Author |
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Henrik
| Posted on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 09:37 pm: |
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Glad you found some good stuff, Glider. Have fun on the track. Henrik |
X1glider
| Posted on Wednesday, May 01, 2002 - 09:52 pm: |
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The clothes are in. Joe Rocket Highside 2 pice suit: Thoroughly checked it over. Fits well and good movement ability. Plenty of features. All the pads you'd expect are there even though they are the EVA foam. Can be replaced with real armour tho. Knee pucks. Seams are consistent and look as though they'll hold up well. Inside, material is comfortable. AGV Carbon 7 Pro gloves. Good fit and construction. Plenty of armor for knuckles, fingers, thumb and wrist. I'll have to start a fight to see what the full potential is. HJC AC-10 helmet: I compared this to the Shoei SP-XII. Has all the same features, weigh the same, fit the same (to me). Snell 2000. $400 less than Shoei. Always known Shoei was a great helmet but I think this HJC might actually equal the quality of it's Shoei equivalent. I'm not a brand loyal guy by any means. If something is deserving of my money, it gets it. The HJC did. And I do have a Shoei too so you don't think I'm playing favorites. I'll give my actual riding impressions after this weekend. |
Lake_Bueller
| Posted on Saturday, May 11, 2002 - 10:13 pm: |
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Question for the throbbing brain that is BWB...Has anyone ever used a Vega Monterey helmet? They're Snell M-2000 certified, have kevlar shells and removable liners. All this for only $129.00. Seems to cheap to be a good helmet. Thanks for any input... Mennis |
Buelliedan
| Posted on Saturday, May 11, 2002 - 10:34 pm: |
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I just found them. Look like pretty decent helmets. Has the nice quick release flush mount shield, good materials constructed with and most impotantly the SNELL certification. To be Snell certified is not an easy undertaking. I can't believe they are that cheap!! If you get one please give us a product review with your impressions. |
Jocklandjohn
| Posted on Saturday, May 18, 2002 - 03:54 pm: |
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Bluzm2 - yes Goretex has a limited lifespan. Guarantee is (I think) only 1 year, but some folks have lots of luck with it. I live in wetsville and lots of friends use it 'professionally' as mountain guides and mountain rescue personnel. They figure to get 12-18 months of hard use, or 24-36 months of not so hard. It's breathability does not work too well when it's outer skin is really saturated (although the membrane wont allow water through from outside), but sitting still on a motorcycle is a different game altogether as you are not generating huge amounts of moisture (as you would if running or skiing). Seems to vary considerably in its functionality - some stuff I have has worked great for years, other pieces have given up the ghost after a year. There are alternatives in the waterproof/breathable market that work as well. RE jackets: dont know if they export to the USA but Spada (UK firm) make a really nice waterproof/breathable/heated jacket. It is cordura and built like a tank, with proper armour in the shoulders and elbows, and padding up the spine. Has lots of neat touches like anti-flap straps in the arms so you can cinch it up tighter to stop you getting airborne, lots of pockets too including good handwarmer pockets. I bought one and am pleased with it. Cost is UK£230 and they will send to the USA for £35, that is a total of about $385 (based on £1 = $1.45). Website is here: http://www.biketrade.co.uk/motorcycle-accessories/textiles_spada.html
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Jim_M
| Posted on Thursday, June 06, 2002 - 01:28 pm: |
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Blake, Which Joe Rocket jacket do you have? |
Ara
| Posted on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 - 08:58 am: |
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After a lot of Internet searching, I finally found out who makes the marvelous gloves that David Jefferies wore at the Isle of Man TT this year. From the horse's mouth, too - Tony Jefferies, his brother. Tony described them as "Nankai full vented race gloves". Nankai is a Japanese firm. Their distributor in the UK is Lloyds Lifestyle, one of David Jefferies sponsors. Unfortunately the web site (www.lloydslifestyle.com) doesn't have a Nankai section. Anybody know the US distributor for Nankai? Russ |
Mikej
| Posted on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 - 09:18 am: |
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Russ, A quick dogpile search came up with this review of one of their models. The same search turned up a couple of UK outlets for them. |
Ara
| Posted on Wednesday, June 19, 2002 - 11:41 am: |
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Mikej, Yep, I saw that too. I remember when MO did that, it's at least a couple of years old. Might be still valid, but the gloves David Jefferies was wearing at the TT were WAY different. They had what looked like full finger and hand armor - reminiscent of a medevial knight's armored gauntlet. Pretty exotic looking. Russ |
Davegess
| Posted on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 03:52 pm: |
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NEW GLOVES. What does everyone do with new gloves? How do you make them water resistant? How do you make them stop staining your hands black. Some poeple suggest rinseing them hot water and then wearing them as they dry. Thoughts? |
