Good Commuting Suit - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Austin · 11-10-2004, 01:29 AM

I live in the Pacific Northwest - 9 out of 10 days are rainy.

I just got back into riding, just bought a new bike. I'd like to commute on my bike. What's a good commute suit, both weatherproof and with good crash protection?

I've been looking at Aerostich suits, and I'll probably end up getting one, but I'd like some different options.

wavyredlaurie · 11-10-2004, 07:36 AM

I've had several different brands now - FirstGear, Motoport, and recently, Aerostich.

Actually, I only have the Aerostich pants (with bib converter). I got them on the sale rack at the Aerostich website. They were a long, and then had 2 more inches added above the knee. Since I have very long legs, they fit like they were custom made for me. I honestly can't say enough good about these pants! They are easy on and off, they are warm in cold weather, comfortable in warmer weather (my Motoport pants are like a sauna suit!). By watching for the right pair in my size on clearance,I got 200 dollars off the price, too! Some day, I will probably add the jacket, but for now, they go with the FirstGear jacket I bought on Ebay. My brother likes the Aerostich one-piece suit, but I have heard the two piece is more watertight, and I can't see that it's much harder to take on and off, and has a little more adjustability on size.

If you can't manage the Aerostich prices, I'd pick FirstGear as second-best. I have an old Firstgear that's held up well, and stayed watertight, and the newer one from Ebay (a Kilimanjaro) is really nice.

There's a great site called Motorcycle Gear Review, for some other opinions. Also, New Enough has some product descriptions, and good prices.

I have a Joe Rocket Phoenix for hot weather, and the price was decent, but it's really not in the same league. The armor doesn't stay put (a serious flaw, in my book), and the quality just isn't as high. It is cool, though, and it's way better than nothing on those 90+ days.

Bottom line, the Aerostich is a one-time investment that I doubt you'll regret. Now that I've worn the pants, I can see why they have a cult-like following. I've piddled away money here and there trying to find stuff that'll do the job, and for daily wear, you want it to fit and perform well, not just adequately. If I had to do it again, I'd just suck it up and go for the best.

**inspiron** · 11-10-2004, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavyredlaurie

Since I have very long legs, they fit like they were custom made for me.

SuzukiGirl1 · 11-10-2004, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavyredlaurie

Bottom line, the Aerostich is a one-time investment that I doubt you'll regret.

Yeah, it's a one time investment unless you're my boyfriends uncle who has now gone through 3 different pairs of pants and 2 jackets because his belly keeps growing!!!

Poosey · 11-10-2004, 09:34 AM

LayinLo · 11-10-2004, 11:13 AM

@ SG1

And Welcome to the site!!!!!

blaine · 11-10-2004, 01:11 PM

Here's a good review on well the Areostich does http://home.comcast.net/~craig-kamrin/Cougar/cougar.htm

And a killer story, check it out.

Guy ran into a cougar and hit the ground and only had a small abraded area.

Not cheap though, http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store

**inspiron** · 11-10-2004, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzukiGirl1

Yeah, it's a one time investment unless you're my boyfriends uncle who has now gone through 3 different pairs of pants and 2 jackets because his belly keeps growing!!!

Why? Did he have unprotected sex with Nexus?

LayinLo · 11-10-2004, 09:01 PM

Austin · 11-10-2004, 09:27 PM

Well, I ended up buying a FirstGear jacket and pants - a Kilomanjaro and Hypertex. I dig 'em.

They fit nicely over clothes, both have removeable linings. The jacket has alot of neat features.

I went on a 1/2 hour ride today in 45-50 degree weather. Linings removed, and I had jeans, a t-shirt and a fleece jacket on underneath. Stayed nice'n'toasty warm.

Nexus242 · 11-10-2004, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inspiron

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzukiGirl1

Yeah, it's a one time investment unless you're my boyfriends uncle who has now gone through 3 different pairs of pants and 2 jackets because his belly keeps growing!!!

Why? Did he have unprotected sex with Nexus?

inspiron I always have protected sex and I don't do men.

tlwisner · 11-11-2004, 10:19 AM

Alpinestars is now making an Aerostich style suit, from what I saw in some magazine...

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...amp;Division=1

SuzukiGirl1 · 11-11-2004, 11:15 AM

The Alpinestars suit is only $200 less than an Aerostich suit...and I think it's got a lot less features than the Aerostich one.

tlwisner · 11-12-2004, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzukiGirl1

The Alpinestars suit is only $200 less than an Aerostich suit...and I think it's got a lot less features than the Aerostich one.

