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Motorbike clothing - Textile recommendations
MK9R - 25/4/11 at 08:41 PM

Picking up a F650 GS (the later twin pot 800cc version) this week. I've dug out all my old kit, but its a bit long in the tooth now and moved away from the sports bike leather clad look. A few years ago i had a triumph tiger and commuted 200 miles a day up and down the motorway, wearing the power ranger race leathers underneath an over sized cheapish textile jacket and trousers. I didnt mind the full change then as it was a good old jaunt and wanted a change of clothes when i got there, but I will now only do 60 miles a day, so i want to be able to wear my office work wear underneath (trousers and shirt/polo), rather than having to have a full change when i get there/leave.
I want protection against the obvious friction type of incident, but also want hard protection against impact. Ideally i'd like the same kit to do summer and winter, but happy to layer up (over or under) in the winter if needed.
Cost wise, as cheap as possible, but understand alot of the kit is not cheap! As a guide i have looked at the beemer stuff, and would stretch to it if it really is worth it, not some badged up stuff. Oh and i dont want the Tw@t suit worn riding around the world

So any recommendations??


flak monkey - 25/4/11 at 08:49 PM

I wear Hein Gericke Goretex stuff. No its not cheap, but its very warm and totally waterproof for the winter. But take the liners out and open the vents and its very cool and comfy in the summer too. Completely armoured as standard (including back protector). And yes it will go on over office gear.

Mine is now discontinued Cruise stuff, which was replaced by the Voyage range, style even look identical:

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/clothing/motorcyle-clothing/jackets/hein-gericke-voyage-gore-texr-performance-shell-jacke-schwarz.html

http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/clothing/motorcyle-clothing/pants/hein-gericke-voyage-gore-texr-performance-shell-hose-schwarz.html

Gloves, Alpinestars GTX365, again not cheap but they are the comfiest gloves I have worn.


MakeEverything - 25/4/11 at 09:34 PM

I bought a £35 nylon jacket with BS Armour and totally waterproof just for the isle of man trip for the 100th anniversary. It survived torrential rain, and is still going strong.

Hein Gericke stuff is very very good, but as with most things you do get what you pay for. Though my jacket is still serving me well, it does look a little tired. I do however, still wear my first set of leather trousers i ever owned. Ive never needed to buy another pair, and have had two "Offs" in them without a mark. One included sliding on my arse at 40mph.

The most important thing about bike gear is its protective ability. Dont worry about waterproofing as this can be overcome, safety however, cannot.

Get a decent lid, and some good sturdy armoured 'leathers'.


StevieB - 25/4/11 at 10:11 PM

I just bought a pair of Hein Gericke trousers for £80, which are very comfortable and have a removable quilted liner, as well as the usual standard in amour (no hip armour though).

RST have caught my eye recently as they've raised their quality a fair bit but are still good value - now equiped with Knox armour too. Check out the Enduro line that they do.


MK9R - 26/4/11 at 11:29 PM

the Hein Gericke Goretex stuff looks great, will be going in store in the next few days


Mr Whippy - 26/4/11 at 11:43 PM

I too have a Hein Gericke bike jacket (the earlier version of this) and the only thing that's wrong with it was the tabs on the zippers snapped off but it is 4 years old now! Do recommend you get a fluorescent yellow and black one, I know mine has prevented many folk not seeing me and riding in winter it's the kind of thing that keeps you alive