Not sure if it's just an Australian thing but we get all sorts of motorcyclists wearing all sorts of gear, depending on the circumstances. Wearing a good leather riding suit is one of the most comfortable options for motorcycling regardless of the bike. And perforated leather is very cool to wear. The only downside of leather is it's not waterproof in every other aspect as far as I'm concerned it is superior to textile, it is way more durable, is reusable after any minor accidents. Chris' description of leather being like strapping a cow to your back simply isn't true in my experience. I believe Textiles are for the most part simply a cost cutting measure. It's far easier to produce cloth than rear livestock and go through all the process to produce leather. They sell these textile suits for mega bucks, imagine the profit these companies are making of these suits usually made with cheap overseas labor. You could easily pay $2500 for a Klim suit which is probably about $50 worth of material and $20 worth of labor if that. The best solution I've found for commuting to work for example or any other situation where I want to be in normal clothes when I arrive is high quality over pants.. Take them off in 5 seconds, walk around in whatever you want underneath, shorts, slacks, whatever. Need them on again 10 seconds and your fully protected again. Aerostich do textile overpants, Good leather ones are available from Vanson, cheaper ones from FirstGear and Xelement. In ones without armour, armour can be added with velcro easily.
Quote: . It's far easier to produce cloth than rear livestock and go through all the process to produce leather. They sell these textile suits for mega bucks, imagine the profit these companies are making of these suits usually made with cheap overseas labor. You could easily pay $2500 for a Klim suit which is probably about $50 worth of material and $20 worth of labor if that. end quote. Animal skins tend to be produced as a by product of the need for meat ( leather denotes a smooth surface rather than the actual skin). As for Klim cost of production prices I cannot comment other than to assure you the fabrics used cost way more than the $50 you suggest....just WOW!!
You can buy 500D Cordura for $2.90 USD/yard. So "assure" and "wow" away. it doesn't change the cost of how cheaply fabrics and their associated items cost, especially for big companies, manufacturing in China... like Klim. These by products from meat still take a long labourious process before they become leather- and therein lies one of the main costs. Full grain leather is innately a far more protective and suitable material for motorcycle protective clothing as compared to the textiles and how they are being implemented in most items of clothing marketed as motorcycle protective clothing these days. Particularly in regard to abrasion resistance.
@@AndyPutt1 We agree on a number of points however to single out just the fabric cost is misleading - there are many other costs involved from start to finish on any product produced in China or elsewhere. I manufactured motorcycle leathers in Northampton UK 1st at Interstate and then as Swift Leathers so well understand the cost of making leather gear - the fabric clothing I leave to those with access to cheap mass production facilities in China and their individual conscience when chasing the £ $ Buy local, Made in Britain thus helping your own local economy.
@@pamvarnsverry2444 Thankyou. Yes you would know a hell a lot more about it than I. I really do appreciate you taking the time to discuss and clarify some of my points. Glad we agree on a number and am happy to learn from those we don't agree. I am really interested in motorcycle leathers manufacturing and actually hope to get a walking foot sewing machine at some stage to make some bits and pieces just for myself. I am not saying I'm the source of all knowledge on the subject by any stretch. I did manufacture seat covers as part of a product I made and worked as designer and manufacturing engineer, not in the clothing or textile industry though. I'm in Australia though. I do try and support those business' here and around the world who don't rely on Chinese mass production. May I ask- what is your opinion? Do you think leather gear has been pushed out to a degree because of exaggerated claims about the protective properties of textiles?
@@AndyPutt1 Way to go you - I miss my industrial sewing machines so much, long boring story. I have also ventured into seat covers for coaches, caravans, trains, cars and motorcycles on occasion in recent years. I wish you god speed in your endeavours going forward. Your final comment / question - for sure without a doubt and usually by those who purport to represent the interests of motorcyclists over profit - nought wrong with making money it keeps the world revolving, ride safe.
Another great video 👍🏻 I myself am a fairly recent convert to single layer motorcycle jeans and I have to say they're a revelation! I'm at the point now that the only time I wear my textile pants is when I'm touring and only then when I feel there's a chance of encountering changeable weather (a definite possibility when covering big miles through different countries) otherwise it's definitely my jeans.
I was interested in single layer jeans but after investigating found the protection the actually offered was insufficient to my standards. I opted for leather over pants. full pants not the chaps style which I've found to be the perfect solution for a working motorcyclist commuter. I can simply wear my work pants underneath and have them off in about 10 seconds and on in about 25 seconds.
