I've bought the bike - now I need.......

[steve1074]

Folks

I'm after some advice. Just bought a 04 GSA. Ex demo bike and all that but I need some more goodies.

I'm after a good sized top box to use for commuting and to double as a back rest for my 10 year old duaghter when she rides pillon. It must be easily removable so I can take it off the bike and into work and preferably the base plate must not be to garrish as I'll want to ride the bike without the box too. Your suggestions please?

Next I need some new summer gloves. I'm after a waterproof pair that aren't too heavy. Your thoughts?

Then it will have to be a waterproof and breathable pair of over trousers I can commute in. the must hold armour though. Any ideas?

Finally a new textile jacket that can be worn all year. (Probably with a heated vest during winter.) I'm looking for something totally waterproof and breathable to replace a cheap cheap Buffalo jacket I bought when I did my DAS 5 years ago but that has lasted.

Come on folks - you have the knowledge. Help this new GS-er out - PLEASE.

Steve

 

[pragmatix]

Folks


Next I need some new summer gloves. I'm after a waterproof pair that aren't too heavy. Your thoughts?

Then it will have to be a waterproof and breathable pair of over trousers I can commute in. the must hold armour though. Any ideas?

Finally a new textile jacket that can be worn all year. (Probably with a heated vest during winter.) I'm looking for something totally waterproof and breathable to replace a cheap cheap Buffalo jacket I bought when I did my DAS 5 years ago but that has lasted.

Come on folks - you have the knowledge. Help this new GS-er out - PLEASE.

Steve

Cant help on the top box , but waterproof summer gloves I use a pair of RST cost about £40, as to jacket I swear by the Belstaff Explorer, mine has been totally waterproff for 2 years and 60000 miles has armour in shoulders , elbows, and back, has a nice self wicking removable inner jacket and for those really hot days ,underarm vents that work. The trousers I use are Dianese Dryline again with removable inner and armour on the knees/shin, also has some hip padding.

Pete A

 

[steve1074]

Pete

Do the Dryline's fit over a pair of suit trousers. I'm after that kind of convenience really.

I was looking at the Belstaff kit in a cat this morning. Its been upadted quite a lot over the last few years and looks like decent kit.

Thanks

Steve

 

[AndyT]

I concur with Pragmatix regarding the Belstaff - just superb quality and totally waterproof. Regarding the over trousers I can only advise what NOT to buy and that is the Frank Thomas Aqua trousers as although they are water proof they are NOT breathable and your legs will get wet through perspiration (even with the lining removed).

good luck
Andy T

 

[Garfieldus]

Hepco and Becker make some nice top boxes and a very neat topbox rack in silver for the adventure.

 

[grandtrousers]

Hein Gericke Master IV jacket - a little expensive but several of my friends have bought them after seeing how comfortable I have been with mine and they are delighted too. Oh and the trousers are just as good!!

 

[Rabbitson]

Get yourself down to Domino's pizza, they have all that you need!!

 

[pragmatix]

Pete

Do the Dryline's fit over a pair of suit trousers. I'm after that kind of convenience really.

Steve

Ive worn them over trousers but they do come out a bit crushed so possiple not what you are after.

Pete A

 

[nleader]

Next I need some new summer gloves. I'm after a waterproof pair that aren't too heavy. Your thoughts?

Then it will have to be a waterproof and breathable pair of over trousers I can commute in. the must hold armour though. Any ideas?

Finally a new textile jacket that can be worn all year. (Probably with a heated vest during winter.)

Gloves - Hein Gericke do (or did) a pair of summer gloves - leather palms, cordura backs (some knuckle armour) and a Goretex lining. Slightly heavier than your unlined racing glove, but great feel and 100% waterproof. Not as breathable as you might wish for, though - sweaty hands likely in town.

Trousers - dunno, I wouldn't buy my BMW ones again.

Jacket - Rukka RVP Pro - 100% waterproof, Cordura/Goretex, detachable lining, excellent weather/crash protection. Good with an electric vest and no lining in winter. Honestly, you won't know what true comfort is if you never experience Rukkas 'soft' CE-approved armour. 5 year guarantee, too. My last Rukka (not the RVP) was good for 7 years and is still used on odd days when the RVP is in the wash.

Cheers, Norman

 

[wedgie]

got a belstaff jacket briliant pice of kit leather on shoulders and elbows warm detachable lining turns water all day
dianese jacket is a pain as inflates as you ride along no mater how you adjust it .
richa trousers had to re proff the dam things twice and they still leek at the back of the knees even when 6 weeks old will NEVER
BUY ANOTHER PAIR.
in heavy rain i have to put on my cheap pair of wets which are 5 years old ans still turn water even after cycling to work in them for 3 years

 

[Madmountainman]

Belstaff Explorer jacket... absolutely fantastic. I've also just bought the top of the range Celsius jacket at half price. Busters are doing a Celsius combo of jacket and troos for £225 at the mo. Untested by myself as yet but if it performs as well as the Explorer then it's worth buying. I'm wearing my Celsius over the next week or so oop north round the Lakes and Dales.

Box... get the Adv rack, but put the left hand pannier on (it has a cut out which allows plenty of room around the grab rail. Go to a furniture maker (or do it yourself) and make a velcro backed pad. Glue the other half of the velcro onto the pannier, hey presto... removable back rest... and, as you've got the taller left hand pannier, it provides loads of support!

Gloves... pot luck, but i hear some of the bmw ones perform well.

 

[Banjaxed]

Think about a Givi topbox

Choose your size, depending on need all the way up to E52 Maxia. Very neat, unobtrusive mounting plate, clips on and off easily, secure, backrests available.

And often available second-hand here.

 

[BAKERMAN]

A better paid job.

 

[steve1074]

Ok guys and gals - I have bought the jacket and trousers (Hein Gericke), am just waiting for gloves to come in (HG or BMW whichever arrive first. Now its just the question of luggage.

Am bidding on a couple of boxes on ebay.........then I say mention of a set of BMW system cases. I take these are the standard Beemer touring items and that they fit a GSA. These are 195 + rails. Which is the best option then the top or side boxes???

Steve