Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: ZG on October 27, 2012, 05:03:32 PM
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So I decided to finally break down and get some GOOD winter gear for the coming cold/wet riding season...
Here's the list of what I went with, I'm really pleased with all of it, tested in full this week in the now wet PNW. I'm planning to do more wet weather commuting this year than in past, something about riding to/from work is mentaly rewarding for me and helps clear my head (even if it's wet/cold). :)
Alpinestars Long Range 2 Drystar jacket:
http://www.alpinestars.com/shop/categories/moto/jackets/waterproof/long-range-2-drystar-jacket/ (http://www.alpinestars.com/shop/categories/moto/jackets/waterproof/long-range-2-drystar-jacket/)
Alpinestars Super Tech Touring Gore-Tex boots:
http://www.alpinestars.com/shop/categories/moto/footwear/touringroad-riding/super-tech-touring-goretex/ (http://www.alpinestars.com/shop/categories/moto/footwear/touringroad-riding/super-tech-touring-goretex/)
Tourmaster Caliber pants (I actually bought these last year but will include in this list to make it complete):
http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=173&cat=4 (http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=173&cat=4)
Gerbings T5 heated gloves:
http://gerbing.com/Products/Gloves/T5.php (http://gerbing.com/Products/Gloves/T5.php)
Gerbings heated jacket liner:
http://gerbing.com/Products/Liners/heatedjacketliner.php (http://gerbing.com/Products/Liners/heatedjacketliner.php)
Gerbings heated socks:
http://gerbing.com/Products/socks.php (http://gerbing.com/Products/socks.php)
Please post up what gear you're using on this thread and maybe we can have this be a good depository for future, maybe even a sticky thread if Sparky finds it worthy... ;) :chugbeer:
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Cant go wrong with the Gerbing headed Jacket liner. Leather jacket on top of that and torso is good at least into the 30's
hands I got a pair of thinsulate gloves from Cyclegear for $40, ok.... but a bit bulky for my liking, and at 30* the cold can start peeking thru even with the grip heaters on.
legs a pair of CycleGear Storm H20 pants over jeans. At 30* the cold can peek thru on longer rides, A pair of heated legs would solve virtually all problems.
I never felt like I needed haeted insoles, but maby I haven't riden long enough in cold enough.
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I have an old Widder heated vest I use and that is probably the most important part of low-temp clothing. If you keep your core warm, then that really enables anything. Best money spent yet.
The stock heated grips are great. The heated Sargent seat is probably overkill, I got it just because it seemed like the right thing to do, but it is probably the least needed thing. My main problem is that I tied the jacket into the seat controller, and the seat gets INCREDIBLY (uncomfortably) hot when I have the jacket to the right temp. Some day I will have to separate the controls or put a bias control between the two or something.
In the 40's, my legs tend to get cold, especially the outer sides of my thighs, even wearing long acrylic underwear under jeans + heavy leather chaps.
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Winter gear in this thread ----> http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11313.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11313.0)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/iconhammer.gif)
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+ heavy leather chaps.
:-X ;)
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:-X ;)
Leather is very effective at not only blocking wind but also abrasion protection. Also easily removed when you reach your destination, as it zips over the pants. Plus you are not having to sit on any additional layers.
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Leather is very effective at not only blocking wind but also abrasion protection. Also easily removed when you reach your destination, as it zips over the pants. Plus you are not having to sit on any additional layers.
This is true, last pretty much forever too.
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Leather is very effective at not only blocking wind but also abrasion protection. Also easily removed when you reach your destination, as it zips over the pants. Plus you are not having to sit on any additional layers.
I don't disagree with the protection of leather Max, it was "chaps" that threw me... :-\
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Nice set-up. Growing up on the shore of Lake Superior and now living in Minnesota the only way to extend the riding season is to dress for it. Learning from our snowmobile brothers and experience dressing in layers or the bulkier suits work best for me. Keep the clothing loose enough so your body can heat the air in between your skin and your clothes. It doesn't matter what the "R-factor" is, if it's too tight it won't keep you warm. "Staying warm isn't a fashion statement" (my pop. . .commercial fisherman - Lake Superior). .
. . .but riding in the Oregon winter rain, well that's just plain crazy!!!
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Nice set-up. Growing up on the shore of Lake Superior and now living in Minnesota the only way to extend the riding season is to dress for it. Learning from our snowmobile brothers and experience dressing in layers or the bulkier suits work best for me. Keep the clothing loose enough so your body can heat the air in between your skin and your clothes. It doesn't matter what the "R-factor" is, if it's too tight it won't keep you warm. "Staying warm isn't a fashion statement" (my pop. . .commercial fisherman - Lake Superior). .
. . .but riding in the Oregon winter rain, well that's just plain crazy!!!
+1 That's what sleds and the mountains are for. ;D
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I have a couple of things in common with you, those being;
Gerbings T5 heated gloves:
http://gerbing.com/Products/Gloves/T5.php (http://gerbing.com/Products/Gloves/T5.php)
Gerbings heated jacket liner:
http://gerbing.com/Products/Liners/heatedjacketliner.php (http://gerbing.com/Products/Liners/heatedjacketliner.php)
however on top of it all, I really like my 'stitch;
http://www.aerostich.com/suits/one-piece-suits/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit.html (http://www.aerostich.com/suits/one-piece-suits/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit.html)
And a pair of Columbia over-the-ankle waterproof hiking boots to round things out.
It was an interesting path for me. Boots & Stitch first. Then, after a 35 minute commute to work, and noticing that my fingers were about frozen solid, the gloves, Once my fingers were thawed, I realized that my core was cold too, and thus the jacket.
No regrets on any of it.
