Recommendation for Pants and Jackets

[Tazman11]

I have always worn jeans and a leather jacket when riding my motorcycles. It’s what I had and it worked. I’m planning on doing more touring on my Valkyrie and I am seeking better protection and comfort. Living in Idaho, where we have cold winters and hot summers, makes it a challenge to have all season gear. Layering is critical.

I have always limited myself to 50 degrees and above, stay out of the rain, and generally be a fair weather rider. Yesterday we had 50 degree weather so I went for a ride. My flannel lined jeans with wool underwear, leather coat on top of wool shirts, heavy gloves, and laced up boots did OK but at 40 degrees comfort would have declined. My leather jacket definitely is impossible to wear when our temperatures rise.

Also, preventing injury if in an accident my current MO would be questionable. Ideally I would have a 4 season set that would give me good protection and layering would address temperature issues. I always buy American made products, even with the premiums they demand. I don’t want to employ or support Chinese anything. Period.

I have been considering the Aerostich Darion. It seams to meet my requirements and is certainly a premium product but I’m curious what others have done. PLEASE SHARE YOUR COMMENTS AND EXPERIENCE. Insane is approaching and it is my first multi day motorcycle trip.

[Oss]

DRAGGIN JEANS  they held up during a highway speed get off 18 yrs ago and I still wear them

Have chaps but rarely use them  I just am too fat now  lol

The hit air jacket comes in mesh or not mesh  600 smackers which is less than the adv wear The vest is cheaper I believe   Where I ride,  I am more concerned with people hitting me or stopping across my bow than most riders as NYC is nuts  review here

https://hikesandmotorbikes.com/hit-air-motorcycle-airbag-vest-review/

Cost of one x ray of your ribs with e room visit is 10X the cost of the jacket

 I wear it down to the low 40s without electrics   below that I use the tourmaster heated jacket liner and gloves  but have not plugged em in yet this year  So I wear it about 10 months out of the year

[J.Mencalice]

I was able to purchase a First Gear jacket and a full riding suit a few years ago at a screaming deal for about a third of retail.  The guy selling the jacket had jammed the zipper against the fabric and couldn't get it loose....so he sold it!

Outfitted my wife and I both in jackets and suits for about $500 total and they were next to new and in perfect shape.  All First Gear and meets our needs.
Found one set on ebay and one set on Craigslist.
Shop around, people are always buying stuff sight unseen, then not liking it (style, fit, color) and selling it for a fraction of what they paid.  Low ball and then work your way up if needed.
Some places have closeouts when annual changes appear.
Patience pays.

[Avanti]

I ride from 35 to 90 degrees in full leathers. I have heated pants, coat and gloves for cold weather riding and for hot weather riding I use cooling top and bottom clothing under the full leathers.

[Jess from VA]

Tourmaster make nice textile all weather gear (with vents and liners) and does not break the bank.

Tourmaster's best stuff is called Cortech.

So do some others (First Gear, Joe Rocket).  Outfits like Alpinestars (and others) are always higher.  

This is my favorite gear site to shop and buy from, they work with you on getting sizing right with good written reviews on everything they sell.  Always look through closeouts.

https://www.motorcyclegear.com/

https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/jackets_jerseys_and_vests/textile_jackets/tour_master/intake_jacket.html

https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/pants/textile_pants/tour_master/caliber_pant.html

This stuff zips together for cold rides. (back of jacket to back of pants)

However, this stuff gets (too) hot in warm weather, even with open vents, the waterproof makes it nonbreathable.  But it packs tighter and lighter than leather, and if you have it with you, you don't need conventional rain gear (which is also hot in hot weather).

[Willow]

Joe Rocket.  I have jackets in both cool weather and hot weather applications.  I've tested the jackets to the extreme with no injuries beneath the jacket (hiway speed and collision at 40.  Neither bike survived).  I should have worn protection on my knees either time.

If you only ride above 50 you could almost ride naked but the Joe Rocket mesh is a nice addition.

[Tazman11]

Thanks for the suggestion. I was not familiar with Joe rocket. Do you have the meat or leather?

