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Ratbuell
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 08:11 am: | 
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Fit is going to depend on your bodytype, and shape, and size...and the brand. Each brand is 'cut' differently, just like helmets. Some helmets are round; some are oval; some are for coneheads. Same with jackets/pants - some are portly, some are lanky, some are linebacker-cut. It's just gonna be some time at a local shop with multiple brands of gear, test-fitting.
And PLEASE - if you take the time to try on a bunch of stuff in a local brick and mortar shop, repay their time spent with you and BUY SOMETHING. Don't just decide "This fits" and go home and buy it online... |
Larryjohn
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 09:37 am: |
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If you have the $, I highly recommend Motorport. Their gear is great and is custom made so you get the exact fit you want. I have had a pair of their stretch kevlar overpants. I have never road tested them thankfully, but they are comfortable in both hot and cold weather and the armor seems really good.
I also have an Olympia Stealth Mesh one-peice and Olympia Phantom one-peice because I am a cheap bastard. Both of these together cost less than one Motoport suit (which is what I wanted). I wanted the one-piece suits for commuting and both work well for their intended purpose. I usually go with my Motorport on the weekends though. |
Bculy
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 10:00 am: |
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Surprised it took this long for someone to recommend Motorport. They make Aerostitch look like Firstgear. I highly recommend Motoport too!
http://www.motoport.com/Home
I believe their Kevlar Air Mesh is even cooler than riding in jeans AND much safer than any other manufacturers gear out there. |
Palladin
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 12:36 pm: |
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I wear these on hot summer days..better than chaps...
http://www.dragginjeans.com/ |
Slipknot
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 12:54 pm: |
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MotoPort Kevlar mesh. As for the belief by some that Aerostitch is best, other safety equipment such as military helmets and police vests are NOT made with cordura for penetration protection. They start with kevlar. Motoport racing suits are the only alternate choice to racing leathers if you want to road race. Aerostitch is not allowed on a racing circuit. |
Buellerxt
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 01:29 pm: |
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10-4, Slipknot. My Motoport gear is the best 'anything' I've bought in motorcycling in my 40+ years of riding. As I'm sure you know, there are many former Aerostitch wearers who swear by Motoport. |
Jim_williams
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 06:40 pm: |
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Since you know Klim I'll just mention that I dropped the big bucks on a new Klim "investment grade" adventure jacket and I am truly blown away. Nothing comes close and yes, it's worth the $1299 admission price.
I've had Rukka, BMW, Aerostich, Motoport etc. This is the best. Just got home from a 800 mile weekend where I encountered temps from 35 and freezing rain to mid 70's and this jacket did it all. I wore it last week on a 92deg. day and was very comfortable! That's with a waterproof jacket! Venting on this is amazing! Problem is there may not be any left in your size.
I wear Motoport stretch pants on bottom.
Here's the mondo link. Mine came from Brian at Atomic Moto in Bend, Or.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53 0695&highlight=klim
I can guarantee you that I am cooler in full gear than most of the amateurs are running around in shorts and a t-shirt with the sun baking on them. |
Bobbuell1961
| | Posted on Sunday, April 11, 2010 - 09:01 pm: |
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Loving my Stich Derian, Yes back and hip pads are extra but have'nt had to test mine yet(knock on wood ,or my head) the quality is excellent and they will repair if necessary.
I can guarantee you that I am cooler in full gear than most of the amateurs are running around in shorts and a t-shirt with the sun baking on them, +1
I have a Joe Rocket ballistic 7.0 set, like new,large available. if anyone is interested, reasonable, PM me if interested.
Bob |
Eulysses
| | Posted on Monday, April 12, 2010 - 01:27 pm: |
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I probably have a grand in my Klim snomo suit, boots and gloves (got it from same place in OR). Perfect stuff for back country boondockers in the steep and deep who have no idea why a seat was put on a snowmobile other than to kneel on. That Klim gear for moto would be forever. Still...want to find a nice mesh/armor setup and cover it (with snomo Klim) as it gets cold. I really appreciate all the input on this thread. Hopefully it will help more of us stay healthy...it is me. |
Ejc
| | Posted on Monday, April 12, 2010 - 07:15 pm: |
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If you plan to use what you have already as an outer layer, you may want to check out Bohn body armour. You can wear it under anything. |
Eulysses
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 01:59 am: |
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Ejc...that is a great concept but need it for summer outwear and covered in the cold only. So it needs to be snug and good looking jacket and pants. Like to peel off the pants like chaps or full-length zipper/velcro but concerned the zip may grenade on a good crash. Will keep digging here... |
Hooper
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 10:44 am: |
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The leg zippers can be vulnerable, for sure. I have the Olympia mesh pants, which are great for summer riding, but when I hit a deer and flew the air with the greatest of ease (then landed), I found that the right leg zipper seam had ripped out most of the way. It was caused by a rock I must have landed on (because the damn thing went all the way through the outer pant leg, the inner thermal liner, jeans, long underwear, and, finally, my thigh. Hard to guard against road debris. Whatever it was must have been pointy. 
