Mesh, rain, boots...choices...help!

[scubasimon]

Hi all.

 

I searched through some of the threads for mesh jackets and I am now pretty clear that I'll get one. However, I was at Motoworld (Kaki Bukit) today and there were SO MANY alternatives I didn't know what to get. So here's the down low.

 

I really like the light and cool Komine Light Mesh Jacket (KO JK-651). Unfortunately, it isn't water resistant. The water resistant ones are WAY heavier and WAY warmer. So I have some questions for you and hope you can offer your thoughts.

 

1. Does it make sense to get a light jacket? If it rains, can you still put a rain jacket over it? Won't it get too warm?

 

2. If it does get too warm, then do you normally go without the usual protection and just remove the mesh jacket? Would this not defeat the purpose?

 

3. The water resistant jackets that are also light look really shabby on me. Do you know of any that are like the Komine?

 

Would appreciate your thoughts.

 

I also looked at the shoes...question here is...can these boots be worn over your usual shoes? If not, what do you do with the boots say if you were going shopping? They look way too big to walk around in??

 

One final one about leg protection. I see the full suits at Motoworld but cannot imagine wearing them day in and out. I also see some pants but I don't want to be stuck with just 1 pair of pants everyday. What do you guys do for leg protection?

 

Sorry for the long message. And my apologies if my search did not show up previous similar topics.

 

Thanks!!!!

[Constructicon]

Hi all.

 

I searched through some of the threads for mesh jackets and I am now pretty clear that I'll get one. However, I was at Motoworld (Kaki Bukit) today and there were SO MANY alternatives I didn't know what to get. So here's the down low.

 

I really like the light and cool Komine Light Mesh Jacket (KO JK-651). Unfortunately, it isn't water resistant. The water resistant ones are WAY heavier and WAY warmer. So I have some questions for you and hope you can offer your thoughts.

 

1. Does it make sense to get a light jacket? If it rains, can you still put a rain jacket over it? Won't it get too warm?

 

2. If it does get too warm, then do you normally go without the usual protection and just remove the mesh jacket? Would this not defeat the purpose?

 

3. The water resistant jackets that are also light look really shabby on me. Do you know of any that are like the Komine?

 

Would appreciate your thoughts.

 

I also looked at the shoes...question here is...can these boots be worn over your usual shoes? If not, what do you do with the boots say if you were going shopping? They look way too big to walk around in??

 

One final one about leg protection. I see the full suits at Motoworld but cannot imagine wearing them day in and out. I also see some pants but I don't want to be stuck with just 1 pair of pants everyday. What do you guys do for leg protection?

 

Sorry for the long message. And my apologies if my search did not show up previous similar topics.

 

Thanks!!!!

 

 

Hi,

 

I have been wearing a Komine mesh jacket daily for the past 2-3 years already.

Here's my take on your questions.

 

Mesh Jackets

I dun see the point of having a water resistant jacket. Not here, not there.

These are usually hotter than mesh jacket and you will sweat like hell in the mid-day jams, in front of traffic lights. And it does not rain everyday...

For me, when it rains, just wear the rain over the jacket.

 

Riding Boots

I wear a pair to work everyday ad change it at the office. To me, these boots are meant for riding, not casual walking. These are usually not very breathable and even so, nothing beats a pair of real shoes whening shopping/ walking around.

 

Riding Pants

You can buy a pair to wear over your pants/ jeans. Thats what I did.

[scubasimon]

Thanks for the response man. Yeah, I was thinking the same thing about getting some rain gear to wear over the jacket. Was surfing the web the entire night and saw an RS Taichi jacket that comes with a rain-cover (RSJ-227). Anyone has inputs on this one? Also, what kind of pants do you folks get? There are so many different ones.

[IvikaRazI]

As for me, I can't be bothered. So I get a RS-Taichi Dry Master Jacket. Waterproof and breathable. There are zips at the side for the purpose of ventilation. It does its job. When it rains, the jacket is cool but water does not seep in. Juz pat to dry the jacket. It does not smell either.

 

As for boots, just like Constructicon, I wear them everyday to work. Upon reaching office, change to shoes.

[scubasimon]

Thanks for the idea of the drymaster jacket. i saw it today going for 270...is that the one? did you get pants to go with it for protection and for rain?

 

looks like most are getting jackets but not pants? i am thinking if anything should happen the legs are very vulnerable due to the weight of the bike and all...worried.

[Wayang]

thr r mesh jackets wif removable water proof inner liner.. i used to wear an alpinestars one.. so anytime when thr's rain i can juz zip back the liner..

[scubasimon]

yeah...i saw this one TS-Raichi RSJ227 that is something like this. not sure if there is size. i tried several today but very difficult to find one that fits well (i have a tummy lah).

 

anyone about the leg protection???

[lutein]

You can wear armoured jeans. However that's rather troublesome if you need to change. Alternative is wear knee/shin pads over or under your pants.

