| Author | Message | ||
     Indianafirefighter1972 |
Having been a long time Harley rider and mostly wearing leather on the long trips, what's a good riding suit to pick up. I want something waterproof and comfortable. I just bought an '06 Uly and don't have any good riding suits. Any Advice? | ||
| Stevenknapp |
I've had an Aerostich Darien for a number of years. I love it. The roadcrafter is rumored to have lesser water resistance in some situations, but seems much more comfortable. I'm looking at one of these "next". | ||
| Naustin |
Aerostitch is on my wish list. I'm always a little confused of the difference between the Roadcrafter and the Darien, but I'll just call and let them tell me which to buy based on my riding... nick | ||
| Jim_sb |
I have had a set of Aerostich Darien Light riding pants for years. Goretex, armor in the knees, very durable. It has been tested in many a downpour and I haven't gotten wet yet. You can use one of their jackets or any other brand you like. I just ordered a 1 piece Aerostich Roadcrafter. I think it's the best thing for safety unless you go with full racing leathers. Sure the waterproofing will probably need to be "freshened" up every so often (I believe they sell a kit for that purpose) but for comfort and safety it's a lot of bang for the buck. There's a lot of folks that have walked away from accidents courtesy of the Roadcrafter. They aren't cheap but they are very well made. | ||
| Windrider |
Olympia is pretty good. Less spendy than Aerostitch. Much warmer when it is cold, much cooler when it is hot, and better in the rain as compared to leather that you are used to. http://www.olympiamotosports.com/ Enjoy the Uly! | ||
| Andrejs2112 |
I bought a used Joe Rocket Ballistic jacket and pants and love it. I wear a t-shirt and jeans under it and ride in 40-50 degree weather and don't get too cold. I think it's the Ballistic 5.0 series. I got mine on ebay for $130. http://www.sandhillspowersports.com/sandhills/Onli neStore.do?DSP=200&PCR=1:5:50004&IID=joerocket_bal l6jkt_06 http://www.sandhillspowersports.com/sandhills/OnlineStore.do?DSP=200&PCR=1:5:50006&IID=joerocket_ballstc5pnt_06 (Message edited by andrejs2112 on April 02, 2007) | ||
| Lorazepam |
I have a Kilimanjaro from first gear, and their ht overpants for winter and bad weather. I wear leathers, and have a set of frog toggs for a lot of the year, and when it gets hot, I wear a first gear mesh jacket and gericke summer pants. Buying from motorcycle closeouts.com and new enough leather can get you what I have for the price if a 'stich. Including the leathers. Look for "last years" or even the year before closeouts. You will have them for years, it is good quality stuff. First gear and Technic and cortech make quality stuff, well armored and designed well for the most part. | ||
| Wademan |
+1 Aerostich It is the only piece of gear that I would bring on a long trip. Waterproof (ok 99.9%), nearly all temperature, comfy, and most importantly safe. | ||
| Fastfxrs |
Darien pants are hard to beat. I wear mine daily from early spring to late fall for my commute. I have a nylon FXRG jacket from H-D as it was a better fit for me than the Darien jacket. Both are water tight as a Duck's arse and are very versatile. With my Aerostich electric vest, I can ride in the low 20s F. If I take out the jacket liner and open the vents, and wear shorts under my darien pants, I can ride in pretty hot weather. The pants also make a nice heat barrier from the Uly's hot right side. Its well worth it to buy quality gear. Tim | ||
| Wademan |
Ahh so your the guy that bought the camo Uly. Congrats! Small world eh? If you are interested Bloomington Harley's former Buell club, now called RIDE, meets the second Sat of every month at noon. Good folks in the club and we are always looking for new faces. (Message edited by wademan on April 02, 2007) | ||
| Michael1 |
Olympia... Hands down. I've tried a bunch of items. The Aerostich is nice, but a dated design and it's HOT when it's above 75F. I have the AST jacket and Airglide pants. This combo has been awesome of cold weather (20's) up to warm weather (80's) so far. I can't wait to test the combo out in weather above 85. But I think it'll be ALL good. Price is good, protection is great, mfg'ing is great as well. They stand behind their product. Have an issue, call 'em up and they'll help you out. | ||
| Erz |
Where do you live? I own an aerostitch roadcrafter that I use 90% of the time. It is my preferred item. When it just gets too dam hot, I shift over to some form of mesh crap. | ||
| Maximum |
Another vote for Olympia! I have had the AST jacket and Ranger 2 pants for about 10 weeks now, and have rode comfortably down to 18 degrees (F), with the Warm-N-Safe electric liner for even more comfort. I also just purchased the Airglide jacket and pants for the summer. I should now have all four seasons covered. I have both sets in the Hi-Vis yellow because I really like being seen!  | ||
| L_je |
+1 on the 'Stich Darien The Aerostich "gray" is actually more of a strange "gray-green" than anything else. I think that it would go with your desert cammo rather nicely. I think the Darien Light may come in tan and "desert tan" as well. ...call them up, and they'll send you some sample fabrics! | ||
| Crusty |
When I first decided to try a Textile jacket instead of leather, I went cheap; so that if I didn't like it, I wouldn't lose a lot of money.I found that Textile has both advantages and disadvantages. Overall, I prefer it for daily riding. Aerostitch makes a great product. My wife has a Roadcrafter, and it's pretty neat. I haven't seen an Olympia yet, but it's getting some pretty favorable reviews over at Advrider. If money was no object, I get a Motoport Kevlar jacket and pants. Since I'm so broke I can't pay attention, I'm saving to buy a Tour Master Transitions jacket ($134.00 at Competition Accessories). At present, I'm wearing a Fieldsheer jacket that I got on sale from Brockton Cycles for under $100.00. It isn't worth what I paid for it, and I wouldn't recommend one. | ||