Jim_M
| Posted on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 03:58 pm: |
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I do that just to break them in...don't know about waterproofing them though...Aerostich has several different products for that |
Mikej
| Posted on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 04:20 pm: |
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Aerostich Lobster overgloves for waterproofing. Just use them to break them in otherwise. 'course it depends on the gloves. If you went with Held then I have no idea. For one particularly nasty leeching pair of gloves I had I soaked them in a sink of borderline-scalding water and worked them for several rinse-&-squeeze cycles. Drain and freshen the water as it blackens. OJ showed us that using latex glove liners to keep the dye off your hands does not work well as you can't get the gloves on over the latex. |
X1glider
| Posted on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 04:29 pm: |
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Next time, try the lubricated latex! Seriously, I have never found a true waterproof leather glove. I usually carry several pair with me on trips. The leather gets soaked no matter what because it is on the outside, but the membrane is on the inside. In cold weather things get worse because the wet leather freezes and the wet insulation retains the cold water. I don't see how any mfr can say their product insulates even when wet. Insulates what from what? I will get a pair of Goretex outer shells from the local climbing shop the next time I think about it. I see it as the only option. |
Reepicheep
| Posted on Monday, July 01, 2002 - 05:37 pm: |
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X1Glider... I got a set of those Gore-Tex outergloves. After about a year of searching (could not bring myself to pay $150 for North Face) I found a very nice set at LL-Bean for less then $50. They will not go over my normal leather street gloves, but will go over a set of polartec windbloc insulating gloves, and will go over a light set of those cheap thin leather "summer gloves". Neither likely offers the full protection of leather, but the heavy layer of cordura on the shell, with the armor there already, and the thick underglove is probably "good enough". Never tried them in the rain... |
V2win
| Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 08:17 am: |
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If your a big boy and looking for a good deal on a 2-piece motorcycle suit go here:Buell suit |
Awprior
| Posted on Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 04:54 pm: |
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I'm looking for a blue Buell Vanson jacket, size large. Anyone's dealerships have a special going? Best I've found so far is onlind for $550, hoping to find one for a bit less. Thanks. Alex |
Blake
| Posted on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 06:06 pm: |
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Jim_M, Sorry for failing to reply to your question for so long. I have the Joe Rocket Ballistic 2 jacket. The current version 3 model is much nicer. |
Bomber
| Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 11:00 am: |
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a question that has reared it's head as a result of a conversation on one of the storm fronts . . . . let's play make believe -- you work in an office environment .. . while a suit and tie are not required (phew), jeans are frowned upon . . . khakis and dockers and such are just fine. further, let's pretend you'd rather have something between you and the planet besides one thin layer of cotton . . . . anyh suggestions for overpants that can easily be shed at work? |
Hootowl
| Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 11:13 am: |
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I bring my clothes to work with me, leave my shoes under my desk and change out of my leathers in the bathroom. |
Bomber
| Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 11:17 am: |
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hoot . .. I do the same with shoes/boots . . . tryin to avoid having the hassle of packing clothes everyday . . . . i still remember when getting ready to ride was throwing on a jean jacket, aviator shades, and chceking the setting of the "Snuff-or-Nots" on the pipes . . . .30 seconds |
Hootowl
| Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 11:56 am: |
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I have two pairs of pants that I leave at work just in case (and I've done this more times than I care to admit) I forget to bring pants. I wear the shirt for the day under my leathers. My dress socks make my boots fit a little loose, but not too bad. |
Jim_M
| Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 12:16 pm: |
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Blake, Not a problem, I dug around and discovered the info...I just picked up a JR Hard Drive Kevlar jacket from newenough.com, and am about to get the Ballistic 3.0 pants (though there are apparently 4.0s out there now...). Bomber, Same situation (though my new department is a little more lax on the jeans issue)...I am going to the Joe Rocket Ballistic 3.0 pants for the cooler weather. Shoe wise, I would recommend bring work shoes (I can get away with boots now , but I used to wear my logging boots and bring a pair of shoes to work). |
Jmartz
| Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 03:36 pm: |