[Louis]

I have Motoport Ultra II Cordura jacket and pants. Made in USA ( California). Lots of information on their site about materials and how things are made.

[cookiedough]

insulated long johns underneath of flannel lined blue jeans outta be enough warmth down low to 40 degrees.

I do not like cycle riding below 40 degrees.  The only 2 body parts that get cold on me is my hands and knees when that cold.   

Any good armored jacket (dual layer) should be plenty warm enough down to 40 degrees.

[Willow]

Thanks for the suggestion. I was not familiar with Joe rocket. Do you have the meat or leather?

I have both mesh and fabric/leather jackets.  What's more important is that they are jackets with body armor inserted.  Some folks will take out the spine bar as they find it uncomfortable.  I would advise against removing that item as my experience includes landing hard on my back and being spared back injury by that piece of armor.

Please be careful to accept effectiveness advice only from persons who have benefited or suffered from the protection apparel.   How good it looks loses its meaning at the moment of impact.

[carolinarider09]

I believe layers are the key.  For me, it depended on what I was riding and who I was with (solo or with wife).  

Now I have a trailer so, not so much of a issue.

Several things I have learned and subscribe to.

1.  Layers are key but they can be limited.
 
For the top, if I am going to be riding on cold (40 or less) I go with a light weight under shirt garment (there are several kinds).  It should be fairly close to the skin.  
 
Next layer would be my heated jacket liner

Next layer is the outer layer.  It has two purposes.  One block the wind.  Two protection from rash.  In my current case it would be a 15 year old leather jacket with out the liner.

Before I zip up the jacket, I slide on a wool like neck gaiter.  It is very important to keep the wind off the neck area were all the blood flows.  In fact, using the neck gaiter does allow the blood being heard by the jacket liner to warm the lower body area.

For the bottom, again 40 or less, I wear a pair of what I will call "Long Underwear".  There are various brands, the one I have is by Patagonia.  I have two versions.  One is sort of light weight like ballet tights, the other is more fleece like but also "form" fitting.  

Over top of the underwear, I wear just an ordinary pair of jeans.  In my case they are Ballroom Relaxed Fit jeans from Duluth Trading.  

Now the next key part, you can keep the wind off your lower body (which will allow the blood being heated in the upper body to do a better warming job) by just putting on your rain pants.  If they will keep the rain out, they will keep the wind out.   And yes, the cold will penetrate but.... You got the heated jacket liner.  

Boots or shoes, boots with regular socks, not thin, and not very heavily.  My riding boots are, have been for the last 18 or so years from Sidi.  Just got them resoled.

Now, the next step is determining what you can carry and what you cannot.  

If the weather is not going to be under 55 or so, I just stick with my standard textile jacket (and yes it has some "pads" but is not specifically what I would call armor).  Again, the rain gear will keep the wind off.  And you can, if you wish, use the rain gear, textile jacket and heated jacket liner interchangeably.

It will work.  

I use to wear chaps in my beginning riding days but stopped after a few year and just stayed with the jeans.

I did have (may still somewhere) have a pair of dragging jeans (think that's the right name).  I also purchase, for riding without a jacket an upper garment made of kevlar (Draggin Shirt) which I wore for awhile but shifted to the textile jacket because it had pockets.  

Last but not least, gloves.  I have several pairs.  Two pair of leather gloves, one fingerless and one full leather.  I do use them depending on the weather.  (I do not have heated gloves since the main bike I ride on long trips has heated grips).  

I also have two other pairs of gloves.  One is a pari for rain.  I got them from a Dive Shop somewhere in Central N.C. as I was riding to the east and I got rained on and was tired of having to have wet hands or special dry gloves.  The gloves are designed to get wet and they do but they don't soak it up, its just wet.  

The heated grips help keep the hands warm when they are wet.

Next, I went to an outdoor shop several years ago (local) and talked with person there about gloves for riding in the cold.  I purchased a pair of textile like gloves that I wear in the cold.  Again, with the heat grips, they work well.