Jeff
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two buddies and I did a blue ridge parkway ride. We all have the Caliber pants. They are waterproof so we didn't stop when it started raining. All three pair leaked in the crotch. >:( The next day I wore my frogg toggs inside the pants because they weren't yet dry.
I don't let the weather stop me from riding. It does slow me down though.
My cold and wet weather gear consists of:
Boots:
Teknic touring boots with dry-star membrane
TCX Infinity Gore-tex boots
Gloves:
Alpinestars Jet Gore-tex gloves
Tourmaster Polar-tex gloves
Tourmaster Synergy all leather heated gloves
Jackets:
To many to mention them all, but the tourmaster Flex probably gets the most cold weather use since it is very cold in the mornings and only cool in the afternoons.
Northface Gore-tex mountain jacket and pants serve as rain gear.
Pants:
Tourmaster Caliber Pants
Leather Chaps for the cruisers because exhaust will melt plastic pants.
Heated Liners:
Tourmaster Synergy heated vest liner with collar
Tourmaster Synergy heated jacket liner.
Misc:
Balaclava purchased from a ski shop. It has a harder foam piece that goes over the mouth so it doesn't put pressure on your lips.
Several different weight neck gaiters
Some of the Cold out gear from cycle gear
Thick hunting socks
For all day downpours I also have overboots, overgloves, and reflective vest. Even though the gore-tex keeps you dry, if the outside material gets wet the cold created by the wind will suck the heat out of you.
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two buddies and I did a blue ridge parkway ride. We all have the Caliber pants. They are waterproof so we didn't stop when it started raining. All three pair leaked in the crotch. >:( The next day I wore my frogg toggs inside the pants because they weren't yet dry.
I don't let the weather stop me from riding. It does slow me down though.
My cold and wet weather gear consists of:
Boots:
Teknic touring boots with dry-star membrane
TCX Infinity Gore-tex boots
Gloves:
Alpinestars Jet Gore-tex gloves
Tourmaster Polar-tex gloves
Tourmaster Synergy all leather heated gloves
Jackets:
To many to mention them all, but the tourmaster Flex probably gets the most cold weather use since it is very cold in the mornings and only cool in the afternoons.
Northface Gore-tex mountain jacket and pants serve as rain gear.
Pants:
Tourmaster Caliber Pants
Leather Chaps for the cruisers because exhaust will melt plastic pants.
Heated Liners:
Tourmaster Synergy heated vest liner with collar
Tourmaster Synergy heated jacket liner.
Misc:
Balaclava purchased from a ski shop. It has a harder foam piece that goes over the mouth so it doesn't put pressure on your lips.
Several different weight neck gaiters
Some of the Cold out gear from cycle gear
Thick hunting socks
For all day downpours I also have overboots, overgloves, and reflective vest. Even though the gore-tex keeps you dry, if the outside material gets wet the cold created by the wind will suck the heat out of you.
Reading your list reminded me of the Red Rider Christmas special. Thats a lot of gear!!
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Man if I had a unlimited credit card. I don't have crap.
Uninsulated L.L.Bean hunting boots.
L.L.Bean 5 pocket jeans(same as Levis 550 or 560).
Gauntlet ski gloves by Grondoe.
Columbia's cheapest 3 in 1 parka.
Couple sweatshirts.
HEATED GRIPS! And away we go.
I have run almost 2 hours to work at 26 degrees so far this year. I always stop at the halfway point for my Dunkin Donuts Coffee.
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It looks like you have a pretty good list there J! You forgot the heated codpiece though. ;)
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That comes later at around 5 degrees. Just a hat will suffice.
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Man if I had a unlimited credit card. I don't have crap.
Uninsulated L.L.Bean hunting boots.
L.L.Bean 5 pocket jeans(same as Levis 550 or 560).
Gauntlet ski gloves by Grondoe.
Columbia's cheapest 3 in 1 parka.
Couple sweatshirts.
Do you not have a motorcycle jacket? If not, I strongly recommend it. Non-motorcycle clothing is not designed to protect in the event of a fall- is not strong, has no armor, has no energy absorption material, has no abrasion resistance.
Anyone that can afford a $15,000 sports tourer can afford $200 for a motorcycle jacket....
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however on top of it all, I really like my 'stitch;
http://www.aerostich.com/suits/one-piece-suits/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit.html (http://www.aerostich.com/suits/one-piece-suits/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit.html)
Ya agreed, Stich is some great gear indeed, I had their gear on my research list as well and heard nothing but good things about it. :thumbs:
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two buddies and I did a blue ridge parkway ride. We all have the Caliber pants. They are waterproof so we didn't stop when it started raining. All three pair leaked in the crotch. >:( The next day I wore my frogg toggs inside the pants because they weren't yet dry.
:o
Oh, that's not good... :(
I haven't done any mass downpours for long distance yet with them but this is good to know. One of my challenges in my pants search is that I'm short and not everybody makes pants in different length's, the Tourmaster Caliber pants are available in shorter lengths and that was one of the reasons I got em...
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It looks like you have a pretty good list there J! You forgot the heated codpiece though. ;)
Does my heated Corbin seat count C? ;) ;D
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So I decided to finally break down and get some GOOD winter gear for the coming cold/wet riding season...
I'm planning to do more wet weather commuting this year than in past, something about riding to/from work is mentaly rewarding for me and helps clear my head (even if it's wet/cold). :)
Alpinestars Long Range 2 Drystar jacket:
http://www.alpinestars.com/shop/categories/moto/jackets/waterproof/long-range-2-drystar-jacket/ (http://www.alpinestars.com/shop/categories/moto/jackets/waterproof/long-range-2-drystar-jacket/)
Living in Texas, ventilation was higher priority on my list for clothing than rain protection, so right now my jacket and pants need the liners zipped in to keep me dry. If I lived in the PNW I'm sure I would have the water/rain protection incorporated on the outside layer of the jacket and pants instead of needing a liner.
