Riding gear for humans?
 

Hey all,

After a break from riding I'm back on the bike and need some new gear. Most of the time I use my bike to get to places where I want to be for whatever reason. I'm not really into touring for the sake of touring.

So what I'm looking for is riding gear that allows for a quick transformation between a human and a biker and back to human. I.e. wearable over plain clothes, and quick on/off.

Further I expect that riding gear to be
- reasonable water/weather proof
- good protection
- available in Europe (Belgium)

I've been looking at the Aerostich Roadcrafter, but that doesn't seem to be available in Europe. Any other suggestions of throusers/jackets/overalls that make for a quick transformation and are comfortable on the bike?

Thanks,

Rob

If you don't mind expensive, I recommend Motoport kevlar gear. Small company in California, USA, which will custom make everything to fit you if you send them your measurements. The over pants are the easiest I've ever found to get on and off. The protection is as good as it gets (I've gone down on the highway and walked away without even a bruise). Waterproof liner available. For commuting & short trips it'd be my first choice.

I'm less of a fan of it for long term travel as it is an uncompromising solution and so much of travel is about compromise.

Here are some reviews I wrote on my old blog after 2.5 years of travel and another year (or two? three?) of commuting use before that.

Keep in mind when reading these reviews that I am rating them based on long term travel. My opinion for both is definitely higher for use commuting, around a local city, etc.

Review: Motoport Marathon Air Mesh Kevlar Jacket | Othalan's Travels

Review: Motoport Ultra II Kevlar Pant | Othalan's Travels

I also used their Kevlar gloves but am less of a fan of those (though I did still use them for years so they are not exactly bad).

Review: Motoport Kevlar Racing Glove | Othalan's Travels

I use Rukka it can be expensive , but some good offers some times on older stuff. I'm very impressed with it particularly how well it's lasting with a lot of use
Safe riding
Paul

Hard to beat Aerostich for Easy ON ... Easy Off gear. Great protection, fairly waterproof. Popular with moto commuters wearing Business suits under.

Both MotoPort and Rukka make fine stuff ... but NEITHER are really designed for quick ingress/egress.

MotoPort are expensive, high quality ... Rukka is simply ridiculous money... Way over priced for what it is ... and I've personally seen it torn to bits in a 25 mph crash. Shredded! (rider OK!) Aerostich does better.

BTW, I hope you never leave Northern Europe ... because the gear listed will ROAST you in Summer. If you ever get to tropical zone ... add Par Boil to that. :Beach:

Aerostich is EXCELLENT if touring in temps from Freezing up to about 85F. Above that it's uncomfortable if stopped or slow going in traffic.

For 20 years Aerostich was one of THE most popular choices for expert touring riders. But things have shifted quite a bit now and Aerostich have not really kept up. Riders have moved on. LOTS more choices now. Look around.

Many touring riders now use more versatile gear that is good in HEAT and Cold. I owned an Aerostich and once on the move it's GREAT ... but it's heavy off the bike, not that warm and mine (9 years back) was not waterproof. But really good crash protection.

MotoPort is tough, vented, works well in hot weather, fantastic protection, but more like wearing military Flack jacket. Stiff, uncomfortable. (for me)

Both Aerostich and MotoPort can custom make a suit for you and send it to you in Belgium. We have this thing called "Postal Service" ... it actually works! bier

Aerostich, have done on line fittings for decades and know how to get the fit right.
See web site. :scooter:

The Professionals ... 4 Aerostich suits here ... this is my gang about 5 years back.
http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...-LKsfrHg-L.jpg

Richa.... made in Belgium...

Bought Richa Infinity for wife... ticks all boxes what you demand...

I use Evolution bike gear. It is not very expensive and waterproof. I have been riding in the rain for hours and stayed dry.
Here is the link to their page: Evolution Motorsport

Mollydog, I can only assume you used a different model than I did for motoport. The jacket is easy as any normal jacket. The over pants come off almost as quickly as I can step out of them. Going on is almost as fast. Don't even have to take off my MX boots. I've never seen anyone get in or out of full riding gear as fast as I do with the motoport stuff.

Does MotoPort make a One Piece Suit? I was referring to a One Piece suit regards IN and OUT. (I was not clear, sorry)

I met MotoPort owner, Wayne Boyer in the 80's, run into him once in a while at industry events. Good guy, impressive product ... but not perfect.

I tried a MotoPort jacket on a year ago. The one I tried I think used Kevlar mesh. super tough, but heavy fabric.

I wondered about it's water proof ability. Does it use an "inner WP liner" not a fan those ... wouldn't buy a jacket that requires a WP liner. Been there, done that. :thumbdown:

Sorry, haven't read you review, but will do! bier

EDIT:
Just read your review! Thanks for the honest assessment! :D:D
So many GUSH over a product! I agree about unrivaled protection, It seemed super tough to me! Probably BEST in a crash!

Sorry to hear about limited versatility. For a travel jacket I need POCKETS ... and LOTS of them and Zippers that work and don't break. My lowly FirstGear Rainier has ALL YKK waterproof zipper everywhere. 5 years on, no broken zips, no leaks, no internal WP liner.

I Also prefer fabric that flows air but is waterproof ... I ride in HIGH HEAT. NO seperate WP LINER for me! Broke zips are a drag when on the road ... but if you're local I'm sure Wayne would fix it all free. (he's really good on customer service, yes?)

My FirstGear is waterproof, yet the fabric flows a TON of air. (not sure how)
NOT good below about 40F. But GOOD in plus 95F. It's fabric is light weight, will not match MotoPort at all, not even close, so one crash and it's out.

I use my own custom armor (strap on elbow/back) except shoulder armor. My jacket has 8 pockets ... 5 are BIG. I got the jacket free to review, have two spares (new) hanging in closet. :Beach:

They do make a one piece suit, but I'm not a fan of those.

There are two materials. Mesh Kevlar is the one you tried and is my preference for best protection. Stretch Kevlar is remarkably comfortable but not nearly as durable. I still trust it, but it may need repair after a slide where the mesh likely won't.

As for the liner for waterproof.... I love it for travel because I can use the liner without the jacket as a normal coat off the bike. Same for the pants. Anything that goes over is too big to wear alone.

I generally avoid cold/rainy climates so anything innately waterproof I avoid because it's too hot in the heat.

Thanks Guys,

For traveling and long trips I don't mind changing before and after the ride. It's mainly for everyday use where the motorcycle is a means of transport more than anything else.

Seems that pants designed for quick on-off over your clothes are not very popular in Europe. Jackets are easier (taking your gloves off doesn't involve jumping on one leg).

There are the motoport and Aerostich, which can be ordered, on line but... I like to feel before I buy. especially since I read they are bulky. Preferably they store together with a helmet in the topcase. Not convinced yet. I guess I'll have to visit some stores and consider having something customized.... .

Thanks for the ideas!
Rob

Check these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnPBtrixYYo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD-dh4EEsY8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9yv9K0lGmY

I've ridden with guys wearing Aerostich suits for YEARS (over 20) I have witnessed 3 crashes ... some bruising but NO serious injury in any of the crashes.