Recomended Pants for riding a SS

gjones4487

gjones4487

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I have been riding since October and have only worn jeans (because that's all i have) and I would like to get a piar of riding pants. but I am not sure what to get. I have a REV'IT Ignition Jacket it has the 7" and 360 Zip. I would like to get a pair of pants with 360 zip and are comfortable for riding my R6 (sport or tour fit?). also something that is not too hot in the summer. I commute to work in brampton from milton, as well as longer leisure rides. I also am planning a LONG trip out to Vancouver this summer. I would like something that is versitial, comfy and optimum protection.

also are Sliders recomended? (built-in, removable or other)

EDIT: Also, what is recomended Rain Gear?

Thanks and Cheers,
Geoff
 
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For maximum protection, you will want something with leather in (at least) the vulnerable impact/sliding areas. Full leather pants would be the best, but are more expensive and potentially warmer in the summer months. I have Alpinestars Sport A10 Leather/Textile pants.....they are leather in the front of the lower leg (shin/knee) and in the seat/rear thigh area. They have removable CE approved GP knee and tibia protectors, removable knee slider covers and waist connection zipper. Nice pants and quite comfortable.
 
I've got something similar to ABCarr but it's made by Shift. These hybrid pants have never done me wrong and keeps me nice and cool or toasty when needed. Lucky for you they're on sale too! Check the link VVV

http://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/shift-havoc-hybrid-pants.html

Note: they're not 360 zip. They've only got a zipper in the back and the knee pads aren't removable. They've got pockets tho =D
 
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I use textile just because its cooler in the hot summer months,water resistant and have zipper ventilation holes. But for optimal protection leather is better.

Btw, you likely wont be using knee sliders on Ontario roads unless you decide to spend your days at the Lawrence ramps.
 
I have textile gear and leather gear. Textile I use for colder, longer, wetter rides. Leather for everything else.


But, this year I plan to wear leather on my distance rides and use rain gear over top instead of relying on the textile. The textile is more versatile and you don't need to nervously watch the clouds and wonder whether you should stop to gear up or not. But, the leather is more comfortable and grips the bike much better and is better protection. I wouldn't worry about sliders for road riding but they don't hurt having them stuck on your leg and if you ever want to do track days you'll need them.

Layering is important. Good quality, thin but warm layers under leather with half decent rain gear is my plan for this year. I'm a big fan of merrino (sp?) wool. Thin, breathes well and is quite warm. I pack based on what I'll need for the coldest, wettest anticipated weather and then strip down from there.

Gloves are a challenge to keep dry, even the "waterproof" ones I have found get soaked after a couple of hours in downpours. I have overgloves that are a bit floppy but keep my hands completely dry. Boots are similar but I have a higher tolerance for wet feet. You can always put plastic bag over your foot inside your wet boot and you're good. I'm not a fan of the booty things as they seem to fussy to me.

Good luck. Nice to see another sport bike rider not afraid to ride distance.
 
Griffin said:
Gloves are a challenge to keep dry, even the "waterproof" ones I have found get soaked after a couple of hours in downpours. I have overgloves that are a bit floppy but keep my hands completely dry. Boots are similar but I have a higher tolerance for wet feet. You can always put plastic bag over your foot inside your wet boot and you're good. I'm not a fan of the booty things as they seem to fussy to me.

Good luck. Nice to see another sport bike rider not afraid to ride distance.
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For cheap 100% waterproof gloves, use large yellow dish washing gloves overtop your riding gloves. It may not look pretty, but it works.
 
Griffin said:
Gloves are a challenge to keep dry, even the "waterproof" ones I have found get soaked after a couple of hours in downpours. I have overgloves that are a bit floppy but keep my hands completely dry.
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Hey, I ran into a review of these gloves and heard they were great. This guy submerged his glove in water and his hands never got wet. Could be something you might be interested in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwEo0dhHwew
 
gjones4487 said:
I have been riding since October and have only worn jeans (because that's all i have) and I would like to get a piar of riding pants. but I am not sure what to get. I have a REV'IT Ignition Jacket it has the 7" and 360 Zip. I would like to get a pair of pants with 360 zip and are comfortable for riding my R6 (sport or tour fit?). also something that is not too hot in the summer. I commute to work in brampton from milton, as well as longer leisure rides. I also am planning a LONG trip out to Vancouver this summer. I would like something that is versitial, comfy and optimum protection.

also are Sliders recomended? (built-in, removable or other)

EDIT: Also, what is recomended Rain Gear?

Thanks and Cheers,
Geoff
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A little more than just pants. Slightly less than full-on raingear.

http://www.aerostich.com/roadcrafter-two-piece-suit.html
 
Good choice on the Rev'It Ignition jacket. I've got several pieces of Rev'It gear and love it. The Rev'It Gear pants are the same leather/mesh hybrid as the Ignition Jacket. Rides Choice carries Rev'It as well as the usual online stores.

http://www.revzilla.com/product/revit-gear-pants
 
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I have been looking at all of them, I am going to take a trip to Riders Choice and try a few of them on and see how they fit with my jacket. Thanks for all the advice. ... I am currently using a pair of black Timberland Boots for riding, they have a decent sole and are waterproof but in time i would like some proper riding boots... any suggestions? :)
 
What are peoples thoughts on Joel Rocket Ballistic textile pants? Was thinking of picking up a pair this season. Last season i simply wore jeans,
but i found myself doing a lot of touring, and in the back of my mind, i just want better protection in the case i go down.

so any thoughts on these pants?

i would have assumed textile would be cooler than leathers.....no?

