[Q&A] Touring Apparel

[waleylim]

Hi, do people usually wear riding gears/armored jackets/boots etc when on tours up North? I saw a few pretty good deals on Ebay and I'm wondering if I should get some. I'm hoping to join some of you guys on long trips to Malaysia. Thanks.

[Demon]

Hi, do people usually wear riding gears/armored jackets/boots etc when on tours up North? I saw a few pretty good deals on Ebay and I'm wondering if I should get some. I'm hoping to join some of you guys on long trips to Malaysia. Thanks.

 

Of course, all the time. Not sure if they dressed for style, or for safety, nevertheless they are appropriate attired for touring.

 

For starter, touring jacket with armour is the minimum. Next would be a pair of good riding boots. Typically, most riders will be in touring jacket with jeans and riding boots. Of course you can deck up full rig by including riding pants, with paddings and armour at strategic locations. Last but the most important, get a good quality helmet with a reputable brand, personally I prefer full-face helmet. No point protecting the entire body and ignoring the fact that the head is the most fragile and criteria part.

 

There are also sportsbike riders who wear full leather.

 

[waleylim]

Of course, all the time. Not sure if they dressed for style, or for safety, nevertheless they are appropriate attired for touring.

 

For starter, touring jacket with armour is the minimum. Next would be a pair of good riding boots. Typically, most riders will be in touring jacket with jeans and riding boots. Of course you can deck up full rig by including riding pants, with paddings and armour at strategic locations. Last but the most important, get a good quality helmet with a reputable brand, personally I prefer full-face helmet. No point protecting the entire body and ignoring the fact that the head is the most fragile and criteria part.

 

There are also sportsbike riders who wear full leather.

 

 

Hello, thanks for the reply. I'm looking at something like this, what do you think?:

 

http://www.motoxoutlet.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1178

 

Not a "tour" jacket and its not cowhide, ....not really expecting to be sliding at 200km/h on tarmac....but something really nice for the hot cilmate we have and its sort of "armored" too. For riding jacket it seems like everybody is talking about CE rated pads, does it really matter if they CE rated? Also, can I get the pants in Singapore? From where/cost and do you know if they have brands like Joe Rocket and Fieldsheer to match my jacket I'm about to purchase? Thanks.

[Silverwing JDM]

Hello, thanks for the reply. I'm looking at something like this, what do you think?:

 

http://www.motoxoutlet.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1178

 

Not a "tour" jacket and its not cowhide, ....not really expecting to be sliding at 200km/h on tarmac....but something really nice for the hot cilmate we have and its sort of "armored" too. For riding jacket it seems like everybody is talking about CE rated pads, does it really matter if they CE rated? Also, can I get the pants in Singapore? From where/cost and do you know if they have brands like Joe Rocket and Fieldsheer to match my jacket I'm about to purchase? Thanks.

 

I personally think that you should do some window shopping at LAB,Motorworld etc to source and most importantly try out a few mesh jacket and riding pants before decide which one to buy. Dun buy on impulse or you will regret later.

[c4ble]

I do not recommend mesh jackets unless you're going to stick to the NSH speed limit of 110 on highway and lower on trunk roads. Mesh will not protect you much from slides. They will be good for singapore roads though. Either get mesh/leather or perforated leathers if you can afford it.

 

Full face is a much. I'll try to put the photo of my helmet. A accident on PIE on tues, low speed skid and land face first on the road, you can try to imagine once the picture is up. I was with full length gloves so nothing happened to my hands.

[Nighthawk_250]

Hello, thanks for the reply. I'm looking at something like this, what do you think?:

 

http://www.motoxoutlet.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1178

 

Not a "tour" jacket and its not cowhide, ....not really expecting to be sliding at 200km/h on tarmac....but something really nice for the hot cilmate we have and its sort of "armored" too. For riding jacket it seems like everybody is talking about CE rated pads, does it really matter if they CE rated? Also, can I get the pants in Singapore? From where/cost and do you know if they have brands like Joe Rocket and Fieldsheer to match my jacket I'm about to purchase? Thanks.

 

Some1 was selling this jacket at garage previously, so did many who sold their rjays etc mesh. I think any form of jacket is still too hot. But its a stage many have to go thru. Buy, try, not shiok, back to t-shirt ...oops lidat say will offend many people lol.

 

2 cents ...just my rant

[Erotomania]

i prefer u buy mesh jacket, as u knw asia is well known for hot weather & just bring raincoat for touring, just my suggestion.

[waleylim]

i prefer u buy mesh jacket, as u knw asia is well known for hot weather & just bring raincoat for touring, just my suggestion.

