Klim Adventure Rally Suit - full size set at Excel show 4-7

[wonky]

I've been using the Klim Valdez too - tis a fantastic jacket which doubled up very well as skiing jacket last week

Wonky - when I worked in the marine industry and gore tex first came on the scene for sailing, it was super expensive so many of the stores would have one or two demo jackets to lend out to customers for trial purposes. This was a great way to allow people to find out just how good the jacket it and to spread word of mouth... just something you might want to consider.

I won't be able to make it to the Excel show but would be interested in seeing a jacket in person - what are my options?

glad you like it!
There are a few suits that have been made for a press event in april and i dont know what is happening with them after. There was some talk having the odd test day, but it wont be for sometime yet and may never happen here as they're bound to go back to the states.
On the other hand we're probably going to do this with the new euro spec F4 helmets due in july. I think once we've got a few dealers in place then it wouold be worth putting a few testers of the 'regular' enduro range ou there.

If you're quick you can pay us a visit the week after the show. We're talking to a few dealers, but noone very local to you so i cant offer a definite stockist yet. Will have news in the next few weeks.




Sorry if anyones posted any questions and ive missed them, i'll try and get back to a few of them tonight. Busy busy busy

oh ps, the suit is great and you should all sell your kids to get one.....

 

[skyenet]

That is not slagging the suit, it is stating that most people change shape/size over 10 - 15 years.

They probably wouldn't change their shape if it meant they couldn't fit into their £1500 suit. I have not changed shape/size in over 35 years, still a short arse

 

[Twotter]

The Rukka replacement seems to a local thing run by Tran Am via the dealer. It doesn't work very well - my jacket went in for repair (took 6 weeks) but it took them 4 weeks to get me the replacement jacket, which you have to pick up from the dealer and and in any case isn't like-for like, just anything they have in that's your size.

In my experience the arrangement has worked very well indeed

 

[Mav]

If you're quick you can pay us a visit the week after the show. We're talking to a few dealers, but noone very local to you so i cant offer a definite stockist yet. Will have news in the next few weeks.

You mean you will still be around in London? I fly back in on Monday the 8th...

 

[wonky]

no we'll have the sizing set for a week or so after the show before they go off on tour. stock arrives mid march.

 

[wonky]

I suppose that the important question is what it does that other very good suits do not do, to justify the extra cost?

That's likely to be hard to tell just by trying it on, so why not let us know what's so special about it. What is it that would justify my spending that sort of money on it as opposed to about half that for another good brand?

The question for me, and probably many others, is not whether we can afford £1,500 for a suit, but whether we want to or need to spend that much.

i really mean the bit about trying it on. It will be quite clear that it is different to the other gear you've used. the features i find important may not appeal to everyone but here you go....

1. its cut like dirt bike gear. i hate riding trail style bikes in kit developed from road gear, it just doesnt allow the freedom of movement and feels very restrictive. whereas this does.

fine you say, its like dirt gear, so i'll just buy somw of that! Well no

2. to waterproof dirt gear you need to add another layer. another layer to carry, to compromise breathability, to snag on stuff, to restrict movement.

3. dirt gear has the abrasion resistance of moist tissue paper (klim's dakars are pretty good though, but thats another story), so you wouldnt really want to be using it for mixed on-off road riding at relative speed.

4. the leatt brace integration is unique and works really nicely. even without a brace being able to take off the neck when its really hot is great.

5. the harness works really well to give you good support from the full CE level 2 back protector. it also locates the shoulder armour precisely.

This is the bit that is hard to explain. you feel in the harness rather than in the jacket. the material doesnt sit on you. like i say it is hard to explain but it is really nice! there is no restriction of movement to your arms, but your trunk feels really soildly protected and supported.

6. the pants are mega comfy and the ventilation works amazingly well, again as there are air passageways to allow proper air circulation and a rear vent which is essential for proper ventilation.

7. theres never been a suit designed for true off-road adventure riding that was uncompromised by any other considerations.

even though its got loads of headline grabbing features it is the fact it all works together really well that is the most relavent point. you get all the individual features and they all work just right. you can get some of these individual features in different garments but not all in one and certainly not that actually work

I'll state the initial statement again as i really believe you have to see it feel it and wear it to really get it.
its good.
some may not be able to afford it or justify the price tag, others will.

those that do get one will have something that will give them great service for a long time on whatever adventure they choose to go on.

once the hype and this thread and all the others have been long forgotten, there'll be the few people who buy one who will enjoy their motorcycling more as a result!

 

[Loiq]

I'm gonna pop down and have a look for the simple reason it's there, I've also been promised a lovely cup of tea by the Mondo Enduro stand.

which is as good an excuse as any to go....

 

[Rushy]

That is not slagging the suit, it is stating that most people change shape/size over 10 - 15 years.

I thought that when I wrote it but I reckon it kind of depends on how old your are when you buy the suit. As most of the guys on here are north of 40, and then some, I guess they wont change shape too much.

I'd also add that having met a load of the fat fekkers (self included in that remark) if many of them do change shape too much I fear that the earth may get displaced from its current orbit and you'll have other things to worry about other than the cost of this fine garment

Good luck with the show ( and the suit ) Wonky..........I really can't afford one since baby came along but I'm sure you'll do well with once a few dive in and report how good it is.

 

[NorthernBoy]

Thanks for the detailed reply.

I'm actually very happy with my HG kit, but after the miles it's done, and the gallons of sweat that have been through it, its probably time for me to look at something new, so I'll give this a try at the show tomorrow.

One negative which dos come to mind for my usage is that I'm not sure that I'd want to bias my suit towards "adventure riding", when about 100 of this last year's 12,000 miles has been proper dirt, but I'll see how it feels.

Where is the stand, and what does it say on it? I normally hate myself for spending £15 on entry to the show after about half an hour, and head home vowing never to go again, so wouldn't want to miss it...

 

[wonky]

N123,
next to stahlkoffer panniers and round corner from aim image (austin vince and co)
says adventure-spec

off to bed......long day!

 

[NorthernBoy]

I tried the suit on today, and very nice it is too. I'm looking to replace my ageing HG stuff, and this might fit the bill.

On the other hand, after years of slowly swelling I'm heading back towards my preferred shape at a decent lick, and need to give myself three or four months to see how that goes. I really, really don't want to get a suit for a fifteen stone shape if I'm going to be thirteen by the summer, so if I get one it will be a treat for hitting my target, and, as suggested above, will work as a great incentive to keep the pounds off.

 

[Loiq]

I tried that suit on it's alright, I like the design/ engineering that's gone into making it. If your gonna have a go at proper racing or a long trip and need all your personal stash on you at all times. and don't like man bags this could be the ticket....

It reminded me of a Swiss Army Jacket and trousers which has a similar carry system already in it.

must drop Wonky a PM and bring some biscuits once I head up north next month.

 

[bowser]

have to say having tried it on I see where the money goes, is it as good as say a £2000 leather suit, well I would say so, couldnt imagine myself spending £800 on the bmw suit but I could see myself getting one of these if I could find the cash. Still I bought the gloves instead rode home with them and well impressed.