Held Titan Gloves- as worn by Gary Johnson, 2014 TT

Held Titan Gloves are probably the best gloves you can buy for track (and road!) use. Held gloves have won numerous awards, including 'best gloves' for many years on the trot from Motorrad Magazine, Europe's biggest selling motorcycling magazine. 

This very week Gary Johnson wore Held Titan Gloves when he won the Isle of Man Supersport TT on his Smiths Triumph. Gary was also wearing Held Titan Gloves when he had his crash at Ramsey Hairpin. Gaz is ok, a couple of broken bones. We were delighted to hear from him the next day, and in the Tweet (below) in which he described his Held gloves as 'unreal'. Thanks Gaz!

Held Titan Glove and Gary Johnson's Tweet

The Held Titan gloves are not cheap- RRP £249.99, but they simply are the best protection for your hands! If you do have an 'off', you'd probably want to be in the best gloves...

Here's the spec:

-Highly abrasion resistant Kangaroo leather outer, colour fast and sweat proof
Unlined
-Step seam construction to avoid pressure points and improve the 'feel' of the road
-Pre-formed crumple free palm
-Tunnel strap for a more comfortable wrist adjustment
-Visor wiper
-Carbon/GRP shells to protect side of hands and knuckles
-Knuckle shell with KEVLAR (branded fibre) ceramic polymer matrix coating
-Highly abrasion resistant Sting Ray leather panels backed with shock absorbing gel pads
-SUPROTECT special shock absorbing foam back and thumb
-Back, thumb, little and ring finger fully protected with KEVLAR

Here's some info:

The new Titan motorcycle racing gloves overcome the competition by fitting better, "outstanding" protection, excellent dexterity and a direct feel for the bike and road.

Titanium covered Carbon-fibre knuckle shells: The Carbon-Aramid shells are covered in Titanium for the best protection.

Side of hand reinforcement: Carbon-fibre shells with Sting Ray leather reinforcements keep your sides protected. 

Sting Ray leather innovation: Ball of thumb and knuckles are protected with highly abrasion resistant leather made from Sting Ray skins. These are backed with shock absorbing pads to ensure that a falling rider slides more easily and with less chance of fractured limbs.

Gary Johnson, IOM TT winner, using the visor wipe at 153mph!

 Safe construction: One of the most vulnerable parts of our hands are the little fingers which easily twist in an accident; As a result the Titan protects the little and the ring finger with KEVLAR all round and finger sleeves are slightly joined to reduce the risk of twisting (finger bridge).

Comfort all round: HELD use step seam machines when making the Titan gloves; Step seams mean there is no inner welt to the seam which creates a flatter surface with fewer pressure and abrasion points. And that gives you greater comfort and better control! In Europe, only HELD have the machinery to manufacture gloves with step seams. Real grip, astonishing control, amazing protection.

To see more about Held in the UK, and a list of UK Held retailers, please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Held wearer Tom Weeden's NW200 experience

Tom Weeden:  Vauxhall International North West 200

Tom Weeden, the 20 year old up and coming road racer from Maidstone, successfully completed his debut International NW200 last weekend in Northern Ireland. At only 20 years old Tom was the youngest entrant to the event and was keen to make an impression in the Supersport class in which he was entered on his own Triumph 675 machine.

Held wearer Tom Weeden

 
As a newcomer to the meeting Weeden was required to wear an orange bib for the practice sessions and had to complete 5 initial sighting laps behind an instructor to familiarise himself and the other newcomers with the 8.97 mile road circuit. Tom went out for his newcomers laps on Tuesday and set about making the most of the session to learn the circuit at slower than race speed. Once those 5 laps were over Weeden was straight out in first Supersport qualifying session. 

At higher speeds Tom instantly started to realise the bike had too much weight bias on the front tyre over the bumps of the NW200 circuit. He pulled in and made some changes to soften the rear and allow the bike to squat more to bring some weight to the rear and make the bike more comfortable to ride over the bumpy sections. Tom pulled in once more to make further adjustments before deciding he’d found a good setting and was ready to start putting some solid laps in. After a total of 6 laps, with only 3 being proper flying laps, Tom went 36th fastest out of the 49 riders in the Supersport class which he was relatively happy with considering it was his first ever time on the NW200 circuit and he had only completed 3 flying laps.

