Review | Furygan Helix jacket and K12 X Kevlar riding jeans

Want the maximum protection levels for summer rides without looking all wannabe road racer? This jacket and jeans combo from Furygan could be just the ticket, both scoring a maximum AAA rating for abrasion resistance with a slightly more casual look swerving wannabe racer trimmings of hard external armour, elbow sliders and all the rest. Furygan still does that for the sports bike owners out there, this combo meanwhile perfect for pairing with a sporty naked like the Ducati Monster pictured here.

While built with the same protection levels and to the same standards as the racier Raptor Evo 3 jacket we tested recently the Helix steps back from that combo’s more track-focused features, meaning a cleaner look with no external armour on the shoulders or elbows. The leather is still reassuringly thick and helps score that AAA abrasion rating, CE Level 1 D3O armour protecting elbows and shoulders for impact. These can be upgraded to Level 2 if you wish. There are also sleeves for back and chest armour, which is sold separately. The cut feels slightly more relaxed than the Raptor Evo, making it comfier for longer days out, though there are no ventilation zips or the like for warmer days. You can remove the zip-in thermal liner, though. Like all Furygan kit fit is on the ‘south European’ side, and where your tester would usually be happy with a medium or even small the L/42 Furygan sent us was still reasonably snug. So, be prepared to size up if needs be. If the cut is reasonably subtle the branding perhaps isn’t, but when paired with a modern sporty naked or similar it works well. A simpler black/white option is also available.

Riding jeans are a great choice for summer rides but it’s still relatively rare to find them with the full AAA rating, especially ones as discreet as these from Furygan. The straight-leg design strikes a neat balance between fitted and comfortable, with enough length and width to wear over boots as required. Level 1 D3O Ghost armour is thin enough that you don’t notice it, and is sufficiently discreet you can wear them socially or in the office without anyone realising you’re in your riding kit. The single-layer Kevlar-reinforced denim is reasonably cool for warmer days, with a degree of stretch for additional comfort. Sizing is, again, on the snug size so don’t take it personally if you have to go up a measurement over your Levis!

The Furygan kit we’ve tested previously has always felt made to a very high standard, and this combination is no different. The leather of the jacket is thick, the zips close with authority and the cut strikes the right balance of sportiness and comfort for all-day use. While there’s no zip or loop to join them together the jeans make the perfect accompaniment, not least for the fact they combine the same AAA rating with an impressive level of comfort. Recommended.