Serious long distance motorcyclists have always had to combat one major problem

- the unpredictable weather. While a quality set of riding leathers undoubtedly

look good, they do suffer from two realistic drawbacks; they are impractical

when off the bike and less than waterproof if the weather turns nasty. The

convenient and pragmatic answer is a riding suit that offers the same (or

better) impact protection, looks good, feels comfortable and has a facility to

combat all kinds of climatic excess.

The Santiago suit from the 2005 BMW Rider Equipment collection has been

designed to solve the problem of what to wear when long hours and many days

have to be spent in and out of the saddle. Its superior comfort makes it

equally suitable for short rides and thanks to a new, matt-gloss finish the

Santiago looks good too.

Constructed from highly abrasion-proof Dynatec, the Santiago's jacket and

trousers feature strategically sited Dynatec and Cordura stretch panels for

maximum freedom of movement. The jacket's web mesh lining is kind to the skin

and feels light and airy to the touch; soft, artificial leather at the cuffs

and collar prevent chaffing; the waistband of the trousers can be adjusted to

allow for varying layers of inner clothing; zipped ventilators at the chest,

back, sleeves and trousers enable better cooling in hot climates, and

retrofittable GORE-TEX inner linings provide windproofing, waterproofing and

active breathing.

Easy to use straps at the elbows and wrists can be adjusted for a closer fit -

and the latter to allow gloves to be worn under the sleeves in wet weather.

There are a number of outer pockets with an additional waterproof pocket - for

mobile phone etc - on the left breast. A further feature of the trousers is the

special leather inserts at the inner knees that enable the rider to grip the

tank more securely.

BMW Motorrad's dedication to producing high-efficiency safety products becomes,

arguably, the Santiago's most salient feature should the worst happen.

Removable CE protectors are used at the shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and

knees (and are three-way adjustable). To make the rider more conspicuous in bad

weather conditions, and at night, highly reflective piping material runs

longitudinally over the shoulders.