Spidi Furious Tex Jeans Review
Since the heyday of motorcycling’s humble beginnings in the early part of the 20th Century, denim has earned recognition besides leather as a rider’s choice of pants. Following World War II, denim truly took off, becoming a staple in most urban situations where riders wanted more than ever to simply look cool on their bikes.
Much of this trend was spearheaded by Levi Strauss & Co., the San Francisco firm that sold its first blue jean in 1873, and began spreading them to places beyond the West in 1949. Marlon Brando wore a pair of Levis in the 1953 hit “The Wild One,” as he rode his 1950 Triumph Thunderbird 6T, and the trend truly began, reaching every suburb of America.
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Though cool, protection wasn’t truly there, especially as motorcycles and their tires advanced—something that equated to speed. By the 21st Century, many manufacturers were in competition to build riding jeans that not only provided comfort, but also protection. Kevlar eventually became to go-to fabric, along with polyester fabrics blended with cotton for both strength and comfort.
Spidi was founded back in 1977 and, by 1979, attracted the interest of some serious riders, including one of America’s most renowned motorcycle racers—the first-ever American to win a Grand Prix title, Kenny Roberts. The Vicenza, Italy based company used this racing experience to design its urban clothes, and the Furious Flex is one of the top offerings in its urban pants lineup.
Marketed for “touring, sport and street bike use,” the Spidi Furious Tex are lightweight, weighing less than a pound. For added protection over the trouser material itself, the Furious Tex jeans arrive with adjustable CE-certified Miltitech knee protectors, and CE-certified padding in the hips.
The jeans have a straight-fit, with bottom openings that aren’t too tight and fit over high riding boots and the modern-day urban riding shoes such as the Fly Racing M16.
Since receiving them, I have about 1000 miles of riding, mostly urban mixed with some spirited miles on the twisties. Riding everything from a Honda CBR1000RR to a Ducati Multistrada to the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress bagger, the Spidi jeans provided endless comfort.
Due to the jeans’ basic construction, when riding for over 30 minutes in anything over 85 degrees or so you’ll get the typical hotness associated with riding jeans, but not nearly as hot as jeans created from Kevlar, which is naturally thicker and weighs more. My solution was simply wearing some hot-weather base layers, something that I’ve grown accustomed to over the years when riding in any situation.
The Spidi Furious Tex feature typical zipper fly and button, and the typical five pockets, including the tiny change pocket on the right side for smaller items. Also, the jean features a ring for a carabiner attachment on the front-right belt loop, which aided for many things, including a stainless steel bourbon cup in downtown Sturgis.
As for fit, I wear a 34” in most American jeans, but since these are Italian, I was advised to go with a 36; the size was perfect, and allowed me to cuff the bottoms for the look that’s been trending since the Brando days of motorcycling.
For added visibility, the Furious Tex feature two white Spidi logos on the outside of the thighs that are reflective and add visibility at night. During the day, also, the blue wash I wore had a shininess that I initially frowned upon, but it does look good in photos taken of me at the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 launch in Sturgis.
Spidi Furious Tex Jeans Fast Facts
Colors: Three shades of blue, plus black (two with logo, two without)
Sizes: 28-40 US
Spidi Furious Tex Jeans Price: $240
Spidi Furious Tex Jeans Review – Photo Gallery
