Jacket options for Europe

[rob_mader]

I'm going to be riding about 20,000km throughout Europe in 2003 including trips from London to Spain, London to Italy, France, Germany etc and need to find a decent jacket.

Having done almost all of my touring in Australia, I have a ten year old Dri Rider jacket that used to be fully waterproof. Given the expected conditions in Europe, I think it is time to upgrade to something a little better.

I think I would like the built in body armour, and it needs to be warm, waterproof and durable. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Also, where is the best place to buy? Australia or UK?

Thanks
Rob

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http://www.robstravels.com

[John Ferris]

I would suggest a jacket with a removeable Gore-Tex or something like it liner.
The best that I know of are BMW suits or Rukka (click at top of page).
Good air flow when the liners are out and warmer and water proof with the liners in.
I would think the Euro prices may be better, but then they may have higher taxes.

[Tony Robson]

Owned a Hein-Gericke Jacket for the last 2 years - Spent about £90 GBP on it, ok so it's got a dayglo badge on the back - but - it's been worn summer and winter and I never get cold or wet.

Removable Liner - Waterproof and breathable out.. Good neck closure, good cuffs, long back to stop wet getting up, and wind. Loads of pockets....

Armour - Shoulders and Elbows - plus a back piece.

Also - Been round Ireland and UK in most conditions wearing this one.

Would strongly recommend it.

Have a look at their web site and order a catologue...

www.hein-gericke.com

Trousers:

I've got some Belstaff trousers, Great as I can get them on and off over my work clothes - might not be what your looking for......

Happy riding.

[This message has been edited by Tony Robson (edited 13 December 2002).]

[geokobbi]

Rob
I have Hein-Gericke jacket like Tony and like it a lot. Try to spend your money on good fabric, like the Hein-Gericke, but not focus on the waterproofness or the inner lining. You can always wear some wool if you are cold. Riding here in Iceland can be quit nasty and most of the time my jacket is good enough. You should remember that in heavy rain "you will get wet". So take with you some waterprove overalls or something like that. The problem I find with my jacket is lack of air-curculation. Riding on warm days can be really difficult since I don't have the opportunity to "open" the jacket. So I would recoment you to buy light jacket with good cordura materal and bring along some wool and waterprove stuff.

Take care and ride save,

Jakob

p.s. Good nech closure is must in Europe. Hein-Gericke has some good nech jackets.

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[rob_mader]

Thanks for the replies.

Does anyone know about the price difference between buying a jacket in Europe or buying it in Australia before I leave?

I don't really have an issue about luggage at the moment...

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http://www.robstravels.com

[Skonte]

Dear Rob

Have a look at Yoko clothes as well, made in Finland and very strong. I have used my Yoko clothes for about 10 years of enduro and motocross and they will still last for many more years!
For road riding clothes with Gore-Tex and a lot more materials, look at www.yokofor.com
I think they are only available in Europe. Prices a probably lower in south of Europe.

Kind regards
Skonte

[Ro]

The lowest prices for good motorcycle gear are in Andora. You have to go there anyway, because its beautifull, so put on your old stuff and throw them away in Andora.