I’ve moved away from laminated suits to AAA rated jeans and a AA rated jacket with upgraded armour. Good quality Scott waterproof over jeans and jacket mean that I can cope with any weather, never going back. I ride for 10 months of the year in all weathers in Northumberland, it’s easy to layer up and stay warm and safe.
I agree and have followed your suggestion of Klim Marrakesh, Scott waterproof and insulation as required. I just carry the Scott bottoms to go over my jeans. If I really have to go out in all weathers then I throw an Aerostich all in one over my clothes.
I wear my trousers/jeans underneath the textile pants. At the office I drop the textile pants and boots. Put my shoes on. I have a collection of jeans which I wear in good weather with mesh or leather jackets. IMO the Tex pants has its place for long distance/ daily riders.
Rukka Nivala 2 jacket and Rokker Revolution for long runs when it might rain. Works for me better than any other combo I’ve tried. Non-waterproof Rokkers if it’s dry/warm. Completely agree with the gist of the vid.
My thoughts on it are that jackets are generally well thought out and developed the pants are usually an afterthought. Especially when it comes to breathability and flexibility. Pockets are usually abysmal too.
I’ve been running this combination for years. However I’ve ditched (ebayed ) my Resurgence two layer jeans. They were too hot in the summer and the ghost armour never properly fit around my knees. I ended up throwing money at purchasing a Rokker single layered. Very comfortable and the design keeps the ghost on my knees. I couple these with my Halvarssons Naren or the Lysvik (two of the most comfortable riding jackets I’ve ever owned) and I’m good to go. I do have a Sunne pant which I will still use through autumn and winter outings and Scott waterproofs are without doubt a compulsory purchase if you a running with a textile/leather jacket and jean combo.
I typically wear Bohn under armor tights with thin knee and hip CE armor under Kevlar-lined riding pants or plain Jeans. It is usually comfortable here in Summer in Texas when the weather is usually upper 90's and into the 100's.
The only pair of denim aramid jeans I've owned that kept the armour in place were a pair of fully lined PMJ Titanium jeans. They were quite good while they lasted but after about 10,000k the denim began to split and fall apart,4 inch long splits across the front of the thighs etc. Didn't really feel like forking out another $500AUD for another 10,000 k, so went for some leather overpants. No hotter than the kevlar jeans, and was able to fit knee armour that stays in place just as well. I tried Draggin jeans, which may have been protective but the fit was so bad, the armour so badly retained, and they looked bad too, which defeated the putpose of wearing them as ,otorcycle/work pants. Aldi jeans were slightly better but suffered similiar problems at 1/10th the price tag, and DriRider, weren't as bad as Draggin but the knee armour was still all over the place. Rukka- same deal... knee armour doesn't sit, Klim same deal- knee armour doesn't sit and to make matters worse is tiny, not enough coverage.
Full tour mode, then yes it's the full Stadler. Day trips: If I'm expecting to walk about a bit, then it's the armoured jeans for sure. Also my bike actually has pretty good leg protection against showers. And yes, I also have the scrunch up waterproofs as backup.
I have to say that, having purchased a pair of Stadler 4All Pro pants from you earlier this year (along with the fantastic Marrakesh jacket & Zephyr windproof) I have found them to be all day comfortable both on and off the bike 😊 I do get your point though that a pair of jeans does allow you to look less ‘bikerish’ when strolling around….
How about protection from falls. Do jeans provide the same level of impact protection. I guess not and ordered some low profile next to skin armor to provide that extra protection.
Another great video and I have to say a huge thanks for being so decently technical and informative in all of your videos, I've watched a lot of them BTW - if you understand the whys of everything, you'll ultimately make better choices. If I lived in the UK, (living in Ireland where it rains an awful LOT) I'd for sure visit ye olde shoppe!
i haven't worn a pair of textile trousers for well over 6 years now as my riding jeans and throw over water proofs do such a good job so totally agree with your comments on the trend
After some health issues and a loss in weight, my old mesh jacket became a distraction flapping about when out riding. Some hard earned savings were spent on a Scott waterproof suit, a Marrakesh jacket with the Zephyr, but not the pants. The old mesh pant was still comfortable and fitted well but I preferred to wear some Kevlar lined jeans from Bullit. I have never been uncomfortable when wearing the jeans, even in last year's 35+ degrees heatwave. Last winter, I switched to my Rukka suit and rode all winter- further weight loss means that I will only wear the Rukka with some extra layers on ultra low temperature days. Currently shopping around for a smaller sized textile waterproof suit......
