I think go with the layered system:
meriono base (natural and stays fresher for longer)
Draggin Type jeans/camos
protective jacket
waterproof jacket and trousers.

This kit provides you with multi uses, you can layer up when cold and wet, you can have kit that is more useful off the bike for instance if you want to hike.

the draggin jeans can have protection added or you could wear mx knee and shin gaurds which can always be removed.

Every bit of gear is a comprimise between protection/breathability and waterproof.

Zip in liners etc are a big comprimise what do you do if you set off in glourious sunshine then the weather changes to torrential downpour, Do you have to strip off at the side off the road to zip in your liners much easier to pull waterproofs on over the top of the gear you already have on.

If you are going for serious off road then add to this a pressure suit top and protective shorts or longs.

Thiner gloves with seperate silk or thin liners for cold mornings.

Boots with a grippy sole and ones which are comfortable to walk in when off the bike.

Things that work great when riding are not always so great when you have to leave the bike and walk.

Did you have STR Graffiti in black? I noticed that only black version (there is also grey-red and orange camouflage) has some kind of mesh material going from the bottom, around shoulders and then to the back of the jacket. Isn't it too windy and wet inside when raining?

Thanks,
Artur

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Cheers!
Arthur

Before a rather large investment in a kit, I would like to see if I'm overlooking something obvious...

Here is what I'm going for. The most protection that is still comfortable, layered, durable, and economical.

Starting from outside in.

All weather jacket: Cortech GX Sport Series 2 - going for the elbow pads, abrasion resistance, and water resistance as well as the removable liner...and the colors match my bike.

Cold weather liner: No particular one nailed down yet, but looking at a number of hiking/mountain climbing liners with a severe cold weather rating. They are quality and very light.

Armor: Koerta Naked Deflector. Shoulder, chest, and back protection as well as the kidney belt. Buying the L/XL so additional layers of clothing will fit underneath. Went for this because the meshing of the regular roost deflector makes it difficult to wear layers underneath the suit.

Heated Liner: Warm and Safe 65 W.

Base Layer: Underarmor or some other type of wicking shirt.

Rain Gear: Tourmaster Defender two piece suit. It might take a few minutes to put on...but a liner under the jacket never seems to hold the water out.

So yeah, I would much appreciate if anyone notices a blind spot and would point it out. Thanks.

-Hillbilly

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Ride Report: TAT...and Beyond

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I just got back from trip around Europe and I can give the thumbs up to the Dririder rally cross. It was perfect in the stinky hot weather in Spain (thermal & water liners removed) and then plenty warm enough for crossing the Alps (Liners back in again).

The water bladder is a great idea and you can upgrade the armour from the standard to CE rated.

I really like the idea of being able to replace almost any part of teh jacket too. ie the armour or the waterproof liner. Lets you tailor it.

Hope you can find one. Maybe some of the guys actually in Aus could sort you out ???

just bought the klim vadez parker and the dakar pants from adventure spec..........
the website speaks volumes ..the quality of this gear is unserpassable....

Some thoughts from the northeast USA. I've given up on rain liners for riding pants. Around here you may start off in the rain, it might dry up, and then you might be back in the rain--maybe ten times in one day! Unless you want to be taking your pants off and on beside the road the only logical alternative is a rain suit that goes over everything. I've trimmed the suit back to just a pair of lightweight rain pants, relying on my Cortech Advanced jacket to keep me dry for up to an hour or so in heavy rain. On a longer trip I'd probably want the rain overjacket too. I've found a lime-green Olympia hi-vis vest hugely effective in cutting down on people cutting me off or turning in front of me. It does cut down on air flow when it is hot. Unless you don't want to see or do anything off the bike, I'd recommend skipping the dedicated motorcycle boots. For me it is important to be able to instantly transition from riding mode to walking mode. That means a riding jacket that comes off in one piece with no armor underneath, some sort of reasonable looking pants that one can enter a restaurant or museum in, and some walking-hiking boots that one can do a few miles in without feeling like you're being tortured. I'm finding the military style/tactical boots do the trick.

+2 on the Rev'It gear.

I have the Off Track jacket and Dakar pants and they are brilliant - well made, well engineered, ruthlessly functional and the fit was great! Did I mention they look awesome too!!

Only problem is, I had to import from the US as it was the only way to get the gear I wanted. Try Beachmoto (REV'IT NOLAN GIVI Products | BEACH MOTO) - they seem to be the best in terms of fitting people over the phone and he is a ADV rider and dual sport enthusiast so he can give you great advice.

Cheers,
Tricky