Motorcycle Travel Gear Options For All Weather Riding 

Bought a new GS, full Klim gear, Shoei helmet, Sena coms, Givi panniers, full Denali kit and I'm smiling broke. Next time I'm wrapping myself in bubblewrap and buying a Suzuki.

Long time rider, was in charge of apparel in an Italian motorcycle dealer for a few years and have ridden the 4 corners of the USA in temps ranging from 27 - 114 degrees F and heavy rain for days on end. No matter what you ride, I recommend visiting a BMW dealership and look at their designs. Try to go to a shop where only 1 person is in charge of apparel. You'll find them the most knowledgeable. If you hit them during a big sale where they are clearing out last year's gear, you can save a lot of money. Over 10 years ago, I bought a BMW system that has been rock solid and very effective. My equipment was discontinued years ago and I know nothing about their latest gear. The jacket and pants were part of their Adventure style (not the full on Rally gear and not the sedate Touring stuff, in between). The cloth was very tough and breathable as in the wind would blow right through it. For rain and very cold weather, I used BMW's 2 piece light weight separate rain jacket and pants that was designed to be worn over your gear. Both jacket and pants could be packed into small balls. For cooler fall type weather, I had a mid layer with Gore-tex Windstopper on the front I would wear beneath my jacket. I have some Sidi touring boots that are waterproof and comfortable for walking along with Sidi's motocross wicking socks. I wear a thin Patagonia Capilene layer year around to wick moisture even during the summer. I have Expedition Captilene for really cold weather (Astronauts use it as a base layer for space walks or at least they did). Rain gloves are an issue. I had several pairs of Alpinestars over the years that were bombproof but when they were discontinued I struggled to find a pair that were waterproof. Finally settled on some Helds for dry use and some BMW 2 piece gloves that took forever to put on but kept my hands dry and warm and with heated grips toasty into the 20's. A good balaclava is very worth it along with a bandana for warmer riding. Hope someone finds this useful! Have fun! no1ukn0

Thanks Tim. If I want to enjoy a ride and be safe, comfortable, dry and have some cash in my pocket to enjoy a good meal, a beer and a good adv campsite I tune in to a mellow FTA vid. Stay cool bruddah! Until such time

Good solid sense from someone who knows his stuff. I guess you are loving the Triumph.

Good info Tim. Budget buyers tip; unless you really want the latest / greatest, check out last years gear at the end of the season. Also buy summer gear in winter and vice versa. I am currently using a recently dropped from the range jacket that I bought at the end of the summer. It's a Merlin.... cos I'm in the UK and they are a UK brand.

Great tips thanks !

I like your style of review and opinions. Keep it up my man!

Very good information. Preciate your taking the time to do our homework. RIDE SAFE TIM enjoyed the video!

I’ve tried Klim and other brands but I always come back to my Aerostitch Darien. It works for me.

Usable comfortable gear is a must

I like you and Magpie flies you guys have the best cross country videos lot's of history in places you go . And all the gear and parts to buy and you guys are very humble .Look forward to more trips be safe !!

On a 7+ week transcontinental this summer I was riding in 5-40°c, altitudes of 0-14,000', mostly dry with a few days of pounding rain. I used high quality, armored mesh jacket and mesh panel pants against the skin for crash protection as my go-to hot weather suit. I layered over top of it for dry/cool mornings with a hoodie and warmer gloves. For cooler and wet days, plus off bike walkabouts, I layered on a waterproof snowboard jacket over top of the mesh. (This quick change worked really well traversing high passes.) For really snotty or cold, I layered over the mesh an extra large, extreme weather, armored moto jacket, with snowmobile gloves, neck gaiter and waterproof socks. I did have a 2 piece rain suit, used it once, pain in the ass, I won't bother with that again. Arai DX4 lid, ordinary green patch construction boots, heated grips, mesh seat cover. The system works. At home in Canada I add on a merino wool under layer from late October on. Road, gravel and easy trail rider. 100,000+km on a 2018 v-strom 650.

Thanks for some great information; if possible I would like to see a review on boots ….

Nice review… we’ve been wearing Rukka for almost twenty years and it’s always worked 👍🏼

Rain gear works excellent to keep you warm, as it keeps the heat in, as well as keeping you dry. Works double duty and packs small. I wear it on cold day commutes.

Great tips! I bought a basic Joe Rocket layered jacket with waterproof layer at an end of year clearance. Some may scoff at the very basic brand, but it has served me well when combined with thermal layers. You don't need to break the bank to ride comfy even in Michigan cold weather. This year I rode into November comfortably until snow and ice grounded the bike. Heated grips and a cheap balaclava keep the hands and neck warm.

I hope a bunch of Harley Riders watch your channel Tim. They might learn something.

Ok 👍👌

More holes (ie. vents) equals more chances for water to infiltrate in an all day or major rain. Breathable waterproof fabrics will eventually let water seep through. maybe not when brand new but eventually. Plastic or rubber (old Rukka) with no venting are best for all day rain.

Hey Tim, what did you think about the "Alpinestars Halo Drystar Jacket" ? I am using it for all weather conditions and I am very happy with it.

that is breathtaking done~ goodbye!~ 😲

There is Hori3on 2 in some european webshops. I have just bought it for 255€. Plus, there is Horizon 3 on the market. Very same membrane (Revit says), different jacket design

Awesome Tim. Would love a BDR specific video in southwest summer which covers separate or built in armor

What are your boots???

Tiger....really???