In my opinion one of the best suits is from Touratech if not the best. Before anyone soil themselves, it's made by stadler. You get two high quality jackets and trousers. Wear them all together or wear the jacket and pants without the outer Gore-Tex shell. Which can also be used over just body armour if you wish. So versatile. No need to wear Gore-Tex when it is hot. But it's there if you need it. And that Gore-Tex jacket and pants is not just any old Gore-Tex over jacket and pants. It's still proper biking gear with all the pockets. You can wear it and have a tumble and it will take it.
3 different jackets here, a pair of motojeans, a waterproof textile pant and a protective water resistant over pant, plus a golfing rain pant always with me. All good. Looking into a Knox core jacket…
interesting perspective, I recently tested out some jeans. can't shake the feeling that they are not well protected. the knee and hip protecters look flimsy and the fabric is so thin, i dunno. Are they really as protective against falling of the bike as textile?
Clearly you have not seen or tryed Rokkers.... bought them afther watching a motolegends review and love them, I dont think textile have 6 seconds slide time? But then again, if you slide for that long, your in deep problems no matter what cloth you wear :D
Modern jeans are phenomenal, and can be amazingly strong. Often way, way stronger than a textile pant. After all, you will never get a Gore-Tex pant that exceeds the AA level. (Okay, there is one, but it’s horrid). Rokker’s jeans are 50% stronger than leather on the EN13595 Cambridge slide test. Yet, it can be difficult to get your head around the fact that a pant that feels like a pair of Levi’s can be that strong. I kind of agree on the armour; and here there is a trade off. The knee armour in jeans tends to be smaller in order to maintain comfort off the bike. And smaller armour is less protective than bigger armour. That having been said D3O’s Ghost now comes in at Level 2, as well. It’s horses for courses, I suppose. Jeans are nicer to wear, and more abrasion resistant. A textile trouser will be warmer, waterproof, and may come with larger knee protectors. CP
One minor issue with the Jeans approach is that yes you can add Scott overtrousers in the wet however they are often worn with shorter boots (again for comfort off the bike) and this can leave the foot unprotected from the rain. @Motolegends do not appear to currently sell any suitable overboots? Are you able to use your considerable knowledge of the motorcycling clothing market and remedy this omission from your offerings please?
Chris , it would be great if someone could make a protective waterproof textile pant that wasn’t so big and baggy ! Who knows where the knee armour would end up in the event of a crash .
Stadler’s Gore-Tex, laminated pants fit like motorcycling jodhpurs, and the armour is so big it’s going nowhere. The Alkor pants from Bering also fit very snugly, although they are neither the most protective, nor the most waterproof. CP
thanks Chris . I am trying to find a suet for when the weather is 20c and above its easy to find a something for the cold LOL I've changed from my Leather as I was cooking in the 30-40c but I found that I am just as sweaty in them in mild weather as I was in the leathers in very hot sunny weather . yes I've opened the vent yes they are RST C1 textiles and RST Pro trousers and I feal they will be great in the cold and wet stuff, but when I go to work I check the weather and see if rain is either the time going or coming home the car comes out it is only a 20min drive 15 min ride its fun but not worth the change of bike gear lol but I would NOT ride without safety gear. I've got some riche jeans to try the next nice day but I am swinging back to leather jackets yes I was hot in the 30-40 but ok in the 20-27c just don't stand around in them. I changed because I couldn't get the leather jeans off at 56 I am finding it hard to move my legs in the same way we used to. recommendations ? as you said that textiles can keep you cool in the summer ?
For myself I do not wear suit trousers as they simply do not fit. I can get jackets to fit (and they still have larger sizes) but the matching suit trousers do not fit. I have no issues finding and fitting jeans from a few different companies so it can be done. Would I like a matching zip together touring suit? Yes (but not at any price)
Nice overview! It might also be worth to buy a belt to zip a jacket to jeans. For instance Dainese sells that as 'Union Belt'. I heard other manufacturers also have this.
