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Title: Mark's
Riding Gear
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Last Updated: |
January 12, 2009 |
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Published Date: |
June 3, 2007 |
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Nolan N102 + NCOM Flip Front
Since switching from
the LT to the RT, I decided a flip front helmet was a good
choice. The first few months riding in late winter and early
spring have proven that choice correct. The VPS visor is nice,
but I ride with it up most of the time. Having the ability to
quickly drop it down, as worked well.
I did purchase the
N-COM option in case they fix the Bluetooth issues in a few
years. This option was only $10.00 more. |
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AST Touring Jacket by Olympia
I love this jacket.
The ability to have one jacket that is an "all year" jacket is
great. The ability to unzip the outer shell and have a mesh
jacket in the summer is great.
The jacket fits
perfect and much better than the AST Touring Jacket (below). |
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Ranger II pants by Olympia
My
pants work well. They provide great warmth, wind protection and
reflective ability at night. However, I received some bum advice when buying from
my local dealer. I was told that most everyone rides with long
pants or blue jeans so I should be a larger size to allow room.
I quickly learned that this is not true for most long distance
riders; we ride with shorts or bicycle
pants underneath. I was talked into buying a larger size, thus now I
have to wear suspenders to hold them up or they fall down.
Other than having the wrong size, the pants work very well and I am happy with
their comfort and protection. |
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After
reading the review written by Mandy Langston in the October 2007
issue in BMWMOA
 magazine, I decided to try a pair of
Sokz riding
socks. The many pair of socks I had tried in the past never meet
the requirements of long distance riding.
Side Note: My order arrived incorrectly (wrong style). I emailed
the company and within one day received a reply email that my
new pair was on the way. Period. No hassles or BS. This is
customer service that I do not find that often - Thanks Sokz! |
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BMW AirFlow 2 Boot. After trying many different boots, I decided
on these. They have a zipper on the side to secure the
boot while they are still easy to get in and out of; along with
easy to walk around in after riding.
I bought them at
Cycle Specialties BMW in Modesto CA for $188.37. |
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Not finding another pair of good riding shorts,
I decided to try a pair of
LD Comfort
 Dryline riding shorts. While I have not used the
shorts on an IBA ride yet to really test them; the day rides I
have proven the riding shorts to work well.
Ordering was easy and I received my shorts in about five
calendar days. Total cost was $51.68 |
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With such a great expiernece with my riding shorts from LD Comfort,
purchased thier mens tights to wear under my
Ranger II pants (above).
Ordering was easy and I received my shorts in about five calendar days. Total
cost was $64.45
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Past Equipment
The following
equipment is what I use. (except gloves). Since moving from the LT to
the RT, I switched to all new clothing including boots.
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Arai Classic/c
I
purchased the J&M integrated helmet that connects to my BMW
VOICEII communication system on the LT. The helmet and speakers have
worked well.Moving to the RT, the helmet did not work well and in cold
weather my face froze.
This Helmet is for sale. |
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AST Touring Jacket by Olympia
This
is the most annoying and
load jacket I have ever seen. But, that means that I have an
improved chance of being seen by blind motorist out on the road.The
jacket is plenty warm, but does not breath well in warm weather.
In the greater Sacramento valley the temperature can easily run
100+. In this heat, the jacket is a sweat box, but I never ride
without it.
The
main reason I left this jacket was the fit around the neck (very
rough on the neck) and lack of airflow. |
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