Motorcycle Gear - What Do You Have/Recommend?

**FailSafe** · 19-09-2012, 12:12 PM

I finalized a couple of orders- I decided to go for the AGV Laguna jacket instead of the Tornado jacket- for another $35 ($360 total) it has better air-flow, better impact and abrasion resistance, and better back and neck protection (though it's not as nice looking and doesn't come in all black, and I didn't like the black/white option so I picked the black/red/white)- it's way more track-orientated than the Tornado and I wouldn't want to wear it off the bike, but that's not an issue in LOS- I will pair it with the perforated Willow pants ($180), to which it will connect via a 360* zipper, making it an actual suit at an excellent price (as I mentioned I can't buy an actual off-the-rack suit as I'm tall with a fairly narrow waist, and as the pre-made suits get taller, the waist expands- this way I could buy separate items and create a better fit).

**FailSafe** · 19-09-2012, 12:19 PM

I also decided on the new 2012 AGV Raptor gloves- they offered the most protection with good air-flow for the money ($135)- it's a heavy glove for LOS, but the hands are usually the first things that hit the ground in a crash:

**FailSafe** · 19-09-2012, 12:24 PM

The pads are starting to go in my faithful Shoei (and it looks like it was dropped pretty hard during a recent house move) so I might end up with a new RF-1100- I'm still shopping around.

**Satonic** · 19-09-2012, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by FailSafe

The pads are starting to go in my faithful Shoei (and it looks like it was dropped pretty hard during a recent house move) so I might end up with a new RF-1100- I'm still shopping around.

That's a nice lid. I have always favoured Shoei or Arai but recently a have taken a liking to Bell (RS-1).

**FailSafe** · 19-09-2012, 12:35 PM

I have been wearing the RF series since getting an RF-200 many years ago- I will never switch as they have always fit me perfectly.

**FailSafe** · 19-09-2012, 05:50 PM

I scored my last piece of gear- a Shoei RF-1100 'Conquerer'- I think I found another price mistake- every other site on the net has it for $500- there was one listing on Amazon that had my size (large) for $400 (12,300 baht)- every other size from XXS-XXL was listed at $500, so I got a graphic helmet for a solid color price- I couldn't pass it up (it's a bit gaudy but I don't mind- helmets should have a little bit of flash to them):

**FailSafe** · 19-09-2012, 06:11 PM

Yup- the $400 price on the red version has been pulled and the company I bought it from now has it listed at $500- there are still 2 of the gold versions available (an M and an L) if anyone wants to grab one cheap- search 'Shoei RF 1100 Conquerer' on Amazon US- shipping to LOS is $85, but that still comes out to WAY cheaper than you'd find it locally (it would still even be less than the regular US internet price).

For comparison, the XR-1100 (the European version) is 18,500 ($600) for the flat-black model at The Paddock in Bangkok (it's $400 in the States)- graphics models like the one above are 20,500 baht ($665)- even with a couple K in taxes it would still be worth it.

**palexxxx** · 20-09-2012, 02:14 PM

I took delivery of my Kawasaki Versys yesterday but unfortunately they didn't have a perforated jacket in my size.
Can anyone tell me where in Chiang Mai there is a shop with a good range of motorcycle gear apart from kawasaki big bikes and the shop in Pantip Plaza.

**Bung** · 20-09-2012, 03:21 PM

I bought my Shoei RF 1100 for $300 incl. free shipping to Thailand. Even with the import duty it was a good price for a top of the line lid.

I put some good quality decals on it so it didn't look like a boiled egg too much but like the viz factor.

it's way worth it for the quality and comfort, best lid I've ever owned. I would try one on to make sure of the size and comfort. I find that you are either comfortable in a Arai or Shoei, not both. They are made for different head shapes. I got a Rev'it vented jacket which is great.

**FailSafe** · 20-09-2012, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by palexxxx

I took delivery of my Kawasaki Versys yesterday but unfortunately they didn't have a perforated jacket in my size.
Can anyone tell me where in Chiang Mai there is a shop with a good range of motorcycle gear apart from kawasaki big bikes and the shop in Pantip Plaza.

Here's the jacket listing from The Paddock in BKK- they do mail-order- the high-end Taichi GMX jackets are nice but pricey- they have a pretty good selection.

JACKETS

**FailSafe** · 20-09-2012, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Bung

I bought my Shoei RF 1100 for $300 incl. free shipping to Thailand.

Who did you buy it from? I couldn't find a price on a new one lower than ~$400 anywhere.

**FailSafe** · 20-09-2012, 03:41 PM

I kept looking at the AGV gloves I posted above and they just seemed way too hot, so I called customer support (they all ride) at the place I'm ordering from and the guy went and got a pair and took a good look at them and described them- they are great protection, but I need more venting and air-flow, so I switched to the Spidi Race Vent gloves for a few bucks more- they will flow way more air- I'm sticking with everything else, though.