Yep, we use one from Halvarssons. We have also become quite adept at creating zip converters that allow us to connect the Halvarssons belt to pretty much any brand of jacket. CP
Great overview, the issue I have is that being a 'long pillock' with a 34" inside leg, there is very little choice in motorcycle trousers of any material. Plenty of choice of jackets, but useless without trousers that will zip to them.
Depends what you’re looking for. We do plenty of long-legged textile pants, some of which we can custom make for extra long legs. But your legs are not particularly long. All our Rokker jeans come in a 36” leg which, on the bike, is usually right for somebody with a 34” inside leg. CP
@@MotolegendsThat's good to know, thanks CP. I've seen a couple (literally) of brands that do short, normal and long. Still wearing my 34 year old Frank Thomas leathers which are the same colour scheme as the original Suzuki GSXR1100 Slingshot. Would really like an all year 2 piece (touring/adventure style), but may well check out jeans too.
I combine the Scott waterproof trousers with a Richa reflective jacket over my Klim Induction jacket (or the brilliant Klim Drifter jacket). Unfortunately the Scott trousers have let water in at the crotch area on every occasion I have worn them in the rain. They are not torn and the bike seat may be helping rain water pool in this area. Regardless, my confidence in the Scott products isn’t as high as it was, so I am seriously considering changing them for a better alternative. Any good suggestions from other riders?
I ride all year round and use an Oxford Rainseal jacket and trouser combo. Been in torrential weather for three-hour long rides and neither jacket nor trouser have ever let water in. Plus, they're way cheaper than the Scott...
Well, I have Rainseal too and trousers leaks in a crotch. I've had them for few years now, but don't use them much, so not sure why they leaked. On the other hand, the jacket - beside stitches coming apart near collar - doesn't leak at all.
There's also the appearance to factor in. For me at least, some of the full textile suits, especially in lighter colours, remind me of the matching stonewashed denim jacket and jeans look from the 1990s, minus the white high top trainers. Not a good look at all.
Forget your 'it only rains 150 days a year'. I commute from East Hampshire to South West London 4 times a week, all year round, about 15k miles a year. And I can tell you one thing, if I don't get wet going to work I will definitely get wet coming home from work.
Agree, but wearing pants over pants is much harder than wearing a jacket over a shirt. You could wear a very thin pair of trousers under your textile pants, and some people do. But if the pants are too tight you run the risk of looking like a ballet dancer on the loose! CP
Another point is that wet legs are a very different issue to wet core. I have found that with merino long johns under the jeans I have stayed warm enough even when the jeans are wet through. Never the same on the body as a wet merino shirt usually goes with feeling cold and very uncomfortable. In the UK at least a goretex jacket is an essential item but personally I can live with wet legs a lot of the time as long as my body, feet and hands are dry.
Wetted out single jeans aren’t an issue in summer riding conditions. They can to a point dry out ( perhaps not your backside area) whilst still riding after being caught in a downpour without you becoming too cold to ride.
@@jjnewman65 Exactly this has been the case for me 3 or 4 times this autumn here in the UK. If one knows its going to be really bad then the overtrousers come out. In my case that is a Berghaus goretex set originally bought for walking that have zips all the way up the sides making egress really easy.
Thank you for your reply, as an example take leg length, some brands don’t do a short leg & if they do it’s sometimes not short enough, so it’s a lot easier & cheaper to shorten a pair of jeans that it would be to shorten the legs on a triple laminate pair of trousers.
When we are all limited to 20mph we can all wear shorts and flip flops.
I would suggest still wear your protective gear for when pedestrians, cyclists & these electric scooter idiots knock you off!😱
😂
There are a ridiculous number of people who do that anyway, even when speeds are not restricted.
Not sure if it's just an Australian thing but we get all sorts of motorcyclists wearing all sorts of gear, depending on the circumstances. Wearing a good leather riding suit is one of the most comfortable options for motorcycling regardless of the bike. And perforated leather is very cool to wear. The only downside of leather is it's not waterproof in every other aspect as far as I'm concerned it is superior to textile, it is way more durable, is reusable after any minor accidents. Chris' description of leather being like strapping a cow to your back simply isn't true in my experience. I believe Textiles are for the most part simply a cost cutting measure. It's far easier to produce cloth than rear livestock and go through all the process to produce leather. They sell these textile suits for mega bucks, imagine the profit these companies are making of these suits usually made with cheap overseas labor. You could easily pay $2500 for a Klim suit which is probably about $50 worth of material and $20 worth of labor if that.
