Has anyone got any experience of/opinions on the Tuareg LC3 gear?

I prefer the features over the Rallye Goretex version, not to mention it's a fair whack cheaper.
IMO it seems better vented (jacket) and I like the single large back pocket, seems more usable than the three small ones on the Rallye.

I'm wondering if the extra cost of the Rallye is due to the Goretex rather than better quality build or materials?

Any thoughts, comments?

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

I use the LC3 kit, I looked at the whole range but prefered the lighter better vented gear over the very cumbersome gortex version - you have to be comfortable when your on your bike, and still be able to bare the weight of the jacket when your off it!

In the last few years HG always offered two versions of the Touareg riding gear.

The main differences were: The more expensive suit had a gore-tex membrane and leather patches on elbow, shoulders and seat, whereas the cheaper version had some no-name membrane and the leather patches missing. Similar the Rallye and the LC3, although the LC§ also has the leather patches in place. The Rallye suit is heavier, so I believe the outsine material is indeed more robust.

I've got the cheaper Touareg and I'm quite happy with it. What is most important is that the membrane can be removed for better ventilation, but I must say that, although zipping in the membrane makes you feel a lot warmer, when it's really cold I put on my rain gear additionally...

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Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)

I use the lighter version of the Tuareg gear its not the LC3 - it only cost £89.00 it has no membrane liner and I love this kit, It has replaced all my leather and goretex kit (Including Rucca gear) simply because it is light comfortable and brilliant when it gets hot with the amount of venting. If its wet, cold and windy an overjacket is in my opinion better than goretex as it keeps everything dry so the jacket does not get heavy with water also very good when camping not to have wet goretex gear. (Also try taking out or putting in the internal lined gear at the side of the road if the weather suddenly changes fom hot to very cool wet) If its warmish and wet open all the vents and a waterproof jacket over and you stay warm/ cool enough)In the winter a windproof walkers Buffalo smock under the jacket or several layers of wool based clothing and stay warm through most conditions. I have used the jacket all winter, all summer, travelling in climates from Freezing Arctic to 35 degrees heat in central Russia (Where it really was a blessing). No doubt many other jackets offer various degrees of weather proofing and protection but this for me is very very versatile.(I added extra upgraded armour to afford better body protection) I even bought a second one to replace this when it worn out in case they stop making them. I did not like the trousers they were very Sweaty though so i use BMW summer trousers with the jacket - Yes I use them all year round to and all my other gear is in the loft.

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.

Crusty the jacket on offer is probably the one its very lightweight and in a two colour sand/grey pattern. the BMW trousers I use are called summer trousers and are on the BMW website. Leather jeans are great on the bike but again off the bike walking around they can be to hot and heavy. I would not wear leather jeans in a very hot climate they will boil you alive. In Northern Europe and the uk they are fine I agree and I do wear them sometimes during cooler weather.

I have the Tuareg Trail jacket. The reason they are on 'special' is that someone cut the sleves too long - elbow to shoulder ..

The other problem with them is there are too many black panels .. makes things hot in the sun when stopped/slow. Still looking for a better jacket .. and pants.

I use a bicycle waterproof jacket - light weight - hi vis and packs small .. has vents too! Goes over or under the motorcycle jacket, stands up to use at speed .. well 100km/h is as fast as I've gone with it so far. Pricy though.

35C ... umm 45C is hot .. all depends on where you are and what is was like yeasterday I suppose?

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Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

Thanks all for your input. Having done a bit more reading, both here and elsewhere, I’m pretty convinced individual layers are the way to go, rather than lined gear like the LC3. It just seems more versatile and as Phil points out a heavy, sodden jacket is no fun, even if you’re dry inside. I reckon lightweight, breathable raingear to go over the top with warm layers for underneath when required is the answer. Jake, I found the BMW trousers, they look the business, if a bit pricey (twice the cost of the HG pants) but at least they don’t only come in court jester colours! My only remaining concern about the trail jacket is its durability in a crash on tarmac? What armour did you use to upgrade yours?
Frank, 35C is about record summer temperature here in Scotland! The biggest problem we have with the weather is its changeability.
I’ve had to stop in a hail/snow storm to put on all my warm and waterproof gear only to pull in for fuel ten miles later to people walking about in vests in blazing sunshine!

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Beware the dark, mechanical bird.