But it has the same look. Probably not a selling point...

11-10-2004, 01:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
Austin Newbie Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Puget Sound, WA Posts: 10	Good Commuting Suit I live in the Pacific Northwest - 9 out of 10 days are rainy. I just got back into riding, just bought a new bike. I'd like to commute on my bike. What's a good commute suit, both weatherproof and with good crash protection? I've been looking at Aerostich suits, and I'll probably end up getting one, but I'd like some different options.

11-10-2004, 07:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
wavyredlaurie In Training Joined: Jul 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 146	I've had several different brands now - FirstGear, Motoport, and recently, Aerostich. Actually, I only have the Aerostich pants (with bib converter). I got them on the sale rack at the Aerostich website. They were a long, and then had 2 more inches added above the knee. Since I have very long legs, they fit like they were custom made for me. I honestly can't say enough good about these pants! They are easy on and off, they are warm in cold weather, comfortable in warmer weather (my Motoport pants are like a sauna suit!). By watching for the right pair in my size on clearance,I got 200 dollars off the price, too! Some day, I will probably add the jacket, but for now, they go with the FirstGear jacket I bought on Ebay. My brother likes the Aerostich one-piece suit, but I have heard the two piece is more watertight, and I can't see that it's much harder to take on and off, and has a little more adjustability on size. If you can't manage the Aerostich prices, I'd pick FirstGear as second-best. I have an old Firstgear that's held up well, and stayed watertight, and the newer one from Ebay (a Kilimanjaro) is really nice. There's a great site called Motorcycle Gear Review, for some other opinions. Also, New Enough has some product descriptions, and good prices. I have a Joe Rocket Phoenix for hot weather, and the price was decent, but it's really not in the same league. The armor doesn't stay put (a serious flaw, in my book), and the quality just isn't as high. It is cool, though, and it's way better than nothing on those 90+ days. Bottom line, the Aerostich is a one-time investment that I doubt you'll regret. Now that I've worn the pants, I can see why they have a cult-like following. I've piddled away money here and there trying to find stuff that'll do the job, and for daily wear, you want it to fit and perform well, not just adequately. If I had to do it again, I'd just suck it up and go for the best. __________________ My motto is "In all things - moderation." Of course, that means that even moderation needs to be practiced in moderation!

11-10-2004, 09:34 AM	#5 (permalink)
Poosey Found second gear by accident Joined: Oct 2003 Bike: 1982 GS 1100EZ Location: Richmond Ky Posts: 329	__________________ 1982 GS1100EZ 5,300 Original Miles. Sadly, torn all apart for the winter.

11-10-2004, 01:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
blaine Seat Tester Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: Honda CBR1100 XX Super Blackbird Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 53	Here's a good review on well the Areostich does http://home.comcast.net/~craig-kamrin/Cougar/cougar.htm And a killer story, check it out. Guy ran into a cougar and hit the ground and only had a small abraded area. Not cheap though, http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store __________________ Black 03 CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

11-11-2004, 10:19 AM	#12 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	Alpinestars is now making an Aerostich style suit, from what I saw in some magazine... http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...amp;Division=1 __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create

11-10-2004, 11:13 AM	#6 (permalink)
LayinLo Flipper ( Don't Ask ) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Crunchy 02 GSX-R 750 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,936	@ SG1 And Welcome to the site!!!!!

11-10-2004, 09:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
LayinLo Flipper ( Don't Ask ) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Crunchy 02 GSX-R 750 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,936

11-10-2004, 09:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
Austin Newbie Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Puget Sound, WA Posts: 10	Well, I ended up buying a FirstGear jacket and pants - a Kilomanjaro and Hypertex. I dig 'em. They fit nicely over clothes, both have removeable linings. The jacket has alot of neat features. I went on a 1/2 hour ride today in 45-50 degree weather. Linings removed, and I had jeans, a t-shirt and a fleece jacket on underneath. Stayed nice'n'toasty warm.

11-11-2004, 11:15 AM	#13 (permalink)
SuzukiGirl1 Moderatrix Joined: Mar 2004 Bike: 2004 SV650S Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 2,700	The Alpinestars suit is only $200 less than an Aerostich suit...and I think it's got a lot less features than the Aerostich one. __________________ SuzukiGirl '04 SV650S, Yellow...lovely!!

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