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Street Riding Gear - What's Your Setup?

15K views 66 replies 31 participants last post by  JonBon3 
#1 ·
Let's talk gear. Tell us about your street riding gear setup. What would you have done differently if you could take back all the cash you shelled out? This is something that everyone seems to do their own way. So do you sport a superhero racing suit on the street? More minimal leather two-piece? Textiles? Or maybe jeans and a hoodie with hidden armor...

My setup needs work (which is why I'm asking this) but here's my gear sitch:

  • Helmet - Arai Vector 2
  • Sunglasses - Oakley Wind Jacket (for visor up enjoyment)
  • Gloves - Icon Rimfire Short Gloves (soon: Held Air n Dry)
  • Jacket - Roland Sands Ronin leather (cold to moderate temps) or Dianese Air Frame textile (warm days)
  • Pants - Regular Jeans or Dianese Air Drake textile pants(zips into Jacket)
  • Boots - Sidi Astro
  • Backpack - Looking....

I'm debating next getting a Dianese leather two-piece for road/track, which I probably should have done instead of the textile two piece.
 
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#2 ·
It's nice seeing posts like this to get ideas.

Currently, I most often use:
  • Helmet - AGV K4 Evo, Shark RSR2
  • Gloves - Held Steve Classics (2nd pair)
  • Jacket - Triumph Mugello, Dainese Air-Frame
  • Pants - Dainese Air Drake
  • Boots - Sidi Canyon, Sidi Corsa
  • Trackdays - Fieldsheer 1 pc leathers
 
#3 · (Edited)
Shark Race-R Pro Kimbo White-Black-Orange Helmet http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=15684
Held Phantom gloves
AGV Sport one piece leathers
Sidi fusion boots
Dainese Paraschiena Wave con Scapole http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=13639
Under Armor base layer
I also use a Runnur bag when riding in the leathers http://gorunnur.com/

Most of my gear is discontinued, I'm on a budget and like quality stuff, so I buy on close out.

I also have a really nice triumph leather jacket, a few textile jackets and a pair of Olympia textile riding pants. Honestly I just don't feel right riding in this stuff tho, not since I started riding in the leathers. The leathers stay put, keeping the armor where it belongs. They also fit snug so there isn't any flapping in the wind, that crap annoys me so much.
 
#4 ·
What would you have done differently if you could take back all the cash you shelled out?
Not buy cheap gear.

Tell us about your street riding gear setup.
Depend on the time of year and type of ride, I have a few set ups

Most of the time and always on get away trips (over nights or longer)
I wear my Areostich Transit suit, if you are not familiar with it, it's a 2 piece leather suit that is 100% water proof, with full armor (TF5)

For day ride and commuting to work on extremely hot days (85F+) I have a Macna 2 piece mesh suit. Full armor, CE)

For very cold days (45F-) I have an Olympia, Phantom 1 piece textile suit. It has a removable thermal liner, and in addition I can wear any combination of additional layers including some heated gear.
I sprayed the suit with a silicon waterproofing solution and it works well. Full armor, CE)

My helmets are all Bell RS1 with the transitions shield.

My boots are Alpinestars and I also have a pair of Piloti low profile boots, and when I am really in the mood a pair of red open toe pumps.

I have a few different pairs of gloves.

I am also ATGATT. Period
 
#10 ·
Most of the time and always on get away trips (over nights or longer)
I wear my Areostich Transit suit, if you are not familiar with it, it's a 2 piece leather suit that is 100% water proof, with full armor (TF5)

My helmets are all Bell RS1 with the transitions shield.

I have a few different pairs of gloves.
I bet you love that Aerostitch suit. If I ever get into touring, that will no doubt top my list.

You know, I never seriously considered Bell helmets before. But after researching the transitions shield - which could do away with my need for either sunglasses or shield changes - I'm looking on them with new light.

Okay, you've got top gear so far. What are your favorite gloves?
 