The best solution I've found for commuting to work for example or any other situation where I want to be in normal clothes when I arrive is high quality over pants.. Take them off in 5 seconds, walk around in whatever you want underneath, shorts, slacks, whatever. Need them on again 10 seconds and your fully protected again. Aerostich do textile overpants, Good leather ones are available from Vanson, cheaper ones from FirstGear and Xelement. In ones without armour, armour can be added with velcro easily.
Quote: . It's far easier to produce cloth than rear livestock and go through all the process to produce leather. They sell these textile suits for mega bucks, imagine the profit these companies are making of these suits usually made with cheap overseas labor. You could easily pay $2500 for a Klim suit which is probably about $50 worth of material and $20 worth of labor if that. end quote. Animal skins tend to be produced as a by product of the need for meat ( leather denotes a smooth surface rather than the actual skin). As for Klim cost of production prices I cannot comment other than to assure you the fabrics used cost way more than the $50 you suggest....just WOW!!
You can buy 500D Cordura for $2.90 USD/yard. So "assure" and "wow" away. it doesn't change the cost of how cheaply fabrics and their associated items cost, especially for big companies, manufacturing in China... like Klim.
These by products from meat still take a long labourious process before they become leather- and therein lies one of the main costs.
Full grain leather is innately a far more protective and suitable material for motorcycle protective clothing as compared to the textiles and how they are being implemented in most items of clothing marketed as motorcycle protective clothing these days. Particularly in regard to abrasion resistance.
@@AndyPutt1 We agree on a number of points however to single out just the fabric cost is misleading - there are many other costs involved from start to finish on any product produced in China or elsewhere. I manufactured motorcycle leathers in Northampton UK 1st at Interstate and then as Swift Leathers so well understand the cost of making leather gear - the fabric clothing I leave to those with access to cheap mass production facilities in China and their individual conscience when chasing the £ $ Buy local, Made in Britain thus helping your own local economy.
@@pamvarnsverry2444 Thankyou. Yes you would know a hell a lot more about it than I. I really do appreciate you taking the time to discuss and clarify some of my points. Glad we agree on a number and am happy to learn from those we don't agree. I am really interested in motorcycle leathers manufacturing and actually hope to get a walking foot sewing machine at some stage to make some bits and pieces just for myself. I am not saying I'm the source of all knowledge on the subject by any stretch. I did manufacture seat covers as part of a product I made and worked as designer and manufacturing engineer, not in the clothing or textile industry though. I'm in Australia though. I do try and support those business' here and around the world who don't rely on Chinese mass production.
May I ask- what is your opinion? Do you think leather gear has been pushed out to a degree because of exaggerated claims about the protective properties of textiles?
@@AndyPutt1 Way to go you - I miss my industrial sewing machines so much, long boring story. I have also ventured into seat covers for coaches, caravans, trains, cars and motorcycles on occasion in recent years. I wish you god speed in your endeavours going forward. Your final comment / question - for sure without a doubt and usually by those who purport to represent the interests of motorcyclists over profit - nought wrong with making money it keeps the world revolving, ride safe.
I loathe the day we started calling trousers pants 😡
Even worse was the day when pants became 'a pant'.
Another great video 👍🏻
I myself am a fairly recent convert to single layer motorcycle jeans and I have to say they're a revelation! I'm at the point now that the only time I wear my textile pants is when I'm touring and only then when I feel there's a chance of encountering changeable weather (a definite possibility when covering big miles through different countries) otherwise it's definitely my jeans.
I was interested in single layer jeans but after investigating found the protection the actually offered was insufficient to my standards. I opted for leather over pants. full pants not the chaps style which I've found to be the perfect solution for a working motorcyclist commuter. I can simply wear my work pants underneath and have them off in about 10 seconds and on in about 25 seconds.
I’ve moved away from laminated suits to AAA rated jeans and a AA rated jacket with upgraded armour. Good quality Scott waterproof over jeans and jacket mean that I can cope with any weather, never going back. I ride for 10 months of the year in all weathers in Northumberland, it’s easy to layer up and stay warm and safe.
I agree and have followed your suggestion of Klim Marrakesh, Scott waterproof and insulation as required. I just carry the Scott bottoms to go over my jeans. If I really have to go out in all weathers then I throw an Aerostich all in one over my clothes.