ZG, it seems that your pants are water protected on the outside but your jacket requires a liner. I'm curious about the thought that went into your jacket selection over say something that has the water protection on the outside like....Olympia AST II or Tourmaster Epic as examples.
I'm not being critical here, I'm just trying to learn from others as I've made some gear mistakes that I don't want to repeat. I was planning on getting a jacket and pants for a trip to Idaho next year that had the rain protection incorporated on the outside instead of liners. Your thoughts?
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Second on the "Stich".
Its the only thing different between my summer gear and winter gear. Trafic around here sucks!!! I aint moving fast enough to get cold
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ZG, it seems that your pants are water protected on the outside but your jacket requires a liner. I'm curious about the thought that went into your jacket selection over say something that has the water protection on the outside like....Olympia AST II or Tourmaster Epic as examples.
I'm not being critical here, I'm just trying to learn from others as I've made some gear mistakes that I don't want to repeat. I was planning on getting a jacket and pants for a trip to Idaho next year that had the rain protection incorporated on the outside instead of liners. Your thoughts?
Yep, a valid concern FM... I looked at so many different jackets over the past month my head was spinning, lot's of choices out there these days. In the end I found that this Long Range 2 had pretty much everything I was wanting and allowed nice scaling up or down with layers etc and even vents if it got too warm. My prior winter jacket (that I just replaced with this one after a half dozen years) was also a Drystar and I never had any issues with getting wet, so I just went with my gut and pushed forward with buying this one. Time will probably tell more, but after a week so far of wearing it (4 of those days being wet) I'm happy with it so far. :)
The Olympia AST II and Tourmaster Epic that you mentioned were included in my research as well and I did like things about both of those too...
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If you want to be well underway on the C14 warm feet, everything else is on the outside temperature of 2 degrees Celsius.
http://youtu.be/GY4EQwZag6E (http://youtu.be/GY4EQwZag6E)
MGvalerio. 8)
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If I need that much to be comfortable, dry and warm to ride, my ass aint riding.
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Yeah, yeah, but what about the rest of you?
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Yeah, yeah, but what about the rest of you?
The rest follows my ass. ;)
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Roadcrafter with jeans and t-shirt underneath, when the single digits hit I add a long-sleeve shirt.
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Roadcrafter with jeans and t-shirt underneath, when the single digits hit I add a long-sleeve shirt.
Which one do you have JC?
I looked at the "Stealth" one piece, looked pretty sweet! :thumbs:
http://www.aerostich.com/stealth-roadcrafter-one-piece.html (http://www.aerostich.com/stealth-roadcrafter-one-piece.html)
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Which one do you have JC?
I looked at the "Stealth" one piece, looked pretty sweet! :thumbs:
http://www.aerostich.com/stealth-roadcrafter-one-piece.html (http://www.aerostich.com/stealth-roadcrafter-one-piece.html)
I have the full weight model, black with the yellow ballistic panels. It’s a little stiff when it gets real cold, but between the windshield up and heated grips I really don’t feel much until it hits the teens or lower. I bought 2 seasons before they made the waterproof zipper standard so if I don’t velcro over the main zipper just right my crotch gets wet, this has only happened once though. I am sending it in to have the waterproof zipper installed along with velcro on the knees for pucks ;). Most tracks allow roadcrafters now.
Disclaimer...I am extremely cold tolerant due to growing up in New England, results may vary!
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Yes I know I could use more motorcycle specific gear. I do wear enough in the winter for an under 40 mph crash. Tested it. But at fast speeds and mid summer I would clearly be wishing I was wearing more.
For the rain I wear a BMW 1-piece rain suit and boot covers. Keeps me perfectly dry.
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Anyone with experience with phase change garments?
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Anyone with experience with phase change garments?
Link?
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Link?
http://www.outlast.com/ (http://www.outlast.com/)
http://roadgear.com/adaptive-jacket-p-45.html (http://roadgear.com/adaptive-jacket-p-45.html)
http://workingperson.com/workwear-1/underwear/thermal-underwear/kenyon-underwear-black-outlast-thermal-underwear-top-587-bk.html#reviews (http://workingperson.com/workwear-1/underwear/thermal-underwear/kenyon-underwear-black-outlast-thermal-underwear-top-587-bk.html#reviews)
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http://www.outlast.com/ (http://www.outlast.com/)
http://roadgear.com/adaptive-jacket-p-45.html (http://roadgear.com/adaptive-jacket-p-45.html)
http://workingperson.com/workwear-1/underwear/thermal-underwear/kenyon-underwear-black-outlast-thermal-underwear-top-587-bk.html#reviews (http://workingperson.com/workwear-1/underwear/thermal-underwear/kenyon-underwear-black-outlast-thermal-underwear-top-587-bk.html#reviews)
Nope, I haven't heard anything about it, is it just clothing to wear under your gear?
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The underwear in the last link would make a good base layer if it works as advertised. The price is reasonable enough. I think a set is on my short list. As much as I dislike the cold I'm going to give it a try.
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If I need that much to be comfortable, dry and warm to ride, my ass aint riding.
Any day riding is better than any other form of transportation. Considering that I don't personally own a car, I'll ride thank you.
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Any day riding is better than any other form of transportation. Considering that I don't personally own a car, I'll ride thank you.
You obviously don't live in Ohio. ;) See a horse trailer in the background, assuming you own a truck?
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Fai Da Te . ;D
Knobs,
Sella,
Trunk compartment,
Back Trunch,
Footwear,
All heated to 12 volts.
http://youtu.be/4pXbwHboUw8 (http://youtu.be/4pXbwHboUw8)
MGvalerio. 8)
MGvalerio. 8)
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You obviously don't live in Ohio. ;) See a horse trailer in the background, assuming you own a truck?
