Help me help you. Please read: about motorcycle gear

[VentureFar]

Hi all

As many of you know I am fortunate to have as neighbor the editor of ultimatemotorcycling.com magazine.

I have reviewed a helmet, two jackets, gloves, pants and boots and the new star venture and Eluder He just asked if I wanted to review anything other gear and I don’t know what to ask for.

Please help me with some ideas.

Is there a piece of motorcycle industry specific riding gear that has a hefty price tag on it that you were hesitant to purchase due to not knowing if you would like it or not?

Shout it out.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

VentureFar...

 

 

 

 

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[videoarizona]

High priced gear I would like to buy? Seriously? The problem I have is none that I've found meet the requirements I have for gear to wear year around in Arizona.

I'm not asking for much....at least I don't think so!

 

I've been looking for a serious 4 season jacket I can wear here in Arizona. Here's my thoughts.

 

Requirements:

 

1: Serious protection from broken bones and road rash. Some way to measure road rash capabilities would be good.

2: Ventilation. Haven't found one yet (outer shell) that allows me to ride in typical Arizona heat. Especially the heat of the sun. I'm not talking about 110 degree June days, I'm talking about May through October...95 to 100 degree days. I won't ride anywhere in anything around those temps anymore....gear won't let me.

 

3: Pockets. Zippered pockets abound, but most of them won't handle a typical large phone in it's OtterBox case. One cheap brand(Bilt) actually does have an inside pocket up near where a typical pocket would be an on a man's shirt, zippered and large enough for the phone. I like the phone there. Easy to get to and you know right where it is at all times.

4: Removable liner for warmth.

5: Rain liner that can be worn over the top...much like a Froggs Toggs, with pocket access to main jacket. And a pocket in the rear of main jacket to store the rain liner.

6: Neck collar that will keep rain out but not chafe the skin.

 

And I could go on....here's thoughts on other gear:

 

So far, I've purchased great fitting, comfortable, excellent traction boots but they are way to hot to wear in any kind of heat. And no way to ventilate the feetsies either. So they don't work for me except in the winter. I've found the XElement brand of boots to be the best so far for my feet...and they wear well and are comfortable enough to walk around stores for a day! What ever happened to good old Army boots that are ventilated in the toes, water resistant and have armor around ankles and lower legs??

 

Good gloves. Under $100. These are actually available that do keep one's fingers and hands cool when you stick them out in the wind...but without a known quantity when it comes to protection.

 

Helmets that actually do reduce wind and road noise levels, are lightweight, with good vision and good ventilation and don't cost $600.00. 5 helmets from various brands and so far...noise is still the top of the list. I see modest improvement over the years....but come on...

 

Pants: I've given up on pants for protection. You can have protection or you can have breathability. You can't have both.

So I'm back to jeans and use Bohn Body Armor underneath. They are lightweight, breathe well under the jeans and I know they will protect my bones. They won't help[ much for road rash, but aren't designed for that. You can wear them all day and forget they are on...until you need to go to bathroom. Why they don't put a zipper or velcro slot in them, I don't know.

 

So that's my abbreviated list. I'm sure others can think of gear they have worn or want to buy...

Hope this helps...

david

[XV1100SE]

High priced gear I would like to buy? Seriously? The problem I have is none that I've found meet the requirements I have for gear to wear year around in Arizona.

I'm not asking for much....at least I don't think so!

 

I've been looking for a serious 4 season jacket I can wear here in Arizona. Here's my thoughts.

 

Requirements:

 

1: Serious protection from broken bones and road rash. Some way to measure road rash capabilities would be good.

2: Ventilation. Haven't found one yet (outer shell) that allows me to ride in typical Arizona heat. Especially the heat of the sun. I'm not talking about 110 degree June days, I'm talking about May through October...95 to 100 degree days. I won't ride anywhere in anything around those temps anymore....gear won't let me.

 

3: Pockets. Zippered pockets abound, but most of them won't handle a typical large phone in it's OtterBox case. One cheap brand(Bilt) actually does have an inside pocket up near where a typical pocket would be an on a man's shirt, zippered and large enough for the phone. I like the phone there. Easy to get to and you know right where it is at all times.

4: Removable liner for warmth.

5: Rain liner that can be worn over the top...much like a Froggs Toggs, with pocket access to main jacket. And a pocket in the rear of main jacket to store the rain liner.

6: Neck collar that will keep rain out but not chafe the skin.

 

And I could go on....here's thoughts on other gear:

 

So far, I've purchased great fitting, comfortable, excellent traction boots but they are way to hot to wear in any kind of heat. And no way to ventilate the feetsies either. So they don't work for me except in the winter. I've found the XElement brand of boots to be the best so far for my feet...and they wear well and are comfortable enough to walk around stores for a day! What ever happened to good old Army boots that are ventilated in the toes, water resistant and have armor around ankles and lower legs??

 

...

david

 

Like you I wanted a jacket with airflow. I started my riding experience with leather, found it way too hot in the summer (no ventilation). Textile was the same - wouldn't let air thru. Then I went to a Tourmaster. I'm on my second one now and highly recommend it.

 

Mesh outer shell, rain liner and thermal liner. For those really hot days, I have a cooling vest to wear underneath the jacket - soak it in water, ring it out, wear it. Good for a couple hours in the heat. They look somewhat like safety vests but are different in the material.

 

My choice on riding boots are Original S.W.A.T.. I did a search for what people wear for work (eg Police, prison guards, security) and they hated the boots their work provided them but recommended SWAT (and one other brand I don't recall). I can wear mine all day and my feet stay dry in the rain and don't overheat in the hot weather. I switched my work boots to SWAT as well - composite protection, waterproof, no slip sole. Zippered side, lace, and velcro strap at the top. Very durable and last multiple seasons... and the safety boots are super light as well and are as comfortable as my riding boots. I've been wearing SWAT boots when I ride since 2010.

