Riding suits?

[Casher50]

Which riding suits do you recommend? Most are VERY expensive (Aerostitch sre well over $1000.00) so I need help choosing something that will be comfortable, offer protection in case of a slide down the pavement, is completely water proof, and is reasonably priced. Currently I just dress in normal cloths, a leather jacket, and Frogg Toggs for when it rains. Frogg Toggs are water proof and breath, but don't work well when the rain comes before I'm ready for it.

What do you recommend and why?

[Devious56]

The best thought is remember, you get what you pay for. The Aerostitch are worth every penny, IF you are riding to the point you need a riding suit like that. Frogg Toggs are really good enough for the average rider, if you are expecting rain have the suit out of the bag ready to go, with the jacket the first thing you grab. After you have the jacket on, then the pants, and then you won't get very wet. I remember not too long ago, maybe 25 years or so, we didn't carry rainsuits.

Cycle gear carries some pretty nice suits, that are reasonably priced.

David

[Bob Denman]

Aerostitch is probably your best bet!
But it's STILL not bullet-proof!
If the price scares you; why did you spend so much money on a motorcycle?

Cheap stuff usually turns out to be way more expensive than you think!

[JayBros]

I am very partial to my Firstgear stuff basically because they have clothing to fit vertically enhanced riders and put a premium on visibility. BajaRon has some good prices.

[murphybrown]

Has some great gear and the best customer service and pricing. Yep I've gotten wet...I check my weather radar every a.m. if it looks iffy I start out in rain gear...then when I stop for fuel again check radar...easier to suit up under the canopy! But I have been "caught"...Yep start with jacket..hood on helmet back on..pants, boot covers, then saddle cover and cover gloves..I store everything in my left saddlebag and rolled and in order that I put on..makes for quick "assembly". There are times when I need just a little extra waarmth and put on rain jacket and pants...adds that extra layer and stops wind. Good gear is priceless in my opinion.

[Devious56]

I like the way your think. Good post.

[Highwayman2013]

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...rs-amp-Helmets

[Brentc]

Aerostitch meets all but one of your criteria.....

You know which one.

[bigbadbrucie]

I've been riding 2 wheelers for the past 50 years, and now ride a 3 wheeler. I have not found anything that will keep you totally dry in a rainstorm. About 5 years ago I did a trip from the west coast of Canada to Winnipeg, Manitoba. A 3 day trip, and it rained heavy for the 3 days, and when I arrived, I was quite wet. I was feeling miserable, but now, 5 years later, I'm thinking it was a good trip, riding with a great bunch of people. It's all in your perspective. If you want to stay totally dry, take your car, or sit on your couch watching TV and drinking a cold one. JMHO WTFDIK

[Bob Denman]

For SpyderFest 2013; we rode for three out of our four travel days in absolute "Toad-Strangling" storms.
My TourMaster one-piece rainsuit kept me nice and comfy throughout!

[asp125]

'Stitch suits are worth their price for all weather riders who log a lot of miles. If you find a gently used 'Stitch you can still get plenty of life out of them. There are several alternatives like Firstgear, Tourmaster, Olympia that make decent one piece suits for the average riders. Nothing is totally waterproof, given enough time out in the wet you will get seepage. Look for weather resistant features like taped zippers and sealable neck and arm cuffs. A high collar will keep rain out of your neck better than no collar, but too high and it rubs against your neck. There are some suits with light hoods that you wear under your helmet to keep rain off your neck. Venting should be adjustable and well protected from weather.

[ARtraveler]

Over the years, I have accumulated two racks (five feet long, each) and they are full of assorted gear. I have never worn anything out, so I have 30 plus years' worth.

My go to stuff is Firstgear. I have a few jackets in different colors, and a couple pairs of pants. All have liners, so I am covered for cold, normal, and warmer weather.

There are a couple mesh jackets for when it is really warm.

I also like leather stuff. Have a 30 year old Hein Geirke jacket that still looks new and gets worn several times a year. Have leather chaps and leather pants. I am ready for whatever mood hits me at the time.

Kevlar jeans have also been added to the wardrobe. I have a couple pair of them.