That is my wife's horse trailer. She is the cowgirl. Her truck.
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I use Revit Orion gore tex gloves.... they are pretty awesome and prob the best piece of gear I have for the winter is a Klim balaclava. The neck is gore windstopper and the head is coolmax so it doesn't interfere with helmet sizing at all. I also wear Hot Chillys under my Olympia Ranger2 pants. No heated gear and I'm good into the high 20s... low 30s for several hours.
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Give the Olympia Ranger 2 pants a shot. I have a 30" inseam and they are easily hemmed at your local tailor shop. There is a good 4" of room for hemming before you get to the zipper and snap for the liner. I had mine hemmed to about 32" and are perfect when on the bike. These pants are fantastic in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Too much for Summer as they have a waterproof layer into the shell and the Cordura is very thick. No wind gets in at all.... I ride in underwear only into the 40s and only need the liner below that. There are also extremely useful pockets on the thighs like cargo pants as well as 2 pockets on the rear and slip in pockets on front like jeans as well. Might find them cheap since the 3 is out.
:o
Oh, that's not good... :(
I haven't done any mass downpours for long distance yet with them but this is good to know. One of my challenges in my pants search is that I'm short and not everybody makes pants in different length's, the Tourmaster Caliber pants are available in shorter lengths and that was one of the reasons I got em...
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Give the Olympia Ranger 2 pants a shot. I have a 30" inseam and they are easily hemmed at your local tailor shop. There is a good 4" of room for hemming before you get to the zipper and snap for the liner. I had mine hemmed to about 32" and are perfect when on the bike. These pants are fantastic in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Too much for Summer as they have a waterproof layer into the shell and the Cordura is very thick. No wind gets in at all.... I ride in underwear only into the 40s and only need the liner below that. There are also extremely useful pockets on the thighs like cargo pants as well as 2 pockets on the rear and slip in pockets on front like jeans as well. Might find them cheap since the 3 is out.
I don't see the 2 listed on their site, probably because as you said the 3 is out now. Anyway, here's the link to them with a video as well...
http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog/vent-tech/mens-ranger-3-over-pant/ (http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog/vent-tech/mens-ranger-3-over-pant/)
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Yeah... they look to be about the same as the 2 except it looks like they beefed up the cordura 1500 to 2000 in abrasive areas. I'm sure it's still a great over pant. Revzilla has some current reviews.
I don't see the 2 listed on their site, probably because as you said the 3 is out now. Anyway, here's the link to them with a video as well...
http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog/vent-tech/mens-ranger-3-over-pant/ (http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog/vent-tech/mens-ranger-3-over-pant/)
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So I'm not sure how this happened, ok I guess I do... but I just bought an Aerostich Roadcrafter one piece suit... :o (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/facepalm.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/hiding.gif)
It started out very inocent, I was looking on ebay last night for something for Jeremy (just trying to help a brutha out) and came across some used one piece "Stich" suits and became intrigued because so many of you were raving about em on here...
I went to the Stich site and filled out the "size me" section to determine my size to see if any of those ebay ones were by chance my size, if one could be had cheap enough I was intrigued... :-\
I got an email from Stich this morning saying I would be a 44L and need alterations to legs and arms... :o
It suprised me because I thought I'd be a 42S from their sizing chart, but they said due to my length from crotch to neck is so long ( ;) :-X ) that a 42S would not work and would give me basically an uncomfortable camel toe... :o . He said I need a 44L to fit my crotch to neck measurement and then have about 3" taken out of the leg and arm length.
So we went on to talk about cost for new and with the needed alterations it was gonna be like $1200 all said and done, which was way too much $ since I already have winter gear...
I asked them out of curiosity how long the lead time was, he said about 6 weeks right now, that pretty much sealed it for me that this aint happening, at least not this year, and I was ok with that. :-\
So a couple hours later I'm poking around on their site looking at other stuff and notice this section called "sale", it's basically one off stuff that for whatever reason was custom made and then the buyer didn't buy... here's the link:
http://www.aerostich.com/sale/roadcrafters/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit (http://www.aerostich.com/sale/roadcrafters/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit)
Low and behold I see a 44L suit in blk/blk (which is the color combo I wanted ;D 8) ) that had been cut 3" in the arms and legs, and the price is only $765! ???
So I call the guy back and tell him about it and ask if this would work for me, he said oh ya I totally forgot about that suit but yes it should and is brand new! He said if it didn't work I could always have it sent back in to be altered, although that would put me back in the 6 week wait timeframe due to their current workload on alterations...
He then went on to say that they were running a special for free shipping and that they have a 30 day return policy so if I wanted to at least try it and it didn't fit right they would refund all my $ and I just pay shipping back to them. Plus, since it's already cut/altered and ready to go they could ship it out today, no 6 week wait!!! ;D
I thought about it for about 30 seconds and then said sure, why not! ;) I figure worste case all I'm out is $20 for shipping to at least try it on for fit... :)
Sorry for the long read, but it just felt like such a perfect storm coming together I couldn't pass it up and share the background on it, wish me luck on the sizing/fit. :)
40% off a brand new suit in the color combo I wanted and in stock to ship today with what sounds like the alterations I'd need done already done. 8)
I'll let you know when it arrives, but if it's as much the cat's pajama's as you folks on here say it looks like I'll be selling off the jacket/pants I currently have... :-\
Now comes the wait, he said I should have it mid next week... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wait.gif)
Here's the suit, I screen printed this before they took it down off the sale section... click it to enlarge.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/Untitled.jpg)
Thank you Jeremy for guiding me to buy something I didn't even know I needed 24 hours ago... :) :chugbeer:
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Sure thing Jay, always here to help you spend your money!
