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Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
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Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia




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  #76  
Old 22 May 2009
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Originally Posted by AndyWx View Post
Hi all,

I think I've narrowed it down to two choices and both of them are from BMW family. Trailguard and Rallye Pro 2

1) Trailguard suit:





Comparing this one to Rallye Pro 2 this one is a lot lighter (almost uncomfortable because of that - doesn't feel as bulky as Rallye Pro); It's "fully waterproof" on the outside whereas Rallye only has a goretex liner inside and that is the waterproofing
I went to the BMW site and what I saw was that the suit is not waterproof.
It is a update if the Savanna and Santiago.
Both of us have had a Sanvanna 1 and a Santiago's and we like them but water will just run through them. You must have the liner to stay dry.
It is the removeable liner that makes them bearable in the heat.
Below is a copy of my rant on using a liner.

I have had the Kalahari suit, Savanna I suit, Rally II and the Santiago suit.
Two times I have ridden through the rain and got wet and cold because I did not want to stop and put the liners in.
The rest of the time I have put the liner pants on in the morning.
If it rains I put the jacket and gloves on.
I can ride with the pant on into the mid 80's with out being hot.
It is not rain gear that you put on and take off, its a riding suit with a Gore-Tex liner that you can take out when it gets hot.
Ask a astro-stitch owner in the summer if he wishes he could take his liner out.
This is in 9 cross country trips and two to Alaska
Watch or listen to the weather reports, watch for clouds, put the liners in ahead of time.
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  #77  
Old 22 May 2009
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Originally Posted by John Ferris View Post
I went to the BMW site and what I saw was that the suit is not waterproof.
It is a update if the Savanna and Santiago.
Have you checked the catalogue with the suit? It's got that icon showing that it is waterproof (the same icon is not shown on Rallye Pro 2 suit - because its the liner that provides waterproofing not the suit itself). I don't know and I guess that until I've actualy riden it in rain I won't be able to determine if it's actually waterproof or not. The only thing saying that it is waterprrof on the outside is the BMW catalogue and the guy selling the jackets So all in all not a reliable source

I think we're going to get this suit anyhow because to be honest I don't see anything else outthere with so many vents, the same build quality and at similar price (and also looking nice) and last but not least with 34 women size which is critical for my wife

Thanks for comment and I will definitely think about it. I think that as far as rain is concerned we will have the liners to wear underneath or something to put on top which should be more than enough.

Thanks again,
Gosia and Andy
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  #78  
Old 22 May 2009
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This is what I found on the BMW site, the only thing I see about being waterproof is the Gore-Tex.
As for the suits I like them. We use them year round.


BMW Trailguard Jacket

Product DescriptionThis suit is ideal for touring and combines freedom of movement, versatility and functionality in a way that only a true all-rounder can. It features the finest materials and is fully adjustable, making it the perfect motorcycling companion all year round.
Ideal for touring
Sporty, dynamic design
schoeller® Dynatec™ outer material
Dynatec™ and Cordura® Stretch offer maximum freedom of movement when riding
Built-in mesh lining regulates body temperature
Large 3M reflective panels
Removable NP protectors for the back, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees (three height positions)
Sealed windproof zips
Optional removable wind and waterproof GORE-TEX® insert
Adjustable belt and Velcro strips on the jacket waist, trouser waist, collar Black /Silver Jacket is available in all sizes; Mocha/Chalk is available in Women's EU 34/US 4 thru EU 46/US 16 and Men's EU 46/US 36 thru EU 60/US 50 only. Jacket and pants sold separately. BMW Trailguard Jacket 2009
BMW Original Parts
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  #79  
Old 10 Jun 2009
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We bought the Trailguards :)

I'm happy to announce that we bought the Trailbuard Suits for both me and the missus and are VERY hapy with them. We also bought the Goretex liners for the wetter, colder times.

We'll definitely let you all know how they perform on our trips under different circumstances.

Out for now...
Stay safe!

Thanks for all the feedback and hopefully see you in Ripley

Gosia and Andy
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  #80  
Old 10 Jun 2009
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Originally Posted by AndyWx View Post
2. Rev'it - Off Track Jacket + Dakar trousers - I've read the review made by XT Girl http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...879#post172951. Very good review btw. I understand you came back from the trip by now? Did the jackets perform well? Has anybody else used these? Quite a good price: £450 for a set.
I've worn my Rev'it Off track almost everyday since September 2007 . I'm not kidding here! Brighton to Capetown. Rain in Europe, Heat (lots and very) along with Humid (soaked and boiling), Cold back in the UK (snow and all!)
I still commute with it and wear it out and about at the weekend.