**FailSafe** · 20-09-2012, 07:43 PM

Check out this Taichi jacket with a built-in air-bag- $900, but I guess that's a small price to pay for possibly not breaking your neck in a crash- I wonder how effective it really is- I don't think I've ever seen a professional racer with one, but there are probably a few- I believe it's activated by a tether and inflates if the rider is thrown from the bike- it would be something you wouldn't want to forget to disconnect before running into Starbucks for a latte

:

**FailSafe** · 01-10-2012, 04:07 AM

Just a quick update- the AGV Laguna jacket in post #51 was an excellent value for the money as far as the price went (no other jacket offered the same features in that range that I could find) but it has a fatal flaw- if you have fairly large arms (mine are nearly 17", which isn't gigantic) they will not fit comfortably in the sleeves (in fact they are like sausage casings)- this is how this jacket is tailored, and not a one-off problem with the one I tried on (which some research confirmed).

While I would highly recommend it if you are on the thin side as it's very protective and has great perforations and venting, it's also extremely race-oriented and probably not well-suited off the track unless you're a real racer. It's too bad as I quite like it, but without arms in the 14" range it's just too restrictive- for $360 it's a steal if it will work for your body type.

I've got another jacket on the way and will post about it later.

**FailSafe** · 01-10-2012, 04:16 AM

Originally Posted by Exige

Originally Posted by FailSafe

I needed a new pair of boots as well- I found a pair of Alpinestars Supertech R boots on close-out for $299

I have a pair of these.
Will never buy them again.

Very comfy to wear, but a real pain in the neck taking them off and on. Once I've worn them out. I'm moving back to Sidi.

Having tried them out, I don't agree with you at all as far as putting them on goes- as recommended on the net, putting the brace inside the main boot before putting our foot in works great- they couldn't be easier to slip in-and-out of- I've read that if you put the brace on our foot first and then try to put on the boot it's nearly impossible- is this what you've been doing?

They are super-comfortable right out of the box- what a great boot.

**draco888** · 01-10-2012, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by FailSafe

Just a quick update- the AGV Laguna jacket in post #51 was an excellent value for the money as far as the price went (no other jacket offered the same features in that range that I could find) but it has a fatal flaw- if you have fairly large arms (mine are nearly 17", which isn't gigantic) they will not fit comfortably in the sleeves (in fact they are like sausage casings)- this is how this jacket is tailored, and not a one-off problem with the one I tried on (which some research confirmed).

While I would highly recommend it if you are on the thin side as it's very protective and has great perforations and venting, it's also extremely race-oriented and probably not well-suited off the track unless you're a real racer. It's too bad as I quite like it, but without arms in the 14" range it's just too restrictive- for $360 it's a steal if it will work for your body type.

I've got another jacket on the way and will post about it later.

mate if you are a non standard body shape and willing to spend for protection i don't know why you have not gone the made to measure route.

**draco888** · 01-10-2012, 05:10 AM

Originally Posted by FailSafe

I scored my last piece of gear- a Shoei RF-1100 'Conquerer'- I think I found another price mistake- every other site on the net has it for $500- there was one listing on Amazon that had my size (large) for $400 (12,300 baht)- every other size from XXS-XXL was listed at $500, so I got a graphic helmet for a solid color price- I couldn't pass it up (it's a bit gaudy but I don't mind- helmets should have a little bit of flash to them):

nice looking lid, always fancied an imperial jap style design

**FailSafe** · 01-10-2012, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by draco888

mate if you are a non standard body shape and willing to spend for protection i don't know why you have not gone the made to measure route.

I will get myself a nice Dainese bespoke suit someday, but for now I'm good with off-the-rack- this is the first time I have had this problem with a (US) size 44 (European size 54) jacket- the waist/belly is always a bit big for me, but I've never experienced the arm problem before (this jacket is basically the top half of a race suit).

I was trying to keep jacket/pants/gloves/boots at USD$1,000 and I had managed to do it, but now I'm probably going to go a few hundred over on the new jacket I end up choosing.

If I get a custom suit, it will have to be at Dainese Bangkok- I'm guessing at least 50K, and probably more- I will check later this year.

**FailSafe** · 01-10-2012, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by draco888

nice looking lid, always fancied an imperial jap style design

It looks way better in person- I only went with that design because of the price (I have owned Shoei solid wine-red helmets forever), but I'm glad I got it- the RF-1100 is a really big leap from earlier models.

**draco888** · 01-10-2012, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by FailSafe

Originally Posted by draco888

mate if you are a non standard body shape and willing to spend for protection i don't know why you have not gone the made to measure route.

I will get myself a nice Dainese bespoke suit someday, but for now I'm good with off-the-rack- this is the first time I have had this problem with a (US) size 44 (European size 54) jacket- the waist/belly is always a bit big for me, but I've never experienced the arm problem before (this jacket is basically the top half of a race suit).