I followed your lead and went with Alpinestars winter gear. Total for the whole setup was only $280 since I found both steeply discounted since they are several model years old. Good reviews on both so I should be happy.
ST-5 Drystar pant and Space Drystar jacket.
(http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/2008_Alpinestars_Space_Drystar_Jacket_Black.jpg)
(http://www.velocitypowersports.com/images/products/ST-5_Drystar_Pant_Image.jpg)
I will have a review after I get some miles on the bike with them.
On another note. I will never do business with Motorcycle Closeouts again. Horrible return/exchange policy. ::)
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Jay, I don't think you are going to like a one piece suit. PIA to get in and out of. I saw Jeremy's thread and was going to post that I once had a one piece rain suit and absolutely hated it just for that reason, but I saved it for this thread I guess. :-\
I love my two piece Tourmaster setup.
My two cents
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Sure thing Jay, always here to help you spend your money!
:rotflmao: :chugbeer:
I followed your lead and went with Alpinestars winter gear. Total for the whole setup was only $280 since I found both steeply discounted since they are several model years old. Good reviews on both so I should be happy.
Sweet, congrats JM, that's a great price indeed! I've always worn Alpinestars gear and have never been dissapointed, quality stuff IMO! :thumbs: :chugbeer:
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Jay, I don't think you are going to like a one piece suit. PIA to get in and out of. I saw Jeremy's thread and was going to post that I once had a one piece rain suit and absolutely hated it just for that reason, but I saved it for this thread I guess. :-\
I love my two piece Tourmaster setup.
My two cents
That's actually what I really like about the Stich design, one zipper from neck to ankle, check it out Gumbi... :thumbs:
Aerostich Roadcrafter Light One Piece Suit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nknhqMLXgc#ws)
It's been taking me 10 minutes to gear up/down with my current 2 piece, this suit looks to take about 10 seconds... 8)
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One can only hope it is that easy. I think the only reason it is taking you 10-15 minutes is because you are putting all your new heated gear on too. Remember I told you the heated gear is a PIA. Don't get me wrong, I love my heated gear but I will not use it to ride back and forth to work, only long weekend rides.
Your slacks and dress shirt may be dry when you get to work but their gonna be wrinkeld. ;D
Another two cents.................
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I think the only reason it is taking you 10-15 minutes is because you are putting all your new heated gear on too. Remember I told you the heated gear is a PIA. Don't get me wrong, I love my heated gear but I will not use it to ride back and forth to work, only long weekend rides.
Nope, I only have the heated jacket liner, socks, and gloves. The socks go on fast before I put my boots on, the jacket liner is just like putting on a... well a jacket liner I guess ;) , and the gloves take no longer to put on then my regular gloves.
This morning it was 37 when I left the house (first sub-40 morning this fall), I was toasty warm all the way to work, and I actually even texted the wife when I got to the office to say "wow, this heated gear rocks! Why did I wait so long to do this?"... ;D
Your slacks and dress shirt may be dry when you get to work but their gonna be wrinkeld. ;D
I don't see a one-piece wrinkling my clothes any more than my two-piece currently does... Do you know something I don't? ???
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Jay, I don't think you are going to like a one piece suit. PIA to get in and out of. I saw Jeremy's thread and was going to post that I once had a one piece rain suit and absolutely hated it just for that reason, but I saved it for this thread I guess. :-\
I love my two piece Tourmaster setup.
My two cents
After trying on the Olympia I came to that conclusion also. To much velcro to get lined up. I will stick with two piece setups unless I start doing Iron Butt rides regularly.
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I like one piece.......... only on track days. and even then they're a PITA :D
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The socks go on fast before I put my boots on,
Ya, that's probably better than the other way. ::)
the gloves take no longer to put on then my regular gloves.
Your better then me then cause I find plugging them into the jacket liner is a PITA
This morning it was 37 when I left the house (first sub-40 morning this fall), I was toasty warm all the way to work
Me too, no heated gear. Turned on the grips and seat though.
I don't see a one-piece wrinkling my clothes any more than my two-piece currently does... Do you know something I don't? ???
Probably not. The only thing I know is I like beer ;D :chugbeer:
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The only thing I know is I like beer ;D :chugbeer:
Ya, I've known that since like what... 1985?? ;) ;D :chugbeer:
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Child...
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I only have heated grips and I have ridden when it was 12 degrees with no problems. Heated gear would be nice though.........
Oh, and how old are you guys? I was in pre-school in 1985. ;D
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puppy
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Oh, and how old are you guys? I was in pre-school in 1985. ;D
Old enough, young whipper snapper..
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Old enough, young whipper snapper..
Was your first set of winter gear made out of a buffalo pelt?
(http://www.michaeljgulidesigns.com/img/buffalo_coat_main_R.jpg)
Having a good coat during the ice age was a big deal from what I have read. ;D
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A little older than the pic above....see my avatar. Two piece, with helmet and boots. Year round usage, although a might chilly in the winter. Tends to rust a bit as well.
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Are you related to this guy?
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tb0lPrx995U/TKP7GgPORkI/AAAAAAAAA-4/MGtgEr7GgtY/s1600/tin-man.jpg)
;D
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Cousin in the colonies.
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High of only 77 degrees in Tampa today....folks are breaking out cold weather gear!
I have my heated suit ready for the Shack by the track ride early Saturday morning, should be around 45 when I leave Tampa 8)
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I don't even wear an extra layer unless it is under 40.
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Oh, and how old are you guys? I was in pre-school in 1985. ;D
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/emoticons/anger_management.gif)
High of only 77 degrees in Tampa today....
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/emoticons/anger_management.gif)
32 degrees riding in this morning. Tourmaster gear w/o liners, and I was nice and warm the whole 8 miles. ;D
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I don't even wear an extra layer unless it is under 40.
