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Right Way Round ...

Toby, I think you misunderstand Des Senior's point.

No matter how you "look" you are truly "rich" to them. Sure, you may be working for an NGO (I did this world wide), but you are still a WHITE GUY ... so certain
assumptions are taken by locals, whether true or not.

I couldnt care less what other people think about me and if they judge me according to how I look. Thats their problem. But I do try to be polite, to show respect, show a little interest in other people and their lifes and I do try to make a joke now and then to make people laugh.

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

some make up may help though

No matter what you look like you look rich to them-and you are. If you can, learn to smile, be able to say please/thank you in the local language, if possible add "I like your country, you are all so friendly, the food tastes great". Try not to convey the message that you think they are stupid, backward, or that they have to put up with your sh#t because you are special and they are not. You don't like people who think that about you, and neither do they. Be nice and it usually is returned to you. It will help you and the next traveler.

It seems to me we have some rich guys telling some poor guys that expensive gear is worth buying, and some poor guys telling the rich guys we can't afford it.

Unless someone wins a lottery it's probably not going to change.

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

I think people inherently will defend and justify their decisions to chose one thing over another and for different reasons. But that is hardly ever to say that one person is right or wrong. Sure some people may find solace in buying top of the line gear in every aspect of life and vice versa for those who don't, but it really is all a matter of personal preference.

Certainly he who makes due with less is often admired for his ability to be resourceful and enduring with what many would consider to be "not enough". But the notion of "not enough" is what keeps people stuck in cyclical lifestyles without ever really enjoying their surroundings, too caught up with worrying about having the necessary commodities to enjoy life thoroughly, as they have always wanted to.

Too often we ground ourselves to material things, taking on massive debts and burdens to support our desire for more. It is the American Dream.
Not sure how I got to this brief late-night philosophical tangent, I suppose its just a little saddening to watch all of my friends and family compromise their quality of life in the pursuit of having more only to really have less. As a college student, im sure ill get to that point sooner or later, but... I digress.

Thanks for the great replies guys!

Art

Haha here is someone who never travelled talks about something he doesn't know.

In second-world-countrys people are very aware of brands...more then we are so better not to show any or you will be treated as an ATM.

In third world countrys people dont know about brands but they are not stupid so best is to ride the same bike as they do. It makes them curios wow you can ride so far with it...come in to my house and tell me more...

IMHO,
Cost has nothing to do with it... some expensive gear is rubbish and some inexpensive is awesome..

1) Buy the gear that will work long term, (false economy having to replace a jacket that cost 50% every year compared to one that last 5 years)
2) Make sure it will do what you want it to do (eg keep you dry or cool or whatever.. every one is a compromise.. you have to decide what is the best for you. )
3) Make sure it fits well and is comfortable There is nothing more annoying having your trip ruined or simply less pleasant than gear that is giving you shits..
4) make sure that is has passed some kind of test (e.g. CE / DOT ect) and you know what it means. I am in the industry and trust me popular does not mean good, only good advertising, at home a small fall = no big deal out in world a small fall can = small injury with less then perfect cleanliness = trip ending infections...


and of course you do gt what you pay for in the most part so at least .

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2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com

This is a great response, but I would put no 3 as the first priority. Badly fitting gear in a fall may cause you serious injury. Ensure the armour is CE approved. Consider how you would feel if the jacket or pants were stolen or ruined. Can you afford to replace them?
Personally, I'd consider buying a close fitted armoured shirt made from good breathable material, then a cheaper jacket over the top. You can find similar items in leggings and trousers.
Take thin waterproof over trousers / jacket for wet days - many complain about Gortex losing its waterproofness when filled with dust.

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Elaine

Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way

From the original post, it seems that the he is concerned about alienating local people by showing up looking like he's from another planet. Completely understandable. First things first, from my experience living for many years in Latin America, you will always stand out. Your big bike will always stand out and you traveling for pleasure is a luxury pretty much everyone cannot afford. It's a concept many can't even wrap their heads around. Now, a $300 pair of pants vs a $800 pair of pants makes absolutely no difference to them. They don't know the difference. So, don't be hesitant to get the best gear you can afford that will protect you and be comfortable. From my travels, I've found that people will marvel, they will ask how much is this and that, but even then, you will find people are kind, warm and welcoming.