Portland-based Icon Motorsports traditionally makes in-your-face riding gear with a strong street hooligan vibe. But their Icon 1000 label walks a slightly different path. That apparel is much stealthier, riding the line between casual and aggressive?but always functional.
For this review, I’ve put some miles into Icon 1000’s big value Nightbreed range: a jacket, pants and gloves.

Icon 1000 Nightbreed jacket ($215) Styled very much like a technical softshell jacket, the Nightbreed is the stealthiest moto jacket in my closet. But it doesn’t just look casual?it feels casual too. Icon have used a stretch nylon for the chassis, which not only makes the Nightbreed really comfy to wear, but also makes it extremely flexible when you’re on the bike. Even though it’s a light fabric, Icon claim that the stretch nylon is abrasion resistant?but they’ve also used a tougher, non-stretch nylon in key impact areas. Plus there’s removable D30 armor at the shoulders, elbows and back too.

Despite the added protection, the overall aesthetic is minimalistic and muted. Icon 1000’s branding is barely noticeable, and the only visible zips are the main closure, two hand warmer pockets and two zips on the chest. Those chest zips are actually vents, and there are sneaky two-way zippers at the ends of the sleeves that add extra adjustable ventilation. They work fairly well on hotter days?but a simple vent across the back would be a nice addition.
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