I am very uncomfortable in the 40's for any ride more than 20 min, even with a heated vest, seat, and grips; and that is wearing a full wind/waterproof jacket with insulated liner, acrylic socks, and heavy leather chaps. My problem spots are my face, mid/upper arms, and thighs (mostly sides, but also tops).
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Are you related to this guy?
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Tb0lPrx995U/TKP7GgPORkI/AAAAAAAAA-4/MGtgEr7GgtY/s1600/tin-man.jpg)
;D
Jim doesn't inhale like that dude.
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I am very uncomfortable in the 40's for any ride more than 20 min, even with a heated vest, seat, and grips; and that is wearing a full wind/waterproof jacket with insulated liner, acrylic socks, and heavy leather chaps. My problem spots are my face, mid/upper arms, and thighs (mostly sides, but also tops).
:o
Maybe you need to move to the sun Max... ;)
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Don't forget this:
(http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/dunlop/du_graspic_ds3_ci2_l.jpg)
Now is the time to upgrade to a car snow tire.
:popcorn:
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Don't forget this:
(http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/dunlop/du_graspic_ds3_ci2_l.jpg)
Now is the time to upgrade to a car snow tire.
:popcorn:
What is this "snow tire" phenomenon you mention
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:cannon:
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:cannon:
:rotflmao:
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Oh, and how old are you guys? I was in pre-school in 1985. ;D
You run along now young Jeremy, I think I hear your little playground friends calling for you. ;D
ahh... 1985 I remember it well, the year I became eligible (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_candidacy_laws_in_the_United_States#Federal_government) to run for POTUS. ::)
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Oh, and how old are you guys? I was in pre-school in 1985. ;D
In 1985 I was 20 years older than my wife, and she was one.
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geez, talk about robbing the cradle.
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Let's see....
TourMaster Trinity jacket
TourMaster Synergy Heated Vest (with the high collar)
TourMaster Overpant
Joe Rocket Orbit Boots
(TCX X-Squared for warmer riding)
Heated Grips
I use a pair of glove liners (knit) under my textile gloves until it gets below 40 then I'll use the leather.
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You run along now young Jeremy, I think I hear your little playground friends calling for you. ;D
ahh... 1985 I remember it well, the year I became eligible (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_candidacy_laws_in_the_United_States#Federal_government) to run for POTUS. ::)
Sigh, I'm not eligible.
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geez, talk about robbing the cradle.
:rotflmao:
Nah, I didn't get her until much later, and then she robbed me.
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My wife and I both love our heated jacket liners and gloves by Warm And Safe. http://www.warmnsafe.com/ (http://www.warmnsafe.com/)The owner Mike Coan is a rider and a great guy and he gives our club (MSTA) a 20% discount and great customer service.
My wife also loves the pant liners and socks but due to the heat the Concours put on my legs I have no need for the leg warmers. So rather than running the wires down my pants for the socks I tried these heated insoles with the battery built in and wireless control.http://www.thermacell.com/heated-insoles-foot-warmers (http://www.thermacell.com/heated-insoles-foot-warmers)
They work, your toes don't get cold. The charge only lasts about 3 hours on high but about 5 on low and low is good enough. I also put the soles in my hunting boots for sitting in the deer stand.
Warm and Safe also sells a 7 volt battery pack which will power the jacket liner. Also great under my camo jacket instead of bulky layers.
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Jay, I don't think you are going to like a one piece suit. PIA to get in and out of.
Hey ZG, if it eases your mind at all, I have it down to less than 30 seconds donning and doffing my Roadcrafter. That is fully clothed, with boots on, in the dark, bad knee, and sore back ;D. SUPER easy...
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This is what I saw when riding this past weekend.
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/twowheeladdict/DSCN7546sm.jpg)
Heated grips, seat, and jacket liner do come in handy.
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This is what I saw when riding this past weekend.
I would *NEVER* ride a motorcycle anywhere there was a chance of snow or ice on the road! I would be down in an instant.
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This is what I saw when riding this past weekend.
:yikes:
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That was approaching the summit of Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi.
The snowy patches were only in the shade. The Blue Ridge Parkway was closed south of Mount Mitchel.
The Concours needed tires so I rode the Voyager this past weekend.
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb188/twowheeladdict/DSCN7542.jpg)
The views were worth the effort
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^^^^You da man!!^^^^
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Hey ZG, if it eases your mind at all, I have it down to less than 30 seconds donning and doffing my Roadcrafter. That is fully clothed, with boots on, in the dark, bad knee, and sore back ;D . SUPER easy...
Woohoo, the Stich arrived today! :)
I have to agree JC11, that one zipper from ankle to neck is absolutley awesome!! I can put this entire suit on alot faster than it takes me to just put on my Tourmaster pants! ;D
The size is a pretty good fit, I think I'm gonna keep it! :) :thumbs: :chugbeer:
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Woohoo, the Stich arrived today! :)
I have to agree JC11, that one zipper from ankle to neck is absolutley awesome!! I can put this entire suit on alot faster than it takes me to just put on my Tourmaster pants! ;D
The size is a pretty good fit, I think I'm gonna keep it! :) :thumbs: :chugbeer:
Report back in 4 months, and do something else then ride five miles to work and back. ::) ;D
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Report back in 4 months, and do something else then ride five miles to work and back. ::) ;D
Will do and will do! :chugbeer:
And just so everybody else knows... I've been riding to/from work in the rain the past couple weeks and Gumbi has been driving his truck when it's wet... :o ;) ;D
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I'm going from Tampa to Savannah tomorrow to meet friends at Tybee Island.
Might have to slip a liner in my jacket at about the GA border 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
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Anyone with a Stich suit using the additional hip and back protection? Are you using the TF3 or TF5 pads? Any comments good or bad?
