The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: HESIMEUSTIC on September 13, 2013, 03:59:58 PM
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Hi all,
my bike is up and running again and it's a balmy 13 deg C here in Toronto (about 55 deg F). I have some older leathers but they're definitely more for a sportbike than an R65. Wondering where to start now that I will likely ride the R65 around town into the fall, and possibly use the same jacket for some light touring in the USA later this fall. Any advice on what you have had a good experience with is much appreciated.
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Watch out for the Tour Master Epic coat - the lower half of the sleeves are too narrow with the liner in it.
http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=272&cat=3
Otherwise it is a very nice coat, quite rain proof with many rain proof zippered vents. And affordable at $150 USD
This year I have a Venture heated jacket liner, so I am using that instead of the liner that came with the coat. It is real nice.
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I have recently bought a "Rev'it" jacket from a Honda dealer here (so probably available worldwide!). In over 50 years on bikes, this is the first jacket I have ever owned which is not only warm and waterproof, but also quite elegant! even on my creaking, beer-gutted figure. Never felt so smart on a bike. Made of some kind of Cordura outer with two (no less) detachable inner linings. Made in China, like everything these days.
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I don't have either of these jackets myself -yet- but when I was a WhiteHorse Press Warehouse this weekend I was checking out both the FirstGear Kilimanjaro and Firstgear Kathmandu textile 3-season jackets. They wouldn't be as cool in the superhot part of the season as my mesh jacket, but otherwise and especially during the fall and early spring) I think that either would be superior. Both fit pretty well and seem quite well made and have many good reviews. I just couldn't decide at the time, but I would recommend you looking into these options
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I though it was mandatory for BMW owners to at least consider an aerostich? I guess we get out of it by have "classic" bikes.
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A full-on, bells n' whistles Aerostitch riding suit will set you back more than I paid for my first R65. ;)
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I though it was mandatory for BMW owners to at least consider an aerostich?
Don't forget the orange triangle on your back and the thermos to haul away free coffee
I've got a tourmaster Transition 2 with a set of pants to go with it. Sizing was a bit odd (The medium fit better than the large, but I'm about 5'11" and 200lbs). Quality is pretty good, considering the price. The waterproofing is wearing out a bit and some of the fabric is wearing too. Zippers do leak a little bit of air. The ventilation system is great.
If you want leather, leatherup.com has a decent selection (as well as some textile stuff too). They do not charge restocking fees, so you can order a couple jackets and keep the one that you like best. I got my first jacket from them. Was $130... the thing weighed 9 pounds thanks to the fact that it was made of heavy cowhide instead of thin goatskin.
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Rob, I thought you did get a 'stitch. Or did you just get fitted for one?
I love my Olympia one-piece suit. I have to say that when I left work for home a couple of weeks ago into a violent thunder and rain storm with big wind gusts, that suit leaked big time. At least I had the nearby lightning to distract me from the wet. Now that I think about it, was the wet really from the suit leaking? I didn't get cold.
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I have an old BMW Freerider jacket. It is a mix of ballistic nylon and leather. Great jacket - looks good, good protection, and good warmth if you wear a polartech liner underneath it. It is a discontinued product, but they do show up on ebay and other second hand markets for a reasonable price. Add a pair of leather jeans-style pants, and it is a good looking and protective set of clothes.
k_enn
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Hi Guys
I had an Aerostitch jacket and sold it because it was the High Viz yellow but it faded after a few years. I have the Darien system - riding pants with the suspenders - plan to buy another Aerostitch - they last a LONG time. Went to the Very Boring Rally put on by Aerostitch and they had a contest to see who had the oldest Stitch jacket - the winner was wearing a jacket over 25 years old! Anyway, for winter, I'd suggest an Aerostitch.
I also bought an Olympia Mesh Jacket and Pants with the rain proof liners. Won't be as effective in the cold but great for hot summer days.
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I have a Firstgear Kilimanjaro - its probably 12 years old around now - still holding up well for what I can tell (a bit faded, but stitching is 99% there). I'd recommend it if you want a 3/4 length jacket (I'm not sure that is what I want for an R65).
FG had the construction and features well figured out. Price was high though ($200-something 12 years ago...)
-John
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I though it was mandatory for BMW owners to at least consider an aerostich? I guess we get out of it by have "classic" bikes.
Belstaff, my man.
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haute couture!
How about a nice Hein Gericke?
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haute couture!
How about a nice Hein Gericke?
Wore one some 25 years ago when I was thinner. Actually had two, one summer weight and one spring/fall weight. Both were vented to different degrees. Some of the nicest leather I ever had (and still have, just doesn't fit anymore). Also had a pair of their pant - talk about heavy weight!
k_enn
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"Belstaff, my man".
You said that right...
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Jumping into this discussion rather late.
I have both an Aerostich jacket and pants. It is very hard to find gear that fits someone my size (aka short) and I appreciated the ability to customize the jacket (shortened sleeves) and have the knee pads adjusted for proper placement.
That said, I live less than a mile from their facility so it is a bit easier to get fitted (and allows me to take advantage of the 10% discount for in-store pick-up and any sales).
I like being able to shop locally made, as well.
(http://)
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I have three textile jackets, depending on the temperature and amount of fairing! ;) I have a First Gear Mesh-Tex which is very flow-through for when it's hot. I have a Fieldsheer Sprint (zip out lining) for temps down to about 45 degrees, and a Joe Rocket Ballistic 5 which is good to about freezing.
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Hey Wildknits. I never noticed before that you were from Duluth. I went through that town once returning home from the Boundery Waters, but I didn't get a chance to stop by the Rider's Warehouse. I would like to get fitted for a 'stitch even if I don't have the money handy to order one.
Do you know Ras Rasmassun? He's from that area, and sometimes writes some nice articles for the Aerostitch catalog or the Airmail.
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Unless it's miserably hot out and I'm wearing mesh, I'm wearing my Darien pants and jacket..
Yeah, I get asked if I'm a fireman on occasion.. I don't care.. 8-)
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh276%2Fdjpagel%2FADVRider%2FInlet.jpg&hash=f82d42db8b7f9012cd75e2b027d621edff69f119)
And somewhat on/off subject, here's a photo of "Just Jim" who works at Aerostich.. He's posing with me and the Tank Pannier bags he sewed.. This was at the Aerostich Boring Rally this summer.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh276%2Fdjpagel%2FADVRider%2Fjim.jpg&hash=ce8665c2b9efe901c5b5f84c5964c85f0756196c)
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My Olympia AST jacket served well but now is truly faded and filty and no longer waterproof! So here's my plan:
1. I'm trying the BMW Comfortshell C-Change membrane technology for my jacket and I wear a heated liner.
2. I've ordered the brand new Rev'it Poseidon Gore Tex GTX pants with pro shell goretex membrane...these pants tick off every feature I've ever wanted in a pair of pants.
3. I have also order a Hit-Air airbag hi-viz vest for my ultimate safety and to get back my hi-viz look. The BMW Comfortshell is gorgeous red in colour so will be hard to cover but necessary after my history!
4. If by chance I am too cold in the BMW Red Comfortshell, I have 2 options...my Tourmaster Flex with mesh under and cordura over- jacket is really top notch but hot when it's raining combined with hot temps and my really old Alpinestar dry-star jacket I first got in '04 could be brought back into service.
If I had a chance and a real need I'd order the Rev'it Poseidon GTX jacket too!!!! Take a boo at these new articles at Revzilla or AMR in Andorra...(cheaper in Andorra)