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REVIEW: SHIFT Tempest SS Waterproof Jacket

Quality, protection and style all in one

By Tricia Szulewski
11/11/2009

When Yamaha invited me to test its new FZ6R last winter, naturally I began shopping for the right apparel coordinates to match the sizzling graphics on the sporty bodywork. The slimming style and feminine tribal graphics adorning SHIFT's Tempest SS women's motorcycle jacket looked like the perfect fit.
The articulated design and reflective piping look great with the sporty feminine curves and graphics of the Yamaha FZ6R that Tricia reviewed.
The articulated design and reflective piping look great with the sporty feminine curves and graphics of the Yamaha FZ6R that Tricia reviewed.

When the nylon jacket arrived, I was impressed with the quality and style, but worried about its ability to keep me warm enough in the cool northern California climate I'd be riding in. The removable, polyester, quilted vest liner is pretty thin and doesn't cover the arms, so I decided to let out the waist adjustments, and add a few extra layers of clothing for the 140-mile trek.

Tricia models the SHIFT Tempest jacket.
Tricia models the SHIFT Tempest jacket.

This jacket is built with safety in mind. It features removable, CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows, and an integrated pocket for a back protector. There's an internal zipper on the rear bottom for connecting to a pair of pants, but no matching pants are available at this time. 3M reflective material adorns the entire length of the sleeves and back, and appears on the back of the collar as well.

The 100 percent polyester main body fabric hides removable CE approved EVO-Lady shoulder and elbow armor.
The 100 percent polyester main body fabric hides removable CE approved EVO-Lady shoulder and elbow armor.

The swooped back helps keep wind from chilling your lower back, while integrating a pocket for back protector armor.
The swooped back helps keep wind from chilling your lower back, while integrating a pocket for back protector armor.

The size L that I ordered fit pretty snuggly once I zipped in all my extra layers, but kept me warm, dry, and protected. The exterior zippered pockets and two upper torso vents are completely waterproof, as is the jacket shell. Two interior zippered pockets allow for lots of storage in front, under the chest. The Tempest's collar is extra soft on the interior, uses a small flat magnet instead of a hard-to-use snap or Velcro, and provides just the right amount of coverage to keep air from finding its way down the neck. Generously sized Velcro sleeves cinch at the cuffs for a good fit at the wrists.

Three snap adjustments and waterproof zippered pleats make the waist adjustable.
Three snap adjustments and waterproof zippered pleats make the waist adjustable.

At the press launch for the FZ6R, I scored extra points for being the best dressed. More importantly, I can wear the Tempest confidently knowing that not only do I look good, but I'm also well protected. The SHIFT Tempest SS Waterproof Jacket retails for $179.95. Visit ShiftRacing.com or call 888.826.5143 for more information.

About the Author
Tricia Szulewski has maintained the woman rider's perspective in RoadBike magazine for the past 10 years. As the magazine's art director and staff writer, Trish feels incredibly fortunate to have a career that combines both her passions - art and motorcycles. She became a certified MSF instructor in 2008, and logs thousands of miles each year on anything that shows up in the company stable. Her favorite riding partner is her wife Mary, who keeps up on her Suzuki Bandit 1200S. They live in Bethel, Connecticut, with Trish's year-old daughter, Kaia. You can find some of Trish's bike reviews, adventures, product evaluations, and more at RoadBikeMag.com.

Related Articles:
REVIEW: Frugal & Fun: 2009 Yamaha FZ6R



Reader Comments


Hi Tricia,
I love the look and it looks sharp on you, so my question is, what size do you wear normally? I would probably need an XL - and are those knit cuffs?


Heidi Roy
Hamilton, ON, Canada
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Editor Response
Response from Tricia:
The cuffs are made with a generously-sized Velcro tab closure.

I can usually wear a L, or a roomy XL. I'm busty, so the XL gives me more room in that area. But I often chose a Large, knowing that the tighter fit will look more flattering in photos. But even at a Large, I can manage a few thin layers under the Tempest with the back pad removed, giving me enough cold-weather warmth. Unfortunately, my Gerbing heated liner is too thick to fit comfortably.
I got one of Shift's Envy Jackets last spring and my favorite characteristic is the torso length. Most female jackets creep up my back once I'm in riding position, but the Shift jacket keeps my lower back safe from rash and sunburn.

Leah Petersen
NYC, NY
Monday, November 16, 2009

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