The Spidi Tour Evo 2 Motorcycle Suit promises three-season functionality in inclement weather for the stylish traveler or commuter. After using it for several months, including a 3,000+ mile winter tour of the Southwestern United States, I can report that it works!
The jacket’s waterproof/windproof/breathable outer shell consists of sturdy Cordura fabric interspersed with 3D and Tactel fabrics. For storage, there are two waterproof chest pockets, two waterproof hand pockets and two additional front pockets as well as a large lower back pocket. The collar is soft neoprene and has a button that can be adjusted in position via hook and loop. All zippers are rubberized for weather protection, and a fabric tie is included on the exterior zipper for easier operation when wearing gloves. The matching pants feature the same materials and construction, including two thigh pockets and a zip to the jacket.
The suit’s interior includes a permanent polyester mesh lining and hook points for body armor or Spidi’s optional “Step-In Wear” line of base and midlayer layers. Both the jacket and pants have removable insulated lining, and the jacket lining can be worn on its own.
On the jacket, Spidi’s CE Level 2 “Warrior Lite” armor is standard on the shoulders and elbows, while back and chest armor are optional. I equipped the basic package with the optional Warrior CE level 2 back protector and the optional “Thorax Warrior” chest protector. The pants are equipped with EN1621-1 Level 2 armor on the hips and knees.
The cut and style of the suit is in keeping with its European pedigree, namely understated yet sophisticated, with subdued branding throughout. Reflective material is found on the front, sleeves and back of the jacket as well as the side of the pants.
Ventilation is also abundant. The jacket has large vents along the front and rear biceps as well as around the torso and when opened, a layer of bright green fabric emerges as a visual cue to pull up if there are clouds. storm ahead. The pants have vents that run approximately 10.5 inches down each thigh. Adjustment points are many. The pants even include a set of removable suspenders.
I used this suit while commuting, on a fun bike ride, and on a 3,000+ mile tour of the American Southwest, where we encountered temperatures ranging from 28 to 84 degrees. With insulation layers and Spidi’s plethora of optional base layers to choose from, the Tour Evo 2 is the perfect suit for winter applications. Above 82 degrees, however, even with the vents wide open and the insulating liner removed, most riders will use dedicated summer mesh gear.
With this hot weather constraint in mind, the Tour Evo 2 is one of the most versatile motorcycle suits on the market today. It survived many days of riding in torrential winter rains without catching a drop of water or a breeze. The Cordura material and all the latches, adjustment straps, and zippers wear like iron, and I’m confident it can last at least 5-10 years of daily use.
The downsides are few: The jacket’s main zipper extends up to 2.5 inches from the bottom of the jacket, and while still providing some distance (so the jacket can “separate” when the rider is seated ), this seems excessive and makes zipping difficult. The pants have a right thigh pocket sealed with a hook and loop, but the abrasive half of the hook points toward the rider’s thigh so that the back of the rider’s hand is scratched when reaching into the pocket.
Overall, the Spidi Tour Evo 2 Motorcycle Riding Suit is one of the better European style riding suits available today and it should definitely be on the shortlist for rough weather riders. Available in sizes M-4XL, the jacket is priced at $749.90 and the pants are priced at $599.90.
