[LiquidCool]

Since the BMW + Alpinestars thread was derailing a bit because of gear talk, I thought I'd just start a new one for all things riding gear. The topic and options out there are just never ending!

Just to recap:

It's true, bmwrider. Money spent on good riding gear is never wasted, IMhO. And yes, heat, cold, hunger, fatigue can all lead to diminished capacity.

There are cooling vests you can buy that (in combination with a good, vented jacket) will act like a low-tech AC for about four hours under the right conditions. On hot rides I carry one around in a zip-lock bag, pre-soaked and ready to go. And of course there's heated gear. But I have no idea how well the alternator on the 310 will cope with that kind of load.

You can get vented gear, just have to spend the time and money to get the correct gear. That sort of heat can impact your psychology, and when riding you want to be in the best state of mind, might as well set yourself up to be in the best position possible. Plus motorcycle gear will last you a long time unless you get fat or start building muscle.

ATGATT all the way! I've ridden in the heat before as that was when my motorcycle course took place, hot with the beating sun on me. But there's no way I'm taking anything off even if I'm sweating buckets, just open up whatever vents I had on the jacket and took it. Not taking any chances with road rash and whatnot.

If it's really too hot to ride safely, may as well stay home that day and enjoy the AC.

I did have an idea about those camel back backpacks for cooling. Freeze the water in the bladder and stick it in the pack for a cooler back. Think it'll work?

 

[WoodWorks]

I did have an idea about those camel back backpacks for cooling. Freeze the water in the bladder and stick it in the pack for a cooler back. Think it'll work?

Hmm. Most good riding jackets have a solid back protector, so unless you wore the Camelback under your jacket, which would be pretty awkward, you wouldn't feel much cooling from it.

A good cooling vest, like these, which you wear under your jacket (with all the vents open) and over a wicking t-shirt, allows evaporation to keep you cool for several hours. And when it dries out, you just soak it with a hose or dip it in a sink at your next fuel stop and ride on. Works great.

 

[EvryDayRide]

Those cooling vests will need to be paired with very well ventilated mesh jackets. I'm looking into air mesh Kevlar ones as they vent well and still protects you from the sun. There are those all weather jackets with removable layers if you're on a budget and don't want to splurge for two sets of armor.

 

[WoodWorks]

I agree, good ventilation is crucial for a cooling vest to work properly. But some 4-season jackets work very well too. I've had several great jackets over the years, but my current Olympia Motoquest jacket is the best I've ever owned. It has a removable quilted liner and rain shell, comes with a detachable water bladder, and has some massive venting. I've ridden in temps. from 24°F to 107°F (–4°C to 42°C), and felt reasonably comfy throughout. They've now superseded it with a new model, but you can still find closeouts online at a bargain price.

 

[LiquidCool]

That's what I consider the transformer of the motorcycle gear world! :grin2: Very good deal for $330 each and it'll cover most temperatures and weather you'll encounter. Mornings can start chilly and then shift into blistering heat under the sun, removable layers are a necessity in that case. And it comes with a hydration backpack that can double as a normal backpack.

I've tried wearing a hoodie under a single layer jacket and the breeze down my neck just chills me to the bones.

 

[EvryDayRide]

What's everyone wearing to protect your legs? In was thinking of getting a simple pair of kevlar jeans without armor, but after seeing someone's hip after they took a spill at low speeds has changed my mind.

 

[WoodWorks]

I often wear Kevlar jeans in hot weather, and I've taken two ~45 mph (sliding) spills on them onto pavement. Maybe I got lucky, but both times my flesh came away without a scratch. But the pants themselves weren't so lucky. They would certainly be useless if you were going to hit something hard. For colder weather I have a pair of Klim Badlands pants, and for more off-road oriented rides, a pair of Klim Mojave (in boot) pants. Both have armor at the hips, knees, and coccyx.

 

[Arwen]

I've got a pair of Jofama textile trousers and a couple of pairs of kevlar jeans. All have hip and knee armour, I wouldn't ride without armour to be honest, it feels wrong to me. I cringe when I see people going around in flipflops and shorts.

 

[WoodWorks]

I cringe when I see people going around in flipflops and shorts.

I have a friend who works as an emergency room nurse. She has a name for people like that: Organ donor.

 

[LiquidCool]

I have a friend who works as an emergency room nurse. She has a name for people like that: Organ donor.

:grin2: Aren't we all potential organ donors? Just some more than others!

I should get something with hip and knee armor, accidentally tipped a bike and luckily nothing really happened except for a few bruises but they were around the knee and hip area.

 

[SlickRick]

Not too sure how many of my organs are usable... but nonetheless, I'd still rather stay away from that classification! But were you thinking something along the lines of external knee pads or armored under pants ?

 

[LiquidCool]

Armored pants with inserts so the armor isn't as obvious. I think Triumph has some nice ones that won't break the bank.

 

[Sidewinder]

Seen one set that they had on their site for $190 I think, but they look real good as regular pants with removable knee protectors. Pants had a teflon coating and they were waterproof which is great.

https://shop.triumphmotorcycles.com/jeans/id-MTJS14106/Talon_Pants

 

[bmwrider]

Kevlar pants are also a good way to go and they can look like regular pants so if for example you work a job that has casual dress code then that's a great way to fit right in without looking like an obvious rider all while ensuring your safety out on the road. Many options these days. Take advantage of those shows this year in order to see these in person for yourself.

 

[Sidewinder]

Seeing them in person is always the best way which is why I not entirely for buying gear and clothing in general online. It's tough to make the decision and sizing always varies.