Tom Weeden- youngest NW200 competitor

Tom had a day off on Wednesday which he chose to use as day to see a bit of the Northern Irish coastline, taking the time to visit Joey’s Bar, the Joey / Robert  memorial gardens and Dunluce Castle. After his day off on Wednesday Weeden was back out on track on Thursday morning for the second of the two Supersport qualifying sessions prior to the first race that evening. 

Tom put a total of 8 laps in the session, with 4 off them being flying laps. He had pulled in to make a gearing change late in the session, but quickly realised this was a huge mistake as there was only 1 minute left in the session and he had lost the last chance of another flying lap. After realising his error he went straight back out to get 1 further lap in and decided to change the gearing prior to the first race. Live and learn. Weeden posted the 39th quickest time after knocking a further 5 seconds off of his 1st qualifying time. It was also in this session in which Tom posted his fastest recorded speed of the weekend at 164.2mph. 

The sun stayed out for the first Supersport race and it was  the perfect conditions for Tom to make his NW200 race debut in. From the front row of the third wave of riders Weeden made a great start and slotted behind Nuno Caetano going into Primrose Hill and the York hairpin. Tom got the drive coming out of the Mill Road Roundabout and got past in the slipstream before Station Corner. He kept his head down and tried to gap the riders behind him whilst they battled it out between them, unfortunately one rider tagged on to Tom as they broke away from the field behind.  Irish roads regular Sam Wilson passed Tom mid race and gapped him as Weeden made a mistake on one of the corners, losing the slip stream in doing so.  

Tom started to draw him back in, putting his fastest lap on the last lap of the race in the process but just wasn’t close enough at the end of the 6 lap race, crossing the line half a second behind Wilson. On the corrected time Tom had finished 24th out of 49 starters which he was over the moon with considering it was his first ever race at the International NW200 and it was a grid where any of the top 15 were potential race winners. 

Tom had another off day on Friday, and after ensuring the bike was fully prepared for the race on Saturday both Tom and his Father/Mechanic Steve went on a cultured tour arranged by the circuit pastors. They took in a few sites and stops along the tour and learnt a bit about the history of the beautiful Irish coastline. The tour culminated in a beef carvery at the Lodge Hotel which certainly set Tom right for the race the following day, a great day was had by all and the team would like to express their thanks for the invite.

Tom Weeden- one to watch!

The Final Supersport race on Saturday was fortunately the first race of the day at 10.30 in the morning. Tom was pleased with this as it meant he didn’t have to cope with the butterflies all day and could just get out and get the job done. Weeden awoke early on Saturday to overcast skies, very much a contrast to the weather they had been blessed with for the previous week. 

There had been a few showers prior to the start of the race which made tyre choice the talk of the grid. Weeden decided to run full intermediate tyres as he knew the Dunlop inter would last the race whether wet or dry. It seemed he’d made the perfect decision after 3 or so laps. Tom had made a brilliant start again from the front row of the 3rd wave of riders and set about finding where the grip was and more importantly where it wasn’t. He quickly separated himself from the rest of the pack and was exactly where he wanted to be in those kinds of conditions – with clear track in front of him. 

The track seemed to be drying and playing into Tom’s hands however after the 4th lap the rain started to come down heavier, playing more into the hands of the riders who went for at least a full wet front tyre. Weeden had a few “wake me up” moments, out of the seat on the exit of Metropole on one lap which assured Tom he should take a step back and ride for the finish. Running no pit board he had no idea what position he was in but maintained his consistency in a somewhat lonely race. That was until the red flags came out on the exit of Mathers Chicane on the 5th lap where an incident between the two race leaders, Alastair Seeley and Lee Johnston at Metropole caused the race to be finalised after the 5th lap. That placed Tom in 20th position on corrected times, which he was more than happy with.

All in all the week went exactly as planned, Weeden taking his time to learn the circuit and get up to pace before securing two solid top 25 finishes on a very strong International grid at the first attempt.

