When you read over Rumi's story, the operator of Roadgear, you realize that they are a solid U.S. based, quality motorcycle gear manufacturer who have a passion for motorcycles.

Alpinestars is a motorcycle gear manufacturer known for their high quality, race performance products. Sponsoring such professional racers as Ben Spies, Roger Lee Hayden, and Shane Byrne to name just a few.

As a performance specialized gear manufacturer Alpinestars focus is on optimizing gear for racing conditions.

In an effort to balance their product line to offer gear to non-pro racing motorcycle riders Alpinestar's has created the SP-1 gloves.

This week we take a look at Joe Rocket's Alter Ego Pants.

Motorcycling in the Spring can sometimes be complicated due to the fluctuations in the weather. One day it may feel like the warm beginning of summer the next day it may be just a few degrees above freezing! Couple this with frequent rainy days and it can leave you confused as to how to what gear to wear when heading out for a ride.

Happy Spring Solstice! Today marks the first day of spring for 2009 - which means it is time to take your motorcycle out of storage and out onto the open road.

Here is a spring checklist to prep your motorcycle and you for new riding season.

Alpinestar's Octane leather jacket follows along the lines of all of their products - excellent quality and simplicity. One of the great things about the Octane we really enjoyed was how snug and comfortable the jacket fits.

How do you know when to change your motorcycle tires? You should change your motorcycle's tires if any of the following signs are exhibited.

• The wear bar is in line with the surface of the tire
• Uneven surface on the tire aka 'cupping' or 'feathering'
• Cracks on the sidewall of the tire
• Punctures

If you notice any of the above it is time to change your motorcycle tires.

When riding in cooler temperatures one of the first things you notice after several minutes of riding is that your hands get cold very fast!

Insulated winter gloves do help, but they still get cold after an hour or so of riding in anything cooler than 10 degrees Celsius. Wired heated gloves do provide a great amount of heat, but then your hands are shackled due to the wire connections (not to mention the added stress on your battery).

Continuing to push forward as the most stylish and detail oriented motorcycle gear manufacturer, Icon has once again achieved their goal by introducing new for 2009, the Victory - Death or Glory leather motorcycle jacket. The Victory - Death or Glory can make any motorcycle rider the coolest bad-ass biker in an instant.

The TZ-R is Shoei's newest full-face model. Modeling after the successful RF-1000 series helmets in the area of aerodynamics the TZ-R is excellent at reducing noise. In addition, the TZ-R is a very comfortable helmet with a padded foam liner and chin strap. Although it is Shoei's lower-end helmet it is an excellent lid with exceptional value.

The Suomy (pronounced "Swa-me") Vandal sets itself apart from other helmets on several fronts. The Vandal is by far the best fitting helmet we have ever reviewed! The venting system is a bit different from most other helmets - using knobs instead of sliding vents.