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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #1  
Old 1 Nov 2000
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Location: Trondheim, Norway
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Helmets and clothing?
I am planning a trans-african (1year duration) and need some advice on which/which type of helmet to get, ie. motocross, open-face, street etc. What are the pros and cons with each type?
I am also curious what sort of clothing is best to wear ie. motocross pants or leather pants or normal jeans or are there other alternatives. The same goes for jacket.

Thanxs in advance

[This message has been edited by john-l (edited 01 November 2000).]
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  #2  
Old 3 Nov 2000
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On clothes I'd recommend a very durable all weather riding suit like the stuff Aerostich sells. Good in all types of weather, including rain, and offering good crash protection. Generally something like that will eliminate the need for seperate wet weather gear.
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  #3  
Old 3 Nov 2000
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Since you're from Norway, you should be familiar with your neighboring country, Finland, and their riding gear Rukka.

I had a look at their gear at the Intermot 2000 show, and was VERY impressed with their latest line of riding suits. Superb ventilation for hot weather riding, the best I've seen on any suit, excellent padding, and goretex lining for waterproofing. I want one! Definitely recommended for Africa.

Re helmets, I'd go for either a Schuberth Concept/BMW flip-up helmet, or a full dirt bike helmet and goggles if you want to do a lot of off-roading.

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  #4  
Old 5 Nov 2000
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Speaking of flip-up or 'clamshell' helmets, I have had a Nolan N100 helmet for just over one year. It's a great helmet; good snug fullface coverage, but the chin piece swivels up easily when you use the two thumb buttons to unlock it. It has good ventilation when closed and is fairly quiet.
The price is very reasonable too - about $200 US in North America.

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  #5  
Old 22 Nov 2000
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I have to disagree on the helmet subject.

I use a BMW System 3 by Schubert. So does my wife. We love them (very confy and silent). Yet, I like to keep things simple, and I've had some problems with the swivel mechanism on both helmets (tiny screws coming loose, parts coming loose until the lid feels like it's coming apart. Plus, I never ride with the lid open, even during Summer (and it gets very hot here!).

So, once I go from planning my RTW to doing it, I'l get a one piece lid that won't give me any problems of that kind. I'll keep it simple wherever I can, helmet included.

Or are the Concept and the Nolan swivel mechanisms very simple and reliable? Any screws or small parts on it?

Sergio
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  #6  
Old 1 Feb 2001
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Sergio,

I've gone through 3 BMW helmets (by Schubert) and I'm well into my 4th. and have never experienced any of that. The small BMW badge will come off in a couple weeks and be gone for good, but that's it. Extremely happy with them. Just checked the new Schuberts and they have better lining, rest is the same + or -. Nolan's N100 looks awesomely built, but it was not available in my size (well yes, my head is often mistaken for a huge pumpkin).

Regarding clothing, do check what Grant said, and also BMW's lineup. Quite impressive. Hey, I need to get a BMW _bike_ to go with that, I guess.

Roberto.
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