What kit do you ride in?
Discussion
I need to replace most of my kit. Had a 5/6 year absence until last year, and all of it is probably from about 2011/12!
I'm now on a V Strom 1050 so don't that the full leather really works, not least with the riding position so need to work out what to get. I'm not commuting so don't think I'll buy laminated, I've looked at what's on offer and struggle to see past a 3/4 season adventure jacket at least as id like something that could go down to single figures but cope with high summer temps too. Im looking in the £250-£350 bracket. I've looked at textile pants but not sure if I just feel more secure in leather bottoms and just pack a pair for waterproofs .
Helmet won't be peaked or a flip as I don't want the sail in the wind feeling.
Boots need to be waterproof, don't need to be racing or ADV boots.
What I'm amazed with, is how many options there are now. Hoodies, shirts, jeans, combats, trainers and all armoured/made for riding. I suspect they're no good for long distance or riding fast but it's good to see more options.
What are your recommendations and what do you like to ride in?
I'm now on a V Strom 1050 so don't that the full leather really works, not least with the riding position so need to work out what to get. I'm not commuting so don't think I'll buy laminated, I've looked at what's on offer and struggle to see past a 3/4 season adventure jacket at least as id like something that could go down to single figures but cope with high summer temps too. Im looking in the £250-£350 bracket. I've looked at textile pants but not sure if I just feel more secure in leather bottoms and just pack a pair for waterproofs .
Helmet won't be peaked or a flip as I don't want the sail in the wind feeling.
Boots need to be waterproof, don't need to be racing or ADV boots.
What I'm amazed with, is how many options there are now. Hoodies, shirts, jeans, combats, trainers and all armoured/made for riding. I suspect they're no good for long distance or riding fast but it's good to see more options.
What are your recommendations and what do you like to ride in?
Edited by Chicken Chaser on Saturday 15th February 21:32
I’ve got Rokker everything boots (or Styl Martin “Indian Laces”), several different jeans, lovely cafe racer jacket, gloves for my R1.
For the Tenere I’ve a new set of Fuel rally raid style stuff with matching gloves. It’s blue and great and matches the bike. Forma ADV boots.
Helmets - I’ve 8 Rossi reps plus a Bell that matches the Fuel gear.
I take my biking fashion very seriously. I am very sad.
And I missed the important bit - I don’t use leather stuff apart from sometime the jackets. Modern aramids and armour are very good now, not to mention much more comfortable. You can even get waterproof jeans. They make touring on the continent a lot nicer and more comfortable- get off to visit something interesting or have lunch and you aren’t sat or walking round sweltering in a baggy arsed gimp suit.
For the Tenere I’ve a new set of Fuel rally raid style stuff with matching gloves. It’s blue and great and matches the bike. Forma ADV boots.
Helmets - I’ve 8 Rossi reps plus a Bell that matches the Fuel gear.
I take my biking fashion very seriously. I am very sad.
And I missed the important bit - I don’t use leather stuff apart from sometime the jackets. Modern aramids and armour are very good now, not to mention much more comfortable. You can even get waterproof jeans. They make touring on the continent a lot nicer and more comfortable- get off to visit something interesting or have lunch and you aren’t sat or walking round sweltering in a baggy arsed gimp suit.
Edited by Dog Star on Saturday 15th February 21:52
I've got a secondhand aerostich road crafter and I absolutely love it. The difference having an all in one that you can put on over whatever you're wearing and then take off and leave in a pannier or locked to your bike when you get to your destination is massive for me. Makes taking the bike seem like much less of a faff when you don't have to spend 15 minutes getting your gear on. The fact it's properly waterproof is another gamechanger just don't have to worry if it starts raining when I'm out. Definitely the best non bike biking thing I've bought. It's absolutely not the coolest item of clothing and doesn't suit my sports bikes image wise but I really don't care about that.
You could have a look at https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... This covers most angles and might pre-empt the usual argument. My input is in Picture A Day about the same time, along the lines of...
Helmet: HJC, seem best value for flip up integrated visor
Textiles: Richa, only brand I have found with a three layer shortish jacket. Covers zero degrees through to thirty plus
Boots: AlpineStars, because they were on sale
Gloves: See boots, but not their 365 as they're really only summer gloves.
Clothing can be seen as an opportunity. Like some gear but don't have the bike? Buy the gear and then get the bike to go with it. Doesn't have to be the other way around.
Helmet: HJC, seem best value for flip up integrated visor
Textiles: Richa, only brand I have found with a three layer shortish jacket. Covers zero degrees through to thirty plus
Boots: AlpineStars, because they were on sale
Gloves: See boots, but not their 365 as they're really only summer gloves.
