I need a recommendation for textiles to be used on tour (and maybe commuting on the odd occasion). Are the longer touring jackets ok on a sports bike (848) or are they a pain? \ I want something that is mid-range price wise, can't afford Rukka etc. but also don't want something i will want to throw away after a few uses I'd like something that is 4 season capable.. or at least 3 (I tend not to ride in the depths of winter).
I bought an Oxford Oslo suit over winter from www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk for £200 reduced from £400 I think. So far it’s been worth every penny from a rain and cold perspective.
RST Ventilator is worth checking out, Its 4 season, Good quality and nicely cut for most types of riding, There not long in the back but not short ether
Richa do some good goretex jackets that aren't too long. Think mines a Bolt or something. I use it for touring and commuting. Sounds similar to the RST mentioned above. Can't fault it. Zips to my richa jeans. Not a fan of textile trousers, I carry overtrousers and jacket in case it lashes it down when touring so I don't have to worry about trying to get them dry before next day.
I’ve used the Alpinestars Andes jacket and trousers and thought they were pretty good value. Ridden in them in some pretty rubbish weather and no leaks. Last year I bought the Alpinestars Valparaiso 2 jacket and trousers and they seem even better. The liner on that one unzips and you can use as a jacket off the bike and the venting is decent too.
If your're not adverse to buying second-hand, then you can get some bargain Gortex gear from the likes of Hein Gericke for not much money. My son recently passed his bike test and followed my recommendation and was able to bag himself a Hein Gericke jacket and trousers that were practically as new, for less than £130. I've had a set of Hein Gericke Gortex gear for about 12-15 years now and it's never leaked once, despite a 4 year period when I was commuting year round. Unfortunately the Hein Gericke is a much smaller company than it used to be and outlets are few and far between. However, the general principle remains the same. It's easy to see if there's been any damage with clothing, as opposed to helmets and a large proportion of riders cover only a few thousand miles a year, so secondhand kit is often in extremely good condition.
I have used Dane gear (Sealand Jacket, Lyngby Trousers, Tyril Gloves) for the last few years after using Rukka for many (20+) years. The quality is great, totally waterproof (Gore-tex), good price and I think it looks pretty understated which I prefer. The main difference I found is fit as the Dane stuff is more fitted. It works for me on both upright and sports bikes as it does not flap. If I had one gripe it would be that the pockets on the trousers I have are not deep enough.
I ended up buying the Oxford Mondial Advanced stuff .. and changing my bike to a monster Happy with the stuff i bought.
