Riding kit. What are we all riding about in?
Discussion
Motorcycle clothing seems to have moved with the times/fashion but I still find myself riding about in high boots, and either 2 piece leather or if it's a bit more variable, a textile jacket. I only ride for pleasure in weather that is usually favourable but occasionally, I get caught out. Its usually all rural riding therefore I feel like I need the extra protection at national speed limits. It's probably the only reason why I've not moved over to buying jeans, shorter boots and maybe something that looks less like a motorcycle jacket.
Anyone else with similar riding habits who have just gone over to shorter boots (Converse style height), and jeans? I'm beginning to think that full textiles for changing conditions are pointless unless you're commuting or doing a lot of touring and you'd be better served by a decent set of waterproofs in case it rains.
Anyone else with similar riding habits who have just gone over to shorter boots (Converse style height), and jeans? I'm beginning to think that full textiles for changing conditions are pointless unless you're commuting or doing a lot of touring and you'd be better served by a decent set of waterproofs in case it rains.
I was two piece leathers for a long time, eventually went to textiles for touring. Current textile gear is a laminated RST suit that's proved to be extremely waterproof and dries out quickly. The vents are more effective than other textile kit I've used as they're straight through to you rather than going through multiple layers.
When just riding locally I tend to wear RST armoured jeans (AAA rated) that are extremely comfortable and hold the armour in place well and either a leather jacket or an armoured shirt is it's hot.
I can't be bothered doing the waterproofs dance at the side of the road anymore.
My boots are still high Daytonas, but I'd like to get something a bit shorter and better vented for local stuff. Even the same height and vented would do really!
When just riding locally I tend to wear RST armoured jeans (AAA rated) that are extremely comfortable and hold the armour in place well and either a leather jacket or an armoured shirt is it's hot.
I can't be bothered doing the waterproofs dance at the side of the road anymore.
My boots are still high Daytonas, but I'd like to get something a bit shorter and better vented for local stuff. Even the same height and vented would do really!
At home for most of my riding I'll wear mesh jacket, jeans and short boots or armoured trainers.
I've just got back from a 1200-mile weekend around France two-up and wore jeans, short boots and a laminated Gore-Tex jacket with waterproof overtrousers in the top box.
In winter I'll tend to do textile jacket and trousers with short boots, with warm base layers to suit (my textile jacket is thick/warm enough that it's fine with just a t-shirt under it until it's about 12C).
If I'm going off-road touring or green-laning, I have a Rev'It mesh jacket, a matching armoured under jacket, strap-on knee armour and off-road trousers with A* Tech 7 boots.
The best bit of kit I've found it a Zerofit ice-skin base layer – it really helps keep me cool in summer, it's magic.
I've just got back from a 1200-mile weekend around France two-up and wore jeans, short boots and a laminated Gore-Tex jacket with waterproof overtrousers in the top box.
In winter I'll tend to do textile jacket and trousers with short boots, with warm base layers to suit (my textile jacket is thick/warm enough that it's fine with just a t-shirt under it until it's about 12C).
If I'm going off-road touring or green-laning, I have a Rev'It mesh jacket, a matching armoured under jacket, strap-on knee armour and off-road trousers with A* Tech 7 boots.
The best bit of kit I've found it a Zerofit ice-skin base layer – it really helps keep me cool in summer, it's magic.
TimmyWimmyWoo said:
At home for most of my riding I'll wear mesh jacket, jeans and short boots or armoured trainers.
I've just got back from a 1200-mile weekend around France two-up and wore jeans, short boots and a laminated Gore-Tex jacket with waterproof overtrousers in the top box.
In winter I'll tend to do textile jacket and trousers with short boots, with warm base layers to suit (my textile jacket is thick/warm enough that it's fine with just a t-shirt under it until it's about 12C).
If I'm going off-road touring or green-laning, I have a Rev'It mesh jacket, a matching armoured under jacket, strap-on knee armour and off-road trousers with A* Tech 7 boots.
The best bit of kit I've found it a Zerofit ice-skin base layer it really helps keep me cool in summer, it's magic.
Have you had much chance to wear those Furygan Chattans? I asked you about those a while back but you hadn't used them much then. I've just got back from a 1200-mile weekend around France two-up and wore jeans, short boots and a laminated Gore-Tex jacket with waterproof overtrousers in the top box.
In winter I'll tend to do textile jacket and trousers with short boots, with warm base layers to suit (my textile jacket is thick/warm enough that it's fine with just a t-shirt under it until it's about 12C).
If I'm going off-road touring or green-laning, I have a Rev'It mesh jacket, a matching armoured under jacket, strap-on knee armour and off-road trousers with A* Tech 7 boots.
The best bit of kit I've found it a Zerofit ice-skin base layer it really helps keep me cool in summer, it's magic.
