Moto-Skiveez Base Layers – Review

Moto-Skiveez base layers are designed specifically for the needs of motorcyclists.
Moto-Skiveez base layers are designed specifically for the needs of motorcyclists.

What you put next to your skin—before you don outer protective riding gear—can improve comfort when distances are long or conditions extreme. That’s when purpose-designed base layer riding apparel shows its worth.

Moto-Skiveez offers a line of padded Riding Shorts employing technology borrowed from bicycle racing, a Technical Riding Shirt optimized for wear under a riding jacket and Compression Riding Socks that leverage medical research on riders’ leg vein health (really).

Moto-Skiveez founder Shawn Lupcho spent 20 years as a competitive bicycle racer. “I wouldn’t think about getting on a bicycle without a good pair of padded bicycle shorts,” he says. “I started to wear bicycle shorts on my motorcycle, but they’re designed for sitting on a little, hard seat while you’re athletically active. High-end cycling pad technology has been developed over decades and it’s incredible, it just needed to be adapted for motorcycling.”

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Lupcho did that. Applying advanced textile research and Tour-de-France-caliber pad technology, he designed a range of riding shorts with pad configurations for specific riding positions: Sport (forward lean), Adventure (upright posture) and Cruiser (relaxed), plus Lady-Skiveez designed for women. They’re cut like boxer briefs you wear next to your skin.

The base garment is comprised of two fabrics, one for moisture wicking and another for breathability. The pads feel odd the first time you pull on the shorts, but that’s because they’re positioned to contact the saddle while you’re riding. Once you’re sitting on your bike, they feel just right.

I tested Moto Skiveez Riding Shorts on a four-day, 1,500-mile tour emphasizing curvy roads. Despite hot, humid weather my backside felt great, with zero “monkey butt.” I also wore a Moto-Skiveez Technical Riding Shirt. It’s made from wicking fabric with mesh strategically positioned along shoulders, arms, armpits and back to boost airflow from vents on a riding jacket. On hot days, the comfort advantage over a T-shirt was substantial.

For years I’ve worn compression socks (made for skiers) while riding because they don’t fall down my skinny legs into my boots. Researchers in the UK discovered compression socks are good for extended motorcycle riding “as a way of ameliorating pain and as a preventive measure for venous ulceration.” Who knew? (See the medical journal Wound Care Today, September 24, 2013.) Moto-Skiveez Motorcycle Compression Riding Socks were created with this in mind. I found them especially soft, with fabric that includes aloe fiber.

Want to conceal helmet hair? The good-looking, ventilated Tri-Fold Hat folds down so small, it fits in your jacket pocket or boot.

I think what speaks to the design of Moto-Skiveez products, the shorts and shirt in particular, is you probably wouldn’t choose to wear them unless you’re riding a motorcycle. But when you are, they’re optimized for the task.

For more information, call (888) 819-0185 or visit motoskiveez.com.

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