Touring jackets?

[HESIMEUSTIC]

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.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

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.

[Dizerens5]

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.

[nhmaf]

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

[Matt Chapter]

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.

[montmil]

A full-on, bells n' whistles Aerostitch riding suit will set you back more than I paid for my first R65.  

[Luca]

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.

[Ed Miller]

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.

[k_enn]

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

[Red_Hen]

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.

[Johnster]

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

[Burt]

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.  

[decorn33]

haute couture!

How about a nice Hein Gericke?

[k_enn]

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

[clonmore1]

"Belstaff, my man".

You said that right...