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Being an environmental chemist takes me to the fied at times, so jeans are Ok in the office but I still like to wear a shirt, which I bring daily in my backpack. Fridays is "dress down day" so sometimes I'll wear a long sleeve tee shirt. On rain days I come in the car and wear kakhi Dockers and a nice shirt. If I need to present a paper or lead a meeting I'll wear a tie (and drive the car that day). So far this summer my only "gear" is my abs beenie helmet and sunglsses. Its only 13 miles from home to work. |
Bomber
| Posted on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 03:46 pm: |
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Martz . . . .you guys don't need a training and doc manager, do ya? nah, never mind . . I just got here . . .I should give em a chance . . .. .. I've been riding (changing into the shoes left in a drawer) most every day, so they're used to the slightly rumpled look (which I manage to assume about 30 seconds after dressing no matter what anyways?) I think I'll check out the Mr Rocket pants this weekend . . . . . |
Bomber
| Posted on Monday, September 23, 2002 - 01:33 pm: |
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Jim_M picked up the rocket's ballistic pants yesterday . . . .nice and toasty this AM on the way to work (42 degreesF or so) . . . . nice piece of work, my first rocket gear . . . . underwhat conditions will they stop controled flight and go ballistic? the literature acompanying the pants was silent on the issue |
Phillyblast
| Posted on Monday, September 30, 2002 - 04:20 pm: |
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Bomber, If you can help it don't unzip the Rocket pants all the way on the legs. I have a pair, and the zipper on one of them went south on my last trip - I got it zipped again, so the pant leg wasn't flapping in the breeze, and left it like that for the remainder of the week. Just have to take your shoes off. I'll probably get new zippers put on them, since I like the pants and they're convenient. |
Bomber
| Posted on Monday, September 30, 2002 - 04:25 pm: |
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Philly . . . thanks for the tip, sir . . . . I've been trying to avoid going all the way north with the zips, having had simlar fun with other zippers . . .I'll make certain to be careful with these . . . . .. |
Mbsween
| Posted on Friday, October 25, 2002 - 03:18 pm: |
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Bomber, have you ever been caught in the rain with the JR pants? I have the tourmaster cortech pants. The zippers work fine, you can do whatever you like. Construction is nice and they're great when its cold. But they leak like a sieve in the arse area when it rains. Its kind of amusing to show up to a sales call with a big old wet spot on the suit.... I'm looking for something that does a little better. I've scotchguarded them, made sure the (bike's) seat was dry before getting on, but no luck. Thanks Matt |
Bomber
| Posted on Friday, October 25, 2002 - 03:55 pm: |
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Matt . . .. nossir, no real rain time in them . . . .couple of drizzles, which they did not leak in . . . . . sorry . . . I'd check the site to see if they're descripbed as waterproof . . . .although that would be good, my primary reason for buying them was to be able to ride to my office job and remove the outer, armoured layer . . .. . it's occured to me that I may be building my own aerostich suit slowly, and in such a way that it will wind up costing me twice what it should have . . . . .. ;-} |
Lake_Bueller
| Posted on Friday, October 25, 2002 - 08:49 pm: |
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Matt, I've been caught a couple of times in some HEAVY rains. I have the "cheap" Buell rain suit. Not a wet spot on my body in the heaviest of rains. It's not for daily wear but works great when you're really in the shits Mennis |
Mistaandypants
| Posted on Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 11:47 am: |
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A question to anyone with experience hooking up electric apparel. I have an aerostitch roadcrafter suit and I just acquired a widder electric vest. What is the best way to hook up the battery cable? Right now, I have it hooked up to the battery and zip tied to the frame at the bottom left side of the tank(sitting on the bike) where the tank and tail section meet. I like the clean routing, but the cable is a little short since the cable from the electric vest must be routed out of the zipper side opening of my suit and over my leg. It reaches now but when I put my left leg down it pulls the plug out. I know I can order a longer cable but I would like to make this work if possible. Does anyone have their cable coming out from under the removable seat? I didn't go that route out of fear of it rubbing and damaging the tail section. What is the best way to route the cables? I'm open to any suggestions. |
Josh
| Posted on Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 11:51 am: |
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Which bike? Josh Widder Vest/Gloves RS,S1,S3,Blast |
Mistaandypants
| Posted on Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 12:13 pm: |
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whoops, 2002 M2 cyclone. |
Josh
| Posted on Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 12:19 pm: |
