Clothing

Virtually all our clothing is from the BMW range. We need the most versatile clothing possible. It has to cope in searing dry heat to keep us cool and ventilated, in torrential tropical rainfall it must keep us dry, and in freezing conditions keep us warm. And it has to be very comfy. Many types of clothing can deal with one aspect; very few can deal with all. We finally decided on the Savanna 2 range, coupled with the latest type of underwear and heated vests. Having already tested this combination on training rides, we are very confident that these will stand the test.

Savanna 2 Suit Jacket (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 669 207)

The lightweight Savanna suit jacket protects you with BMW's exclusive Dynatec, a super abrasion-resistant material. Separate GORE-TEX® liners make the jacket 100 percent wind and waterproof - yet highly breathable. Removable CE protectors give added safety, plus reflective thread means it's highly visible at night. Ventilation zips on the chest and arms are a godsend when the temperature soars.

Savanna 2 Suit Trousers (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 669 228)

Savanna 2 trousers will ensure maximum comfort and maximum safety. The highly abrasion-resistant Dynatec fabric is reinforced at the knees with interior leather inserts, optimising tank grip. Stretch zones in the waistband, calves and seat provide extra comfort. Again, separately available GORE-TEX® insert makes the trousers completely wind and waterproof.

Function Jacket ComforTemp (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 655 060)

This is a fantastic inner jacket - it can store and release heat energy using a technique derived from space research. Paraffin capsules react to changes in body temperature, providing optimum temperature compensation at an outdoor temperature of 10 to -20 degrees. The jacket can also be worn as a vest since it has detachable sleeves.

Function Undersuit ComforTemp Trousers (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 655 070)

These trousers prove that the so-called "phase change material" derived from space research is excellent for use in motorcycle clothing. The material can store and release heat energy. Paraffin capsules react to changes in body temperature, compensating for large temperature fluctuations and keeping body temperature at a pleasant level.

Heated Vest (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 659 195)

The heated vest is a fundamental requirement for the ride. Previously we scoffed at the riders with heated vests. However, we wore them for the first time on the Around the World record and humbly eat our words. The heated vest formed the last line of defence between carrying on and having to stop in sub zero temperatures. Quite simply, it is essential.

The BMW vest has evenly distributed and generous warmth due to woven carbon fibre fabric. The electrodeposited aluminium outer material and the padding provide excellent insulation, surpassing conventional wire heating.

Rally Gloves (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 674 336)

Kevin has these as lighter gloves but with excellent protection. This unlined, light glove is made of a mixture of highly elastic fabric (outer material) and leather (inner material). With carbon-reinforced Pittards® leather at critical safety points, hard shell covered with air perforations and stretch-leather on the knuckles.

Cover Winter Gloves (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 662 894)

We both wear these gloves. They are made of a material mix of cowhide and abrasion resistant Cordura® and are wind- and waterproof GORE-TEX® with active pores. Critical safety areas reinforced are with Kevlar®.

AirFlow Gloves (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 659 887)

Julia has this lighter summer glove. It is made of a mix of leather and extremely air-permeable AirTex, ensuring good, direct grip. There is double-player leather at key parts of inner hand. The perforated leather between fingers provides exactly what it is called – cooling air flow!

System 4 Evo Helmet (Art. Nr. 72 60 7 669 562)

We chose these helmets because we know from previous experience with full face helmets, especially when you wear glasses, taking the helmet on and off as many times as we have to becomes very tedious and makes the side of your head quite sore. To be able to lift up the face of the helmet, rather than having to take it off, will be an enormous help. They are well vented to cope with the heat. Kevin also has a mist-free, double-pane visor for when we are riding through tropical storms. It is not the most comfortable helmet we have worn, but is certainly the most functional and most convenient.

Daytona Gore-Tex Boots (Trans Open GTX / Travel Star GTX)

Provided by Tony's of Prestatyn, these leather boots are Gore-Tex lined. Strong, yet light and flexible, these boots will provide comfort as well as maximum safety.