I was trying to keep jacket/pants/gloves/boots at USD$1,000 and I had managed to do it, but now I'm probably going to go a few hundred over on the new jacket I end up choosing.

If I get a custom suit, it will have to be at Dainese Bangkok- I'm guessing at least 50K, and probably more- I will check later this year.

http://www.scottleathers.co.uk/prodp...p?ProductID=10

not cheap i know but i believe better than paying for Dainese brand name. real racers who want leathers to protect them go to these guys, and not because they are paid to. probably not great location if you are in BKK though. the made to measure is top notch though.

**Bung** · 01-10-2012, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by FailSafe

Originally Posted by Bung

I bought my Shoei RF 1100 for $300 incl. free shipping to Thailand.

Who did you buy it from? I couldn't find a price on a new one lower than ~$400 anywhere.

It was from PCM supply.com and sorry, it was $360, I just checked back on the email. Solid white one. From their Ebay store.

**FailSafe** · 01-10-2012, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by draco888

Originally Posted by FailSafe

Originally Posted by draco888

mate if you are a non standard body shape and willing to spend for protection i don't know why you have not gone the made to measure route.

I will get myself a nice Dainese bespoke suit someday, but for now I'm good with off-the-rack- this is the first time I have had this problem with a (US) size 44 (European size 54) jacket- the waist/belly is always a bit big for me, but I've never experienced the arm problem before (this jacket is basically the top half of a race suit).

I was trying to keep jacket/pants/gloves/boots at USD$1,000 and I had managed to do it, but now I'm probably going to go a few hundred over on the new jacket I end up choosing.

If I get a custom suit, it will have to be at Dainese Bangkok- I'm guessing at least 50K, and probably more- I will check later this year.

Venom Jackets - Scott Leathers - More Than A One Off

not cheap i know but i believe better than paying for Dainese brand name. real racers who want leathers to protect them go to these guys, and not because they are paid to. probably not great location if you are in BKK though. the made to measure is top notch though.

I have no doubt they make nice stuff, but my location limits my choices- I live in LOS- I'm from the US, but I'm never in one spot long enough when I visit to get properly measured and fitted (you need at least two fittings to get it perfect).

I completely agree about the Dainese prices (though you have to admit they make quality stuff)- I have a couple of friends who have suits from PILOT - Products | Leather suits, jackets, pants, protectors and boots (based in California- they do a lot of work for AMA racers) that I like, but even they're very pricey- their costs starts at $1600/1650 for one-piece/two-piece custom work (off-the-rack is $300 cheaper, so that's not bad for the tailoring), and they're about 10-20% cheaper than Dianese.

**FailSafe** · 01-10-2012, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Bung

Originally Posted by FailSafe

Originally Posted by Bung

I bought my Shoei RF 1100 for $300 incl. free shipping to Thailand.

Who did you buy it from? I couldn't find a price on a new one lower than ~$400 anywhere.

It was from PCM supply.com and sorry, it was $360, I just checked back on the email. Solid white one. From their Ebay store.

That's still a great deal shipped to LOS for an RF-1100- the thing with Shoei is that they don't allow their authorized sellers to discount current models past a certain amount (they can only discount discontinued helmets)- i think they limit it to about 10%- if you search the helmet you bought, it's always $396 ($440 retail) pretty much without variation- we both got lucky with our prices (I'm sure mine was a data entry error) as both companies risked losing their right to distribute the Shoei line- for sure they would bitch about it as they want to keep their prices high.

**FailSafe** · 01-10-2012, 12:33 PM

One more thing I picked up was an Alpinesters Summer Tech race undersuit- it flows air and wicks away sweat, and will do a decent job of keeping me cooler under leathers (not to mention making them easier to slide on-and-off, though perhaps it's not the coolest-looking piece of gear in the world

):

**alitongkat** · 01-10-2012, 12:51 PM

why do you want to go for leather?

there is very good, even more durable, nylon around, its more convenient, particulary in rain (ok, not so often here), and easier to strip down, if you want to change and do some sightseeing on trips...
you can wash it, and it does have more airflow...

leather isnt all that overly perfect material for motorbiking suits...

there are nice synthetic things, and also suits you can zip together (jacket and pants)...

the synthetic clothes you can stuff easily into boxes, while with the leather its much more difficult...
plus leather is very heavy...
synthetic is better in warm weather conditions and also nylon with goretex inliners is much better in cold weather (not applicable here)... you will never reach this with leather clothes...

just my personal opinion... when one is a little out of shape, then these leather clothes dont look good at all... imo, with dressing on the bike, understatement is the key... good quality but not flashy... the more with age...
for older men... please check, if you really have a butt, otherwise those leatherpants might look awful..

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