If you, like me, are essentially a big kid with adult money (well, for various values of all of those things), then you may possibly be excited about Japanese motorcycle gear maker Kushitani's latest collaboration. Excited, and maybe also slightly disappointed, but we'll get to that in a sec.
First, the good stuff: Strict-G has teamed up with Kushitani to offer a special Gundam moto collection, which giant robo fans almost anywhere in the world can buy directly from the official Bandai online store.
If you like the designs of the apparel and waist bags (which you could easily also wear as a crossbody, if you like) on offer, that's great news, right? But if you, like me, were hoping that when you heard the magic name 'Kushitani' was involved, there would also be actual Gundam motorcycle protective gear in the collection, then I'm sorry to have to disappoint you.
It's possible there will be additional items introduced to the collection in the coming months. But as it is, the collection right now seems to only consist of hoodies, polos, gaiters, t-shirts, and a couple of waist bags. They're nice-looking, don't get me wrong. And I'm sure you could easily wear them on your motorcycle, though preferably paired with proper protective gear over the top in the event of a crash.
Thing is, when you say 'Kushitani,' as a motorsport enthusiast (never mind the fact that I'm also a motorcycle rider), I kind of expect actual motorcycle protective gear. Or maybe at least a dirt bike jersey, like they did the last time there was Kushitani Gundam gear.
Now, as I recently (and happily) mentioned, Shoei is actually giving the US market its rad AF Gundam helmet designs on the RF-1400. To which I say, "THAT'S GREAT, KEEP GOING!" And in my head, I kind of hear it in the disembodied voice of that overenthusiastic announcer guy from the Dance Dance Revolution game series, when you start to goof up your steps, and he's trying to get you to not fail the song.
But can you imagine how cool Gundam designs worked into motorcycle leathers could be? I think there's a way to do it where if you're a Gundam fan, you will immediately recognize how amazingly cool it looks (and be in on the joke) but so that even if you don't know what you're looking at, you'll just think you're looking at a badass set of leathers.
So, I have to ask: Why aren't you making this kind of gear, Kushitani? Or heck, since the folks who own the Neon Genesis Evangelion (or Shin Seiki Evangelion, if you're nasty) IP seem to have absolutely no problem licensing the rights to Eva stuff for any and every occasion, why can't Kushitani or RS Taichi or someone do up some properly cool Evangelion-themed moto leathers?
Do the right sort of designs, and I know there are fans who would buy them. Good design is key, but there's a reason why the Loungefly model of making cool designs based on our favorite animated properties, aimed at adults, regularly sells well. (Editor's Note: I'd 100% buy an Eva Unit 01 set of leathers.)
I don't even have to go to a theme park to see folks wearing Loungefly backpacks; I can see them just about any time I like on public transit, or walking down city streets anywhere, or in the airports I frequent an awful lot these days. Seriously, take a look around you next time you're in a big group of random people! You'll probably spot at least one!
And while I know that Loungefly has a more universal appeal than specialized motorcycle gear based on animated properties might have, it's still a pretty good case study in how those of us who were hit hard in the heart by animated things at a young age still love it when we actually grow up and can buy ourselves a little treat now and then.
If someone's ready to plunk down Shoei RF-1400 money on a Gundam or Hatsune Miku helmet, I am reasonably certain those same folks would love to do the same for good, protective moto gear that continues those themes from the anime properties they love. For heaven's sake, Suzuki keeps teaming up with Capcom for Street Fighter-themed moto wraps, so I'd think some intrepid moto gear maker would already have jumped on this train.
C'mon, what are you waiting for? Dainese ain't gonna make a Soryu Asuka Langley one-piece red leather moto suit ... at least, I don't think they will.
Gallery: Strict-G x Kushitani Gundam Moto Collection
