BMW Rewards MSF RiderCourse Graduates

BMW Motorrad USA is supporting the Motorcycle Safety Foundation‘s rider training course by offering 0 in riding apparel for recent graduates of the Basic RiderCourse program with the purchase of a new BMW motorcycle.

The “Ride Smart Reward” program runs until Dec. 31, 2012 and is valid for anyone who completes the MSF’s BRC. The program benefits new riders buying gear for the first time, but experience riders taking the time to go through the BRC are also eligible.

“Each year, approximately 375,000 students are trained in MSF RiderCourse programs,” says Frank Stevens, sales development manager for BMW Motorrad USA.  “We’d like to reward riders who invested the time and money for motorcycle rider training from industry professionals, by offering them quality riding gear.”

The 0 Ride Smart Reward can be applied to any original BMW Rider’s apparel including boots, gloves and jackets.

[Source: BMW]

Graves Yamaha AMA Racer Injured in Scooter Accident

Motorcycle racers recognize they compete in a dangerous sport, risking serious harm in a crash. Of course, all riders know about the risks, whether they’re on a race track or on the street. Still it seems odd to hear Daytona Sportbike racer Cameron Beaubier broke his knee cap and injured his wrist crashing a 50cc scooter on the street.

Beaubier may ride a Yamaha YZF-R6 on the track but the accident occurred when the Graves Yamaha racer clipped an unseen hazard on the road while riding his Yamaha Zuma 50 scooter.Doctors inserted screws and wires into Beaubier’s knee to hold the broken patella in place. Beaubier’s wrist was injured but did not require surgery.

“I’m so disappointed to have injured myself, and in such an odd manner,” says Beaubier. “It happened so quickly, and I’m fortunate that there were no other vehicles around at the time. I’m not yet sure what my prognosis is for racing at Road Atlanta (April 20-22) in a few weeks, but I’m hopeful for a quick recovery.”

The 19-year-old has impressed onlookers so far this season. Beaubier was among the front-runners in the 2012 Daytona 200, finishing on the podium in third place while edging out the 2010 Daytona Sportbike Champion Martin Cardenas in a photo finish. The accident comes days after Beaubier topped all Daytona Sportbike riders at the official AMA test at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Fortunately, Beaubier has nearly a month to recover before the 2012 AMA Pro Racing season resumes at Road Atlanta.

[Source: Yamaha]

Quick Review: REVIT! Air Blend Boots

Sneakers are not appropriate riding gear. High tops or not, sneakers provide the same protection during a crash a ripped condom does during intercourse. Shorty boots are the perfect blend of comfort and protection for summertime riding and REV’IT!’s Air Blend Boots encapsulate these qualities. Recently worn and tested here at MO, the Air Blends, for 0, are a superior option to sneakers at near to the same price of a pair of Air Jordans.

The Air Blend boots are constructed with a combination of suede leather, Cordura mesh, PU coated Pampas cowhide and a oil resistant, steel reinforced sole. Heels, toes and ankles are protected by REV’IT!’s SP Protec thermo-welded panels, while your lower shin and the boots laces are covered by a padded overlap.

The overlap is key to keeping the laces from entangling with footpegs or shift/brake levers. The large, padded suede flap secures tenaciously to both sides of the boot via velcro and, besides getting in the way when tying the laces, is a welcome feature.

Another pivotal design element is the cutout in the upper rear of the boots. The cutout relieves stain on a wearer’s Achilles tendon and allows for a wider range of motion and greater comfort when walking or riding.

The mesh side panels provide air-flow, but without a direct intake, such as those found on helmets, the amount of fresh air entering the boot is limited, yet better than a non-mesh boot.

The Air Blends are easy to get on or off, as well as light weight and comfortable for all-day wearing, including walking or hiking. Their fit designation as “touring” indicates a choice of comfort over performance, in other words, the boots don’t convey the amount of feel a more sport-specific boot will provide.

Casually stylish enough to be worn outside of a motorcycle environment, the Air Blend boots are a smart purchase for this summer’s higher temperatures. So keep your sneaks for the ball court and invest in some shorty boots such as the Air Blends for when you’re riding. If you ever have to utilize the boots’ protective virtues, you’ll applaud your decision.