All seasons rider wear...ideas?

[Rich]

Looking around for some all season rider-wear. Ive got some winter and some summer but coudl do with something more versatile. My summer jacket (Spidi air or something) was cold even in the med as soon as you got going at all.

I hate to say it, but KTM do some nice riding gear and a lot cheaper than BMW. Im not sure i can justify the funds for a Rallye jacket.

£232 and £179 respectively.

Other than HG anyone come up with any decent alternatives. Waterproof and vents preferably.

 

[Tobers]

That KTM kit looks nice.

Personally, I used the top-range Frank Thomas stuff. It has zip-out liners, but the gore-tex membrane is in the outer layer, so with the liner zipped out it is still waterproof.

Cool enough in summer, and warm enough in winter (with the aid of a BMW heated waistcoat - great piece of kit).

20,000 miles and two winters old and still looks sort of like new.

 

[BLUE(UK)]

Is the KTM jacket fully waterproof??

 

[Rich]

Is the KTM jacket fully waterproof??

The top one says so (albeit not goretex), the lower one doesnt say so.

 

[Snooky]

I use the FT stuff as well, is fine for the summer with the lining out as it lets the air flow round the body, and mix that with HG trousers or leathers

 

[Gilson]

The touble with taking out the lining is that it makes the suit move around more. Cool? yes, but less protective? Probably...

I've got a HG Voyager 3 and the cheapo Tuareg. I'm hoping that sorts me out over summer....

I wonder how cool you'd look in a mesh coated under armour garmet with just a long sleeved T shirt? I remember, I think it was NSYNC (or was it 5) at the Grammys (or was it the Brits) wearing Dianese ones for their show.

Saddo, I know....but an option - no?

 

[Fanum]

Rukka or Aerostich.

Yep, they're bloody expensive, and that might nor initially seem to fit with your comment of

Im not sure i can justify the funds for a Rallye jacket

, but both (and indeed the BWM kit as well ) will outlast other stuff.....

If a £200 jacket lasts two years but a Rukka, BWM or Areostich at £500 lasts 5 yearsor more (which they will) , it's cheaper in real terms, if not in initial outlay.

Don't dismiss the expensive stuff because of the price...look at the lifetime values instead and treat yourself

 

[Rich]

Please dont encourage me to treat myself.....

I have some Dainese armour and its great under an offroad shirt but I like to have some cordura on top on tarmac. I've got a light Spidi mesh jacket which is great for that, but its damn cold at any speed even when its warm.

Ive so much flippin kit when one pricey more considered all round set would have probbaly done the job...but you know how it is

 

[grandtrousers]

Hein Gericke Master IV suit - accept no substitutes (well maybe the Rukka stuff) but IMHO miles beter than the overpriced B*W stuff.

 

[swebb]

HG... Great Value

I've used a full set of HG voyager all year around, summer did get a bit warm, even with the thermal liners removed, winter was great, i can't fault the gear at all.

If i'm honest, i don't think there is "one perfect suit" for all year around, the very nature of what you're trying to achieve is verging on the impossible.

IMHO, money is better spent on a good 3 season kit (HG, FT etc) and maybe a lighter weight jacket for summer use....

good luck though, if you find the perfect combination...... be sure to let us all know the secret

 

[Bødkerman]

All round wear

Aerostich every time.

I have had a 1 piece roadcrafter for 6 years and used it for commuting into London throughout the year except at the height of summer, in winter an electric liner was sufficient over a shirt to keep me warm at 6.30am.

If I was to get the gear again I would go for a Roadcrafter 2 piece as this would be more flexible in the summer and you can pack it away in top box with more ease.

I wash & reproof it twice a year spring and autumn (nikwax) and it has never leaked.

Initial outlay relatively high if you import it from the states; however if you or someone else has an address in states & can carry it back it is very competetive cost wise. The quality of the material and fabrication is excellent and they have a fantastic repair service if you have an "off".

Coops.

 

[Larry]

Hein Gericke Gore Tex Voyager jacket. Excellent all year round, removable liner, all for about £200.

 

[Vendome 41]

RUKKA

 

[GSmonkey]

Just treated myself to a Rukka Atech armacor suit. Only done a few hundred miles in it at the moment, but it seams excellent. Can't knock a 5-yr warranty if you ride daily.