 

I agreee and that was what I was going to get but C4ble from the previous post makes sense too. We are most likely not going to lawfully stick to 110 km/h in Malaysia. But I really don't want to look like a dumb ass wearing full leather while the rest of the guys wear much less than that. Of course most people are going to tell me that its pretty much a personal preference. Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to find out is, are there a lot of guys/gals that would prefer to wear full protection gears when touring in Malaysia. **I have never toured before so pardon my ignorance**

 

Also, I have never been to Motoworld before. Are there many selections for riding gears? Perhaps someone who has bought a 2-pcs track suit can tell me how much it cost. Thanks.

[biking nomad]

Well personal prefrence on riding gear is one thing but never let that affect what you think is the most sensible. As they say, always dress for the fall. Eventhough, I;ve heard some riders comment that at the speeds some of us tear up the highway nothing much will save one when one hits the tarmac.

 

Well, to each his own but minimum should be a jacket with some armour, well-fitted full face, gloves and riding boots.

 

There are some reasonably tough mesh jackets on the market.

Brands like Dainese, Fieldhsheer and I'm sure many others are tough. Some might argue some of the lower end mesh stuff does not offer much protection but you usually can't go wrong with some of the more popular brands.

 

Important thing for all safety gear is fit. You can have full leathers but if armour and the attire does not fit properly its almost useless.

 

Check out Regina, Motorwold and Chiap Lee. You should have no problems browsing and trying even if you don't make a immediate purchase. These kind of investments do need some evaluation and consideration.

 

Also check out Garage Sales for 2nd hand stuff. Might be able to bag a good deal.

 

Ride hard, ride safe!

[waleylim]

Well personal prefrence on riding gear is one thing but never let that affect what you think is the most sensible. As they say, always dress for the fall. Eventhough, I;ve heard some riders comment that at the speeds some of us tear up the highway nothing much will save one when one hits the tarmac.

 

Well, to each his own but minimum should be a jacket with some armour, well-fitted full face, gloves and riding boots.

 

There are some reasonably tough mesh jackets on the market.

Brands like Dainese, Fieldhsheer and I'm sure many others are tough. Some might argue some of the lower end mesh stuff does not offer much protection but you usually can't go wrong with some of the more popular brands.

 

Important thing for all safety gear is fit. You can have full leathers but if armour and the attire does not fit properly its almost useless.

 

Check out Regina, Motorwold and Chiap Lee. You should have no problems browsing and trying even if you don't make a immediate purchase. These kind of investments do need some evaluation and consideration.

 

Also check out Garage Sales for 2nd hand stuff. Might be able to bag a good deal.

 

Ride hard, ride safe!

 

 

Valuable comments, thanks.

[c4ble]

Wayne, i can loan you my cordura jacket to try for a day or 2 if you want. Let me know.

[Guest AngMohKia]

Is this a trip to somewhere or just talking about jackets, pants, helmets and boots and never mentioned gloves. All must have the best. Don't compromise. Asked those that went for the endurance ride recently.

 

Aiyah sorry i also talk about apparels instead of trips.

 

How about a muar, batu pahat ride soon??????

[endlessloop]

I have made quite a few rides into Malaysia and Thailand (see my blog). And I went through the whole cycle of different type of materials for jackets starting back in the 90s from leather, denim, kevlar, codura(some call goretex) to mesh.

 

One has to strike a certain level of trade off between protection and comfort.

 

And I arrived at the end of my search, Mesh.

 

Mesh for both touring and in Singapore riding.

Main reason is ventilation it gives. For protection, it is really the soft armour in it that gives you the protection. Not the mesh jacket itself.

Some people say condura give better protection. If you ever fallen before, you know condura tears up easily as well. So for condura, we are also relying on its armour for protection.

 

Leather is really really good and best. But it is too hot to wear here. Even condura is too hot, no matter what the advertisment says about how vented it is. Getting a jacket that is too hot to wear at all times lead to sometimes wearing without jacket. Even more dangerous right?

 

Condura has some waterproofing advantages. But some condura jackets leak under heavy and prolong rain (>1 hour). And in Malaysia, the rain there can be heavier and last longer.

 

For me when it rains, I wear my raincoat (extra bigger size) over my mesh. It gives me the extra warmth under heavy rain.

 

For pants, I rule out condura as it is even warmer leading to heat rash on my bums and tighs. Jeans reinforced with kevlar (dregging jeans) is good choice. I wear a velvet (thin leather) pants from India. Sometimes, I just wear jeans which really is very poor protection.

 

For boots, I wore SAF goretex boots. Then I bought touring boots. I switched back to SAF goretex boots as it gives me best ventilation, comfort and it is 100% waterproof even under severe thunderstorm. SAF good!

 

And for trips up north, I bring two pair of leather gloves. In case of rain. When one pair gets wet, I wear the other pair. When it is raining, cannot ride without glove as it can be quite painful when riding againgst the heavy rain droplets peppering your hands on the grips.

