Not long ago we ran some bikes in Hot4s and whilst we were addressing some styling issues when it came to the bike itself, we never really did anything to do with the actual styling of the rider. What spurred this on you ask? Well there's always that image attached to motorcycle riders that if you want to ride a bike and be safe, you need to look like you just walking in off the race track. Not true! We believe that personal style and bike style are a combined effort. In a car you can wear daggy old clothes and hide behind tinted windows, but out in public even if you're on the best bike, you can spoil it all by making a hash of your outfit.

Ok now before we come to the solution to this problem, lets first start by saying, what better bike to base this story around than a new CBR1000RR from Honda. Turning 18 in 2010, the Honda Fireblade as it's known in most parts or the world began life in 1992. Back then it set the bar with modern superbikes boasting a wet weigh of 205kg and 124hp from it's 893cc engine. Following that Honda updated in the model in 1994, then in 1998 it went to 919cc and lost a few kilos. After that the models took on a new frame shape and became fuel injected starting with the 929cc in 2000, followed by the 954cc, then onto the first generation CBR1000RRs. And today, the latest and greatest is this piece of art. Now a much more slender and compact shadow of what it used to be, the current model 999cc although appearing to be smaller than the older models still weighs in at 199kg (a couple more if you want ABS brakes), yet with a new engine pumping out near on 175hp, it definitely give you something to think about when you twist the throttle!

So, you're sold? What to buy one? What colours are available? We have that covered too, check out the photos. And for more info, head to www.hondampe.com.au

For the gear, we've chosen to go head to toe in America's finest motorcycle street attire, ICON. They're no small time getup either, being under the umbrella of the worlds largest motorcycle parts company, Parts Unllmited. You may have seen their signs when watching MotoGP or Supercross Events on TV. Getting away from all the the typical "it looks cool on the race track" type riding gear, Icon wanted to make riding gear that A: protects the rider and B: looks the part. "From the onset Icon has been about protecting the rider in clothing he wants to wear, not what the motorcycle industry says he should wear", says Icon's International Director Jason Fullington "When ICON was first envisioned, there was a massive void in the market. What we were witnessing was that "Street Riders" were out there wearing Levi's, T-Shirts, lightweight jackets, and sneakers! So Icon set out to redefine what motorcycle apparel is. And has successfully done so to the tune that every manufacturer is trying to keep up and even copy what Icon has established. What did Icon do differently than anyone else prior to 2002? Icon made apparel and protective that riders WANT to wear both on the bike and off. Fit, function, and style. We took the most at risk rider out there (Street Riders especially younger ones) and put protective gear on them....PERIOD! As I always say, Dress for the crash, not the ride. It's not if it happens, it's when it happens. We need to be prepared, and might as well look good doing it. "

As you can see in the photos our rider is wearing the the Merc Hero Leather Jacket. A cool jacket in its own right, but very strong and properly padded when the worst happens. The jeans are the Icon Victory Riding pants. Whilst they might look like simple denim, they're equipped with Aramid (Aramid is another term for Kevlar without having to license the term from DuPont corporation) reinforced knees and hips and also come with breathable panels for the hot days. One thing we noticed that was also great about them is that the loose fit allows them to stay long whilst riding, whereas normal jeans tend to look a bit goofy and ride up around some peoples ankles. Up top the helmet is an Airframe Team with a gold chrome tinted visor. The Icon helmets not only look great, but they're tested to the highest standards and are the ONLY helmets in the World that qualify to the AWS (All World Standard). Icon's helmets have been tested to meet and exceed every world helmet safety standard. Each helmet is then labeled for it's destination country and certification. They fit extremely well and are designed in a way that the inner padding is completely removable so after some hot riding you can give it a wash. Your old helmet was glued together right? Got a bit stinky? On the hand we looked at three different types of gloves in the Icon range. Whilst there's many styes they make, the three we focused on show you the options, be it dense leather, titanium or probably the coolest of them all, carbon fiber! And last but not least, the boots. Nope, they're not Colorados, they're Icon "Standard Boots". One of the designs in the range, the Standard Boot is designed for motorcycling to protect the feet and ankles, but also looks good and can be worn out and about. No more taking a backpack with a spare pair of shoes!

What we've shown you here is only a snippet what the Icon range, so if you'd like to take a better look, head to www.gasimports.com.au.

Lastly, if you're looking to get a bike, remember that your safety is more important than being cool. If you can cover both at the same time then great. Don't ever look at other riders wearing no gloves, shorts and a t-shirt and think they're cool. you only need to trip over walking to take off a decent hunk of skin, imagine what would happen if you were going 60!

Ride safe and have fun