DriRider’s Nordic 2 pants are a great addition to our motorcycle kit bag, especially when touring or adventure bike riding. That’s exactly what we had in mind for them, with a CFMOTO launch on the radar, as well as a road trip with mates.
These two events were the perfect opportunity to spend some time in the pants and get a few thousand kilometres of testing in at the same time. They saw plenty of action on the tarmac, as well as the rigors of dirt trail riding and river crossings.
There was even a torrential downpour and pounding heavy rain, but more on that later. The Nordic 2 pants are designed as a hybrid touring offering, with an outer shell constructed from 600D polyester, nylon dobby matte and premium cowhide leather.
There is also CE armour in the knees and hips for additional safety and a connection zip so you can join the pants to your chosen DriRider jacket. For added comfort and warmth, there is a removable waterproof/thermal liner as well.
There are also two thigh vents for additional air flow, which can be easily opened via a zip in each location. To assist with fit, there are stretch panels in the crotch, waist and knees, as well dual waist adjustment.
This last one is great for a little extra tightening or loosening, depending on how many pies you had for lunch. While the Nordic 2 pants fit well, you can tell that this is dependent on body shape and proportions, particularly around the waist and hips.
Conditions on our test ride for the 800MT were quite barmy, so we had the chance to remove the liner and have the thigh vents open. We found the pants to be well ventilated and more than comfortable on the bike in the hotter conditions.
A few days later there was that trip with our mates, smack bang in the middle of Sydney’s big wet; well one of our joyous periods of rain anyway. On our way from the Blue Mountains to Bathurst we copped the lot – heavy rain and freezing cold temperatures.
Our Nordic 2 pants were up to the task and kept us reasonably dry, except for a little bit of water here and there. Due to their construction and the materials used, they dried overnight in our hotel room and were good to go the next morning. That’s impressive.
The DriRider pants come in just one colour (as tested) and retail for $279.95, with the connector zip costing an additional $19.95. The Nordic 2 pants are available in sizes from Small to 6XL.
They’re a really good option if you’re looking for a versatile, comfortable touring/adventure pant, and we’ll be packing them for our next adventure to Cape York. Check out the DriRider Nordic 2 pants at your nearest motorcycle accessory stockist.
Our test product was provided by DriRider Australia. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this product.
Pros – good quality touring at an affordable price; comfortable; rugged.
Cons – Could be tighter around the hips.
Thanks for your thoughts here. Is the removal liner thermal only? Ie are they waterproof without the thermal liner in? Thanks.
Hi Mark – to be honest we reviewed the pants from late March through to late July and most of our testing period was in the cold, hence we used the liner which helped with the waterproofing. Having previously owning a set of the se pants as well I can tell you that if it is just light intermediate rain and not to heavy the outer shell will keep you reasonably dry, however I would definitely use the liner for heavier rain conditions – hope this helps