[waleylim]

I have made quite a few rides into Malaysia and Thailand (see my blog). And I went through the whole cycle of different type of materials for jackets starting back in the 90s from leather, denim, kevlar, codura(some call goretex) to mesh.

 

One has to strike a certain level of trade off between protection and comfort.

 

And I arrived at the end of my search, Mesh.

 

Mesh for both touring and in Singapore riding.

Main reason is ventilation it gives. For protection, it is really the soft armour in it that gives you the protection. Not the mesh jacket itself.

Some people say condura give better protection. If you ever fallen before, you know condura tears up easily as well. So for condura, we are also relying on its armour for protection.

 

Leather is really really good and best. But it is too hot to wear here. Even condura is too hot, no matter what the advertisment says about how vented it is. Getting a jacket that is too hot to wear at all times lead to sometimes wearing without jacket. Even more dangerous right?

 

Condura has some waterproofing advantages. But some condura jackets leak under heavy and prolong rain (>1 hour). And in Malaysia, the rain there can be heavier and last longer.

 

For me when it rains, I wear my raincoat (extra bigger size) over my mesh. It gives me the extra warmth under heavy rain.

 

For pants, I rule out condura as it is even warmer leading to heat rash on my bums and tighs. Jeans reinforced with kevlar (dregging jeans) is good choice. I wear a velvet (thin leather) pants from India. Sometimes, I just wear jeans which really is very poor protection.

 

For boots, I wore SAF goretex boots. Then I bought touring boots. I switched back to SAF goretex boots as it gives me best ventilation, comfort and it is 100% waterproof even under severe thunderstorm. SAF good!

 

And for trips up north, I bring two pair of leather gloves. In case of rain. When one pair gets wet, I wear the other pair. When it is raining, cannot ride without glove as it can be quite painful when riding againgst the heavy rain droplets peppering your hands on the grips.

 

Thanks for all your opinions about touring gears. Can't go wrong with opinions from touring gurus. Anyway, I'm going for the Fieldsheer textile jackets with compatible pants. They still provide adequate ventilation and they look better then mesh material. I'll probably going to sweat like crazy when caught in a traffic jam,....just have to keep moving! Here's a website that sells OEM, aftermarket parts and gears for those who are interested. After about a week of research and comparing with other sites, I think this website has very good pricing and reasonable shipping.

 

http://www.bikebandit.com

[kmax]

why dont u check local shops like Regina and Motoworld for their current stocks. and u can try them on and see check for your size.

 

i would order online if particular item is not available here, otherwise u have to spend more on shipping.

[waleylim]

why dont u check local shops like Regina and Motoworld for their current stocks. and u can try them on and see check for your size.

 

i would order online if particular item is not available here, otherwise u have to spend more on shipping.

 

Yes I agree with you but I'm not in Singapore right now and the stuff will be coming back with my luggage; free air freight service. They have all the good quality brands at really good prices. I'm really tempted to be an Icon full face helmet. I don't know if we can order this in Singapore at a good price. Please share info if anyone knows where to get this locally without ordering online. You guys have to check this one out.

 

http://www.bikebandit.com/product/3051

[fishlipps]

hehe sorry if I crack up this thread abit but my touring gears is gym gloves, long sleeve bright color shirt, extra heavy denim pants, rollerblader protection (knee & elbow guards), and the cheapo american football vest (cant afford the Motocross chest&back yet) hehe... anybody got any idea for hip protection ? I was thinking the leather saddles those long patches strapped against the hips & thighs LOL

[waleylim]

Put tissues or styrofoam in your back and front pockets?

[gurumachaz]

Well personal prefrence on riding gear is one thing but never let that affect what you think is the most sensible. As they say, always dress for the fall. Eventhough, I;ve heard some riders comment that at the speeds some of us tear up the highway nothing much will save one when one hits the tarmac.

 

Well, to each his own but minimum should be a jacket with some armour, well-fitted full face, gloves and riding boots.

 

There are some reasonably tough mesh jackets on the market.

Brands like Dainese, Fieldhsheer and I'm sure many others are tough. Some might argue some of the lower end mesh stuff does not offer much protection but you usually can't go wrong with some of the more popular brands.

 

Important thing for all safety gear is fit. You can have full leathers but if armour and the attire does not fit properly its almost useless.

 

Check out Regina, Motorwold and Chiap Lee. You should have no problems browsing and trying even if you don't make a immediate purchase. These kind of investments do need some evaluation and consideration.

 

Also check out Garage Sales for 2nd hand stuff. Might be able to bag a good deal.

 

Ride hard, ride safe!

 

AHA !!..... + 1

[kmax]

need advice from seasoned tourers...

 

pls let me continue this thread.. for necessary tools to bring along.

 

1. tools ? (which wrench set?)

2. fuse, nuts and bolts which might drop? (possible size ? like number plate?)

