My first suit was a BMW
Atlantis two piece jacket and pants. Size 36, and one of the reasons I love it is that it comes in a size I can wear, and it fits great. It's cut for a woman, and even though, yes, I'm not exactly big, I think any woman no matter her size would be comfortable in this suit. (There is a men's version, too).
It is waterproof suede. I've put it to the test in hard rain and sleet, and yes, it is waterproof. I can comfortably wear long tights and my heated jacket under the jacket, and I'm fine in the suit up to about 80 degrees. (I'm a little cold blooded, so others might not be so comfortable when it's that warm). I've been down to 40F with the same getup and I'm good.
When it is hotter than 80 I change to my my BMW Airflow suit, same size. I love, love the color, it fits great and is cool as can be with all the mesh. I've washed it a few times, taking out all the armor first. Yes, I follow the cleaning directions by taking out the armor. I've got just enough German in me to see the value of following instructions! Sometimes I go to the back yard and use the hose (with the suit on) to clean it. Works great.
I've added a Dianese two-piece leather suit for mid-temperature riding. The fit is amazing, and it will probably be my go-to brand for future gear purchases. I do need to add a back/chest protector with this one.
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| My CBR250, which I sold. |
I mentioned heated gear, and I have a First Gear heated jacket, glove liners and socks. I got the socks for Christmas, and boy do I wish I'd had them in the sleet last fall! I'm still struggling with the glove liners a little bit because they almost get too hot! They're linked to the same controller as my jacket, which I like to have on high, which means the gloves go on high, too. I'm hoping next winter I'll figure out a glove solution they makes them work. But, hey, ultimately I'll take hot hands over cold any day!
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| My helmet goes nicely with hummus. |
I wear a Suomy helmet. I have two--Ashley bought me a new one with an iridium visor, which is great even in the dark. I'll admit, a big part of the attraction with the helmet is the cool design. I guess I'm just fortunate that it is so comfortable.
My boots are BMW Airflow boots. Just the one, summer pair. I'm hoping that in the next sleet storm I encounter these boots, along with the heated socks and neoprene liners Ashley bought me, will be enough to keep me warm. I figure it's easier to have just the one pair and some accessories that make them versatile for all seasons and easily fit in my bag. My feet have never gotten cold in any conditions in this set up.
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| Tigger & 'Lil Trip enjoying Joshuah Tree. |
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Speaking of bags, I have two. A small magnetic Cortech tank bag that is surprisingly roomy. I have an Ogio tail bag that snaps on. Both can be off my bike in 5 seconds, which is awesome. I've packed for 10-day trips using both of those bags, no problem! Ok, yes, my clothes are small and I'm a light packer, but I didn't even have the tail pack fully expanded! And, my running shoes and gear were in the bag.
No, my gear is not cheap, and I'm very fortunate. Since I ride a Triumph, I suppose it would be nice to have Triumph gear, but, I just haven't found a place where I can try the stuff on and see how it fits, so the BMW was more convenient, and once I learned that the fit is great for me, I was hooked. The BMW logos are very subtle, and I feel a little bit geeky if
everything matches perfectly, anyway.