I would think pants that have a velcro flap over the zipper would have faired better (like the Olympia winter pants have). Otherwise, they held up just right - I still wear them (got the zipper re-sewn). |
Eulysses
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 05:48 pm: |
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So far I am leaning on the spendy Motoport kevlar air mesh 3/4 jacket (no need to zip to pants) and pants. Pants zip is inside leg and attaches at your testicles (just wondering if anyone really reads this stuff . Lots of armor that form-fits after a couple first hours. They do have a liner, thin or thick available so I would have to think through that. Anyway...latest late night results. Will go through everyone's suggestions here. Euly |
Buellerxt
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 01:38 am: |
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I have the Motoport waist length mesh, Eulysses. It zippers to the pants over about 75-80% of the circumference. I didn't want the bulk of the 3/4 length, though I believe that is their biggest seller. I really like the trimmer fit. |
Eulysses
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 11:50 am: |
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I like that trimmer fit too. Tell me if it is a hassle zipping the two together. I was thinking it was. If not, I would rather have the shorter jacket because it looks more like Marlon Brando's jacket. I want to be cool like him. |
Buellerxt
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 12:47 pm: |
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NO problem at all zipping the two together. It's a sharp looking jacket. Hey, you may outdo ol' Marlon! lol I had talked quite a bit to Wayne, the owner and a very helpful guy, and he talked about the 3/4 length exclusively. One day, before I pulled the pin, I spoke with Christie, his great right hand gal and as I told her what I liked she recommended the waist length, the jacket she preferred. It turned out great. This stuff works, George. I was hit from behind by an 18 wheeler three years ago, in a construction zone, and though the bike and I were sent tumbling for quite a ways, I walked away after waking up on the side of the road. The gear looked bad, as did my helmet, and the trucker thought I had died. After cleaning the gear it looks like new. Unreal stuff. I would never ride without it. My bike and helmet, no longer with me, didn't fare nearly as well.
If you decide to buy Motoport, talk to Wayne, a lot, about measurements. They'll adjust anything after the fact but it's always nice to nail it the first time. If you ever have a question on the gear while deciding, however small, don't hesitate to call. Mike |
Eulysses
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 01:57 pm: |
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With the zipper then I would not need suspenders! So it is pretty fast when you suit and unsuit? Wonder why Wayne was all over the 3/4? Vanity is not so big with me anymore really. Only kidding about Marlon. Kinda. E |
Buellerxt
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 02:08 pm: |
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I asked Christie the same question about Wayne's liking the 3/4 so much. She said that a lot of riders, including Wayne, have a bit of a beer/food gut and like having 'expansion' room. I know about that potential problem myself and wouldn't want to encourage it! lol Actually, I visited Motoport in San Diego a year after buying mine and Wayne isn't too big but I guess some like the extra room.
Here's an interesting tidbit, George. The Kevlar black doesn't absorb heat. I know that sounds weird but I was told that, emphatically by Wayne, before I bought and I've tested it here in Houston for three years, in two rides across the Mojave in June, etc. Strange but 'cool'! lol |
Eulysses
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 02:15 pm: |
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I was wondering about the black color's solar gain Mike. Thanks for adding that. |
Buellerxt
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 02:48 pm: |
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I have the black jacket and pants with the nice reflective strips on the arms and legs, as well as across the shoulders. It is sharp looking, if I do say so myself. I get a lot of compliments. By the way, I wear a 2" wide yellow reflective belt diagonally across my body, as a result of getting hit from behind, and it shows up well. It is required on military bases here in Texas, and probably everywhere, and I used to just wear it on base when visiting. After getting hit from behind I thought, duh! Why was I only wearing it when visiting a base? It folds up small, shows up super well, night or day, and I feel better wearing it.
Another thought, George. The guy who introduced me to Motoport strongly suggested that I get the liners when I bought my gear so that sizing would match perfectly since the suits are customized some. It would avoid maybe having to send my gear back to match the fitting if I ever wanted the liners in the future. I did and am glad I did. I use them, just the wind/rain liners, in cold weather and they work well. I know you have other gear but just something to think about. I use a Gerbing electric liner as well if it gets too cold.