There is one more option if you wish to consider it.  You can have various groups of clothes sort of stashed for your arrival.  Shipping stuff to your motel is generally OK.  Sending unneeded stuff back home is also easy at the local Fedex or UPS store.  

Did that once on a ride back from out west with the wife and space on the bike was limited and I had this leather jacket that was just to warm to wear.  Just packed it up and sent it home.  

I know long post just my experiences.

Edited to correct some typos and added some additional information about my textile jacket.

[Tazman11]

DRAGGIN JEANS  they held up during a highway speed get off 18 yrs ago and I still wear them

Have chaps but rarely use them

The hit air jacket comes in mesh or not mesh  600 smackers which is less than the adv wear The vest is cheaper I believe   Where I ride,  I am more concerned with people hitting me or stopping across my bow than most riders as NYC is nuts

 I wear it down to the low 40s without electrics   below that I use the tourmaster heated jacket liner and gloves  but have not plugged em in yet this year

Looks like Dragging Jeans is closing shop. Everything on sale but selection is limited. Mostly 30-32” waist, which I haven’t seen for 4 decades. I was going to purchase a pair of their jeans a couple months ago but never hit the purchase button. Bummer.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Will take some time to work through this list. Keep them coming.

[hubcapsc]

I've had a couple of pairs of draggin jeans, I thought they seemed
like they'd do the job. I have Diamond Gusset motorcycle jeans now,
and like them enough that I'll probably get another pair...

https://www.gusset.com/defender/

-Mike

[carolinarider09]

There is one thing I failed to mention in my "list of stuff".  That is COMFORT.  

Consider, if you will, riding in a suit of armor.  Fully protected from impacts (well maybe you might need an inflatable thing on the inside but you get the idea).  I know its way over kill but the key, in my humble opinion, to riding safely, is not only knowledge but comfort.  

Being distracted by heavy or tight gear could cause a distraction and a mishap.  On my second trip and stop, at Seneca Rocks, I noted two other bikers fully suited with full face helmets.  It was the middle of summer and when you saw their faces they were very red.

It was not from the sun's UV rays, it was from being over clothed and body heat not being able to escape.  

So, again, in my humble opinion, what you wear must be comfortable to you.  Just because I like Duluth Trading's Ballroom Jeans does not mean they are for you.  

Comfort and protection.   Need to be weighed and decisions made.  

[Avanti]

Space on a motorcycle is limited. My wife and I have all our riding gear in one saddle bag, 2 sets of each (rain gear, heated gear, cooling clothes which double as a base layer, gloves).  
On when traveling full leathers on including boots, gloves on and full face white helmets (white is much cooler).

[Rams]

All I'm gonna say is riding nekid isn't good when the temps drop below 50*.

Don't ask how I know.

Rams 

[Jess from VA]

I would never wear fingerless gloves.  Any fall from easy to bad, you will lead with your arms and hands to break the fall.  By instinct.  I would never ride without gloves (even without a shirt, which I quit many years ago).  My hands are important.  And many hand injuries are very painful.

Summer and fall I wear thin tight leather/textile and armored wrist length gloves.  

Cold I have a collection of heavy weight leather and textile insulated.  My favorite are wrist length wool fleece lined elk hide.  Big gauntlets have to go over the jacket, and I prefer to tuck them in and zip or velcro the jacket sleeves over them for airtight.

My insulated heavy gloves are not armored, except one pair of gauntlets.

There is always a pair of medium weight waterproof gloves in the rain gear.

[0leman]

I tend to ride only on good days, that is when it isn't going to rain or snow, all year round.  Where I live her in Southern OR we go between -20 to 100+, so having the right gear is necessary.  I have a mesh jacket with a outer thick shell that easily zips on and off.  During the winter and early spring days I wear layers of cloths on the upper half.  Easy to put on/off as temps raise or lower.   Legs are covered with riding jeans purchased several years ago.  During the cooler temps have a pair of chaps.    Have three different gloves, plan leather work gloves,  lightly insulated gloves, and heavy insulated gloves.  AND of course, a FF helmet worn at all times.