[IvikaRazI]

This is what I bought, RSJ243 RS-Taichi Team Jacket.

 

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r128/motoworldsg/RSJ243_BLK.jpg

 

As for pants, I'm using my RS-Taichi Dry Master Raincoat hehhehe. The gore-tex one costs so much. may consider in the future.

[scubasimon]

The rsj243 and drymaster pants look good on the website. but when i tried the jacket on me yesterday it didn't look that good :-( how much did you pay for it?

[chris 525]

I think you need to ride a motorcycle in the winter in a country like Germany to know what cold feels like, then you know that in Singapore it is never cold, not when raining, not when dark, never

 

When riding, I carry a GSR rain coat, that costs around 50$. Maybe only need to use it 3-4 times a month.

[dragonforce]

i bought a komine mesh jacket with a intention to wear it everyday.. but ended up i didnt cos to me, its too hot.. the moment i stop at the traffic light i feel very very hot.. i perspire too easily..

 

but i would still advise you to get a riding jacket.. i really would if i nv sweat that much on the way to work..

[scubasimon]

i think i know what you mean about it being so hot. even now it feels hot just wearing normal t-shirt and elbow pads. but having seen so many traffic accidents involving bikes over the years (i've been driving since 1987), i am very sure i want to have as much practical protection as i can get. so at the minimum, helmet, glove, jacket, pants and boots are musts for me. i'll just have to figure out the sweating part separately.

 

i'll be going to the shops again tomorrow to check out. probably try out the lavender/jln besar area. hope there are different alternatives to check out.

 

any other thoughts are appreciated as well!

[Constructicon]

i think i know what you mean about it being so hot. even now it feels hot just wearing normal t-shirt and elbow pads. but having seen so many traffic accidents involving bikes over the years (i've been driving since 1987), i am very sure i want to have as much practical protection as i can get. so at the minimum, helmet, glove, jacket, pants and boots are musts for me. i'll just have to figure out the sweating part separately.

 

i'll be going to the shops again tomorrow to check out. probably try out the lavender/jln besar area. hope there are different alternatives to check out.

 

any other thoughts are appreciated as well!

 

 

Maybe its hard to believe until you try it.

But for me, its hotter w/o a jacket. The sun's rays burns directly onto your skin and its a major no-no for riding in the afternoons.

 

Mesh jacket lets the wind through while you ride, and also shields you from the direct sun.

Try it and you will understand.

[Dafanshu]

looking for normal non high ankle riding boot under 100 bucks. has anyone here know of any to intro me?

[contrarian]

Maybe its hard to believe until you try it.

But for me, its hotter w/o a jacket. The sun's rays burns directly onto your skin and its a major no-no for riding in the afternoons.

 

Mesh jacket lets the wind through while you ride, and also shields you from the direct sun.

Try it and you will understand.

 

That's so true. Ask any worker in outdoor construction, landscaping, grasscutting, painting or farming, they'll tell you long sleeves are the way to go.

[scubasimon]

Never thought of it that way but i think you are right...the long sleeves will actually shield the skin, just like in golf!!! That is a very good point.

 

About the boots question...i saw some that were $135...Sigma brand I think from HKL or something.

[scubasimon]

I just realize that I now have a pattern on my arms...the patterns are formed from the elbow guards...HAHAHA!!! So damn funny looking. I didn't even realize it until now...that must be why some people at the pool hall was giggling at me...

[scubasimon]

had a chance to head down to jr today at ubi to check out the gear there. wow...didn't realize that dainese stuff are super expensive! at those prices, i'd much rather get something with an airbag inside.

 

anyone here as one of those airbag jackets? i saw a thread talking about them but seems nobody really has one.

[scubasimon]

Quick update...tried the Motoair (Airbag) Jackets today at their Woodlands place (if you can call that a place)...see my post in the Apparels section for more information.

 

In summary, the jacket does not fit me well...so will be back to the drawing board for me. Will probably focus my search on RS Taichi/Komine jackets for now...unless something else interesting comes along. Will get the Motoport/Cycleport jackets when I get my Class2A license :-)

 

As for boots, went down to Team HKL a few days ago. Unfortunately they do not have the model I wanted (SIDI Strada Rain). So will have to try out Chong Aik next week.

 

Still looking for suitable gloves...so far haven't found what I liked. The Akuma Streetfighter looks good on paper...but haven't seen the actual thing.

 

Thats it for now!

[DeusExMachina]

Dude.

 

First of all, you need to know what this jacket is for.

 

Commuting or touring?

 

If it's for commuting, get a lightweight airy jacket. Your everyday ride in town will be warm, and you don't want to lug a heavy jacket with you wherever you go. If it rains, just have a rain coat handy that will go over your jacket.

 

If you're going touring, then yes, you may consider those heavier and more water resistant jackets. On the long haul, you will be travelling at higher and more constant speeds, maybe even at night in the rain... who knows.

[scubasimon]

good points! will have to consider these angles.