3. tyre fix kit ? (worm or foam type ? CO2 caniseter or electric air pump)

4. clutch and brake cables ?

5. medical supply (panadol, plasters, bandages ?)

 

kinda paranoid myself, so please enlighten for necessary tools to bring along per bike. Thanks.

[iceangel]

need advice from seasoned tourers...

 

pls let me continue this thread.. for necessary tools to bring along.

 

1. tools ? (which wrench set?)

2. fuse, nuts and bolts which might drop? (possible size ? like number plate?)

3. tyre fix kit ? (worm or foam type ? CO2 caniseter or electric air pump)

4. clutch and brake cables ?

5. medical supply (panadol, plasters, bandages ?)

 

kinda paranoid myself, so please enlighten for necessary tools to bring along per bike. Thanks.

 

you don't need a complete wrench set on tour, just those that your bike needs. good to have fuses of different amps on hand (they don't take up much space anyway) if you ride a japanese tourer, chances are you don't need to carry extra bolts and nuts with you. i have never heard of bolts and nuts falling off japanese bikes (so far) from vibration, other than Harleys. as for tubeless tire repair kit, i'd recommend the worm type (there are better ones around, if you care to look) instead of the foam type in a can. the foam injected into a punctured tire only temporarily seals the leak, but read the label carefully, and you will notice they are in no way meant to be a permanent fix! best to nip the problem in the bud, remove the foreign object, lubricate the punctured site with glue, then seal with the worm type kit. in most cases, just one tube will do, but if your punctured hole is large enough, you might need 2. that said, i should add that if the puncture is actually a cut or slash, nothing will fix that tire. you will have to call for help.

one thing i have learnt is whatever your equipment you include must be reliable, and must work. everything else can fail, these cannot. and for this reason, i always carry a manual pump (hand pump) instead of a compressor type pump. i have tried various pumps, and had the unfortunate experience of the electric driven pump die on me. not to discredit compressor pumps, but most that i have come across here are made in china, and needless to say, they don't last. the hand pump i now carries is a heavy duty bicycle pump which cost me $67.00 just a few strokes of the piston is enough to bring my bike's tire pressure up to par, and no, it is not too much of an effort either. besides being more reliable, it takes up less valuable space too while on tour. if your bike has clutch cables instead of hydraulic clutch, might help to bring one spare along, but make sure you knows how to replace it when needed. the best is to have your bike fully serviced before any long trip, replacing whatever is necessary. personally, i don't bring a first aid kit with me, but if your bike have room to spare, it is good to carry one. include basic items like disinfecting lotions, cotton swap and gauze for wounds, or panadol and lemsip if you need them.

besides the items you mentioned, may i also suggest some others for your consideration: fit a 12v cigarette lighter socket in the waterproof pocket of your bike. use it to power your handphone charger or other stuff. (but make sure you wire it correctly and add a fuse) I have a sony ericsson charger that also has a small map light, cool... Next, always carry a water bottle with you. Not that you choose to, but sometimes you are forced to stop in the middle of nowhere, and most of us will go paranoid and can't think straight when our system is dehydrated. Next, whatever you do not need on the way, eg. foreign currency, keep them locked inside your bike. you don't want your wallet with all your foreign currency to slip out of your riding jacket while riding, do you? besides the basic tools for your bike, try to bring a reliable compact flashlight (with spare batteries) and a multi-tool like leatherman. these items come in very handy, and i never go anywhere without them (not even spending an overnighter at a friend's in singapore).

lastly, bring with you a good lock to secure your bike while parked overseas. the last thing you want is to find your bike missing when it is time to ride home:cool:

[kmax]

thanks iceangel... u really are an

[ozzarhomb]

wat kind of locks will seasoned tourers recommend? as in i've seen disc locks and those locks with chains. wonder which is more effective? or must lock discs and chain up the wheels? i might be making a trip to Genting so thinking wat's the extent i need to go to lock my bike.

[hachi]

wat kind of locks will seasoned tourers recommend? as in i've seen disc locks and those locks with chains. wonder which is more effective? or must lock discs and chain up the wheels? i might be making a trip to Genting so thinking wat's the extent i need to go to lock my bike.

 

I usually lock my bike with chain, when ever my friend and I go genting, we locked our bikes's rear swingarm together. With a cover over our bikes. Make sure you place the bikes as close as possible and uses good lock.

[ozzarhomb]

I usually lock my bike with chain, when ever my friend and I go genting, we locked our bikes's rear swingarm together. With a cover over our bikes. Make sure you place the bikes as close as possible and uses good lock.

i should be gg on 1 bike only. no friend tagging along. cover is a definite must i feel. should go get a good and hardy lock before gg. thanks for the info maybe i should leave my big bike at home and just ride my CBR150R up. save the worries as well.