#5 · (Edited)
I will be the first to admit that I'm a complete gear geek. I have multiple set-ups depending on the weather so I'm probably a bit crazier than the normal rider. I'm lucky to have a Dainese store nearby which is why most of my gear is from them. Only thing I really regret getting is some A* mesh gloves for summer. I don't feel they have enough protection so I stopped wearing them.

I wear my Power Ranger suit for canyon riding and the track. Everything else depends on where I'm going and what the conditions are. I really wouldn't expect most riders to be like me. A single set up with ways to make cold or waterproof is more practical.

  • Helmets - Arai Vector 2, Bell RS-1 (Backup)
  • Jackets - Dainese Alien Perforated Leather, Dainese Shotgun Mesh(Hot), Dainese Aspide D-Dry Textile(Cold, Rain)
  • Pants - Rev-It Enterprise Textile(Commute, Rain), Dainese New Drake Air Textile(Hot)
  • Jeans - Dainese D6, Drayko Renegade
  • Gloves - Dainese Druids ST, Dainese 4-Stroke (Hot), Dainese Carbon Goretex Xtrafit (Cold, Rain) All Leather
  • Boots - Dainese TRQ Out Air, Dainese Asphalt (Casual)
  • Suit - Dainese Laguna Seca Perforated
  • Armor - Dainese Wave G Back Protector and Thorax Protector inserts for my jackets, Dainese Dainese Wave Chest Pro Protector for my suit, Forcefield Limb Tubes Knee Protector for the jeans.
  • Backpack - Kriega R20

A piece of gear I don't have that I would really like is a neck protector. The Leatt STX seems to be the only one really designed for sport riders. Things I'm looking at upgrading include a new helmet. I could use more ventilation and the RS-1 isn't a great fit for me. A new strap-on back/chest protector because the Dainese back protector is technically one-time use only. And lastly new jeans with built-in knee/hip protection. I'm not going to wear leather pants when I go out to dinner with my friends, but I'm also tired of wearing the strap on knee armor. I plan on branching out with brands more as well. No complaints with how my gear performs, but Dainese is pretty expensive.
 
#11 ·
Helmets:
Actually shopping for another... think I am going to try the Scorpion R2000
Arai RX-7 (time to retire due to age)
HJC CL-15 (also due to retire)
Scorpion Exo-700 (crashed in and tossed two of these -- great affordable helmets that held up well)

Gloves:
Alpinestars SPS (short cuff, good for street duty, crashed in these without issue)
Alpinestars SP1 (whenever the 1 or 2 pc suit goes on)

Boots:
Icon Super Duty (casual riding -- but I don't care for them much on a sportbike. Too bulky.)
Alpinestars SMX+ (any other riding)

Jacket:
Alpinestars (forget model -- heavy leather, minimal venting, removable cold-weather liner. Nice jacket but a bit hot in the summer.)
I'm in the market for a good summer (80-90+ degree) jacket.

Suits:
Teknic Violator 1 piece (great suit, been through a lot and held up)
Alpinestars (forget model, lower end though) 2 piece (I bought this for long days on backroads. It's a lot easier when you stop to eat, and especially if you have to take a dump while out on the road. But doesn't vent nearly as well as the 1pc)

Other:
Forcefield back protector (I forgot model, one of the original ce lvl 2 ones. Comfortable)
Forcefield action shorts (additional armor/padding, comfortable)


I can't pretend to be ATGATT. My typical casual street ride is:
1. Helmet
2. Alpinestars SPS gloves
3. Alpinestars SMX+ boots
4. Alpinestars jacket

Longer trips I'll switch to the 2 pc (or even the 1 pc suit, depending on weather) and go to the gauntlet gloves, back protector, etc. I skimp on pants (for regular jeans) for casual riding. It's not ideal, but yes I have crashed in them and the road rash was pretty unnoticeable compared to the broken femurs :p


Oh and I have the walmart-brand underarmour for hot and cold weather respectively, as well as some really cold weather stuff from army navy surplus.
 