| Bake |
Belstaff makes nice gear, a tad xpensive but real nice. They have been around for over 30 years. | ||
| Nutsosane |
The Aerostich Roadcrafter one piece is a phenomenal piece of gear but it will leak in a steady rain. I will be purchasing a pair of rain pants to wear when the skies look like they did leaving MBIV Sunday. I really dig the one piece because it does not afford me the opportunity to wear only one half. Safe is good! In the future I will be purchasing a Darien Light set but for now the Roadcrafter is just the ticket. Expensive but worth it. NUTS | ||
| Court |
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| Soloyosh |
I'm just about to place an order for the Halvarsson's Safety Suit. | ||
| Jim_sb |
I have friends who have gone down on pavement wearing Roadcrafters. They both walked away. No abrasions, no broken bones, no damage to the suit. One guy was hit by a truck on the freeway in LA and he ended up bouncing down the road and his bike ended up atop the K-rail center divider. The real world stories of Roadcrafter suits protecting their occupants are legendary. In fact some of the track day schools will only allow you to ride with racing leathers - OR - a Roadcrafter suit. I have a couple of Joe Rocket products and honestly the quality isn't there - but perhaps they are making better gear these days. I have not had a chance to try the Olympia gear - sure sounds good - but with the Roadcrafter I know I am getting a quality piece of riding gear that in this case has been custom fitted for me. You pay your money and you make your choices! | ||
| Soloyosh |
Motoport would be another choice with lots of "I've crashed in this stuff and its saved my hide" stories behind it. | ||
| Court |
Treat your ass as if your life depended on it . . . scrimp neither on condoms near safety gear. | ||
| Hootis29 |
Aerostich. Got mine 1/2 price off Evilbay. (Message edited by hootis29 on April 03, 2007) | ||
| Jim_sb |
BTW, Aerostich has "sale" items regularly. You can sign up for email notification of the sale items. You won't get to choose your color - but - if they have the size you want you can save some cash on a Roadcrafter or Darien. I wanted my suit customized for best fit so I ordered one, they delivered a "test" suit. I tried it on and called them while sitting on my bike in the garage (I have a stand that holds the bike upright) and we went through the custom adjustments needed on the phone. Took about 10 minutes. Now I'm just waiting for the final product to arrive... | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I have the 'Stitch Darien pants and jacket. They are great. Very waterproof. Ventilation is fantastic. Between the pit vents and large back vent I can create an airflow right through in the summer. The only complaint is that break in takes a little while, but it's worth it. The other draw back is that you can't look too hurried or intent on getting your errand run or people become concerned. I was in a hurry one day and ran into a store. The manager ran up to me and asked "Is the alarm going off? Is there a fire?" I didn't even think when I ran into the store wearing the Hi-Viz jacket black pants and boots that I might be confused with the local fire department. Oh, the other issue with the Roadcrafter? You can put together some truly fugly color combinations!       Please choose wisely. I have to stare at ChadHargis "Smurf Suit". When I can catch him.  | ||
| Metalstorm |
I love my Aerostich one piece Roadcrafter. Quick on & quicker off. Very comfortable. Mine is the new grey which actually looks like grey with black ballistics  | ||
| Jim_sb |
Yep. New gray with black ballistics. Perfect for my Orange Ulysses. Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Old_mil |
I have a jacket/pants from the Harley FXRG line...they have both leather and synthetic lines...mine are synthetic. Here's information on the leather version: http://www.motorcycledaily.com/26october06_fxrg.ht m It's served me well for 3 riding seasons and still is in good shape. The nice thing about these clothes vs the various aerostitch type offerings is that you can actually go to the harley dealer and try them on. | ||
| Murraebueller |
Aerostitch if you need to wear it over street clothes, Rukka if you want fitted gear, are going on a serious ride and if you simply want the very best. I wear the Aerostitch Darien to work, the Rukka to Mexico, Europe, wherever. The Rukka uses Outlast (NASA fabric) for internal temperature control, Cool Black fabric for external temperature control, 3 layer goretex for impact/slding/weather protection, and armor that fits to your body. One outfit uses aDow-Corning fabric that goes rigid on impact and returns to supple when it's over. Rukka rocks. The Aerostitch is great for over clothing but is essentailly a goretex bag with armor. If you get the Darien Jacket and pants (excellent by the way), don't be surprised if your bro's say you remind them of your grandmother. I've never gotten cold or wet in either one. The Rukka I've worn in 26 degrees through 89 degrees on the same trip without removing the liner and was perfectly comfortable the whole time. | ||
| Ihavemanyfleas |
I have one of the aerostitch roadcrafters. It's a great suit, and once broken in, is very comfy. I wear my work cloths underneath, and get to work without smelling like exhaust, but looking a little dorky. At least I can stuff the suit in a case, and walk in in civ's. |
