Discussion
Sounds like a similar situation as me a year ago. I went for leather jacket and pants that zip together, then water proof rain jacket and over trousers that roll into tiny sacks.
The setup was flexible. It was safer than a lot of low-to-middle range textiles. It worked in the rain when I needed it to, and the bright jacket kept me warmer and more visible when I got caught out in poor weather.
Getting leather rather than textile also means you have the right setup for a guided track day in year one, which is a great way to learn cornering.
If I was doing it again I'd buy a small pillion bag to carry them from the outset (Kreiga US-5 or equivalent).
Good luck.
The setup was flexible. It was safer than a lot of low-to-middle range textiles. It worked in the rain when I needed it to, and the bright jacket kept me warmer and more visible when I got caught out in poor weather.
Getting leather rather than textile also means you have the right setup for a guided track day in year one, which is a great way to learn cornering.
If I was doing it again I'd buy a small pillion bag to carry them from the outset (Kreiga US-5 or equivalent).
Good luck.
I prefer textile as its cooler in spring/summer weather and handles occasional rain better than leather and I only pootle around anyway so a high speed off is less likely.
If you expect to be a more spirited rider leather might be more sensible and - as a poster above mentioned - you will need a leather outfit if you intend to enjoy trackdays.
Joining you local bike club will be a good way of getting all sorts of advice...
Enjoy the summer!
If you expect to be a more spirited rider leather might be more sensible and - as a poster above mentioned - you will need a leather outfit if you intend to enjoy trackdays.
Joining you local bike club will be a good way of getting all sorts of advice...
Enjoy the summer!
you can get leather jackets with waterproof liners, just in case you get caught out. I dont intentionally ride when its wet so this works well. Look at brands like Helstons, Halvarrsons - most of their leather jackets have waterproof liners.
A liner is not quite the same (or as expensive) as high end gore tex pro shell leather outfits which can be over £1k from brands like Rukka or Halvarssons.
Over the years you will build up a range of kit depending on personal preference and type of riding.
I prefer a leather jacket and kevlar jeans (also available with waterproof lining) and if I go on a touring trip for days/weeks I will pack a waterproof suit to go on top if out in the rain for hours.
I did try some textiles once and the trouser legs ended up melted on my bike exhaust, so always stuck to traditional leather and denim since - again this is bike dependent.
If you end up doing track or on track training days later you will need a 2 piece leather suit. Many people start off with those. If you are an average size you can often pick them up used off ebay for less than 1/2 price.
When starting out, if you can find good used clothing, then its good to try different kit out and see what your preferences are, what works and is comfortable for you.
A liner is not quite the same (or as expensive) as high end gore tex pro shell leather outfits which can be over £1k from brands like Rukka or Halvarssons.
Over the years you will build up a range of kit depending on personal preference and type of riding.
I prefer a leather jacket and kevlar jeans (also available with waterproof lining) and if I go on a touring trip for days/weeks I will pack a waterproof suit to go on top if out in the rain for hours.
I did try some textiles once and the trouser legs ended up melted on my bike exhaust, so always stuck to traditional leather and denim since - again this is bike dependent.
If you end up doing track or on track training days later you will need a 2 piece leather suit. Many people start off with those. If you are an average size you can often pick them up used off ebay for less than 1/2 price.
When starting out, if you can find good used clothing, then its good to try different kit out and see what your preferences are, what works and is comfortable for you.
I got RST fabric stuff and have been very happy with it so far. The jacket cost 54 quid in a sale. I thought it would be rubbish, but on the contrary it has been excellent. Only been on the bike, around 3000 miles now, during the winter and not once been cold or got wet, even in heavy rain. Full of protective padding. Inner fabric can be removed and vents opened for warmer weather. RST trousers excellent for the same reasons, and they cost 108 quid. The trousers might be a little thick for hotter weather. RST leather boots have been great. Waterproof and ankle coverage for added protection. Think they were about 90. Then I got these great gloves, think they're called Five Star. They've kept my hands warm and dry in all weather, and have loads of protection in the right places. Helmet: hjc one costing around 120. Visor doesn't steam up and there are plenty of vents, along with sun shades that can be pulled down.