Most of time riding when from home for a few hours/day out, then a leather jacket and jeans, CE rated with armour, back protector etc. I tried short boots but find them draughty so wear some slightly taller comfy boots that are easy to walk about in. In summer months, swap the leather jacket for a mesh jacket.
I have a 2 piece Triumph leather touring suit, with goretex lining and some tall Dainese boots, sometimes wear on longer touring holidays and if I need a 2 pc zip together suit for a track day. Was a great bargain buy in the sale, but proved too warm for the few warmest months of the year hence wear this the least as I do most touring in the summer.
I have a 2 piece Triumph leather touring suit, with goretex lining and some tall Dainese boots, sometimes wear on longer touring holidays and if I need a 2 pc zip together suit for a track day. Was a great bargain buy in the sale, but proved too warm for the few warmest months of the year hence wear this the least as I do most touring in the summer.
Touring or full day out in cold/wet weather - Oxford Hinterland Laminated suit and heated vest, socks etc as appropriate.
Summer - Oxford single layer jeans and either the above jacket, Roadskin Jacket or mesh Rev'it Eclipse.
Gloves will either be Oxford mesh stuff for summer or Macna heated for every other time.
Boots are generally Alpinestars GTX but I need something cooler for the summer.
In the recent seriosuly hot stuff then I'll frequently go out without a jacket and occasionally just in shorts and t shirt for shorter journies.
Summer - Oxford single layer jeans and either the above jacket, Roadskin Jacket or mesh Rev'it Eclipse.
Gloves will either be Oxford mesh stuff for summer or Macna heated for every other time.
Boots are generally Alpinestars GTX but I need something cooler for the summer.
In the recent seriosuly hot stuff then I'll frequently go out without a jacket and occasionally just in shorts and t shirt for shorter journies.
I spent the 10 plus years of riding being pretty much full leathers all the time having only bought leathers as a new rider and wanting the best protection possible. A number of years back, I started investing in other types of kit. Now I use bike jeans, short boots and casual jackets most of the time. This is less a deliberate decision, but more a natural evolution as I’ve got older (40ish) and my riding has moved away from almost universally sporty blasts through the hills, to more sedate and longer rides. I also have an ADV style suit for long distance/touring/bad weather on the big bike. Full leathers only come out a handful of times a year now when I’m riding purely for the sake of riding.
Of course in any accident the full leathers are always going to perform the best, but it’s nice to be able to take advantage of more relaxed, casual clothing when the time is appropriate. That option simply wasn’t available when I started riding, it was leathers or traditional textiles, neither of which we’re especially comfortable or suitable off the bike.
Of course in any accident the full leathers are always going to perform the best, but it’s nice to be able to take advantage of more relaxed, casual clothing when the time is appropriate. That option simply wasn’t available when I started riding, it was leathers or traditional textiles, neither of which we’re especially comfortable or suitable off the bike.
Chicken Chaser said:
Have you had much chance to wear those Furygan Chattans? I asked you about those a while back but you hadn't used them much then.
Sorry yes! I've worn them a bit over spring. They're distinctly un-waterproof in proper downpours, but comfy to walk around in. I do find the boa tightening system a little bit unecessary, and you've got a hard plastic disc on the back of the boot to tighten/loosen them which can press into the back of your leg if you have tight trousers. I'm whelmed by them, frankly Summer: (now) Klim Marrakesh jacket, Rokker narrow leg jeans, Klim induction gloves, Dianese Suburb Air boots
Winter: Halvarssons Prince/Prime drop liner textile suit, Daytona GTX Pro boots, Held Score 4 gloves
Mid-Season: Lindtrands (Halvarssons) Arvik jacket (drop liner), RST leather jeans, and the Daytona boots.
Helmet is Shoei GT Air 2 with Sena comms
Wets for emergencies are Scott waterproofs
Arrives at this lot after many years of trying different stuff. It all works for me. The Halvarssons Prince and Prime suit is pretty old and also very comfortable and warm and crucially has never leaked and I must've been commuting in 2 hours a day for maybe 7+ years.
All kit is AA rated for abrasion and I've upgraded all the armour to level 2 if it wasn't already, mainly with D30 kit.
Winter: Halvarssons Prince/Prime drop liner textile suit, Daytona GTX Pro boots, Held Score 4 gloves
Mid-Season: Lindtrands (Halvarssons) Arvik jacket (drop liner), RST leather jeans, and the Daytona boots.
Helmet is Shoei GT Air 2 with Sena comms
Wets for emergencies are Scott waterproofs
Arrives at this lot after many years of trying different stuff. It all works for me. The Halvarssons Prince and Prime suit is pretty old and also very comfortable and warm and crucially has never leaked and I must've been commuting in 2 hours a day for maybe 7+ years.
All kit is AA rated for abrasion and I've upgraded all the armour to level 2 if it wasn't already, mainly with D30 kit.