#13 ·
It was just last year that I really started gearing up. For quite a few years I really didn't wear much motorcycle specific gear other than a cheap leather jacket and some gloves when cold.

In the past year, I've bought a lot of new gear.

Schuberth C3 Pro helmet
Dainese Spedio D-Dry jacket for summer riding
Rev’It Everest GTX jacket for spring/fall riding
RevIt
Forcefield back protector
Dainese D-System D-Dry pants.
TCX X-Move waterproof boots
Dainese TRQ boots
REV'IT! Bastion GTX Gloves for cold weather riding
REV'IT! Jerez Gloves for warmer weather riding
TourMaster heated jacket liner

Riding Gear
 
#14 ·
Helmet- Shoei RF1200
Jacket- Dainese 3-1 Tour w/Bk Protector
Gloves- Alpinestars, for winter, Spidi Water/wind proof
Pants- Alpine Kevlar Jeans, or Triumph Tour 5 pockets
Boots- Alpinestar Waterproof, or short SMX

SS14 plans
Shark Helmet Dual Sport
Style Martin Riding boots
Klim AeroGel Gloves
 
G
#15 ·
Helmet - Arai Quantum
Jacket - Dainese Speed Naked
Pants - Dainese Alien
Boots - Sidi Vortice (only boots that would fit over the leather pants with my 17" calves :( )
Gloves - using cheap ones until I find a better pair.
 
#25 ·
How do you like the Alien pants? I have a pair of Dianese New Drake that I like alot, especially on warm days, but I'm looking into leather and the Aliens did catch my eye. Do you wear them all the time? Ever feel weird wearing them to ride casually?
 
#16 ·
Okay, you've got top gear so far. What are your favorite gloves?
I have several pairs;
A pair of Cortec cold weather
A pair of Olympia cold weather
A pair or heated (Sedi- Cyclegear stuff)

2 pairs of Joe Rocket, one is unlined leather and the other is "water proof" LOL
A pair of Scorpion short length for hot weather.

I am looking at the Aerostich gloves but haven't bought any. I am taking a ride this summer and may swing by Duluth, MN to check them out.
 
#17 · (Edited)
I just replaced my 7 year old (manufacture date) RSR2 with a Shark Speed-R. I wore it the first time the other day, and noticed at moderate to higher speeds it whistles with the visor raised. With it down, the thing is quiet as a tomb. BTW, always wear earplugs. I also wear the Oakley Wind Jackets for visor up enjoyment - I get a little claustrophobic behind a closed visor. I even got the Transitions lenses for them. The whistling could be an issue... :D

Moving down:

Aerostich Roadcrafter (it's my second one, I sold the first one that I had for almost 20 years to a friend who still wears it), or AGV Sport 1-piece leathers, or Kobe 2-piece leathers, or Tourmaster Transitions 2 jacket and TM Air-mesh pants.

Kobe articulated back protector under the leathers, Aerostich Competition protector under the 'stich. Just the crappy foam one that came with the TM jacket. If I wear it more, I might look at getting a Forcefield insert for it.

Held Thrux, or Knox Recon or Held Twin Warm and Dry Goretex gloves. I never wear shorties. You're almost guaranteed to have your jacket sleeve ride up and road rash your forearm with those.

Alpinestar Supertech R, or Daytona Roadstar GTX boots.

I learned Allword's lesson about buying cheap gear the hard way many years ago, but not completely. I bought some Cycle Gear Heat-out undergarments last Summer to wear under the leathers on really hot days. The first time I went to put on the shirt, I ripped part of the seem under one of the arms. Oh well, a little extra ventilation. :D Once these fall completely apart, I'll get some better quality stuff.
 
#19 ·
It seems fairly similar, except when I first got the RSR2 I had a slight pressure point on my forehead that went away fairly quickly. It wasn't there in the Speed, but it seems the cheek pieces on the Speed are shaped differently and are much more snug than on the RSR2. Probably something that will go away over time as I wear it more.
 
