Talk to me about..... Motorcycle clothing

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
I know we have a few bikers on here, and some more ex bikers, so thought a good place to ask a few questions. My gear is a decade old, and while the textile jacket and trousers are fine I need new boots for sure plus a new helmet really and probably some kevlar jeans for when out and about and not wanting to look like I just stepped off the bike. So I guess what I want is someone to take a gander at a few items I've got my eye on and warn me to stay away if necessary.

First off the boots, thinking I need 2 pairs. One for longer rides and the rain and another for when I'm going to be wandering about. Thinking of these for the wet weather:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01CO2BFWS
I kinda want ankle boots for the others, but aware they offer less protection. Any suggestions?

Jeans wise there are so many out there, any recommendations? They will only be for very short journeys but I still don't want to sacrifice quality, I'm trying to stay on the cheaper end of the spectrum but know I'll regret that if I have a spill. These get good reviews but then the one photo that is posted look nothing like the ones listed?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00E2TLG9Y

Helmet wise is it still sharp ratings to look for? I want something full face with integrated sun visor and the pins for the anti-mist layer, cheap is better but only if it stands up to the tests. My current helmet has only done about 6000km and is stored in the dark but still aware the plastic could be degraded.

My main gloves are OK but well used, I have a pair of winter ones but need something for current weather conditions. Anything particularly worth avoiding?
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
There are sort of opening full face helmets around now - particularly favoured by spectacle wearers.

HTB1yg8XMFXXXXcQXFXXq6xXFXXXQ.jpg
 

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
I don't actually wear the specs when riding, don't legally need to and can see well enough without, but a helmet like that could be useful if I did. Main reason I don't is they feel odd in a full face.
 

proactive

Enjoying a drop of red.
There are sort of opening full face helmets around now - particularly favoured by spectacle wearers.

HTB1yg8XMFXXXXcQXFXXq6xXFXXXQ.jpg
I have one of these

https://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Nolan-N44-Evo-Hi-Visibility-N-Com-Crossover/SubProducts/Nolan-N44-Evo-Hi-Visibility-N-Com-Crossover-0004&Currency=GBP&Locale=en_GB&utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=remarketing&utm_term=Nolan N44 Evo Hi-Visibility N-Com Crossover&utm_campaign=Criteo_GB&iccm=CRI_GB

Although mine is somewhat more garish than the colour in the link. Comes in handy whichever bike I'm on and it's useable in the car on track days.

I wear it with and without glasses (depending on whether I've got my contacts in or not). It's particularly useful when stopping for a quick drink or when paying for petrol.

I would advise against ankle boots.
 

Gramaisc

Forum O. G.
I have no choice about wearing the glasses, I wouldn't be able to find the bike without them, but fitting/removing them from a 'solid' full-face helmet was always an unsatisfactory process - and necessary every time the helmet went on or off. I have one of these, which I found to be a vast improvement over the struggles of a true full-face - for short journeys, anyway.

4fbb9f2dca6de_X-Lite-X%201001-bordeaux%20red.jpg


Before that, I would normally descend to an open-face Cromwell, for ease of use.
 

Gadget

Well-Known Forumite
I have a thin but long scar across my forehead from when I forgot to take my glasses off first and pulled off my helmet thus removing my glasses the painful way.
 

Trumpet

Well-Known Forumite
For wet weather I would recommend a decent pair of overboots, more cost effective than two pairs. I have some Bering ones that fold flat for storage and have never leaked a drop, ever.
Would defo go to a shop to try bike jeans on prior to buying online as some are an 'interesting' fit looking like they've been designed for very odd shaped people.
Gloves also worth trying first as finger length can be an issue. Also worth trying with your bike jacket on to check the cuff length and fastenings.
Helmet, once you decide on a style get the best you can afford.

Best overall advice buy cheap, buy twice.

Good luck and ride safe.
 
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