Last, but not least, I have a Textile and a Leather Jacket from BRP. Bought both the first year of the , (2008). They are still both like new. They were expensive back then, and more so now--I usually do not buy branded clothes for that reason.

The textiles are sufficient for rain--so have not purchased additional rain gear. Tested in a couple cloudbursts that lasted for almost 300 miles. The only thing that got cold and wet were my hands, from the saturated leather gloves. I bought waterproof gloves after that.

The possibilities are endless. Get what you like and enjoy the ride. Baja Ron is a Firstgear dealer and he does offer some very good prices.

[pegasus1300]

I have worn lots of different brands over the years(50+riding).For me for quality verses price I like First Gear and Olympia. My First Gear Leather Jacket is over 20 years old and still looks good and is water resistant to a slight degree. My Kilimanjaro is 6 years old and is warm in Spring and Fall esp with heated gear cool while moving in summer,and also somewhat water proof. When I need more water proofing I go to Frogg Toggs. The Olympia I had I loved. Unfortunately I also wrecked wearing it. It did it's job very well but the paramedics had to cut it off of me so it was destroyed. As far as weather goes it did everything it was supposed to do very well and was very comfortable from day one.I am wearing that jacket in my sig picture

[Pampurrs]

Jeans, proper footgear, long sleeve shirt, vest, gloves, helmet. Frog Togs in the saddlebag or frunk.

Or you can blow $1,000.00 if you want to look like a Power Ranger.

Pam

[WA5VHU]

I suspect for the most part you are asking the wrong crowd about safety when it comes to ryding gear. Most (not all!) folks I see on a Spyder are dressed for the ryde and not the slide. Or would that be slyde? The wife and I wear motorcycle textile jackets, pants, boots and gloves made for the slyde.

Too many others are dressed like the Cyrus sisters:

[retread]

For protection, check out the Bohn stuff, (www.Rider-Pants.com) they go under everything else, so the rest of it can be your choice.

john

[Bfromla]

Ya here in Louisiana You always expect rain & are just happy when it's not Layers work best, frog togs breathe & roll up small enough to tuck away ez For me I prefer the overalls & jacket combo as i have more pockets & depending on temp i may add a thicker jacket underneath. I have no problem putting on limited space at a gas stop or under a bridge if i need to, cant say the same for a full suit & we all do try to check the weather before our trips right? We cant dodge it all but we know our limits





(Wow the soap box is tall)

[Tango]

Wife and I both have Aerostitch suites. Expensive? You bet. You get what you pay for. We bought the unlined R3 model. Tom

[Bob Denman]

I suspect for the most part you are asking the wrong crowd about safety when it comes to ryding gear. Most (not all!) folks I see on a Spyder are dressed for the ryde and not the slide. Or would that be slyde? The wife and I wear motorcycle textile jackets, pants, boots and gloves made for the slyde.
Too many others are dressed like the Cyrus sisters:

While I won't disagree with your assessment of how a lot of folks will ride unprepared for the "Big Ouch"; I would also point out that the Cyrus Sisters are not actually representative of how most of us approach our chosen activity...

[WA5VHU]

While I won't disagree with your assessment of how a lot of folks will ride unprepared for the "Big Ouch"; I would also point out that the Cyrus Sisters are not actually representative of how most of us approach our chosen activity...

Huh? I thought the Cyrus sisters were the finest example of the average American? Especially Miley!

[Bob Denman]

[ARtraveler]

Most of us adhere to ATGATT (all the gear, all the time). I have no issue with how anyone else wants to do their ride though.

IMO: You never know when or where an accident will happen. Ready or not, here it comes.

[Bob Denman]

[TEWKS]

I've been wearing the same Stich Roadcrafter since 96. The two things that I find pretty amazing about this gear is it still has a
few years of life left in it and.....it still fits my big arse!

No doubt expensive but if you go this route, I recommend the two piece suit.

Pat

[gparr]

During the cold weather I wear the Aerostich Roadmaster 1-Piece (although I am looking for another used one I am completing a 50 lb. weight loss) and during the warmer season I wear the Motoport Airmesh Kevlar suit.

I am a believer of ATGATT.