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Forgot to mention I also have a 'Stitch so my setup is pretty similar. I'm running the Widder gloves as well, which plug in-line between the switch and vest. This gives you an extra 2" or so of cable which is plenty of length to run out the zipper to the battery connection. I don't have my battery connection zip-tied anywhere but right at each battery terminal. I just leave it hanging down and tuck it into the wires above the tranny when not in use. Note that if you do this, keep an eye on the end. If it rests against the motor or other object the vibrations will wear through the plastic cover on the plug. I can also count on rebuilding at least 2 connections during the winter months (in fact I rebuilt the connection from the switch to the gloves harness yesterday). Yes Widder makes it easy to rebuild but I think their wires wear and break way too much. Josh |
Kinger
| Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 10:37 am: |
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Going through the KV in search of electrical apparel ideas. It appears that a lot of people are happy with the Gerbling and the Aerostitch. Anyone know where I can get more info on the Gerbling stuff? Thanks, Aaron |
Dave
| Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 10:41 am: |
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http://www.gerbing.com/ |
Sparky
| Posted on Thursday, December 19, 2002 - 01:18 pm: |
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Some more thoughts on suit wiring. On my Roadcrafter & Widder vest setup I bought a Widder SAE adapter because their vest connection is non polarized & I wanted compatibility with the rest of the bike. This mates an Aerostich lighted switch coiled cord that runs through the left pants pocket zipper. The coil cord can stretch out to about 3 ft. Harley has a battery charger hookup kit which comes with a 3A fuse & SAE connector but I use a 10A fuse for the vest. SAE connectors ensure correct polarity for electronic gear needing it and guard against accidental shorting. (guess why I got this handle) Sparky |
Lornce
| Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 10:19 am: |
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Mornin boys.... Not sure how much exposure HJC helmets have in America or elsewhere in the world.... Just a quick nod to their products from a Canadian perspective.... Recently acquired a Snell 2000 approved HJC FG-12 (ie:Fibreglass) Crevier Replica.... Haven't ridden with it yet.... Probably won't before March or so.... Fits nice and comfortable with well padded interior.... HJC's are built to high standards of quality, but tend to run a little noisier than Arai's and Shoie's.... Not much of an issue if you regularly use ear plugs, as I do.... They're popular with Canadian road racers.... As the Crevier Replica moniker suggests.... Best part is the price.... Paid $235 Cdn for this thing.... That's less than $150 US.... That's not a typo.... I've owned Shoie's in the past and can't stand cheapo helmets.... These HJC helmets are a bargain.... Also use an HJC Synmax flip-up style helmet.... Handy for group riding and touring: eases communication at lights, roadside route conferences and border crossings etc.... Well fitting and comfortable helmet....No Snell approval on the flip style lids though.... All HJC lids use high quality lexan shields.... Still have the original shield in my 5 year old HJC CL-10.... fwiw, Lornce |
Bads1
| Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 03:57 pm: |
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Nothing wrong with HJC helmets I also use them and have nothing but good to say about them.I bought a new one last year and had it custom painted.I'll post a picture later of it. |
Bluzm2
| Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 04:34 pm: |
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My new HJC AC-10 King Mingus should be waiting for me when I get home. Got a killer deal from a guy on the internet. Choptop posted a note a while back on Sac regarding this guy. He's bought two from him. AC-10 Mingus is around $230 most places, price including shipping was $178 and change from the "guy". He says he has any HJC helmet you want. I'll post info when I check out the goods at home. Brad |
Reepicheep
| Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 05:18 pm: |
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Lornce... the lack of a snell rating for the HJC is a total non-issue. Last I heard, snell has no testing critieria for flip fronts, so you could not get the rating even if you wanted it. I am now running the Schuberth Concept. Some cool features, but still has some room for improvement. |
Bluzm2
| Posted on Saturday, February 01, 2003 - 11:53 am: |
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I dont't much feel like typing right now due to the events of the morning but I said I would report when my HJC AC-10 King Mingus showed up. It arrived yesterday. Very very nice. I'm totally satisfied witht he new helmet. It came with a nice cloth drawstring bag, a chin curtain and a upper breath sheild for cold weather riding. The guys name is Mike his email is ATHER1023@aol.com I PayPal'd him on Monday, helmet was shipped Tuesday it arrived Friday. Couldn't ask for much more. Brad |
Kinger
| Posted on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 01:25 pm: |
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I have been doing more research on electric apparel. For those that are running the widder vest, do you use the arm chaps as well, or is it not necessary? I am leaning towards the Gerbing jacket liner. Anyone using this piece? What is everyones preference for control of the electric clothing, on/off or T-stat? Sparky - You said that an SAE connector helps prevent short circuiting. Are these easy to find? Thanks for all the help. Aaron |
Mistaandypants
| Posted on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 02:10 pm: |