#21 · (Edited)
Interesting, I had that pressure point on the RSR too, but only noticed it after a long day of riding with moderate to high speeds.

I just replaced my 7 year old (manufacture date) RSR2 with a Shark Speed-R. I wore it the first time the other day, and noticed at moderate to higher speeds it whistles with the visor raised. With it down, the thing is quiet as a tomb. BTW, always wear earplugs. I also wear the Oakley Wind Jackets for visor up enjoyment - I get a little claustrophobic behind a closed visor. I even got the Transitions lenses for them. The whistling could be an issue... :D
Oh, I should have remembered that, the visor on the race pro does whistle above 30ish mph if you leave it up. Not an issue for me, just a reminder to put it down ;)
 
#24 ·
It wasn't especially bright the day I rode, but I should think so. I also wear sunnies with Transitions lenses in them, but think the tinted visor will come in very handy. My morning commute is East and back West in the evening. At certain times of the year and day, the sun is hard down on the road, so the extra tint should help.
 
#26 ·
nice thread :)

edit: gdmnt I've got a sh1tl*4d of gear...

I'm picky for my gear and don't want to skip on safety. I've also put a lot of thought in some of it since I used to be a gear freak.

I get pretty hot in the summer with kevlar underpants and all kinds of protection, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

wearing gear for protection has worked for me (on track and street)

helmet:
- shoei rf1100: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-avnuErsME
- agv ax-8 : http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/agv-ax-8-helmet

jacket:
- dainese super speed: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-super-speed-leather-jacket
- dainese alien : http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-alien-leather-jacket
- dane goretex winter jacket: https://www.amazon.de/DANE-GoreTex-Jacke-KORSOR-schwarz-grau-Gr/dp/B00BZ2HGHM

boots:
- dainese torque rs out for on the track: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-torque-rs-out-boots
- alpine stars tech 7 for supermoto and dirtbiking: http://www.revzilla.com/product/alpinestars-tech-7-boots
- street boots: daytona goretex travel star gtx:http://www.daytona.de/index.php?page=811

pants:
- dane goretex winter pants (zips to jackets, both dainese and dane jacket) absolutely waterproof and warm. pretty long too.
- dainese delta pro (for the track): http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-delta-pro-leather-pants
- dragging jeans double layered kevlar long underpants and regular jeans, which I wear 90% of the time combined with dainese knee v knee guards (see my full review here: http://www.triumphrat.net/gear-and-...-jeans-k-legs-and-knox-knee-protectors-2.html) I switched from knox to dainese knee guards. dainese is better. I think kevlar jeans suck. better to go the full double layered kevlar. looks better too with regular jeans

gloves:
- gerbings heated gloves t5 for winter/cold riding
- dainese steel carbon for track and 90% of daily driving: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-steel-core-carbon-gloves
- and some summer gloves (unknown) ventilated and leather
- dane gloves goretex (in between gerbings and dainese) / old leaky but good for quick rides

protection:
- dainese knee v knee guards, they absolutely rock full shin and knee protection. I always wear them on the street: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-knee-v-guard
- dainese hard shorts, both on the street and on the track: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-hard-shorts
- dainese back protector (track and street):http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-wave-air-back-protector
- dainese wave g back protector (street, sometimes, I wear the full back protector mostly)
- dainese chest protector: track only - this one, because I like boobs: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-womens-thorax-pro-chest-protector (just kidding, the men's version)
- revit h2o jacket and pants for rain trips (yellow) http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-cyclone-h2o-rain-jacket


heated gear:
for the long winter trips or commuting, with a dual controller, works great and I've ridden a lot in subzero (C) temps. Before that, I was absolutely miserable with 4 layers of clothing
- gerbing heated insoles: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/gerbings-hybrid-heated-insoles
- gerbing heated jacket (older model than this): http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/gerbings-heated-jacket-liner
- gerbing heated gloves T5: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/gerbings-t5-hybrid-heated-gloves

that's about it.

here's some pics:

my best shot ever :) (more here: http://www.triumphrat.net/street-triple-forum/174431-post-your-st3-pics-4-a-69.html#post3036882)


 
#27 ·
nice thread :)

edit: gdmnt I've got a sh1tl*4d of gear...
Holy value bomb zyhano. Thanks for that. Your post has more or less become my shopping list. Or at least part of it, I clearly don'y ride anywhere near as hard as you.

