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Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Stephan Hahnel, Kradwanderer, in Northern Argentina

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


Photo by Stephan Hahnel,
www.krad-wanderer.de,
in Northern Argentina



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  #31  
Old 22 Jan 2014
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I have to disagree with Sidi Adventure (goretex) quality.
I had those when I started my RTW, around 6 months later seams close to the toes had completely failed on both shoes.
I think there is design (or material) problem because seam is exactly where shoe will bend when you walk.
Another annoying thing with Sidi is that they are loud. Not just a little, but extremely LOUD (squeaking). If you like attention, then these are good boots for you
If they would be quiet and last longer, then I could agree.

Good competitor for these is Alpinestars Toucan.
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  #32  
Old 22 Jan 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattyRider View Post
I'm so overwhelmed by all the choices of jackets and boots out there. All the reviews say pretty much the same thing about all of them. I need something for dry hot climate, money isn't a problem. Any suggestions for this age old question? I prefer something non-leather for jacket sake. Please and thank you.

Matty
... two pages later and the OP hasn't been heard from. Ironic that no one asked the OP what sort of riding he intends to do and what his current gear is.
Details Details!

Also ... I see about 90% of posts are from the UK, suggesting gear that is not available in the USA. Yes, we get KLIM, Rev 'it, Rukka but some of the other more obscure Euro or UK brands we do NOT get.

I'm guessing the OP is planning a TAT (Trans America Trail) ride. This ride is typically done in Summer. So yes ... can be brutally hot in sections. But also rain can happen.

I'd keep it simple and just get typical dirt bike gear with good strap on armor. Boots? No street boots ... that's for sure. But full dirt bike boots are out too as you can't walk in them. So a nice compromise boot is what I would go with, like these:

TCX Track Evo Waterproof Boots :: MotorcycleGear.com

or these:
Gaerne G-Adventure Boots - RevZilla

Neither are hard core Motocross boots but provide enough stiffness and Tibia protection for aggressive dual sport riding. Best of all ... both are good OFF THE BIKE, when walking around. Very comfortable but not Gore-Tex but are waterproof.

I've got the TCK boots as I've had good luck previously with the brand (formerly Oxtar). TCK boots are made in Romania, the Gaerne are made in Italy. Both excellent and versatile boots.

I'd wear a light pressure suit up top and pack a water proof enduro jacket for cool sections. For pants, vented KLIM Mojave or similar, pack rain pants to go over the KLIM pants if it rains or gets cool. It works perfectly.

Use normal strap on dirt bike type armor for knees, elbows (or pressure suit)
Padded shorts if you can stand the sweat.

Here are a few good USA stores to shop. Call them, talk to them. They will steer you right.

Adventure & Touring Motorcycle Gear - RevZilla
Motorcycle Jackets - Atomic Moto
MotorcycleGear.com (the new name of New Enough) :: Motorcycle Jackets, Helmets, Gloves, Boots, Luggage, Parts and More!

I've dealt with all three of the above companies. All are excellent.
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  #33  
Old 24 Jan 2014
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You may get all that gear in the USA but we have another export for you............. Touring Ted in backless chaps
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  #34  
Old 24 Jan 2014
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Originally Posted by chris gale View Post
You may get all that gear in the USA but we have another export for you............. Touring Ted in backless chaps
Available for weddings, funerals and bar Mitzvah's...

I can also play the spoons
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  #35  
Old 27 Jan 2014
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Ahhh Ted ,going slightly off topic , thats where you are going wrong , you have been outdone/outclassed by a very odd yank i met in a dodgy bar in mexico many years ago . He looked like a drug induced version of willy nelson and he only ever wore cowboy boots , boxer shorts and a tee shirt . He played a six string at the various bars in the town . These ex pat yanks who ran a tex / mex said come with us and see him , you wont believe his encore . I thought after nearly 30 years in the old bill id seen pretty much everything . that was until he slipped his old boy out of his boxers and strummed some weird country song ( that everyone except me seemed to know ) using it as a plectrum . Travel does indeed broaden the mind
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  #36  
Old 27 Jan 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris gale View Post
Ahhh Ted ,going slightly off topic , thats where you are going wrong , you have been outdone/outclassed by a very odd yank i met in a dodgy bar in mexico many years ago . He looked like a drug induced version of willy nelson and he only ever wore cowboy boots , boxer shorts and a tee shirt . He played a six string at the various bars in the town . These ex pat yanks who ran a tex / mex said come with us and see him , you wont believe his encore . I thought after nearly 30 years in the old bill id seen pretty much everything . that was until he slipped his old boy out of his boxers and strummed some weird country song ( that everyone except me seemed to know ) using it as a plectrum . Travel does indeed broaden the mind
Now that isn't something you see every day... Not outside of Birkenhead anyway.
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  #37  
Old 27 Jan 2014
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My missus still cant get over it , unfortunately this was before the era of camera phones and you tube otherwise this guy wouldve become an overnight sensation . Think he is probably dead by now as he looked pretty bad then , so god knows what another 15 years has done to him , let alone his meat and two veg
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  #38  
Old 31 Aug 2015
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I just bought the 'sand' RST Adventure two-piece riding suit for 235 quid so very happy! The trousers came the other day and they're fantastic. It's a really good suit even for the full RRP.
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  #39  
Old 31 Aug 2015
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Originally Posted by ridetheworld View Post
I just bought the 'sand' RST Adventure two-piece riding suit for 235 quid so very happy! The trousers came the other day and they're fantastic. It's a really good suit even for the full RRP.
That was a good price, I have the suit also and I think I paid that just for the trousers

