If the “Swiss Army Knife” of riding gear is what you’re looking for, look no further than the Montevideo II Jacket, Caracas II Pants, and Adventure Gloves by iXS. Born in Switzerland, iXS Motorcycle Fashion has been around since 1979 developing and producing high-quality apparel and accessories of sophisticated and fashionable design.

The Montevideo II is a true four-season jacket, featuring a removable waterproof Solotex membrane liner, as well as a Cynix thermal liner for riding when the weather turns cold. The Montevideo II jacket features a ventilation system I’ve not seen on other jackets. There are two large panels on the front that zip open, and a large panel on the back that lets a massive amount of air circulate through the jacket. Additionally, there are smaller zipper vents on the upper chest and two vents on each sleeve that run above and below the elbow, allowing control of the airflow. This is by far the best ventilated all-season jacket I have worn.

There are nine exterior pockets on the Montevideo II for endless storage possibilities. I left my phone and wallet in the front lower pockets while riding through two hours of rain, and both were completely dry when I took them out.

The jacket has ample back, shoulder, and elbow protection that’s easily removable. I didn’t find the armor as heavy and bulky as some other jackets I’ve worn, and when riding in the heat it did not bother me. The Montevideo II jacket has a slim fit so I would recommend a size larger than normal, but adjustment points at the elbow, upper arm, waist and hip allow for a more customized fit.

The Caracas II pants are an excellent complement to the Montevideo II jacket. Like the jacket, they have a removable waterproof liner as well as a removable thermal liner for year-round riding. There’s a nicely placed leather patch in the seat for extra grip in the saddle, and two pockets located high in the front. I’d like to see the pockets slightly larger and lower on the pants for ease of access, but there are so many pockets in the Montevideo II jacket, the pants pockets are almost unnecessary.

The pants have large ventilation openings on the inner thighs, and openings at the lower back and below the knees to keep the air flowing. The integrated knee and hip protection are well placed, and the adjustable straps across the back of each calf ensure the knee protection is always in the right place. The stretch inserts across the top of the knees allow your legs to move freely without binding. When riding in the rain, make sure you get the waterproof inner liner completely down around the outside of your boots so you don’t wind up with wet feet. I learned that lesson the hard way.

The iXS Adventure Gloves complete the ensemble. I would consider them more a three-season glove, as they are a little thick for riding in the heat, but they have a zipper vent across the back of the hand to aid in cooling. These waterproof gloves have a Solotex membrane and a Tri-fleece lining, as well as built-in padding for long-distance comfort.

I recently had the opportunity to visit iXS USA’s headquarters in Florida and was very impressed at the scale and efficiency of their operation. Their massive warehouse allows them to carry a large inventory, enabling them to fill orders quickly while avoiding back orders. It is a truly professional operation, and it's clear that customer satisfaction is a priority for iXS USA. With their high quality and styling at a moderate price point, we can expect more riders to show up at rallies wearing iXS gear in the near future. MSRP: Jacket $499 | Pants $329 | Gloves $109 iXSUSA.com

Where to Buy:

Jacket	Pants	Gloves

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