Triumphrat

BlitzPig · 07-24-2005

My old boots (cheapie fake leather "Falcos") that I purchased 5 or 6 years ago "just to get me by" are no longer cutting it. I'm riding a lot more since I took delivery of my Bonneville last year.

:-D

So, I've been doing a little research on the web. Hmmm. It seems that the best waterproof boots are sold by SIDI, BMW, and, Triumph. A little further investigation has turned up the fact that BMW's and Triumph's boots are made by the same company in Italy, Jolly Scarpe, who also makes Dainese, and, Hein Gericke boots. (Isn't Google grand?)

I've already decided to spend the money on a top line pair of boots. Let's face it, foot injurys are the most common, yet least thought about injurys that occur to riders. I want to keep my feet (and ankles, and shins...) happy.

Now here is where you lot come in.

Can you give me some feedback on the Triumph "Expedition" boots, or simiar types from other manufacturers?

Also, if any of you have them, may I be so bold as to ask what your dealer was asking for them? Mine wants $260 US dollars. ( I get a 10% discount off that...)

Thanks in advance.

ChuckBecker · 07-24-2005

I can't help you with experience on the Triumph boots, but I've read very good things about their line of boots in a couple of British m/c magazines.

Good boots are a joy. I finally got some Sidi B1's a few months ago, and "oh my" what a difference.

Among major brands, including Triumph, I do believe that performance and features scale pretty well along the sliding $$$ scale. Up to some point where it becomes ludicrous. Your best bet on pricing will be shopping around online (gotta' love Google...).

Good luck!

r80rt · 07-24-2005

Chippewa Rally boots

RedBird · 07-24-2005

I have Triumph Explorer boots ($126.28 from dealer after discount), and I really like them. They are light-weight and still warm enough for winter riding. The first thing I had to do (even when trying them on) was to remove the hard insole and replace them with the insoles from my Newbalance shoes. Now, they are comfortable enough to walk a long distance--not that I ever plan on walking much. I have had to do this insole replacement for years on work-shoes--must be old feet. :-D
Larry

frenchie · 07-24-2005

I have a pair of Oxtar Matrix Goretex Boots, they are still serving me well after 2 years and 20,000 miles. They have never let in water, are comfortable on and off the bike and are CE approved for safety. Best pair of boots I've had, I'd reccomend them over the Dainese and Sidi boots I've had in the past.

Frenchie

Here's the link to their website <a href="http://www.oxtar.com/oxtar/uk/prodotti/catalogo/touring/index.html[addsig" target="_blank" target="_new">http://www.oxtar.com/oxtar/uk/prodotti/catalogo/touring

[ This message was edited by: frenchie on 2005-07-24 13:49 ]

Hal9000 · 07-24-2005

I have the BMW Gortex. A wonderful boot. I rode all around the perimeter of the U.S. with these boots. Monster rainstorms my feet stayed dry. Freezing temperatures, my feet stayed warm. Have had them 3 years now and plan to have them another 30.

AllanCook · 07-24-2005

I have the BMW Gore-Tex Contour boots, too. They've kept my feet dry and warm for more than 30,000 miles over three years, but they're looking a little shabby now. I'm in the market for some new boots, and the Oxtar Matrix Gore-Tex boots look like a very good replacement at a bargain price. The branding on them is pretty much irrelevant, since all the good boots are made in Italy by one or two manufacturers.

Good luck,

Allan

[ This message was edited by: AllanCook on 2005-07-24 14:56 ]

BlitzPig · 07-24-2005

Yes, the Oxtar brand are also made by the same folks that make the Truimph and BMW boots.

frenchie, I'm suprized at your comment about the SIDIs. They have a very good reputation. But the proof is in the wearing.

[ This message was edited by: BlitzPig on 2005-07-24 16:20 ]

Christov · 07-24-2005

I just purchased a pair of Gaerne road race style rear entry boots. I have been quite pleased with their fit and comfort. I found these new on ebay for a great price.

badrufus · 07-24-2005

BlitzPig,
When I was in Cleveland in May, I had the chance to go to Cleveland-Akron Honda/Triumph. I tried on Sidi waterproof, Diadora waterproof, and Triumph Expeditions. It came down to the Sidis versus the Triumphs and after walking around the shop for twenty minutes, it was clear that the Triumphs were the most comfortable, for me. All were in the $190-$220 range at this dealer. I've been riding with the Triumphs since May, and have been very happy with them. I haven't tried them in a downpour, but from what I've read the Triumph waterproof boots are indeed that. They are significantly sturdier, especially in the ankle and shin area, than the BMW touring boots I was using. They are, to my surprise, not hot in 90 degree weather. They have a bigger footprint (as I would expect the other brands do also) than the lighter BMW's, and I have to keep my foot to the side of the brake pedal or move it back further on the peg. The combination lace-up, velcro, rear cinch strap seems cumbersome at first and then becomes second nature very quickly. They are very comfortable off the bike. It was important for me to be able to try them on, kinda like with helmets. The Sidis and Diadoras were very well made, and I've heard great things about Oxtars. It's kinda like asking which is better--a top of the line Arai, Shoei, Suomy? Answer--the one that fits best. Once you get into these brands, they're all good, so it's just a matter of finding the ones that fit you.