Hey, get those Kevlar Racing Gloves as well! I love those suckers and I've read a lot of testimonials from guys who wrecked and had them, as I did. I LOVE those gloves. Ride through rain, no problem with those babies, and they hold up super well. I am considering buying a second pair, though I'll probably never need them, just because I never want to be without them. |
Scooter808484
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 04:54 pm: |
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Through the whole first page I thought no one was going to mention Motoport. I've got one of their Difi II(?) jackets with the goretex liner. Rode 6 hours through Hurricane Gaston a few years back and never got wet. And that was after I gave the line to my buddy, who had nothing. Great stuff.
Also have a pair of the Olympia Rangers. Three years worn every day, most of them in the rain, still dry. Not quite as well built as the Motoport, but cheaper.
If you like the look, Cruiserworks boots stay dry for years, are light and comfortable to walk in after you get there.
My favorite, though, by a mile, is my Langlitz leather jacket. Perfect fit, since they made it for me. I think its actually cooler than most fabric in the heat, as long as you're moving. Cost a bundle, but they'll probably bury me in it. They make pants too, but as wet as it is here I think they'd look like hell pretty quickly.
Unlike Froggy, can't vouch for the crash worthiness of any of this stuff.
Oh, and Gerbings stuff for when it's cold, which is almost always. |
Eulysses
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 02:42 am: |
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Hey Scooter...I see you are in Bellingham! That would mean you know moss. I am Mount Vernon. Does it ever get warm enough in our NW to even wear mesh without a liner? E |
Judotrip
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 01:07 pm: |
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I was following a guy with an Aerostitch Suit and the reflectors down the legs and across the back create a nice box around most bikes' tail lights and/or top case. I was impressed so I bought one. |
Eulysses
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 01:21 pm: |
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I wonder if anyone uses the "black" reflective tape that kinda blends in during the day and lights up at night. Or if it is even available in cloth. I see it in plastic tape but not cloth. Will check on that. |
Ulynut
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 03:51 pm: |
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Eulysses, I have a pair of gloves with black reflective piping on them. |
7873jake
| | Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 03:53 pm: |
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Anyone using or tried the aramid fiber shorts under a pair of mesh pants?
I've seen Icon branded shorts in the local Cycle Gear store and was considering those to save the bacon under a pair of mesh armored pants for summer rides down here in the south. |
Barkbuster
| | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 08:08 pm: |
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http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43 3219&page=92
http://www.teizms.com/
The 1st link is a thread that's been going on a couple years and 101 pages about the Lombard 1pc.
The 2nd is their web page.
entry level price but looks like a very good value. I haven`t pulled the trigger on one yet but this may be what I get soon. many colors too. for less than 600 bucks you can get the Mojave too!  |
Skinstains
| | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 10:22 pm: |
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How's about RUKKA ?
+1 on Froggy kicking ass !! Did you get those forks off yet Froggy ? |
Froggy
| | Posted on Sunday, April 25, 2010 - 10:51 pm: |
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Forks and top tree yes, lower one is stuck. Still working on that. Then I need to pick up some XBRR bodywork. |
Jim_williams
| | Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 09:06 am: |
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Biggest issue with Rukka, if you can get over the price is that none of it is designed for true 4 season wear.
The waterproof stuff has little to no ventilation and the mesh just doesn't cut it in the cold with their liner system.
Mesh isn't an option for me. I find myself much hotter over time due to dehydration. Bouncing around town it's great. Serious riding? No good. A couple summers ago I was in the south in full motoport mesh and was miserable. I couldn't keep my camelbak full enough. I find highly ventilated goretex gear the absolute best in all weather conditions for ease of use, warmth and dehydration issues.
At Rukka prices, it better do it all which is why I ended up with the Klim jacket. We had a freak 94F day a month or so ago and I was quite comfortable. A couple weeks ago in the mid 40's rain for 175 miles I was cozy with a warm n safe liner.
Aerostich Darien performs similarly at a much lower price point! |
Buellerxt
| | Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 01:41 pm: |
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Wow! Gear, I guess, is like everything else, what is great for one is not good for another. I ride with full Motoport Kevlar Mesh and absolutely love the gear. I LOVE it. I'm in the Houston area and have ridden in the gear all over the country with most of my riding in hot environs. In the winter I use liners and sometimes a heated liner.
I've considered buying a spare in case they close shop but that makes no sense since the gear is indestructible.
Advising folks on ANYTHING is risky business given differences in so many things. I guess if someone rides behind a huge windshield that allows no air to the rider the gear would be uncomfortable but I ride three bikes, with different levels of wind protection, and to me, Motoport cannot be beat. |
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