[Closed] Motorbike protective gear for commuting

[I]Many Youtube videos of these scooters show riders haring along at breakneck speed (80mph) and wearing very little - bare arms, legs and hands seem to be normal.[/I]

No doubt filmed in Italy etc...

Heavy duty cordura (warm, waterproof and abrasion-resistant) and 'stout' boots would be a good start.

Hein Gericke use to be a good place to go, where in Scotland are you?

And don't forget quality gloves.

Many Youtube videos of these scooters show riders haring along at breakneck speed (80mph) and wearing very little - bare arms, legs and hands seem to be normal.

No doubt filmed in Italy etc...

funnily enough, saw a couple just on Monday on the M4 near Slough. 2 people on one of those fast scooters, doing 80mph on a busy motorway, wearing tracksuits and trainers. They did have helmets at least...

Hein Gericke use to be a good place to go

Do they still exist?

Seemed to go bust every 2 years....

Hood jeans, made in the UK, very happy with mine and great sevice.

Seen a few low speed accidents that have caused some horrendous gravel rash taken the skin off exposing muscle and bone. Most of these were people riding around in jeans and lightweight jackets.
For year round riding I would look at something that has good ventilation too. I like the Held clothing for that reason and they fit well unlike some makes. Make sure the gloves have wrist protection as if you come off these are often exposed in short gloves when you put your hand down to break your fall.
Sturdy boots but if you're a size 10 drop me an email as I have some, as new, Alpinestar SMX4 boots that I'm selling.

Sounds like you need a decent set of textiles. Lots of options, just depends on budget!

Or maybe an Aerostitch onesie?

Lots of the commuters I used to know through GS forums used Aerostitch suits... [url= http://www.aerostich.com/suits/one-piece-suits/r-3 ]http://www.aerostich.com/suits/one-piece-suits/r-3[/url] They are a bit like drysuits - one piece and very quick and easy to get out of. Not cheap though.

By chance, I am about to sell a Rev It Sand textile suit (fits me at a shade under 6' and about 80kg) with removable insulating and waterproof liners. Can't be faffed with ebay so I'd let it go cheaply. My email address is in my profile if you'd like pics...

show riders haring along at breakneck speed (80mph) and wearing very little - bare arms, legs and hands seem to be normal.

I'm in Scotland, so I'd need protection from the elements,

In Scotland >>>

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I got all my last set of gear of eBay,there was lots of good quality,hardly used stuff to be had.
Hein Gericke kit with protection for wet days and some leathers for [s]Summer[/s] dry days.

Another vote for Hein Gericke. I use one of their hi-vis outfits when I'm commuting by motorbike (which isn't often nowadays).

+1 for Hood jeans, although I haven't fallen off in them ......

Alpinestars Andes suit is good and good value.

Have a look on the Triumph Clothing Outlet site - v.good quality stuff.

Hood jeans are just kevlar jeans, they're not waterproof and no use if you're trying to wear work stuff as you'll have to change plus carry waterproof trousers

I used to be able to wear suit trousers under a pair of alpinestars textile trousers, then a shirt underneath my leather jacket. If I was seeing clients I'd take a change of clothes and get changed into work stuff in their disabled loo. Fold up holdall would carry all my gear, including lid and boots. Was a good icebreaker!

I used to wear suit trousers under my lovely Rukka goretex textiles but they still got a bit crumpled. Jacket I've got no answer for though.

Good kit makes all the difference, I particuliarly liked pissing wet days, when everyone else got soaked running from the bus or car park then said "can't believe you rode in this", as I walked in, bone dry and warm, in my goretex and plastic spacesuit 😆

Thanks very much. The Aerostitch onesie might be the sort of thing I had in mind.

Thanks for the offers of gear, but I'm not ready to buy anything yet - still need to decide on a bike.

The Aerostitch suits are really good for wet weather but in the summer they turn into boil in a bag. Build quality is fanastic though and if you pick one up second hand guarantee it will still be in a good condition

Just been thinking - I'll visit the BMW garage sometime. They might have some suitable gear, and it will be interesting to see what's available. I suppose a lot of helmets have comms built in these days to link with Bluetooth phones and music players.

Are you about 5 foot 3ish? I can sell you a textile kit - Glasgow

BMW do some very nice riding attire, but it's Rapha-esque pricing!

how much do you want to spend?

Very few helmets have built in comms but do have recesses for the speakers. I've just invested in a Scala Rider Packtalk and it's been very good, all Bluetooth and voice control but probably more than you require as use for pillion and bike to bike as well sat nav, music streaming, radio and phone.
Schuberth and Shoei helmets have dedicated comms in the form of a custom skirt but they are both made by Scala have less features but cost even more.

I suppose a lot of helmets have comms built in these days to link with Bluetooth phones and music players

Personally,I wouldn't be getting plugged in to any of that nonsense when just getting back on the roads.
Of course,you may be an awesome multi tasker dude ,and find the whole,being called ,listening to tunes a doddle.
I tried it and it felt far too scary,which is odd because I listen to tunes every day on my (very quiet)cycle commute.