I like my Tourmaster Transition jacket. It has a zip out lining so you can wear it into about the 80s as long as you avoid stop and go traffic. It comes with CE rated elbow and shoulder armor, but a cheesy piece of non-CE rated foam for a back protector. It's fairly waterproof, although lately it seems my arms get slightly damp after some rain riding. Below 40 degrees F I use a scarf to better seal the neck, below 30 I use snowmobile bibs, below 20 I add a sweatshirt and at the mid teens and below I add a balaclava. A quick google shows that they have a Tourmaster Transition 2 jacket. Hopefully it hasn't lost any of its good properties.
The NP-armored BMW AirShell Signal jacket, which includes a removable liner that is waterproof and windproof, has outstanding fit and finish. Add a Gerbing's heated jacket liner underneath, and a work oxford or long-sleeve synthetic base layer, and you're set, even in winter. The Gerbing's will keep you warm down to near-freezing temperatures, but it has to be worn underneath a windproof/waterproof layer; without the windproof liner of the Air Signal, the wind blows away most of heat the Gerbing's generates.
And when it's warm again, you've got a breathable — and conspicuous — shell. A little pricey, but it's two jackets in one.
The Roadcrafter Darien Jacket is hard to beat. Layer it over: a t-shirt, flannel shirt, electric vest (or jacket) and a windblocker fleece for comfort down to about 30 degrees. Remove layers as needed when the temp goes up. In the summer wear it over a t-shirt with all the vents open for comfort in all but stop and go traffic in 90's. It's waterproof, has beaucoup pockets and is armored. They will cut custom sizes for you to get the right fit. If it gets damaged in a get-off, it can be repaired right back at the factory.
'13 R12R Montego Blue
'10 R12R's Black Biarritz Blue RIP '95 Mystic Red K75
'94 Black HD FXDS
I have had an Olympia Moto Sports Men's AST Touring Jacket for two years. It has ample armor, zip in/out insulated liner, and lots of other features. I've only had it out in the 40s, but it was plenty warm with just a mid-weight fleece shirt underneath. I combine it with their Men's Ranger 2 pants and am happy with the combination.
My Firstgear Kilimajaro is quite warm. It's at least 2 years old . I don't care for the current style. I can wear just a t-shirt and still be warm in 60 degree weather. My new Joe Rocket ballistic 3.0 is not as warm, but it looks bmw'ish. If it's really cold , I just wear my heated vest under my jacket. Hope this helps.
I understand that price could be an issue.... but I have to throw in my exceptional experience with my Rukka Armax suit.
Combined with a Gerbings jacket liner I can ride ALL day in any condition with temps from 15ºF to 85ºF, 100% dry.
Worth every hard earned penny, about 6¢ a mile for me so far.
For me, nothing beats cold better than a big chunk of cow skin. For me, it's my 11lb First Gear Baron jacket. Water resisitant leather in a 3/4 length design. I've worn this coat on 9 degree days here in northern Illinois along with my Gerbings liner and never felt even remotely cold. They can be found every now and then for around $ 150.00 or so. New they $ 540.00.
Mike
1998 R 1100 GS
2008 R 1200 R
2006 Yamamhog Stratoloungerliner
Mollygrubber wrote:Thanks for all the great advice guys... I really like my old Belstaff, anybody have any experience with the new stuff?
I've had a Rockingham Vintage Blouson for puttering around town for the past two seasons, it's reasonably inconspicuous (huge eagle logo in the back put aside) when worn off the bike compared to my BMW Rallye 2, but I wouldn't trust the protectors (especially the back protector) as much. Stitching and leather seem to be rather top notch, but i'd feel more comfortable wearing the bmw gear in case of a higher-speed wipeout... My girlfriend has a white East Fortune, she loves it and gets a huge amount of compliments on it. All in all, I do have a feeling that the brand has taken more of an interest in lifestyle accessories than they do in technical protective gear - fwiw, I stupidly walked into one of their "non-motorcycle" stores in London last year, and no one on there (or at their head office) seemed to know which stores would stock the "real" motorcycle gear...
All in all, I do have a feeling that the brand has taken more of an interest in lifestyle accessories than they do in technical protective gear - fwiw, I stupidly walked into one of their "non-motorcycle" stores in London last year, and no one on there (or at their head office) seemed to know which stores would stock the "real" motorcycle gear...
Well put. That BMW hasn't taken on Gerbing's et al. with its own brand of heated gear seems odd, especially considering the R12R's electrical accessory fussiness. Or how about working out the DOT issues and selling the System helmets in the United States? Just because it isn't easy doesn't mean it's not worthwhile.
After all, how could any BMW rider not use one of these while motoring?
Actually - they did. They sold a BMW heated vest (no sleeves) - made by Widder. LOTS and LOTS of warranty claims due to the fussy connectors Widder used. I do believe I heard something about them coming out with a carbon-fiber-resistive cloth one, but dunno where that went.
The reason they don't bring in the System helmets is the number of lawyers in the US. Damn shame since they've gotten glowing reviews in other countries.
Don Eilenberger - NJ Shore
2012 R1200R - I love this bike!
I bought a System 6 helmet this fall, it has been a real treat. With fussy glasses and my Etymotics on trips, it has made a world of difference at stops. No more fiddling with gear while all my Harley buds ride off without me, though all I had to do was follow the noise (and shedded parts) to find them again. I've even lost my Inspector Gadget moniker.
No fogging, quiet, a great helmet.
Doug
Plea bargaining does have its advantages.
'08 12R
'79 CBX
'74 CB750
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