Wayne
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  #40  
Old 31 Aug 2015
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Originally Posted by ridetheworld View Post
I just bought the 'sand' RST Adventure two-piece riding suit for 235 quid so very happy! The trousers came the other day and they're fantastic. It's a really good suit even for the full RRP.
You got the whole suit for that price ??

That's very cheap.

Where from ?


I do remember there being a first generation suit. I see that for around those prices now and again. Still a very highly rated suit too.

I can't justify spending more than that on riding gear that gets trashed on a long trip. Klim and Rukka etc.. Their prices are nuts. They aren't 6x the suit but they can be 6x the price.
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  #41  
Old 31 Aug 2015
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Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
You got the whole suit for that price ??

That's very cheap.

Where from ?

I do remember there being a first generation suit. I see that for around those prices now and again. Still a very highly rated suit too.

I can't justify spending more than that on riding gear that gets trashed on a long trip. Klim and Rukka etc.. Their prices are nuts. They aren't 6x the suit but they can be 6x the price.
I think there have been various incarnations over the years. I have a jacket just called "RST PRO" - maybe from the early 90s? The suit I bought is discontinued now but it's quite similar to the "Adventure II" series as far as I can see. Here is a link. The only thing I don't understand are the removable sleeves!?

The Jacket should come this week and if it's anything like the pants I'll be very happy with it. I bought the pants for 100 on eBay - I guess they were just clearing out stock as they only had them left in Small and XL. The jacket from a different vendor was 135 and the only one available.

I looked at SPADA gear too, but went for the RST because it was a bargin and always rated as outstanding. As for Klim and stuff like that, they look good and people I met said they were happy wit them - for the price I could comfortably travel a month or two for that sort of money.

Last time I went around Latin America I had a cheapo suit I'd bought in Santiago that swamped me and was as breathable as a binbag. You really come to learn that somethings are worth spending decent money on.
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  #42  
Old 9 Feb 2016
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my boots

Granted they haven't been outside of England,, but my Alpine Star "rathmells" are still holding on in there. Bought new by me in 1981 ! Question is , what is the current equivalent? Thick leather, metal shinguard, proper knobbly sole? Everything in the shops nowadays looks like it wouldn't last 2 winters.
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  #43  
Old 9 Feb 2016
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"Matt" ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattyRider
I'm so overwhelmed by all the choices of jackets and boots out there. All the reviews say pretty much the same thing about all of them. I need something for dry hot climate, money isn't a problem. Any suggestions for this age old question? I prefer something non-leather for jacket sake. Please and thank you.

Matty



Matty, no one has addressed your basic dilemma of making judgements, this instead of that etc. It is easy to become overwhelmed if one attempts to decide more than one decision at a time. Deciding upon which jacket or which boots might appear to be overwhelming, so begin with simple judgements, ask yourself, do I want a glass of water or a cup of coffee (for example) it is not what others want or suggest, it is what you want. Perhaps there has been someone in your past that made your decisions for you. Let today be the day that you know you can make your own decisions - sure you may make a bad judgement, or many bad judgements (that is what life is all about - learning) - you might spend more money than you needed to, but since, and I can't figure this out, "money isn't a problem" what does it matter?

The important thing is to rehabilitate your ability to make your own decisions. Your "please and thank you" attitude might be wasted on this group of ruffians who dominate the posts on the HUBB. This ruffian would
rather toss any advice I might share regarding jackets and boots in lieu of
the few humble comments we have thus far shared.

Especially the one with the bottomless chaps....

"Matty" to be frank, become "Matt" and cast off all of those you come in contact with who doubt your ability to make judgements and decide things for yourself. On the road there may not be others to make decisions for you or help you make decisions, the jacket and boots you decide to buy might than well be a great beginning to becoming Matt - a man who can make his own decisions and leave "Matty" in the dust. You can do it Matt - and one more thing if and when you really need help, I will be the first to step up, and so will that bottomless guy.

xfiltrate
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  #44  
Old 26 Mar 2016
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Originally Posted by pheonix View Post
I wish I had too much choice. Sadly manufacturers don't seem to realise that real women who ride real bikes may have big boobs, wide hips and aren't always 5'8+
My mrs got wolf titanium outlast fits just right

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  #45  
Old 29 Apr 2016
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what works for me ?

Hi I have some old Rukka mesh gear (I think about 10 years old now and though it looks a bit tatty its still does the job well! the only fail on it has been the little loop I hang it up with!

Altberg, Hogg all weather original boots are fantastic I have lived in mine for the last 9 months. They can been made to fit your feet too! some of Yorkshire's finest!
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