more effective in dropping core temps than a torso vent. Lyndon Poskitt and Ned Suise tested a few different versions of the arm vents on the Adv Rally and some custom Valdez jackets. They were very vocal about adding those vents on the Adv Rally.
These are scheduled for release on approx March 3. Until then, here are a few pics:
Klim Adventure Rally 2 Jacket
Klim Adventure Rally 2 Pant
Adventure Rally Jacket and Pant
The new KLIM Adventure Rally Jacket and Pant is without-a-doubt the most advanced motorcycle gear combination in the history of motorcycling. Featuring a list of advanced fuctionality like no other garment in the industry, the KLIM Adventure Rally set provides zero-compromise riding performance across all weather conditions, terrain and disciplines.
KLIM‘s Adventure Rally features the world’s best all-weather fabrics, unmatched safety innovations and total comfort functionality.
- Three-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Armacor waterproof and durable exterior
- Dynamic stretch zones for full range of motion
- Superfabric® slide zones
- D3O® VIPER PRO Level 2 Back Protector
- D3O® XERGO impact protection at shoulders, elbows, knees and hips
- D3O® XERGO is the highest performing D3O® armor ever created providing more impact resistance (Exceeds prEN1621-1:2011 Certification at Level 2 in all testing)
- D3O® XERGO shapes are asymmetrical for more wrap around contact points
- D3O® XERGO is less affected by temperature remaining stable and flexible through a wide range of heat and cold
- D3O® XERGO has excellent breathability
- Incredible storage and hydration carrying capacity
- Highly effective reflective
- Arm, chest and back ventilation ports
- Integrated support belt
More info as we get it.
BP