Weather it out in a ‘Kalahari’

If there’s one place to try out new “adventure” motorcycle kit, it’s the Isle of Man. Especially when it’s alternately lashing down with torrential rain, then bursting out in sunshine.

And so it was, as I put a Triumph Tiger 800XC through its paces on unrestricted island roads, while wearing the firm’s new Kalahari suit, comprising a rugged-looking jacket and “cargo” style trousers.

Its selling point is that not only does it look great; it’s wind and waterproof and — with zip in jacket and trouser liners — warm. But remove the linings and unzip the extensive cover panels front and back and it becomes a “mesh” jacket, so it’s ideal for touring in mixed weathers.

Made from 600 denier polycordura and 500 denier Cordura, with Superfabric ceramic shoulder and elbow panels, plus increased abrasion and tear resistance, the jacket and trousers proved totally waterproof.

Jacket RRP £225, but you’ll find it for much less online. Trousers £195. More at triumphmotorcycles.co.uk