I like your approach to have regular jeans with kevlar longjohns and armor underneath. Why pay top dollar for special jeans that'll get shredded up all the same? That's more or less what I'm considering doing this year.

But why the Dianese Super Speed and alien jackets? They seem so similar.
 
#28 ·
I'll play!

Helmet - Shoei RF1100 (dark smoke & clear shield)

Jackets - Rev'it Outback (commute, touring, long day duty), Rev'it Airwave for the hot days
Both jkts have updated Rev'it back protectors

Gloves - Alpinestar SP1 daily use, Alpine*'s SMX Air for hot days, Tourmaster waterproof winter gloves for the nippy and wet days

Boots: Sidi Vertigo for canyon carving days, Dainese Nighthawk Gore-tex for daily commute and touring

Pants: Dainese D6 Kevlar jeans, Cortech rain over pants

Suit: AGV Sport 1 piece leather suit, track days, aggressive canyon jaunts

Armor: Fox knee shin guards, TMC (off brand) full back protector

I obsess over gear all the damn time. I wish I could have a whole closet of the stuff.
 
#29 ·
  • Helmet - Rossi 5 Continents AGV K3, HJC RPS-10
  • Gloves - AGV Sport Mayhem
  • Jacket - McQueen and Alpinestars perforated leather (to be replaced with non-leather)
  • Pants - Various Bilt reinforced kevlar jeans/pants
  • Boots - Sedici Ultimo
  • Knee pads - Alpinestars Bionic knee pads
  • Back protector - Spidi Warrior Light
  • Shorts - EVS Impact shorts
 
#30 ·
For trackdays and spirited street:
1. Spartan leathers
2. Spartan gloves
3. Puma 1000 V3 boots
4. Bell RS1
5. Forcefield back protector
6. Cycle gear heat out base layers

Casual rides:
1. Bell RS1
2. River Road Hooligan jacket
3. Sliders 4.0 Kevlar jeans
4. Spartan or Sedeci gloves
5. Icon Field Armor chukka boots
 
#31 ·
HJC helmet upgrading to Shoei GT-Air
Triumph Raptor 3 Jacket (casual/cold days vintage cowhide speedster jacket)
Triumph Raptor 2 Pant (casual jeans with ICON Stryker shorts)
Sidi Cobra Boots (casual black ropers)
Sedici Gloves (always)
Bolle glasses (rarely used because I favor helmets with flip down sun visors)

I commute to law school on my Sprint when the weather is above 40, so there is some variation with the pants and boots, but the rest is always there.
 
#33 ·
Casual rides:
1. Bell RS1
2. River Road Hooligan jacket
3. Sliders 4.0 Kevlar jeans
4. Spartan or Sedeci gloves
5. Icon Field Armor chukka boots
Cano is online now Report Post to Moderator
Did the River Road jacket come with armor or did you have to purchase it separately?
 
#36 ·
I wonder, do most people use back protector inserts, or get a large, dedicated strap-on piece? Anybody crash test a back protector before?

I've just been using a medium Forcefield insert in my RSD jacket and Dianese Wave G2 insert in my Air Frame. But I'm starting to feel that they may be inadequate...
 
#38 ·
Classic question of comfort vs. protection. Strap on generally gives a little more protection going down to the tailbone, but is kind of a pain to deal with if you're going somewhere where you'll have your jacket off or something. Inserts have the possibility of getting out of the correct position if your jacket is too loose.

For me if I'm just going riding or going somewhere I know I can store the gear then I use the full strap type. If I'm going somewhere for dinner/movies or something like that then I use the insert.
 
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