I wear my trousers/jeans underneath the textile pants. At the office I drop the textile pants and boots. Put my shoes on. I have a collection of jeans which I wear in good weather with mesh or leather jackets. IMO the Tex pants has its place for long distance/ daily riders.
Rukka Nivala 2 jacket and Rokker Revolution for long runs when it might rain. Works for me better than any other combo I’ve tried. Non-waterproof Rokkers if it’s dry/warm. Completely agree with the gist of the vid.
My thoughts on it are that jackets are generally well thought out and developed the pants are usually an afterthought. Especially when it comes to breathability and flexibility. Pockets are usually abysmal too.
I’ve been running this combination for years. However I’ve ditched (ebayed ) my Resurgence two layer jeans. They were too hot in the summer and the ghost armour never properly fit around my knees. I ended up throwing money at purchasing a Rokker single layered. Very comfortable and the design keeps the ghost on my knees. I couple these with my Halvarssons Naren or the Lysvik (two of the most comfortable riding jackets I’ve ever owned) and I’m good to go. I do have a Sunne pant which I will still use through autumn and winter outings and Scott waterproofs are without doubt a compulsory purchase if you a running with a textile/leather jacket and jean combo.
I typically wear Bohn under armor tights with thin knee and hip CE armor under Kevlar-lined riding pants or plain Jeans. It is usually comfortable here in Summer in Texas when the weather is usually upper 90's and into the 100's.
The only pair of denim aramid jeans I've owned that kept the armour in place were a pair of fully lined PMJ Titanium jeans. They were quite good while they lasted but after about 10,000k the denim began to split and fall apart,4 inch long splits across the front of the thighs etc. Didn't really feel like forking out another $500AUD for another 10,000 k, so went for some leather overpants. No hotter than the kevlar jeans, and was able to fit knee armour that stays in place just as well. I tried Draggin jeans, which may have been protective but the fit was so bad, the armour so badly retained, and they looked bad too, which defeated the putpose of wearing them as ,otorcycle/work pants.
Aldi jeans were slightly better but suffered similiar problems at 1/10th the price tag, and DriRider, weren't as bad as Draggin but the knee armour was still all over the place. Rukka- same deal... knee armour doesn't sit, Klim same deal- knee armour doesn't sit and to make matters worse is tiny, not enough coverage.
Full tour mode, then yes it's the full Stadler. Day trips: If I'm expecting to walk about a bit, then it's the armoured jeans for sure. Also my bike actually has pretty good leg protection against showers. And yes, I also have the scrunch up waterproofs as backup.
I have to say that, having purchased a pair of Stadler 4All Pro pants from you earlier this year (along with the fantastic Marrakesh jacket & Zephyr windproof) I have found them to be all day comfortable both on and off the bike 😊 I do get your point though that a pair of jeans does allow you to look less ‘bikerish’ when strolling around….
How about protection from falls. Do jeans provide the same level of impact protection. I guess not and ordered some low profile next to skin armor to provide that extra protection.
My jeans are AAA rated, most suit trousers (pants) are no higher than AA as are the jackets.
Another great video and I have to say a huge thanks for being so decently technical and informative in all of your videos, I've watched a lot of them BTW - if you understand the whys of everything, you'll ultimately make better choices. If I lived in the UK, (living in Ireland where it rains an awful LOT) I'd for sure visit ye olde shoppe!
i haven't worn a pair of textile trousers for well over 6 years now as my riding jeans and throw over water proofs do such a good job so totally agree with your comments on the trend
I’m full gear all the time. I’m also head to toe in Klim. I’m perfectly fine to wear my Badlands Pro pants all day. To each their own I guess
After some health issues and a loss in weight, my old mesh jacket became a distraction flapping about when out riding. Some hard earned savings were spent on a Scott waterproof suit, a Marrakesh jacket with the Zephyr, but not the pants. The old mesh pant was still comfortable and fitted well but I preferred to wear some Kevlar lined jeans from Bullit. I have never been uncomfortable when wearing the jeans, even in last year's 35+ degrees heatwave. Last winter, I switched to my Rukka suit and rode all winter- further weight loss means that I will only wear the Rukka with some extra layers on ultra low temperature days. Currently shopping around for a smaller sized textile waterproof suit......
Can we please stop calling them ‘pants’? We are not American! Thank you.
