Using high quality components and innovative technical features are fundamental to Olympia’s core values. This is reflected in the construction of the X Moto 2 dual-sport and adventure riding suit. From high denier fabrics to the integrated zip-off backpack, the Olympia delivers a product packed with features, and centralized around safety and comfort. I was surprised when I saw the X Moto 2 suit for the first time at the 2016 AIMExpo. It’s a sharp looking suit and the small size fit my average 5-foot 10-inch, 155 lb. frame snugly, like a well tailored suit. The waist adjusters on the pants are in an odd place, constructed into the liner instead of outside the pants. The shell of the pants does have stretchy material around the waist, but they depend on the liner for an exact fit. This wasn’t a deal breaker since they fit me just fine, but I can imagine wearers with slimmer bodies having issues if the liner is removed. Olympia could remedy this by installing tethers to the front of the jacket in addition to the ones already on the rear, or offering a suspender option.

The outer shell is constructed using 500 denier Cordura. Two thousand denier Cordura is used in the high impact zones—the elbows and across the shoulders. If a rider slid on his or her back across asphalt in a high speed crash, the jacket should absorb all of the abrasion. The down side to such durable material is its weight. The X Moto 2 is the heaviest suit I’ve tested and, although the trade-off for the added level of safety is respectable, this isn’t the type of gear you “forget you’re wearing because it’s so comfortable.” Instead, it’ll remind you that you’re well protected, enough to make you forget about dodging protruding brush or low hanging twigs.

Those who don’t mind the hefty weight of the jacket will enjoy using all the storage the X Moto 2 has to offer. The jacket is quite “zipper-y,” with 24 zippers on the shell to access pockets and open vents. So much so that I’ve found myself in silly situations trying to find my wallet. The zip-off integrated backpack is an exciting feature. It houses a removable bladder (included with the jacket) and will hold two liters worth of gear or water. Zipping the backpack to the jacket helps with weight distribution and secures the pack. Those who’ve ridden with shifty backpacks will love this feature.

Zipping down the ventilation flaps provides the rider with massive amounts of refreshingly cool moving air, much more than simple ventilation zips provide. Opening the front ones and stuffing them into the jacket is easy enough to do on the fly, while closing the system takes a little practice if done while riding. There are eight accessible flaps on the suit—inlets on the chest and thighs, and vents on the back and triceps. The X Moto 2 feels like a completely different suit when the air ports are opened, and during full days of warm weather riding I didn’t find myself taking breaks to cool off.

If Olympia decides to upgrade the X Moto 2, I hope they consider removable sleeves so that the jacket can be worn as a vest for hot weather trail riding. In cooler weather, however, the X Moto 2 jacket and pants do a great job keeping in the warmth, but I found that I needed a warm base layer for anything less than 40°F.

One of the key features of the X Moto 2 jacket is the Thermolite-insulated Over/Under Rain Jacket. I’ll admit that I get a little cranky when my ride is spoiled by rain, and with prior suits I’d continue to ride without stopping to install the rain liner. I just hated having to take off my gear to install a liner, trying to find buttons and Velcro, getting everything to align correctly, failing to zip the jacket to the liner; I struggled more than a helpless person in a cheesy infomercial. But now there’s a solution to all my troubles! The Thermolite Over/Under Jacket can also be worn over the shell, providing instant water resistance. If you order the X Moto 2 jacket, you get the Over/Under Jacket free! But wait, there’s more! The rain jacket also works great for taking out trash on rainy nights, and will keep you warm when running errands around town.

My biggest complaint about the suit is in the Motion Flex Armor. It’s much too hard for my liking, making the suit uncomfortable, almost fatiguing in many situations. At this price point, I would have expected more comfortable armor, but pulling them out and replacing them with softer D3O units from my other jackets was a massive improvement. Luckily, replacement armor is inexpensive these days.
I own adventure riding suits that cost twice as much as the Olympia X Moto 2, but they’re certainly not twice as good. I do know that if you’re in the market for a durable, all-weather, feature-packed, dual-sport/adventure suit, for the money you can’t go wrong with the X Moto 2. OlympiaMotoSports.com MSRP: Jacket $479 | Pants $349

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