[VentureFar]

Videoarizona nice articulation of your gear requirements but I need make and model to ask for the product to test.

As for jackets my daily preference is the joe rocket alter ego 4. I had the original and the 3 and then got the 4 to test.

Although there is not a pocket to put the outer wind and rain cover into I think everything else you mentioned is.

With the outer on to protect from the hot wind my bilt cooling vest will last gas stop to gas stop. If crazy hot like 110 air temp and above the 8 pounds ice bag I buy and put against my chest will last two gas stops with the outer on and I am very comfortable.

Here is my write up on the 4 from a year ago.

Oh- just remembered there is no pass through from the outer to the inner so if you want access to something you keep in a pocket in the inner you will need to transfer it to the outer.

Again if you or anyone reading this thread has a make and model of a motorcycle specific gear they want tested let me know and I will try.

Here is my report.

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/06/29/joe-rocket-alter-ego-4-1-jacket-review-good-for-70000-miles-like-original/

 

VentureFar...

 

 

 

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[videoarizona]

 

My choice on riding boots are Original S.W.A.T.. I did a search for what people wear for work (eg Police, prison guards, security) and they hated the boots their work provided them but recommended SWAT (and one other brand I don't recall). I can wear mine all day and my feet stay dry in the rain and don't overheat in the hot weather. I switched my work boots to SWAT as well - composite protection, waterproof, no slip sole. Zippered side, lace, and velcro strap at the top. Very durable and last multiple seasons... and the safety boots are super light as well and are as comfortable as my riding boots. I've been wearing SWAT boots when I ride since 2010.

 

 

The only problem I see with the Swat boots is the thickness of the soles. Riding the 1st gen, I've found some thick boots don't leave enough room to get the boot easily between the foot rest and the shifter. This can lead to problems, especially coming to a stop and trying to get the boot out before the bike falls over!

 

But I'll take a look at the jacket and boots....thanks

[videoarizona]

Videoarizona nice articulation of your gear requirements but I need make and model to ask for the product to test.

As for jackets my daily preference is the joe rocket alter ego 4. I had the original and the 3 and then got the 4 to test.

Although there is not a pocket to put the outer wind and rain cover into I think everything else you mentioned is.

With the outer on to protect from the hot wind my bilt cooling vest will last gas stop to gas stop. If crazy hot like 110 air temp and above the 8 pounds ice bag I buy and put against my chest will last two gas stops with the outer on and I am very comfortable.

Here is my write up on the 4 from a year ago.

Oh- just remembered there is no pass through from the outer to the inner so if you want access to something you keep in a pocket in the inner you will need to transfer it to the outer.

Again if you or anyone reading this thread has a make and model of a motorcycle specific gear they want tested let me know and I will try.

Here is my report.

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2018/06/29/joe-rocket-alter-ego-4-1-jacket-review-good-for-70000-miles-like-original/

 

VentureFar...

 

 

 

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I've not been able to find the jacket link that I found and thought would meet all my requirements. It looked great and I thought I saved the link, but guess not.

Otherwise I would have included that. I'll keep looking. If so, I'll either include it here or PM you.

 

I'll look into the Joe Rocket, thanks.

 

Update: Looked at the Joe Rocket. Sounded good until you said Black only. I know many guys and gals like black for riding scoots...but that's deadly for me in Arizona. I prefer the white/silver combo to reflect as much heat as possible...as the sun does get a bit warm...even at 75mph.

 

So yes, I fear manufacturers don't think about us riders in the SW...or anywhere ...where heat and/or heat and humidity are killers.

Edited July 29, 2019 by videoarizona
update

[djh3]

I bought a pair of Bates Boots a couple years ago. I have a pair of Himalayan gortex boots about 10 or 12" tall. Nice in cooler weather and long road trips. But I was looking for a little shorter boots so I got some bates. They are a military style with a side zip and about 6" or so but an over ankle boot. But Bates does make some powersports boots now

[VentureFar]

I bought a pair of Bates Boots a couple years ago. I have a pair of Himalayan gortex boots about 10 or 12" tall. Nice in cooler weather and long road trips. But I was looking for a little shorter boots so I got some bates. They are a military style with a side zip and about 6" or so but an over ankle boot. But Bates does make some powersports boots now

 

Cool. I will check them out.

VentureFar...

 

 

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[VentureFar]

Checking into the availability of bates bomber boots to review.

 

Talking about mesh hi viz. I was surprised the mesh was black. My alter ego 3 mesh is red.

It’s expensive and you would have to try it on but I would buy - if it works:

Joe Rocket 1516-4604 Phoenix Ion Men's Mesh Motorcycle Jacket (Hi-Viz Neon)

And the joe rocket 4 alter ego

 

Then when it is hot or possible rain use the ion with the outer in your bag.

When it is cold use the alter ego all together as designed.

 

Hey, it isn’t my hard earned dollars ...

 

VentureFar...

 

 

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[djh3]

For me, I find it very hard to pay $150 or whatever for a pair of sneaker looking shoes for only riding. Heck I wont pay that for boots for work I use 5 days a week. And then if I dont get over a year out of them I thnk I get ripped off. My go to work boot is a Wolverine dual shock. Good riding boot also if you prep them right. Most GI's will know what I'm talking about.

[Patch]

Here you go;)

 

[VentureFar]

And how would you propose I test it? By crashing? Not me :-)

VentureFar...

 

 

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