Klim Tones it Down with New 626 Line
By Scotty No-Man
KLIM just released their latest line of riding apparel that may raise an eyebrow or two, but not really. And that’s the apparent point of the new 626 series. In a world where gimmicky motorcycle gear has become noticeably, over-processed, refined and flashy, consumer options have narrowed down to two choices: Black & padded or some combination of black with (or without) day-glow and padded. Translation: style and individualism are non-existent today. The last “new” thing we saw from KLIM was an Africa Twin logo thrown onto a black jacket an pant with an option for red trim.
The company that brought you the $1,500 Gore-Tex rally jacket has really broken from protocol this time and offered something more subdued. Okay, lets call it totally bland, a gimmick in and of itself. Sometimes blending in when you’re away from home is better than dressing up like a storm trooper or Power Ranger. I tend to love the idea: With a box-cutter and a few smears of used bearing grease, I can dress down to Mad Max or at least a version of Crazy Cooter; I can’t wait until KLIM releases a stonewash denim “bib” and removable-sleeves “coverall” version this summer. Seriously though, KLIM and most all of the US market, is mostly devoid of a vest or convertible-sleeves option for those of in warmer climates.
From a hard-core, purest perspective, this idea is brilliant but it may not appeal to the masses of white sheep out there. One would gather from the looks of this gear that instead of turning it up a notch with highly visible technical materials, colors & logos, designers went in the other direction and toned the 626 line down to appeal to a blue-collar, minimalist approach. So, rather than turning heads with a spiffy riding outfit when you arrive off a gravel county road into a small rural town on your next tour, you can blend right in and look like a local tradesman, engineer or union worker. Think Carhartt, except made in China.
The company that brought you the $1,500 Gore-Tex rally jacket has really broken from protocol this time and offered something more subdued. Okay, lets call it totally bland, a gimmick in and of itself. Sometimes blending in when you’re away from home is better than dressing up like a storm trooper or Power Ranger. I tend to love the idea: With a box-cutter and a few smears of used bearing grease, I can dress down to Mad Max or at least a version of Crazy Cooter; I can’t wait until KLIM releases a stonewash denim “bib” and removable-sleeves “coverall” version this summer. Seriously though, KLIM and most all of the US market, is mostly devoid of a vest or convertible-sleeves option for those of in warmer climates.
From a hard-core, purest perspective, this idea is brilliant but it may not appeal to the masses of white sheep out there. One would gather from the looks of this gear that instead of turning it up a notch with highly visible technical materials, colors & logos, designers went in the other direction and toned the 626 line down to appeal to a blue-collar, minimalist approach. So, rather than turning heads with a spiffy riding outfit when you arrive off a gravel county road into a small rural town on your next tour, you can blend right in and look like a local tradesman, engineer or union worker. Think Carhartt, except made in China.
626 Revener Jacket $529.99
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626 Drifter Jacket $299.99. |
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Rambler Glove $69.99
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