Thanks in advance for any comments. :chugbeer:
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I don’t have the hip or back pads...yet. This suit is...ummm...a bit stiff to deal with in the winter so I keep it in the house when the temps drop instead of the garage. I don’t know what the difference between the two pads is, but I do know the suit comes with TF3. I would imagine the hip and back pads would add a layer of insulation in the winter along with the added protection, I don’t think you can go wrong either way.
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I'll let you know when it arrives, but if it's as much the cat's pajama's as you folks on here say it looks like I'll be selling off the jacket/pants I currently have... :-\
Loving the Stich so far, my jacket/pants are now for sale in the classifieds section if anyone is interested, here's the link... :chugbeer:
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11571.msg141441#new (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=11571.msg141441#new)
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II just went over to winter gear a couple of weeks ago as the temps. have now fallen into the 30's.
I am trying Gerbing heated soles and so far I like them overall. I had been wearing heated socks and while they work well, they are a pain in the butt to put on, take off, maintain (keep the wires from making loops) and walk while wearing them. The heated soles are much better overall at least so far although the top of my feet and bottom of my shins do get cold on highway rides at lower temps. (below 37 F or so). I may have to use heated socks for long rides on very cold days still.
My winter riding coat is the warmest thing I have ever owned (seriously). I cannot wear it until the temps. well down into the 40's and I cannot wear it for long without moving at almost any temperature. It is a genuine "Textport" brand; the real 'made in Pakistan' version, not some cheap copy. :-) I bought it at a motorcycle show a few years ago and I believe it was $60- by far the best warmth for the buck value in riding gear, and it is actually waterproof too.
Otherwise the pretty much usual Gerbing gear- jacket liner, heated pants and heavy gloves (the original, long gauntlet, heavy glove before the T3, T5 series). I had to replace the heated power cord on the bike this year as the original had corroded badly enough to get quite hot when using it. The inside of the connector was green with corrosion.... probably a KiPass fault of some kind.
Brian
So I decided to finally break down and get some GOOD winter gear for the coming cold/wet riding season...
Here's the list of what I went with, I'm really pleased with all of it, tested in full this week in the now wet PNW. I'm planning to do more wet weather commuting this year than in past, something about riding to/from work is mentaly rewarding for me and helps clear my head (even if it's wet/cold). :)
<snip>
Please post up what gear you're using on this thread and maybe we can have this be a good depository for future, maybe even a sticky thread if Sparky finds it worthy... ;) :chugbeer:
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I am trying Gerbing heated soles and so far I like them overall. I had been wearing heated socks and while they work well, they are a pain in the butt to put on, take off, maintain (keep the wires from making loops) and walk while wearing them. The heated soles are much better overall at least so far although the top of my feet and bottom of my shins do get cold on highway rides at lower temps. (below 37 F or so). I may have to use heated socks for long rides on very cold days still.
Do you notice the cords running up the inside of the boots much Brian with the heated insoles?
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Nope, not at all. I installed the soles for the trip east in June and have not taken them out since so the cord really doesn't get in the way or cause any discomfort or I would have removed the insoles in July or August when it was in the 90's.
Brian
Do you notice the cords running up the inside of the boots much Brian with the heated insoles?
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I have noticed Columbia and LLBean selling battery operated boots lately. LLbean also has battery operated jackets pants and gloves this year. And by battery I mean Lithium Ion. Rechargeable.
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FAI DA TE. ;D
(http://i46.tinypic.com/34dfl12.jpg)
(http://i45.tinypic.com/24g6p1u.jpg)
MGvalerio. 8)
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ok...here's my list
Gerbing's Heated Gloves, Jacket Liner, Pants Liner, Heated socks.
First Gear Kathmandu Jacket
Olympia X-Moto Pants
Sidi Fusion Boots
I have ridden in temps down to 18 degrees and stayed warm.
Bill
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I got my Alpinestars Space jacket today and I have to say that it is one of the few things that I have bought off the internet that was actually better than listed. The quality of this jacket is amazing and I love the subdued logos that make it look much more understated than the majority of their gear. It is super warm and I will post up my thoughts after a couple weeks of riding. Didn't get to ride today since deer season is winding down and I am trying to tag out.
The ST-5 pants should be here tomorrow......
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29 degree's on the commute in to work this morning, man I'm sure loving the Gerbings heated gear! :thumbs: :thumbs:
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29 degree's on the commute in to work this morning, man I'm sure loving the Gerbings heated gear! :thumbs: :thumbs:
ZG,
have you blown any fuses using your permanent controller. my 15 amp fuse blew with the gerbings' plugged in, but not turned on. Gerbing did send me a new controller, but i worry the 15 amp fuse may not be adequate when running all my gear which add up to around 13.5 amps. Gerbing's tech said i could run a 20 am fuse without any problem.
Bill
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ZG,
have you blown any fuses using your permanent controller. my 15 amp fuse blew with the gerbings' plugged in, but not turned on. Gerbing did send me a new controller, but i worry the 15 amp fuse may not be adequate when running all my gear which add up to around 13.5 amps. Gerbing's tech said i could run a 20 am fuse without any problem.
Bill
Nope, I haven't blown any fuses yet Bill, all good here.
This morning I had my Gerbings jacket liner on about 25%, Gerbings gloves & socks on about 75%, heated Corbin seat on, radar detector and Zumo 660 both on, all wired into my Fuzeblock. I had my dash display on the battery and it never dropped below 14. :)
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Rode in 22 degree weather the other day with my Alpinestars Space jacket (with the liner in), Alpinstars ST-5 pants (no liner installed), Icon Patrol boots, Icon Patrol gloves and silk glove liners. I also have grip heaters and was completely comfortable without any heated gear. Very satisfied with my clearance gear. Two thumbs up!