Drawweight said:
Textile jacket and bike jeans. I carry water proof over trousers in the top box in the event of rain.
Same here. I ride pretty much every day, so I've got quite a collection of gear, but 9/10 times I wear Jeans (Bull-It or Acerbis), Macna Synchrone jacket, and trainer-style boots (currently Sidi). That does me all day, including in the office (other than the jacket...)
One piece leathers 99% time. I only ride for fun, and only stop for fuel or a quick drink normally.
If I'm taking the bike into town for a service or tyres I have an old textile jacket paired with normal jeans.
I'm thinking of doing a few local bikes nights, and possibly commuting in a couple of years when I don't need to do school drop off / pick up, so am thinking of getting some more comfortable/casual kit.
If I'm taking the bike into town for a service or tyres I have an old textile jacket paired with normal jeans.
I'm thinking of doing a few local bikes nights, and possibly commuting in a couple of years when I don't need to do school drop off / pick up, so am thinking of getting some more comfortable/casual kit.
Pottering around locally I wear Spada jeans with armour, Alpinestars mesh/vented jacket (armour and back protector) and Alpinestars 'trainers'.
Other than that, 2-piece zip-together leathers, back protector and full boots, etc.
I don't tend to go out if it's not dry and at least fairly warm, though.
Other than that, 2-piece zip-together leathers, back protector and full boots, etc.
I don't tend to go out if it's not dry and at least fairly warm, though.
I have all the gear, one piece leathers, two piece, textile jackets, waterproofs, but now I pretty much only wear my aerostich road crafter oversuit. The convenience of just chucking it on over what ever I'm wearing from shorts and t-shirts to jumper and jacket is a game changer. Now the only thing I need to change for riding is my boots so I can be ready in well under 5 minutes. The bonus of it being goretex means you don't have to worry about the weather at all. It's well vented enough that only in temps over 30 does the mesh jacket and pandomoto leggings come out.
GreaseNipple said:
I have all the gear, one piece leathers, two piece, textile jackets, waterproofs, but now I pretty much only wear my aerostich road crafter oversuit. The convenience of just chucking it on over what ever I'm wearing from shorts and t-shirts to jumper and jacket is a game changer. Now the only thing I need to change for riding is my boots so I can be ready in well under 5 minutes. The bonus of it being goretex means you don't have to worry about the weather at all. It's well vented enough that only in temps over 30 does the mesh jacket and pandomoto leggings come out.
Can you get aerostitch in the UK now? They seem to have a great reputation for quality. i commute all year and wear textile sove rmy normal torusers and shirt : goretex fulll length boots astars , rukka laminated goretex trousers, aging weise waterproof jacket adventure style, winter gloves are richa fake goretex type lined , summer gloves are wrist length dainese.
i take the liners out of jacket and trou in summer. have heated grips (oxford) and gilet and seat pad (aliexpress) which do the trick in winter. Boots seem ok in summer, guess goretex helps, i think id feel a bit exosed without shin high boots tbh.
arai lid but i always wear a balaclava summer thin silk or thermal in winter with neck tube to keep the draughts out.
cheapo ali express bluetooth stereo on the lid replaced a sena that crapped out as it wasnt waterproof. Not as loud but hasnt died after 2 years and cost 8% of the price so not bad.
Apart from the rukka trosuers everythings pretty good, i wouldnt buy a rukka garment again, bulky armour, trousers stick to your under trousers, waist fastening is crap, theyre not high enough at the back, in general pretty crap ergonimically. havnt leaked but then theyre only a couple of years old, the HG pair before them were infinately better to wear but had started to leak.
i have a 2 piece leather suit i used to wear on day trips with a one piece waterpoof suit in a tailpack but havent worn it in years, mainly as i dont really ride for pleasure thes days, just to commute.
i take the liners out of jacket and trou in summer. have heated grips (oxford) and gilet and seat pad (aliexpress) which do the trick in winter. Boots seem ok in summer, guess goretex helps, i think id feel a bit exosed without shin high boots tbh.
arai lid but i always wear a balaclava summer thin silk or thermal in winter with neck tube to keep the draughts out.
cheapo ali express bluetooth stereo on the lid replaced a sena that crapped out as it wasnt waterproof. Not as loud but hasnt died after 2 years and cost 8% of the price so not bad.
Apart from the rukka trosuers everythings pretty good, i wouldnt buy a rukka garment again, bulky armour, trousers stick to your under trousers, waist fastening is crap, theyre not high enough at the back, in general pretty crap ergonimically. havnt leaked but then theyre only a couple of years old, the HG pair before them were infinately better to wear but had started to leak.
i have a 2 piece leather suit i used to wear on day trips with a one piece waterpoof suit in a tailpack but havent worn it in years, mainly as i dont really ride for pleasure thes days, just to commute.
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