Clothing can be seen as an opportunity. Like some gear but don't have the bike? Buy the gear and then get the bike to go with it. Doesn't have to be the other way around.
Boots: Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex Boots, ~£200 and for me an all year round boot that doesn't look too ott.
RST X Kevlar Tech Pro CE Jeans for everyday commuting (only 11 miles), good level of protection (per motocap) for what they are.
Don't look too bad in the 'office' if I'm just doing a day of Teams tedium and can't be arsed to change.
And a pair of ladies (it's for the hip pads honest) Rab Kangri GTX Gore-tex hiking over-trousers. Full length zips, so dead easy to get on/off over gear. On sale at bargain £80. Genuine best buy, pretty tight on legs so not flappy but sufficient on the hips, totally waterproof to date.
RST X Kevlar Tech Pro CE Jeans for everyday commuting (only 11 miles), good level of protection (per motocap) for what they are.
Don't look too bad in the 'office' if I'm just doing a day of Teams tedium and can't be arsed to change.
And a pair of ladies (it's for the hip pads honest) Rab Kangri GTX Gore-tex hiking over-trousers. Full length zips, so dead easy to get on/off over gear. On sale at bargain £80. Genuine best buy, pretty tight on legs so not flappy but sufficient on the hips, totally waterproof to date.
Edited by J__Wood on Sunday 16th February 07:42
Edited by J__Wood on Sunday 16th February 08:02
Shoei Neotec flip-front lid, Oxford goretex-a-like laminated jacket and trousers, TCX Touring goretex boots, a Keis heated vest, and at this time of year, some Dainese winter gloves. And some 3M yellow foam earplugs, which I buy in a big box of about 80 pairs every year or two. All works well for me.
I have a Richa laminated "Universal" jacket, and AAA rated jeans. All with ghost armour. Then TCX ankle high leather boots that are a bit like walking boots.
I can wear this to the office or walking around town. And don't commute when it's really raining.
I like laminated over a drop lining because it is thinner so feels more natural off the bike. The Richa wasn't particularly expensive and it's great when it does rain. Never got wet.
I upgraded to level 2 armour and a back protector for the jacket for longer rides, which I just leave in there.
I also got Oxford laminated textile trousers for touring. These did leak at the crotch in a day touring in really bad rain, but I couldn't be arsed to take them back, and left it too long. They are great normally for the commute or getting caught out in a. Shower. Also lighter weight.
Problem with laminated gear is that on hot days it's windproof so ventilation can be an issue.
I am going to get a plain leather jacket this year for the summer and wear it with jeans. And probably buy new boots that go up the calf but without being too racy.
I am using Richa Atlantic leather / goretex gloves all year round. They are great. Never leaked. With heated grips always warm enough. But they are a bit sweaty in summer. So need some more ventilated leather gloves for summer.
In the 2000's all my stuff looked either chunky textiles like the Michelin man or like a frikking power ranger in lesther... Hein Gericke "Sports" Leathers... black with blue and white flashes
So more plain gear available now is much nicer in my 40's!!
I can wear this to the office or walking around town. And don't commute when it's really raining.
I like laminated over a drop lining because it is thinner so feels more natural off the bike. The Richa wasn't particularly expensive and it's great when it does rain. Never got wet.
I upgraded to level 2 armour and a back protector for the jacket for longer rides, which I just leave in there.
I also got Oxford laminated textile trousers for touring. These did leak at the crotch in a day touring in really bad rain, but I couldn't be arsed to take them back, and left it too long. They are great normally for the commute or getting caught out in a. Shower. Also lighter weight.
Problem with laminated gear is that on hot days it's windproof so ventilation can be an issue.
I am going to get a plain leather jacket this year for the summer and wear it with jeans. And probably buy new boots that go up the calf but without being too racy.
I am using Richa Atlantic leather / goretex gloves all year round. They are great. Never leaked. With heated grips always warm enough. But they are a bit sweaty in summer. So need some more ventilated leather gloves for summer.
In the 2000's all my stuff looked either chunky textiles like the Michelin man or like a frikking power ranger in lesther... Hein Gericke "Sports" Leathers... black with blue and white flashes
So more plain gear available now is much nicer in my 40's!!I have never understood those who feel certain types of bike require certain types of kit. Kit is there to protect you from accidents and from the weather. Hitting tarmac at 30mph is the same regardless of the bike you were just riding. Getting soaked by a downpour is the same on a 125 learner bike as an adventure bikes or a sports bike.
I wear what's comfortable and what does the job. Most of the time that's 2 piece full zip together m2m leathers. I put on a light 2 piece rain suit when need to keep dry.
I wear Drayton Gore Tex boots and either BKS gloves or Held Gore Tex gloves if I think it's going to rain.