Tom now has his sights on going out to the Isle of Man for the TT on his road bike to get some more laps in prior to his second visit to the Manx GP this year. 



Held UK are pleased to support Tom Weeden. To see more about Held please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

British Electric Motorcycle Land Speed Record set by Held wearers

SAIETTA AND DARVILL RACING SET THE FIRST BRITISH ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE LAND SPEED RECORD

Saietta R demonstrates top performance and sets benchmark for electric road motorcycles:

The first British Electric Motorcycle Land Speed Record set by Saietta and Darvill Racing – a British made motorcycle and a British race team. 

New British Land Speed Record for Darvill Racing and Saietta

The Record was set at British National Records event at Elvington Airfield In Yorkshire on 17th May 2014.

Darvill Racing, a British racing team, have been successfully racing since 1960s and is now enjoying a resurgence.

Saietta R is one of the world’s leading British premium electric urban sports motorcycle brands, designed and made in London.

British electric urban sports motorcycle brand, Saietta R, in partnership with Darvill Racing, made history today by setting the first ACU sanctioned British Land Speed Record for electric motorcycles for the ‘Yorkshire Mile’ at British National Records event at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire. Saietta R production model achieved its top speed of 101 mph when it made the record. Agility Motors has designed the Saietta R from the ground up, with the mission to create the most rewarding urban sports motorcycle experience and is developing a race bike model which will achieve record-setting speeds.

Well done!! 


To see The Held range of motorcycle equipment and clothing please click here

Held Waterproof roll-bags, from under £30!

Who said motorcycle luggage had to be functional but ultimately dull?! Our whole range of roll bags is great: Practical, stylish, waterproof. These are the roll bags that you can bungee on the back of the bike. The opening is on one end, a bit like a sailor's duffle bag. The closure follows the same principle: You roll the opening over the top of itself, buckle it down and the bag is waterproof against rain and driving spray.

Held motorcycle roll bags

They are available in red or black and come in different sizes:

Size options:

• Size 40 litres: Approx. 90 cms long, 25-30cms diameter (RRP £29.99)
• Size 60 litres: Approx. 100 cms long, 30-35cms diameter (RRP £34.99)
• Size 90 litres: Approx. 95 cms long, 40-45cms diameter (RRP £39.99)

Tech Spec:

• Waterproof motorcycle luggage from Held
• 100% waterproof Tarpaulin
• Welded seams
• Waterproof navy-style roll top closure
• Great looking!

If you want to view our collection online please click here

For a list of Held dealers in the UK please click here

One piece look from a two piece suit- Held Yagusa

If you love the look, fit and safety of one-piece motorcycle leathers but often wish they could 'split' in the middle for convenience then the Held Yagusa is worth a look!

It's a race-spec two piece suit, based on Held's famous 'Slade' one-piece suit- as seen at race circuits and on the roads!

The Held Yagusa- in Black, Black/White, Black/White/Red RRP £899.99

The Yagusa is priced at £899.99 and offers excellent value for money. Take a look at the features:

Outer shell
• kangaroo leather (approx. 40%) / cowhide

Lining
• 3D comfort foam (100% polyester)
• breathable mesh inner lining (100% polyester)

Fit/features
• 2 inner pockets
• KEVLAR stretch panels at arm, crotch & back of knee
• stretch leather panels at knees, back & shoulders
• knee sliders
• front air-vent zipper
• cuff in stretch material

Protection
• EN 1621-1 CE-approved SAS-TEC 3D
shoulder & elbow protectors
• exclusive EN 1621-1 CE-approved Held cloverleaf SAS-TEC knee protectors
• titanium protectors on shoulders, elbows & knees
• double stitched
• KEVLAR stretch panels at under- and inner arms, crotch & calves
• double leather reinforcement on seat
• optional austauschbar mit CE Protektor Art. 9316
• EN 1621-1 approved SAS-TEC 3D protection on hips
• EN 1621-2 CE-approved SAS-TEC back protector
• SAS-TEC coccyx protection
• Velcro for optional breast protector, art. 9280
• hard plastic reinforcement at forearm
‘engineered by Skill Skin track performance’

Sizes
48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60
only in black 01 in stocky: 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
only in black 01 and black-white 14 in slim:
98, 102, 106, 110, 114

The Held Yagusa two piece motorcycle leather suit

With words such as 'Kangaroo', 'Kevlar',  'Titanium' and 'SAS-TEC' you can already see the value for money. The feel and fit of the suit as well oozes quality and is super comfortable. The jacket and trousers zip together to complete the one-piece feel. It's great though to be able to take the jacket off if you need to!!