tks.
 
gjones4487 said:
...i would like some proper riding boots... any suggestions? :)
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I have the Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex boots myself, and wear them all the time. Even at work, I frequently forget to switch to my shoes because these boots are comfortable enough to wear all day. They breathe fairly well and I've yet to experience wet feet in them, and I've ridden through some nasty downpours. Only thing with mine is the soles are starting to wear down a fair bit, but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a 2nd pair down the road.


silvrsurfr said:
What are peoples thoughts on Joel Rocket Ballistic textile pants? Was thinking of picking up a pair this season.
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Myself, my GF, and a few friends have picked up the Ballistic **EDIT: My mistake, it's the Alter Ego pants we have, I always mix this up** textile pants, and though they can be a little annoying at times, they are great pants. I think I technically bought mine one size too large, though. I have to admit I haven't worn mine much this past season, as they are a bit bulky to pack on the bike when switching to/from work clothes, but they've served me quite well in the past.

When I dumped the Ninja 250R in October '10, the (basic, mind you) knee protectors saved my legs from getting hurt at all. The bike fell flat on my leg and all I felt was a bump, where I'd likely have cracked my knee without them. They're also excellent for ventilation (removable strips for hot days) and the waterproof liner works quite well.

Wish I'd been wearing them a few weeks ago when I crashed in the snow; my leg is a bit scraped/scarred up now from flying off the bike. Anything beats wearing just jeans, which is (admittedly stupidly) all I wore that night.
 
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I have the Ballistic pants. I find they're quite warm, and would ride in them without a liner if it's 12C or warmer.

I don't mind the Ballistic pants, but feel like they're a little like snow pants. The inner liner isn't that useful, it feels like nylon and doesn't breathe. On the plus side, I'd imagine that the Ballistic pants offer a lot of protection, and on a cold day (-2°C is my record) they're great with fleece tights underneath.

If you'd like to have cooler pants, the Alter Ego pants from Joe Rocket aren't too much more expensive. They have zip-out panels. I have an old set of Joe Rocket mesh pants as well that are cooler.

BTW, I found the pants at the Tri-City Cycle clearance outlet for $100.
 
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I've got an aerostich onesie that is perfect for my needs: http://www.aerostich.com/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit.html (similar to what Rob MacLennan posted).

It takes <10 seconds to put on or take off the entire suit, and you can get extra stretch put in the back, rotated arms, etc... and make a real custom, waterproof suit. It's pricey, and looks like crap, but it's been crash tested thousands of times, and they keep working. In the 20+ years they've been on the market, nobody's come up with something better for the long distance touring market.

Sliders are useless unless you are on the track - on the street you look like a fool if you have them on (especially when they're shiny and new).

When looking at gear, be realistic to what you are going to do:
Waterproof gear (not a waterproof liner) means that you don't have to stop when it rains, but it doesn't breath well (textile or leather). For me, I put up with the heat since I commute on two wheels 10 months of the year (or more this year) and ride 20-30K kms a year.
Waterproof Liners in textile gear means you are carrying an extra layer, which you have to undress to put on, which means you'll never use it unless you are putting it on before you leave for the day.
Waterproof suits (like frogg toggs) are the best for casual rain wear.

The only waterproof leather suit I know of is the Aerostich transit suit - which is an amazing suit, but $$$.

As someone else mentioned - dish gloves from the dollar store are great rain gloves - always keep a set on you as cold hands suck.

Don't forget boots - either keep plastic bags that you can put inside your boots on you, get waterproof boots or get some over-booties.
 
Pants:
Get the Rev'it pants that 360 zip to your jacket. Leather is preferable. Don't worry about sliders. That suit isn't really designed for track use.

Boots:
Dainese TRQ/Torque/Torque Pro

As already discussed in the boot thread ad nauseum. These are one of the best boots out there, and not terribly expensive. They are the cheapest boot you will find with proper ankle protection.

Rain gear:
Any sort of 1-pc rain suit it going to work best imo. Also, boot covers.
 
jsv650 said:
I've got an aerostich onesie that is perfect for my needs: http://www.aerostich.com/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit.html (similar to what Rob MacLennan posted).

It takes <10 seconds to put on or take off the entire suit, and you can get extra stretch put in the back, rotated arms, etc... and make a real custom, waterproof suit. It's pricey, and looks like crap, but it's been crash tested thousands of times, and they keep working. In the 20+ years they've been on the market, nobody's come up with something better for the long distance touring market.
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Same for the 2-piece suit. OK, maybe 12 seconds.

Sliders are useless unless you are on the track - on the street you look like a fool if you have them on (especially when they're shiny and new).

When looking at gear, be realistic to what you are going to do:
Waterproof gear (not a waterproof liner) means that you don't have to stop when it rains, but it doesn't breath well (textile or leather). For me, I put up with the heat since I commute on two wheels 10 months of the year (or more this year) and ride 20-30K kms a year.
Waterproof Liners in textile gear means you are carrying an extra layer, which you have to undress to put on, which means you'll never use it unless you are putting it on before you leave for the day.
Waterproof suits (like frogg toggs) are the best for casual rain wear.

The only waterproof leather suit I know of is the Aerostich transit suit - which is an amazing suit, but $$$.

As someone else mentioned - dish gloves from the dollar store are great rain gloves - always keep a set on you as cold hands suck.

Don't forget boots - either keep plastic bags that you can put inside your boots on you, get waterproof boots or get some over-booties.
Click to expand...

BMW also has waterproof leathers, but the price seems to be out of reach for many riders.
 
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