Equipment purchasing is the real fun part.  Finding what you need without breaking the bank,  As posted above motorcyclegear.com has a lot of good deals.  Got my mesh jacket for about 30% of what it had been listed at.

I can ride for two hours in 40 degree temps without getting too cold.    Heat of the summer is something else.  Try to avoid riding in temps over 95 for long periods, though have ridden in 115-degree temps for nearly an hour in the Redding CA area.  Not that much fun.

I have not had a "get off" at any speed to tell how good my gear is.  Hopefully won't have one.  I did two springs ago had my Valk slip out from under me on some ice, but was only going 15 mph or so.  AND landed/slid on ice. 

[ridingron]

I have a 2 piece Darien suit (jacket and pants). I wear it when I'm touring. The jacket has a lot of pockets and has pads. It also has several vents--across the back, under both arms, and the chest area if I remember right. They work. It can be a hot suit to wear. I rode across the southwest wearing it, in July, with a Tee shirt and evaporative vest several years ago and was comfortable. The pants are non-vented and warm. I wore cut off shorts underneath it. One of my buddies wears pajama bottoms under his in the warm weather.    I wear jeans under the pants when in cold temps. The whole suit is real close to rain proof, even in the rain, depending on how tight the collar is cinched. The rain runs down the helmet and into the neck area.

When riding around home (Orlando), I wear a mesh jacket and wrist high mesh gloves. I have worn the mesh jacket in temps down into the 20's with the "rain repellant"     liner zipped inside. Usually I wear a Tee shirt and long sleeve sweat shirt or flannel shirt. To me, the key to cold riding is to keep the wind outside the jacket. A windbreaker would work but I like the feeling of protection from the pads.

I have about given up on buying USA made products. The Darien is made "overseas" somewhere but I don't think it's China. The last I heard, if you custom ordered it, they made it in Mn.  But not sure.

[Avanti]

The Darien is made by AeroStich in Duluth Minnesota.

[Tazman11]

A lot of great suggestions here. I knew I could count on this group. Thanks

[h13man]

I have a textile with insulated liner that keeps me warm way below 50 degrees and a mesh variety for warmer/hot temps. I keep a insulated pull over golf style protection to use if I get caught in sudden change of temps/weather. Below 60 degrees, I wear new style (thin fit) long johns and good old Wrangler jeans. I prepare more for the ride not the slide. The difference in textile and leather debate can be intriguing for sure.

[hubcapsc]

I wear the same thing all year. More layers when it is cold.
On this day one of the layers had electric wires in it 



-Mike

[Tazman11]

Success. I was able to get a great deal on a Alpinestars jacket. Craigslist to the rescue and $240 later and I have a very capable jacket for year round riding protection. It’s not perfect, but neither am I. Now I just need to find pants.  I have a couple leather jackets / coats but they are terrible in higher temperatures and rain. When I ride in the colder weather my top half stays comfortable but my legs really get cold despite good wool and flannel lined jeans. My search for a bargain continues.

Thanks for all the great suggestions from all that have responded.

[cookiedough]

to help with the legs getting cold if you do not have them, which I do not either,  I suggest baker air wings and front fork deflectors on the Valkyrie.  Wind protection from hitting your body is the first step in staying warm, especially on the legs.  Some even use wind deflectors on the handlebars in front of your hands which am sure would help some as well in very cold weather below 40 degrees. 

I have only been in 39 degrees and under temps a few times and only ONCE have driven over 100 miles long in those temps on the Interstate, bitterly freezing hands going numb..  I can say was not very comfy having to stop every 30 miles to stop somewhere and warm up my hands but am sure part of that was at the time on a cycle with NO windshield, was brutal at 70mph on the interstate my body was a huge barn door with the wind hitting me.

[Avanti]

You need to find lowers that are made with wind blocking capability to keep the heat from being pulled or blown away. There are some types of hiking gear made that are also waterproof that may work. I have used my hiking rain coat and pants several times to do double duty and save space.