In my opinion one of the best suits is from Touratech if not the best. Before anyone soil themselves, it's made by stadler. You get two high quality jackets and trousers. Wear them all together or wear the jacket and pants without the outer Gore-Tex shell. Which can also be used over just body armour if you wish. So versatile. No need to wear Gore-Tex when it is hot. But it's there if you need it. And that Gore-Tex jacket and pants is not just any old Gore-Tex over jacket and pants. It's still proper biking gear with all the pockets. You can wear it and have a tumble and it will take it.
Exactly how I ride now - when it’s not raining
3 different jackets here, a pair of motojeans, a waterproof textile pant and a protective water resistant over pant, plus a golfing rain pant always with me. All good. Looking into a Knox core jacket…
interesting perspective, I recently tested out some jeans. can't shake the feeling that they are not well protected. the knee and hip protecters look flimsy and the fabric is so thin, i dunno. Are they really as protective against falling of the bike as textile?
Clearly you have not seen or tryed Rokkers.... bought them afther watching a motolegends review and love them, I dont think textile have 6 seconds slide time? But then again, if you slide for that long, your in deep problems no matter what cloth you wear :D
Modern jeans are phenomenal, and can be amazingly strong. Often way, way stronger than a textile pant. After all, you will never get a Gore-Tex pant that exceeds the AA level. (Okay, there is one, but it’s horrid). Rokker’s jeans are 50% stronger than leather on the EN13595 Cambridge slide test. Yet, it can be difficult to get your head around the fact that a pant that feels like a pair of Levi’s can be that strong. I kind of agree on the armour; and here there is a trade off. The knee armour in jeans tends to be smaller in order to maintain comfort off the bike. And smaller armour is less protective than bigger armour. That having been said D3O’s Ghost now comes in at Level 2, as well. It’s horses for courses, I suppose. Jeans are nicer to wear, and more abrasion resistant. A textile trouser will be warmer, waterproof, and may come with larger knee protectors. CP
Can't you get waterproof jeans?
One minor issue with the Jeans approach is that yes you can add Scott overtrousers in the wet however they are often worn with shorter boots (again for comfort off the bike) and this can leave the foot unprotected from the rain. @Motolegends do not appear to currently sell any suitable overboots? Are you able to use your considerable knowledge of the motorcycling clothing market and remedy this omission from your offerings please?
Chris , it would be great if someone could make a protective waterproof textile pant that wasn’t so big and baggy ! Who knows where the knee armour would end up in the event of a crash .
Stadler’s Gore-Tex, laminated pants fit like motorcycling jodhpurs, and the armour is so big it’s going nowhere. The Alkor pants from Bering also fit very snugly, although they are neither the most protective, nor the most waterproof. CP
I live near the Brecon Beacons I reckon it rains 340 days a year here :-)
I tend to wear motorcycle trousers or jeans over my pants, but then I'm in the UK.
Hardly a surprise, given the fit of most textile pants, often looking like crunched up sails!
thanks Chris . I am trying to find a suet for when the weather is 20c and above its easy to find a something for the cold LOL I've changed from my Leather as I was cooking in the 30-40c but I found that I am just as sweaty in them in mild weather as I was in the leathers in very hot sunny weather . yes I've opened the vent yes they are RST C1 textiles and RST Pro trousers and I feal they will be great in the cold and wet stuff, but when I go to work I check the weather and see if rain is either the time going or coming home the car comes out it is only a 20min drive 15 min ride its fun but not worth the change of bike gear lol but I would NOT ride without safety gear.
I've got some riche jeans to try the next nice day but I am swinging back to leather jackets yes I was hot in the 30-40 but ok in the 20-27c just don't stand around in them. I changed because I couldn't get the leather jeans off at 56 I am finding it hard to move my legs in the same way we used to.
recommendations ? as you said that textiles can keep you cool in the summer ?
I bought a Motoport Jacket and Overpants for riding. Both come off fairly quickly..
For myself I do not wear suit trousers as they simply do not fit. I can get jackets to fit (and they still have larger sizes) but the matching suit trousers do not fit. I have no issues finding and fitting jeans from a few different companies so it can be done. Would I like a matching zip together touring suit? Yes (but not at any price)
Nice overview! It might also be worth to buy a belt to zip a jacket to jeans. For instance Dainese sells that as 'Union Belt'. I heard other manufacturers also have this.