That kit is used whatever bike I'm riding.
I wear what's comfortable and what does the job. Most of the time that's 2 piece full zip together m2m leathers. I put on a light 2 piece rain suit when need to keep dry.
I wear Drayton Gore Tex boots and either BKS gloves or Held Gore Tex gloves if I think it's going to rain.
That kit is used whatever bike I'm riding.
m2m hideout 99% except when its being washed
backed up with a halvarrsons set
standalone Knox safety vest that doubles up as a summer mesh vest
flip lid, daytona boots - keep meaning to go to altberg and get some m2m boots but its just a faf easier to mail order daytonas when they wear out
various underlayers not necessarily motorcycle branded as they are £££ over standard hiking shop stuff
various glove brands - like held but a bit costly these days
heated gear for when its below 10 (an age thing) - i have several sets on rotation
backed up with a halvarrsons set
standalone Knox safety vest that doubles up as a summer mesh vest
flip lid, daytona boots - keep meaning to go to altberg and get some m2m boots but its just a faf easier to mail order daytonas when they wear out
various underlayers not necessarily motorcycle branded as they are £££ over standard hiking shop stuff
various glove brands - like held but a bit costly these days
heated gear for when its below 10 (an age thing) - i have several sets on rotation
For winter I have the Rakia Nivaldo, it’s expensive at about £2,500 but it was the best I could find and it comes with a thermal inner and even in the recent freezing weather it is warm….to the point that I thought my Ducati heated grips had stopped working as my hands were getting cold….it was that cold out but the rest of me was warm.
In summer I wear Rokker jeans with a leather jacket.
Use quality gloves and quality boots.
Helmet is Shoei neotech 2 and I have a 3 as well but prefer the 2.
In summer I wear Rokker jeans with a leather jacket.
Use quality gloves and quality boots.
Helmet is Shoei neotech 2 and I have a 3 as well but prefer the 2.
My standard wear 90% of the time:
Roadskin jeans, armoured shirt (be it my Knox jacket shirt thing or armoured undershirt), varying boots depending on what I'm doing, then a Klim Goretex jacket which I can fold into the top box for when I need wind/water resistance. I also carry a cheap pair of waterproof walking over trousers should it rain in the top box.
For the other 10% I have an old Rukka jacket which I paid about £200 for on a mega deal, it's warm, it's waterproof and a pair of goretex old hein Gericke pants.
Couldn't care less what bike I'm on. Never been bothered with fashion, just ride with the best protection I can in most of the situations. I did wear my old leathers one day on the Super Adventure.....
Roadskin jeans, armoured shirt (be it my Knox jacket shirt thing or armoured undershirt), varying boots depending on what I'm doing, then a Klim Goretex jacket which I can fold into the top box for when I need wind/water resistance. I also carry a cheap pair of waterproof walking over trousers should it rain in the top box.
For the other 10% I have an old Rukka jacket which I paid about £200 for on a mega deal, it's warm, it's waterproof and a pair of goretex old hein Gericke pants.
Couldn't care less what bike I'm on. Never been bothered with fashion, just ride with the best protection I can in most of the situations. I did wear my old leathers one day on the Super Adventure.....
Agree about wearing whatever. I ride a adventure bike and might wear a Goldtop leather jacket at times and sometimes my favourite BMW summer textile pants. I no longer ride a BMW bike but who cares?
I don't stop at biker spots or hang around biker meets. Although I am part of a work riding gang. No one cares. It's good kit worn at the appropriate time.
If there was a HONDA emblazoned Rukka jacket cheap - I'd buy it!
I don't stop at biker spots or hang around biker meets. Although I am part of a work riding gang. No one cares. It's good kit worn at the appropriate time.
If there was a HONDA emblazoned Rukka jacket cheap - I'd buy it!
Rukka Nivala most of the year, Dianese Air Frame D1 mesh jacket if temps are low 20s or above
Rukka Armaxion trousers if it's cold/wet, Rokker jeans for much of the year (with Scott over trousers if needed)
Altberg Roadrunners if I'm wearing the Armaxions, Icon Stormhawks if it's the Rokkers
Shoei Neotec 3
Held Air and Dry gloves for much of the year and some Rukka summer gloves (can't recall the name) when it's hot.
I ride a Tiger 800.
Rukka Armaxion trousers if it's cold/wet, Rokker jeans for much of the year (with Scott over trousers if needed)
Altberg Roadrunners if I'm wearing the Armaxions, Icon Stormhawks if it's the Rokkers
Shoei Neotec 3
Held Air and Dry gloves for much of the year and some Rukka summer gloves (can't recall the name) when it's hot.
I ride a Tiger 800.
Edited by JulianHJ on Sunday 16th February 13:57
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