The Dainese presentation at the 2008 Legend of the Motorcycle show was impressive, so I decided to check out their new D-Store in San Francisco.

The store was easy to get to and there was ample parking available -- a pleasant surprise, and most unexpected in San Francisco. The store front resembles an old garage.

After meeting some of the staff I started checking out the store and product line. The store's layout and organization caught my attention right away -- there were tables with products in cages underneath. This provides shoppers a place to put their gear and lay out the items they like, allowing for more relaxed shopping. Overall, I think the store is nicely arranged, and there is adequate room to maneuver around the racks (unlike many motorcycle stores I've visited).

Exotic motorcycles

There are exotic bikes on display around the store -- not for sale of course. Kind of makes me want to bring my bike in and park it at the end of one of the aisles... not that they'd let me.

Friendly Staff

The staff members are friendly and knowledgeable about the products and eager to help -- good gear isn't cheap, so this can be especially important to ensure that you find the correct size for a proper fit.

Accessories and Gloves

The accessories (including shirts, hats and backpacks) would make great gifts for any motorcycle enthusiast. There was a good selection of gloves with various sizes and colors of each style. I currently wear Dainese gloves and look forward to trying out a pair of the Ignition gloves.

Helmets

The Dainese helmets are high quality and the ones I tried on were very comfortable. The Jet touring model really does look like a fighter pilot helmet. Blue tooth is now available in some of the helmets.

Woman's Riding Gear

I saw a good selection of jackets, pants, and suits for women. The textile jackets would look good while on a date and provide protection when riding up front or as a passenger.

Boots and Shoes

Dainese has a wide variety of styles of boots and riding shoes. The boots area provided benches to try on different sizes and styles to find the right riding footwear.

Jackets and Leather Suits

The quality of the leather jackets, pants, and one piece suits is top notch. The leather is soft and supple, so it's comfortable on and off the motorcycle. The retro look of the Lucky Pelle was very cool. The selection of colors and sizes of jackets, pants and one piece suits was impressive. The quality of the Dainese products is obvious to the senses, whether by touch or by sight. The Laguna Seca Suit appeared to be of the highest quality, and when I tried on the new W-frame suit I was impressed with its high tech construction and comfortable fit.

Even if you can't ride like Valentino Rossi you can look like him with the Dainese Valentino Rossi replica gear including Jacket, helmet, boots, gloves or one piece suit.

They also have mountain bike, water craft, and snow gear in the store. There is something for just about everyone at the D-Store.

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, or are just visiting San Francisco, be sure to check out the Dainese D-Store -- you'll be glad you did. If you do visit, tell them Roadcarvin sent you!