All the zips still work. All the velcro is still attached. It works in an astonishing range of temperatures. It's quite figure-hugging so I can use a rain-top to save soaking-in too much water.

Downside - Some of the seams look very thin now so it may need replacing. The colour that works so well in the desert is a magnet for dirt. I had it dry cleaned three times in Africa and it survived (although the reds are pretty faded). I may look like I've been living in a ditch but at least I'm warm, dry and protected.
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  #81  
Old 15 Jun 2009
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Originally Posted by John Ferris View Post
I went to the BMW site and what I saw was that the suit is not waterproof.
It is a update if the Savanna and Santiago.
Both of us have had a Sanvanna 1 and a Santiago's and we like them but water will just run through them. You must have the liner to stay dry.
It is the removeable liner that makes them bearable in the heat.
Below is a copy of my rant on using a liner.
Hi John,

You were right! The only waterproofing is the liner inside. Got soaked last night so wanted to apologise for not believing you

The interesting thing is that I had all the layers for the top but nothing for the trousers. I had just the suit with no liners or even underwear for the trouers and I just got totaly soaked there. On the other hand I had the liner and the top underwear with me and I've put it on just before it started raining and to eb honest the top felt great! Warm and dry and no problems whatsoever.

I'm very happy with what we bought. Seems to eb pretty all weather riding gear - when hot strip all the layers and open all the vents and there is quite a few there! When cold put the liners in, put some good synthetic warm underarmor and off you go! Just perfect!

All the best and stay safe!
Gosia and Andy
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  #82  
Old 15 Jul 2009
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Having gear for winter and summer, and blending between the two for fall and spring, just makes more sense to me than forcing mesh to keep you warm or forcing a parka to breath in sweltering July and August heat. Also if I'm going to have a removable liner for rain anyways, I'd rather carry rain shells. I really don't think there is any *one* jacket+pants that can do it all (rain, snow shine, heat, cold) without being seriously deficient in one area at the minimum anyways. In my brief experience, its usually the "waterproofing" that sucks more than anything, followed by venting and proper fit. I've started buying layers individually now instead of trying to stuff them all into one $$$$ piece that won't do any of it to level I want or need it to.

I have a Rev'It Air jacket and keep a Klim Stowaway jacket in my tankbag or backpack in case the skies open up. The Klim is made of Gore-tex Paclite material so it packs tiny and is *absolutely* waterproof. Rode 6 hours through a thunderstorm where it was raining so hard that I could barely see and my torso stayed bone dry. With the klim on top, and a warm windproof fleece and/or electric vest, I think I'd be happy down into much colder weather.

I find pants to be harder to get right, not as many options and more involved to stop and throw pants over top. I used to wear Fieldsheer Mercury overpants, but they were hot as hell even in mild weather and barely water-resistent. My Rev'It Rotor pants breath fantastically, but won't fit over street clothes, nor do my Klim Baja's. Something like the Olympia AirGlide2 pants with a rain shell overpants similar to my Klim jacket would be an option. Or biting the bullet and adding a third or fourth pair of pants to the rotation.
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  #83  
Old 15 Jul 2009
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Has anyone tried the proofing treatment from the likes of Nikwax for their 3 in 1 suits?

I've just bought the Joe Rocket version:

Joe Rocket Alter Ego Jacket - Pants - webBikeWorld

As it was £35 in the end of line sale:

NLA NLS Alter Ego Jacket Black/Red Sml

Like most other 3 in 1 suits, the waterproof liner is on the inside, which seems madness to me. I will probably throw that bit in the bin, and use a seperate, proper waterproof over the top of it when I need to.

However, I was thinking that the Nikwax stuff would help make the 'normal' part of the jacket showerproof at the very least, meaning I could get away with being caught in a brief shower without soaking to the skin.

For winter warmth I have an electric vest which simply cannot be beaten for keeping me toasty. I really don't know why more people don't go down the electric vest route!
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  #84  
Old 15 Jul 2009
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Nikwax

I can thoroughly recommend it, but you do need to follow the instructions. It doesn't so much waterproof fabric as make it water-repellant so that it beads up on the surface, but it can be very effective. Their products are also very good at reviving a tired breathable jacket.

Visor and clothing care products for motorcyclists

And they have a special motorbiking section, for fabrics, leathers and boots. I did once bung a pair of jeans in the machine with a jacket to see how their wash in treatment would work on denim, and it wasn't bad at all. I can't say what they would have been like on a bike, but when someone spilt in my lap it didn't soak through.
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  #85  
Old 15 Jul 2009
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Thanks for that, think I'll give it a go.
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