Commuting on bike - sensible gear

[Jon-W]

Evening all,

I will soon be commuting on my GSA and using it more as my primary mode of transport, not something I've done on any motorcycle, and I wanted some advice on the most suitable and comfortable gear. Ive currently got a heavy RST textile set. It's great for very cold weather but is uncomfortably bulky. I also have an RST tractek evo two piece suit.
Ideally, I'm after something light but protective and warm. I don't really want to spend 20 minutes heaving all of the gear on as I currently have to do with my textiles! Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance

[stinkwheel]

How far and on what sort of roads?
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Jon-W]

I'll be using the bike on a mix of everything, however the commute is A roads 95% of the way. Some town riding too.

[Easy-X]

Unless sub-zero I usually get by with kevlar lined jeans and pack some lightweight waterproof leggings in case the weather changes. Then I either wear a summer or winter jacket depending on the temperature out.
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[MCN]

What ever you wear, don't compromise on the armour.

Layer up under the outer jacket if it's cold.

If you can afford and manage to carry spare gloves and possibly a neck protector (if you use one), can help on the way home. Wet gloves and a wet thing around your neck feels like shyte.
Feeling like shyte can distract from you full attention to road/traffic conditions.
If there is some place to let your wet stuff dry out that helps too.
Or just man up and get on with it.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[stinkwheel]

Well, on one of the recent Fortnine videos, he was suggesting a decent lid, boots and gloves and an airbag backpack as your minimum protective gear. Then please yourself what else you wear, dress for the weather in normal clothes like you normally would.
https://youtu.be/_CFxvat1T3o?si=4q8J9-Cd6x5re2l7

He based this on a statistical analysis of motorcycle injuries which he did in a previous video.

Alternatively, what about a "riding suit", aerostitch are the most famous but also ££££, just throw it on over your normal clothes.

For a personal recommendation, I love my altberg hogg boots which are comfy on and off the bike.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Diggs]

Or go old-school - newspaper down the trousers and carrier bags on hands...
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Now - Speed Triple, old ratty GS550, GSXR750M
Gone (in order of ownership) - Raleigh Runabout, AP50, KH125, GP125, KH250, CBX550, Z400, CB750FII, 250LC, GS550, ZXR750H1, Guzzi Targa, GSX750F, KH250 x2, Bimota SB6R and counting...

[DaddyStu]

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[DaddyStu]

[Prawny]

As per the first couple of replies, to me it depends on where and for how long.

My old commute 8 miles into stafford, gloves, boots, helmet and jacket. Was happy enough in normal jeans because the speeds aren't high and the driving standards are normally ok.

Currently riding 20 miles into Birmingham, bought taller boots, better jacket and trousers (armor and weather proofing) and would need to be very pleasant to make me want to leave the proper trousers at home. Speeds are higher for longer, there's lots more idiots and general traffic.

When I had my scooter I'd ride into stafford in mtb gloves and regular clothes other than a helmet, that wouldn't go over 50 though...
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Yamaha Vity 125 (gone) Kawasaki ER6N(dead) 2022 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (nicked) 2003 DL1000 V Strom

[Fat Angry Scotsman]