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I have a Widder vest and just recently bought the arm chaps. They really help extend the temperature range you can ride in. I found with just the vest my arms would get really cold on my 30 min commute to work. Plus you can get by with just a long sleeve t-shirt under your jacket or aerostitch suit and the vest in really cold weather. The only advantage I see with the widder vest and chaps is that the warmth is closer to your body and there is not a lot of bulk with that set-up. I haven't tried any of the other brands but I have to say I'm not that impressed with the quality of vest, arm chaps, or wiring of the Widder stuff. It all seems pretty flimsy. It hasn't broken yet, but if I had to do it over I would probably go with aerostitch if it wasn't too bulky. Their stuff is pricey but always built like a tank. For short trips of an hour or less the on-off switch is fine. If you do a lot of touring and want more control I guess the thermostat would work well. It's pretty easy to just turn it off when it gets too warm. For the type of riding I do the most, the thermostat would be overkill. |
Hootowl
| Posted on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 03:44 pm: |
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I'm in the market for a pair of boots. They must be: All black. No fancy streaks or neon thank you. Waterproof. I want to be able to stand in six inch deep water for an hour and not get wet. Less than $250 Your thoughtful insights will be appreciated. |
Sparky
| Posted on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 04:22 pm: |
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Kinger, Radio Shack has 'em and most auto parts'll have them in the trailer wiring section. They're packaged as a small wire harness with 2 plugs. Sparky |
Davegess
| Posted on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 04:34 pm: |
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I have a Widder vest. It is my second one, I "out grew" the first one. Works fine, I would buy chaps before sleves. My legs seem to get cold not my arms. If doing it again I would probably add the Aerostich electic liner to my Darin jacket. It would be less bulky than the jacket liner and vest. I also have the thermostat control and it is useful. I bought the cheaper, larger one as i can keep it in my pocket an turn it up or down with my gloves on from outside the pocket. It has a big old fashioned knob on it. |
Sarodude
| Posted on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 05:07 pm: |
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FWIW, I bought Loli some Gerbing stuff last Christmas. Not yet 100% sure of the products (strange boughts of warm weather) but they sure do seem like good folks. Nice thing about Gerbing is that I believe they have a lifetime warranty on the heating elements. Additionally, they kinda work with you and I think will electrify most reasonable pieces of clothing. Take this all with a shaker full of salt and visit their website posted above... -Saro |
Josh
| Posted on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 05:09 pm: |
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I have Widder vest and gloves. After a few years of use the liner is coming out of the gloves, plus I find I need to rebuild electrical parts at least once a month. (They tout the easy-to-fix component of the connectors, I just wish you didn't have to do it so often) A friend made his own elec vest using heating elements sewn into a windbreaker. Works great, cost him $40. josh |
Vindigni714
| Posted on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 02:02 am: |
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Anyone intersted in a new riding jacket? I have a few for sale, new without tags(X'mas-GIFTS) 1.New Buell Vanson Bomber Black Leather Jacket. Very heavy,Suede sleeves,Leather-"BUELL" logo raised lettering on back. Great jacket! Sz-Md List...$575.00, asking...$250.00+ship. 2.Black Joe Rocket 3.0 Meteor,Sz-M(New also gift) List...$200.00, asking...$125.00+ship. Thanks, trying to get some new parts for my S1. Johnny Vindigni,Sr |
H_Man
| Posted on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 10:00 am: |
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Hey Hootowl, I have the Oxtar Matrix boots. They're made w/ Gore-tex. The fit is comfortable and roomy enough so thicker socks for chiller days or mornings doesn't lead to a tight fit and getting cold due to restricted blood flow. I know what you mean about wanting "low profile" appearance boots. These boots will fit the bill in that regard. I haven't been caught in a heavy downpour with them, but per the write up "Motorcycle Consumer News" gave these boots, I'd say they're definitely good to go. Here's a link to New Enough (they don't just sell used stuff) to check out the Oxtar boots. I've done business with New Enough before. Their customer service and prices are great. http://www.newenough.com/boots_gloves/oxtar_street_boots.htm H-man |
Hootowl
| Posted on Thursday, February 13, 2003 - 10:34 am: |
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Thanks H-Man. Those are EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Right down to the part about standing in six inches of water. |
Ara
| Posted on Friday, March 28, 2003 - 12:35 pm: |
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If you can get past the obnoxious appearance and don't mind a little work to break in a pair of gloves that are made out of really heavy leather, the Icon Ti Max gloves are probably the most protective motorcycle gloves possible. They're now available with or without gauntlets and in colors. Best deal I've found is at www.kneedraggers.com, a very responsive and first-rate outfit. I have no affiliations except that of being a satisfied customer. |