So the stuff I got was relatively low cost, and a lot of people around here would turn their noses up at it. But I've been very pleased with it all, and reckon it will be good for years to come. It all looks fine too, although I'm not especially fashion conscious. Look out for sales. I went to Wheels in Peterborough and they have an online store. Make sure it all fits correctly, especially the helmet. Get assistance with the helmet in particular by going into a shop. The lad who assisted me at Wheels was great. I didn't know what I was doing.
So the stuff I got was relatively low cost, and a lot of people around here would turn their noses up at it. But I've been very pleased with it all, and reckon it will be good for years to come. It all looks fine too, although I'm not especially fashion conscious. Look out for sales. I went to Wheels in Peterborough and they have an online store. Make sure it all fits correctly, especially the helmet. Get assistance with the helmet in particular by going into a shop. The lad who assisted me at Wheels was great. I didn't know what I was doing.
CaptainSlow said:
colin86 said:
The plan is to just to ride in summer and spring weekend riding . The instructor said a should look at getting a gortex one
If you can avoid riding in the wet then leather is best.Only reason I have bought textiles (my first set in 10 years) is that i'm going to the TT so the weather could be anyone's guess
I'm considering buying these for the summer:
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Along with the back armour inserts. Looks decent and isn't breaking the bank.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
Along with the back armour inserts. Looks decent and isn't breaking the bank.
Not sure where you are, but it's well worth the trip to try gear on.
I went down to sportsbikeshop and spent an afternoon trying allsorts on, and ended up with mostly RST as it fit me and the budget. But I went through multiple sizes and styles before settling, as what looked good on the web didn't quite fit right, would've taken weeks of posting stuff back otherwise.
I went down to sportsbikeshop and spent an afternoon trying allsorts on, and ended up with mostly RST as it fit me and the budget. But I went through multiple sizes and styles before settling, as what looked good on the web didn't quite fit right, would've taken weeks of posting stuff back otherwise.
Felters said:
Funny how people have preferences on this. I'm a textile top and leather trousers guy...
Back to the OP - summer riding works for leathers with waterproofs.
This is my default too. Now I have a textile jacket that zips to my leather jeans, the Leather jacket tends only to come out on really hot days as it is vented and perforated.Back to the OP - summer riding works for leathers with waterproofs.
Watching this thread as I'm due for some new gear. Currently have a set of 1 piece leathers for the track and occasional road use, leather and textile Teknic jackets and several pairs of Kevlar lined jeans/ cargos.
What I Really need is a jacket for summer. Sometimes when I leave work between 4 and 5 and it's still nearly 40 degrees I've even ridden home (nearly an hour) in just a short sleeved shirt (worst part is getting home and realising the house keys are in my jacket pocket...)
I hope to find (so far unsuccessfully) a "jacket" with good protection but virtually mesh or open. My "vented" textile jacket doesn't really flow air through. I've even considered the sort of armour used in MX. Any ideas?
What I Really need is a jacket for summer. Sometimes when I leave work between 4 and 5 and it's still nearly 40 degrees I've even ridden home (nearly an hour) in just a short sleeved shirt (worst part is getting home and realising the house keys are in my jacket pocket...)
I hope to find (so far unsuccessfully) a "jacket" with good protection but virtually mesh or open. My "vented" textile jacket doesn't really flow air through. I've even considered the sort of armour used in MX. Any ideas?
madazrx7 said:
I hope to find (so far unsuccessfully) a "jacket" with good protection but virtually mesh or open. My "vented" textile jacket doesn't really flow air through.
I use a Dainese SuperRider D-Dry with Rokker Revolution jeans in summer: https://www.motardinn.com/motorcycle-equipment/dai...Airflow is pretty impressive!
Rawwr said:
I use a Dainese SuperRider D-Dry with Rokker Revolution jeans in summer: https://www.motardinn.com/motorcycle-equipment/dai...
Airflow is pretty impressive!
Rokker = serious £££££!Airflow is pretty impressive!
I've had lots of Alpinestars stuff & its been consistently decent & good VFM.
Other stuff worth looking at:
Rev-it
Richa
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