Yep, we use one from Halvarssons. We have also become quite adept at creating zip converters that allow us to connect the Halvarssons belt to pretty much any brand of jacket. CP
Great overview, the issue I have is that being a 'long pillock' with a 34" inside leg, there is very little choice in motorcycle trousers of any material. Plenty of choice of jackets, but useless without trousers that will zip to them.
Depends what you’re looking for. We do plenty of long-legged textile pants, some of which we can custom make for extra long legs. But your legs are not particularly long. All our Rokker jeans come in a 36” leg which, on the bike, is usually right for somebody with a 34” inside leg. CP
@@MotolegendsThat's good to know, thanks CP. I've seen a couple (literally) of brands that do short, normal and long. Still wearing my 34 year old Frank Thomas leathers which are the same colour scheme as the original Suzuki GSXR1100 Slingshot. Would really like an all year 2 piece (touring/adventure style), but may well check out jeans too.
Have a look at Bering trousers if your wallet doesn’t stretch to the brands moto legends stock, they do longer lengths.
@@martinowl Thanks dude, will check them too 🙂
I combine the Scott waterproof trousers with a Richa reflective jacket over my Klim Induction jacket (or the brilliant Klim Drifter jacket). Unfortunately the Scott trousers have let water in at the crotch area on every occasion I have worn them in the rain. They are not torn and the bike seat may be helping rain water pool in this area. Regardless, my confidence in the Scott products isn’t as high as it was, so I am seriously considering changing them for a better alternative. Any good suggestions from other riders?
I ride all year round and use an Oxford Rainseal jacket and trouser combo. Been in torrential weather for three-hour long rides and neither jacket nor trouser have ever let water in. Plus, they're way cheaper than the Scott...
Well, I have Rainseal too and trousers leaks in a crotch. I've had them for few years now, but don't use them much, so not sure why they leaked. On the other hand, the jacket - beside stitches coming apart near collar - doesn't leak at all.
My Granma used to say "legs don't catch the cold"
There's also the appearance to factor in. For me at least, some of the full textile suits, especially in lighter colours, remind me of the matching stonewashed denim jacket and jeans look from the 1990s, minus the white high top trainers. Not a good look at all.
Forget your 'it only rains 150 days a year'. I commute from East Hampshire to South West London 4 times a week, all year round, about 15k miles a year. And I can tell you one thing, if I don't get wet going to work I will definitely get wet coming home from work.
As you use a jacket over normal clothes it would make sense to have over pants that can be easily put on and off.
Agree, but wearing pants over pants is much harder than wearing a jacket over a shirt. You could wear a very thin pair of trousers under your textile pants, and some people do. But if the pants are too tight you run the risk of looking like a ballet dancer on the loose! CP
Another point is that wet legs are a very different issue to wet core. I have found that with merino long johns under the jeans I have stayed warm enough even when the jeans are wet through. Never the same on the body as a wet merino shirt usually goes with feeling cold and very uncomfortable. In the UK at least a goretex jacket is an essential item but personally I can live with wet legs a lot of the time as long as my body, feet and hands are dry.
Wetted out single jeans aren’t an issue in summer riding conditions. They can to a point dry out ( perhaps not your backside area) whilst still riding after being caught in a downpour without you becoming too cold to ride.
@@jjnewman65 Exactly this has been the case for me 3 or 4 times this autumn here in the UK. If one knows its going to be really bad then the overtrousers come out. In my case that is a Berghaus goretex set originally bought for walking that have zips all the way up the sides making egress really easy.
My issue with wearing a matching trouser is fitment, everyone is a different leg & waist size so it’s easier to get a alternative trouser
Not quite sure I understand. With every brand we can mix sizes. We rarely have a problem, and we have seen some very extreme shapes here! CP
Thank you for your reply, as an example take leg length, some brands don’t do a short leg & if they do it’s sometimes not short enough, so it’s a lot easier & cheaper to shorten a pair of jeans that it would be to shorten the legs on a triple laminate pair of trousers.
scott should do an all in one suite like hardanger shape,the material is that good
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The solution to problem #2 is an R1250GSA ;)
Chap in the cap is still trying to off load his truck load of Rokker single skin jeans he bought on the cheap.😂 😂😂😂😂
Always amused by riders who put appearance ahead of comfort and protection. (Shrug)
I wear pants and then trousers….. like most English. Since when did trousers become pants?
The Americans have used over pants to much greater extent for years.
Yeh, but those tassels just don’t look right over here! CP.
I wear pantaloons