Motorcycle Aprons - Cold & Wet Weather Riding |
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File under Special-Bikes Web
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
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In Europe during the winter or the rain, motorcycles (specially scooters) use a frequent accessory - the apron (in French a "Tablier"). These cloth or leather aprons are fixed to the scooter and protect the rider from the elements while riding around the city. You will find these in countries such as France, Spain and Italy.
The "fad" started with courier/delivery scooters zipping around the city delivering their documents. Instead of having to wear heavy protective clothing and boots, the riders could run around in their jeans and normal shoes. If it rains, or if it's cold, they are still protected, and it made it easier for them to get on and off their scooters.
Slowly but surely, more and more motorcycles have started adapting to this style. Today you can see more aprons appearing during the winter (even in the summer) on normal motorcycles, not only scooters.
Often the aprons are used by business men & women who don't want to gear up to go to the office, and just want to wear their normal office clothes without the need to change.
The apron protects them from rain and wind. It's nifty, it's not expensive...... but it's fugly !! Very Ugly ! But then, if you need to ride your motorcycle often during the winter, and you need to go to that all important meeting and don't want to appear like a biker, or need to change your clothes when you've arrived, the apron comes in handy.
Todays aprons are made from textile or leather. Some are generic, i.e. fit any motorcycle, while some are custom made. The usually strap to the steering handles with velcro or push buttons, and are prolonged all the way to your waist, where they are tied with velcro. The aprons go all the way below so your shoes remain dry as well.
Currently there are few companies that offer these aprons for motorcycles.
Bagster, TopSaddlery, Baglux and Tucanourbano are some manufacturers I could find. Usually you'll find them producing aprons for scooters, with generic models available for motorcycles (a one-size-fits-all).
Some of the aprons are useable on any type of motorcycles, be it BMW with their R1150GS, R1150RT or even F650GS, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha and Honda motorcycles.
Below are some of the manufacturers
It's not my cup of tea, but I can very well understand those that do. I've even seen an apron on a BMW R1200C Cruiser....
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