Warm winter jackets...

[ram_doom]

Any recommendations? I'm having a hard time finding a full on winter jacket at the moment, as my only local bike places are M&P's and busters they only stock akito, buffalo etc, which I'm not keen on in terms of fit or quality...

So, what kind of big name jackets are recommended? Something to ride all day in when the temperature is 4 degrees or below, and its probably raining too
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TL1000s, KDX200

[Wave2k]

I bought a buffalo jacket last october from the NEC, got it for a bargain, its warm, its dry and it held a crash what more do you want.
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[Itchy]

if you are a tart , Busters had some powered by your bike battery heated jackets for £110 in the last catelogue I looked at,

gloves were £50,

just develop a thick skin and ignore it ,
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[Davo]

I can recommend Rukka gear, although it's not cheap.

[mchaggis]

Even just a cheap fleece underneath can make a world of difference.
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I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[Keen]

Layers are the key. I just use my leather jacket, only with 2 or 3 layers underneath (thermal-type t shirt, long sleeve t-shirt then a favourite rediculously thick jumper of mine with a zip up neck). Toasty and surprisingly waterproof.

Also, if you havent already got one, buy a buff neck warmer
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"he who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man"- Dr. Johnson

[extreme3d]

A good trick is to place a magazine down your front. Forms a good windbreak by stopping any leakage through the zip

Ride mag works best, especially if it was an issue featuring a review on winter gear

[Nath]

[extreme3d]

[Keen]

[SoulRider]

My Alpinestar jacket with thermal underlining (which can be taken out for summer) is brilliant, keeps me toastie in january. Only place where i get bit cold is my hands cause their summer gloves with vents, find winter gloves to restricting but saying that i only get the cold on my hands a little bit.
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[jonboy22]

Just get an el cheapo snowboarding / ski jacket to wear on top of whatever you usually wear. Keeps you warm and dry, only problem is the hood.....
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current bike: GSX-R 750 K6 stolen, found the next day in a van in Durham, returned to me 3 months later costing me my NCB and my excess...
last bike: GSXx-R 600 K4 - written off, now converting to track bike

[Trixie]

I've just bought my second IXS textile jacket, and I reckon they're great. My "old" one, just relegated to the wardrobe, is fine, if a little faded, the velcro is going a bit and the waterproofing isn't quite what it was (although still not bad) - and that's at about 7 years old.

I reckon the quality is very good, and having ridden all year round in the jacket, it's generally a good fit and keeps you nice and warm - that's why I've decided to buy IXS again. J&S stock them, and I ordered online with them. No hassles, just a bit of a wait for the stuff to be sent through.
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Dead nobodies in company cars...

[nrml76]

My Frank Thomas Antifreeze jacket has been more than adequate both during winter and heavy rain for the last one year. I got it cheap at the NEC show.

[kawakid]

To be fair i've had an Akito winter jacket, thats lasted 2 winters and I have no complaints. It's total waterproof and has an additional lining you can put in.

I know your thoughts on Akito and I bought it just when I got in to biking, but even now when i'm all "Alpine Star'ed up" I like it.

[mchaggis]

I've always found multiple layers of T-shirts and jumpers to be useless at best. Proper insulation like fleece or thinsulate type material is far more effective.
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I must not be a troll...
Mmmm, Guinness
Discovering the delights of Hammerite and a 3/4" brush.

[Dazbo666]

I have Akito Python textiles that I've used mainly for commuting etc. particularly thru last winter.
They've been 100% waterproof in all weaters to date, so TBH the only complaint I've had with them is that they're often TOO warm
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Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[PsychoHippy]

[Pte1643]

[cagiva gezzer]

Hein Gerikle stuff served me well.

As for "normal" clothes under summer gear you want stuff that won't compress. As mentioned, fleeces will be the best bet.

Have to agree with the mag or paper down the front of the jacket, or on your lower back. Also rate fitting knee pads to over trousers to keep the wind off.
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"because one stroke isnt enough and four strokes waste two"

[Akira]

Rev'It textiles. My jacket and pants are almost TOO good, I'm sweating bullets from the moment I put them on to when I take them off, even if I'm riding through a torrential downpour. They came with thermal zip-in insides but I don't dare use them, I'd spontaneously combust before I got out of my road.

[the grim reaper]

Hein Gericke, without a doubt. The best value for money and my set haven't leaked a drop ..... ever.

Nor did the last set and I ride all year round, I only changed because I wanted some newer kit. I sold my 'old' winter jacket for 30 quid as well.

Cheers

Grim
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[DAF]

Another for Hein Gericke.

Their Voyager jacket kept me warm and dry all through last winter. Think it might have been discontinued now though; can't find it on their website although their "Journey" jacket looks very similar and has pretty much the same spec.
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2005 Yam Fazer (FZ6-S)

[headlamp]

When I had the burglary the scum stole my Frank Thomas jacket that I'd had for less than a year and was fallling to pieces. They also took my over trousers that I'd had for 5 years and had lost their 'waterproofness'. SO I've now invested in Revitt gear - much, much lighter & less bulky then the Frank Thomas stuff and waterproof & good for winter.
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