New product: BMW ComfortShell jacket

I'm only 172cm tall and weigh about 96kg (with precious little sign of improvement), so I'm hardly a walking coat hanger like Greg Norman.

So when someone says (well, the receptionist at the Bikesales Network) that I look "fetching" in something, I listen.

And she wasn't referring to my new tight-fitting check shirt, but the motorcycle jacket I was wearing - BMW's new ComfortShell.

I first used the jacket at the national media launch for the F 800 R in Brisbane, in what was an atypical winter's day in southern Queensland - 37.5 degrees.

Yep, a scorcher in anyone's language, but I can honestly say I didn't melt after opening the four water-resistant vent zips (two on the front and two on the rear) to provide some air flow.

The water and windproof ComfortShell, which is available in black, blue and red, is made from wear-resistant elastic Dyantec as a three-layer laminate.

A co-operative effort with Swiss textiles specialist Schoeller has led to the development of a new 'smart' membrane, c_change, which adapts pore size to ambient temperature for "on demand" control of breathability.

I'll let BMW elaborate further: "In much the same way as fir cones open up when the weather is warm and close again as temperature drops, this suit "breathes" in summer and insulates the wearer when the weather turns cold.

"The c_change membrane also evinces a degree of elasticity that has enabled BMW Motorrad to produce a fully elastic outer material."

Since I've returned back to Victoria, I've worn the ComfortShell in some very cold weather and I'll have to endorse BMW's claims.

Sure, I've had to wear a jumper underneath the jacket for extra warmth, but that's to be expected. And it's nice not having a bulky inner lining to worry about taking in and out as the weather conditions change. That makes it a practical and stress-free jacket for 365 days of the year.

The sleeves can also be adjusted tight so gloves seamlessly fit over the top.

The ComfortShell has removable protectors at the shoulders, elbows, back and hips and knees. And the protectors have maximum impact-absorbing properties rather than cheap and brittle plastic.

There is also reflective material on both sleeves, and you have to look closely to realise it's a BMW garment: there is only a small discreet BMW logo on it.

There are four pockets - two water-resistant outers and two waterproof inners.

The retail price for the ComfortShell is $1180. There are also matching pants available for $805.

Contact your local BMW dealer to try them on.

In the meantime, I'll keep wearing mine and report back in a couple of months, where I'll also touch on tips for keeping the jacket in pristine condition.