To see the Yagusa in our online catalogue you'll need flash player and to navigate to page 24 here

For a list of UK stockists of Held please click here

The Held Slade suit- one piece perfection...

The Held 1-Piece leather motorcycle race suit 'Slade'- as seen at the British Superbikes! (and on UK roads too ;) ).  40% Kangaroo leather and 60% cowhide: together this makes for less overall weight. Titanium protective inserts on shoulders, elbows & knees. Perforated leather front. Integral 2-piece SAS-Tec back protection, as well as SAS-Tec protection on hips, shoulder, elbows and knees. 3D comfort airtec lining and front venting panel for the paddock time, or walking around at bike meets. 

Slade one-piece leather motorcycle suit from Held- RRP £899.99

 
Outer shell
 
• kangaroo leather (approx. 40%) / cowhide
Lining
• 3D comfort foam (100% polyester)
• breathable mesh inner lining (100% polyester)

Fit/features

• 2 inner pockets
• schoeller KEVLAR stretch panels at arm, crotch & back of knee
• stretch leather panels at knees, back & shoulders
• perforated leather panels
• aerodynamic racing hump
• knee sliders
• front air-vent zipper
• cuff in stretch material

8 times World Champion Phil Read in his Held Slade suit

 Protection
 
• EN 1621-1 CE-approved SAS-TEC 3D shoulder & elbow protectors
• exclusive EN 1621-1 CE-approved Held cloverleaf SAS-TEC knee protectors
• EN 1621-1 approved SAS-TEC 3D protection on hips
• EN 1621-2 CE-approved SAS-TEC back protector
• certified coccyx protector
• titanium protectors on shoulders, elbows & knees
• double stitched
• KEVLAR stretch panels at under- and inner arms, crotch & calves
• double leather reinforcement on seat
• optional austauschbar mit CE Protektor Art. 9316
• Velcro for optional breast protector, art. 9280
• hard plastic reinforcement at forearm
‘engineered by Skill Skin track performance'

Colours
 
black
black-red
black-white
black-fluorescent yellow

Or why not try our made to measure service if you're in the UK? Choose your own spec, colours, have numbers / names put on.. email guy@held-uk.co.uk if you want to know more!

For more information on Held Rider Equipment and a list of stockists please visit www.held-uk.co.uk

Super ladies textile motorcycle jacket

The Held Tamira motorcycle jacket for ladies

For several seasons the Held Hakuna adventure riding jacket has been a best seller for men. This is the ladies version. The jacket has a removable inner lining that is both waterproof/breathable and thermally insulated. With that lining zipped in, the jacket is waterproof and defends you against rain and wind-chill. Take it out, however, and you have a superb summer touring jacket with plenty of air vents. Multiple outer pockets make this practical for border crossings and the French motorways. The waterproof inner lining can be stuffed easily into a large pocket situated on the outer lower back panel. The back offers a protector pocket that can be upgraded with CE Level 2 armour from the Held range. RRP £269.99

Held Tamira ladies motorcycle jacket - rear view

Features: 

• 500D Polyamide
• Removable waterproof, breathable & insulated inner lining
• CoolMax mesh lining with 3D Air-Mesh panels
• 4 outer pockets and one external stuff pocket for the lining (back)
• 2 inner pockets & 1 mobile pocket (not suitable for Smart Phones)
• Airflow zippers on forearms, chest and back
• Adjustable waist belt
• SAS-Tec Level 1 shoulder & elbow armour
• Double sleeve adjustment

To see a list of Held Dealers in the UK click here

To see the rest of the Held range in our 

online catalogue click here