Triumphrat

kweller · 07-16-2005

When out on the bike yesterday I was just too hot. That wouldn't be too bad but we're intending going on a wander round the continent at the end of August probably ending up in southern Spain and if I'm hot here I hate to think what it's going to be like down there.

I was quite envious of people on their bikes yesterday in shorts and t-shirt but I have gravel rash scars from such foolishness in my youth and have no wish to repeat the performance - the rash gets quite messy when it's first done and it hurts!

I'm just back to biking after a 6 year layoff and clothing seems to have come on a long way. I used to ride exclusively in leathers but this time went for a Rukka 2-piece Goretex suit that will protect me if I end up sliding down the road and has padding in all the right places but it is rather warm.

Is there anything else available that is lightweight (read cooler) but will still give some protection in the event of a crash? I'm not fussed about waterproof as I can throw a thin oversuit in the panniers.

Thanks.

Kevin

[ This message was edited by: kweller on 2005-07-16 04:29 ]

blacktiger · 07-16-2005

Quote:

On 2005-07-16 04:28, kweller wrote:

Is there anything else available that is lightweight (read cooler) but will still give some protection in the event of a crash? I'm not fussed about waterproof as I can throw a thin oversuit in the panniers.
Kevin

Yes. There are suits available now with mesh panels built in which let the wind straight through.Triumph do one which looks quite good. Also, dare I mention it here, BMW does one.
Thinking of BMW, their "Rally" suit is good. Lots of zips to open to let the wind through. Comes with a removable Goretex liner. Down side is that you have to strip completely to put the liner in should it start to rain :???: BMW design at its best.
Also try Hein Gericke.

[ This message was edited by: blacktiger on 2005-07-16 05:53 ]

the_beast · 07-16-2005

i use denim jeans from www.hoodjeans.co.uk, not as hot as leather and don't protect as much but they do have a lining under the denim which should keep your skin on and they come with optional knox knee and hip pads.

kweller · 07-16-2005

Thanks for the suggestion Mr. Beast but I used to have Shoshoni jeans (bet that dates me!) and found them rather hot as well.

Blacktiger I'm going to follow your suggestion of Hein Gericke and am off to Maidstone. Thanks.

Kevin

tango · 07-16-2005

We done a 17 day tour of Europe where we took in Belgium, (twice) Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland Italy and France (twice). 4700 miles.
Both of us full leathers, full face helmets and we were on the Trophy with a full fairing.

Only the first day did the temp' dip much below 30 and that was in Scotland. After that the temp' ranged between 28 and 45, that was in Monza then 42 in Turin with 95% humidity. By the way if you like traffic lights you'll love Turin especially when it's 42 and full leathers.
I only wore my gloves on the first and last days. I had my jacket open but still attached to the trousers and the cuffs turned up it was just fine except for city driving.

We did go out one day without leathers, just jeans and T-shirt but just felt too vulnerable.

FWIW my choice would be leather every time, but also appreciate it might be too uncomfortable for some, so as they say, any protection is better than none.

By the way when we left Turin it was 42 and when we arrived in Val d'Isere that evening it was 9, I'm glad I had my leathers going over that pass.

[ This message was edited by: tango on 2005-07-16 10:49 ]

whoa · 07-16-2005

Here in Austin it has been on the warm side too. I use the Triumph mesh jacket and except when at a red light, it is quite comfortable. Seems it cost around $140 US.

djr · 07-17-2005

BMW, Triumph and Hein Gericke all do mesh jackets with protection. I have a ventilated leather Triumph jacket and while it is a lot better than a standard leather one it is still too hot when the temp goes up. I think some of the above will be better options.

One point though is that I saw the HG ones being worn by a couple the other day and it looked like they were wearing full wet weather gear. On a very hot sunny day, it looked "odd".

I also find that even when my vented jacket does its job well you melt with full leather jeans so I would suggest looking for a suit rather than just a jacket.

[ This message was edited by: djr on 2005-07-17 00:59 ]

nehpetsthegrey · 07-17-2005

Hein Gericke do a mesh jacket with armour in all the usual places and its great. They also do trousers to match, but I only have the jacket as the trousers could well seem too cold. Best bit is that they are in silver so match the bike. Ohhh Ducky.
Tried the draggin jeans but if anything they seem warmer than summer leather jeans. So I guess Its all down to whatever floats your boat as they say :-D

kweller · 07-17-2005

I tried HG but I'm short and, er, 'well built' so the only jacket that would fit round my waist had sleeves that were far too long. Strange that as I was able to find a Rukka suit that fitted with no problem at all.

Went down to Laguna and tried a Triumph jacket but they only had two - one far too large and the other felt like it might be right but I wanted to try the next size down. As they didn't have one I didn't get it.

Then went over to Mark Bowen in Chatham and found a Buffalo jacket that fitted perfectly but it was only £60 and felt rather cheap and nasty.

So, I'm going to give P&H motorcycles in Brighton a try today as I'm told they have a large clothing section. I hope so as it's a 2 hour journey according to Multimap.

Kevin

Trotts · 07-17-2005

The Triumph 'Raptor' jacket is really good. vented etc and allows air through. I bought one with my trip to Spain/France in mind in September. Triumph also do matching trousers, but only available for the US market :???:

I have been out this weekend, and jacket has kept me cool !