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13 degrees here this morn, I ain't riding. I just told my wife that and she said, "well, Mr Hardcore didn't want to get cold eh?" :o
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:yikes:
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Lower 40s and raining this morning. Rode the Versys since it likes to get wet. I had on my Northface Mountain light gore-tex jacket and pants over my riding gear, TCX Infinity Gore-Tex boots, Alpinestars gore-tex gloves, fleece neck gaitor, heated vest liner and heated grips.
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13 degrees here this morn, I ain't riding. I just told my wife that and she said, "well, Mr Hardcore didn't want to get cold eh?" :o
:rotflmao: Good for her!
You big pussy C! ;) ;D
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:rotflmao: Good for her!
You big pussy C! ;) ;D
I know it J, I must be getting old. :o
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So I'm not sure how this happened, ok I guess I do... but I just bought an Aerostich Roadcrafter one piece suit... :o (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/facepalm.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif)(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/hiding.gif)
It started out very inocent, I was looking on ebay last night for something for Jeremy (just trying to help a brutha out) and came across some used one piece "Stich" suits and became intrigued because so many of you were raving about em on here...
I went to the Stich site and filled out the "size me" section to determine my size to see if any of those ebay ones were by chance my size, if one could be had cheap enough I was intrigued... :-\
I got an email from Stich this morning saying I would be a 44L and need alterations to legs and arms... :o
It suprised me because I thought I'd be a 42S from their sizing chart, but they said due to my length from crotch to neck is so long ( ;) :-X ) that a 42S would not work and would give me basically an uncomfortable camel toe... :o . He said I need a 44L to fit my crotch to neck measurement and then have about 3" taken out of the leg and arm length.
So we went on to talk about cost for new and with the needed alterations it was gonna be like $1200 all said and done, which was way too much $ since I already have winter gear...
I asked them out of curiosity how long the lead time was, he said about 6 weeks right now, that pretty much sealed it for me that this aint happening, at least not this year, and I was ok with that. :-\
So a couple hours later I'm poking around on their site looking at other stuff and notice this section called "sale", it's basically one off stuff that for whatever reason was custom made and then the buyer didn't buy... here's the link:
http://www.aerostich.com/sale/roadcrafters/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit (http://www.aerostich.com/sale/roadcrafters/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit)
Low and behold I see a 44L suit in blk/blk (which is the color combo I wanted ;D 8) ) that had been cut 3" in the arms and legs, and the price is only $765! ???
So I call the guy back and tell him about it and ask if this would work for me, he said oh ya I totally forgot about that suit but yes it should and is brand new! He said if it didn't work I could always have it sent back in to be altered, although that would put me back in the 6 week wait timeframe due to their current workload on alterations...
He then went on to say that they were running a special for free shipping and that they have a 30 day return policy so if I wanted to at least try it and it didn't fit right they would refund all my $ and I just pay shipping back to them. Plus, since it's already cut/altered and ready to go they could ship it out today, no 6 week wait!!! ;D
I thought about it for about 30 seconds and then said sure, why not! ;) I figure worste case all I'm out is $20 for shipping to at least try it on for fit... :)
Sorry for the long read, but it just felt like such a perfect storm coming together I couldn't pass it up and share the background on it, wish me luck on the sizing/fit. :)
40% off a brand new suit in the color combo I wanted and in stock to ship today with what sounds like the alterations I'd need done already done. 8)
I'll let you know when it arrives, but if it's as much the cat's pajama's as you folks on here say it looks like I'll be selling off the jacket/pants I currently have... :-\
Now comes the wait, he said I should have it mid next week... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wait.gif)
Here's the suit, I screen printed this before they took it down off the sale section... click it to enlarge.
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/Untitled.jpg)
Thank you Jeremy for guiding me to buy something I didn't even know I needed 24 hours ago... :) :chugbeer:
Uh oh... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/hiding.gif)
I was drinking and ebaying last night... Came across another Stich suit (2 pc in black and in my size) that the BIN price seemed too good to pass up, so I went ahead and pulled the trigger! :o :-\ :-[ (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_smackbottom.gif)
So I guess now I have 2 of them, a one piece and a two piece, both in black...
What the hell do I need 2 of them for?? (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/facepalm.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wtf.gif)
Oh well, it what it is... nice to have choices I guess... :-\
Good price though don't you think? $375 shipped, comes with the additional hip and back pads ($120 value alone), seller said the suit was only used for about 1k miles...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321032624446?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/321032624446?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
FYI to all you kids out there, drinking and ebay is maybe dangerous, but waking up the next day to see what you bought the night before is always fun... ;) ;D (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wacko.gif)
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Uh oh... (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/hiding.gif)
I was drinking and ebaying last night... Came across another Stich suit (2 pc in black and in my size) that the BIN price seemed too good to pass up, so I went ahead and pulled the trigger! :o :-\ :-[ (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_smackbottom.gif)
So I guess now I have 2 of them, a one piece and a two piece, both in black...
What the hell do I need 2 of them for?? (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/facepalm.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wtf.gif)
Oh well, it what it is... nice to have choices I guess... :-\
Good price though don't you think? $375 shipped, comes with the additional hip and back pads ($120 value alone), seller said the suit was only used for about 1k miles...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321032624446?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/321032624446?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
FYI to all you kids out there, drinking and ebay is maybe dangerous, but waking up the next day to see what you bought the night before is always fun... ;) ;D (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/wacko.gif)
In order to save you the time and trouble of writing it up in the for sale section later J, I'm gonna go ahead and offer you $200 for it now. ;)
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In order to save you the time and trouble of writing it up in the for sale section later J, I'm gonna go ahead and offer you $200 for it now. ;)
:rotflmao: Touche' (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/swiqe.gif)
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FYI - my AC is on right now :D
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FYI - my AC is on right now :D
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/kdfkjfew.gif)