riding gear

**fergie** · 8th July 2003, 16:05

Im in the market for a new jacket and would like your opinion on types and styles of jackets that you prefer.

what in your opinion is the best for comfort,warmth,safety etc.

please include brands

thanks

**750Y** · 8th July 2003, 17:21

go for a touring style cordura jacket.
it should have armour & be waterproof & breatheable preferably with removable lining and waterproof pockets. that will see you right for rain,wind,cold,sun,humidity & the odd minor spill.(an average day in akld)

brands-wise i'd say Spidi is the best or maybe BMW too.
Dry rider are good imho.
spyke i have & never again.
spend what You can, over a few years an expensive jacket will pay for itself over and over...& over...

i wish i'd spent $1k on a spidi touring jacket. It is worth it if You ride all the time.

**wkid_one** · 8th July 2003, 17:26

Spidi or Technic's are you best bet for synthetic jackets.....

**Kwaka-Kid** · 8th July 2003, 19:35

i liek my DRIRIDER gear, but its costly (didnt pay, handmedowns :P) and it smells like absolute crap after getting wet/semi dry, gotta wash it foten and let drty infront of fire/sun, hate that yuck smell (altho its prolly just me) and has served me well in 1x spill, just burnt a hole in the top of the left shoulder

**What?** · 9th July 2003, 06:18

For all seasons, go for synthetics. I have a Dririder Extreme suit, and it works well (although I got the one I bought first replaced under warranty as it leaked). However, the good gear is pricey, and if that is an issue, go for a leather jacket with twin front zips. This will allow a good summer fit, yet expand to allow for extra clothing in winter. Then for wet or very cold days, just add a nylon wet suit over top. This option will something like half the price of a Spidi jacket.

**Duke of Rogan** · 9th July 2003, 07:00

I'm also in the hunt for some new gear, and will be getting some sort of synthetic jacket/pants combo, but my budget is <$1k, so Spidi will not be an option.

I had a look in Mt Eden m/c's last night (open to 7 every day) and tried on a couple of types.
Cheapest is KBC, I think it was about $550 for jacket and pants. Good value for money, but its probably worth spending a little more.

The next brand I tried I can't remember the name of dang-it!
(began with an "S", but wasn't "spyke")
This combo looked pretty good, lots of armour and felt very warm (fully lined, removable, zippered airways etc), cellphone pocket on inside...
$720 for the pair.

I plan to look at Colemans next to see what they've got on sale...

**fergie** · 9th July 2003, 10:39

hey great advice guys, i normally go out and buy the first/cheapest thing that jumps out at me(and regret it later) lol just look at my wife!!!!!

but as for a set of riding gear, i plan to choose carefully and buy on function instead of price.

thanks for the help

safe riding

**duckman** · 9th July 2003, 12:37

I purchased a Daytona suit about two years ago. It cost about a grand and was the best bike suit I've ever had.
It's lightweight, waterproof, warm and a good fit. They use a variety of materials in different parts of the suit and this makes all the difference. It also has built in armour although I'm not sure how a slide down the road would be ?? ouchy??!!?

I've seen Mt eden M/C's range and I would suggest you try motomail or powersports as well. If you buy from motomail and your on their "points scheme" then it gives you enough points to buy a set of gloves - For FREE!!! - Worth a look.

**Mitch** · 9th July 2003, 15:41

Yup I'll second that, when your looking for gear and your not to sure what you want Motomail is by far the best place to start!!!! I don't think there is anywhere else in Auckland that has the range.

**MikeL** · 9th July 2003, 16:30

Try the Teknic range at Motomail. I got a Stinger jacket there for $499 - not the cheapest but by no means the dearest either. My mate's got a much more expensive one ($1000) and I can't see anywhere near $500 difference in quality (perhaps the difference will only become apparent when I fall off!!)

**Kwaka-Kid** · 9th July 2003, 16:38

or the markup!

my bad

**Marmoot** · 9th July 2003, 22:41

Teknic Sequoia is a bit noisy. Protection level is supposed to be good, unless you ride like you race.

Spidi is good protection when it comes to fabric jacket (as my partner has tested. Isn't that right, andy1?

)

Leather is always good protection. Only when you go really fast then the brands make some difference.

If you get a fabric jacket, choose one with removable (zipped) inner thermal layer so you can still wear it in the summer. The outer does not have to be too thick either. The thermal layer is the most important warmer.

**Marmoot** · 9th July 2003, 22:44

Oh, for those that like to wear leathers in the winter, stuff a fabric-jacket thermal layer in it. it is warm and light and will keep you warm enough. Also, don't forget the sno-seal beeswax to waterproof your leather. Not even a storm can soak it.

**What?** · 10th July 2003, 09:32

Originally posted by fergie
i plan to choose carefully and buy on function instead of price.

If money is not an issue Fergie, don't overlook the BMW gear. It is hideously expensive ($2K plus for a full suit) but I am told by owners that it is very good. See Henry at Lifestyle BMW in Newmarket.