What would you wear?

[rumppole]

Touring France in July for 10 days. About £400 budget for some new clobber. What would you wear?

Nice set of vented leathers? or maybe textiles of some sort?

I want it to offer good protection but be relatively cool when on the move.

This stuff will be used back home too until the winter time.

I'm a sportsbike rider, a yellow Daytona 600 to be exact.

All suggestions welcomed.
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Sermo datur cunctis; animi sapientia paucis.

[B_A_B]

Well there`s only 4 options so it depends what you`re happy with.

1) Full leathers
2) vented/mesh textiles
3) Jeans and tshirt/sweatshirt with armoured underwear/"free" protection
4) casual/shorts etc....

Personally i`d forget leathers altogether even perforated ones....Textiles are still gonna be hot everytime you stop but a bit cooler than leather....and causal is a big "no-no" imo.
So that leaves option 3...which is what i`ll be doing.

I`d base your decision on how you plan to ride on the tour if i were you.Cruising or hooning?

[EuropeanNC30R...]

I'd go ventilated two-piece leathers for a sportsbike.

Then you can always bungee the bottoms to the back seat and wear normal jeans for pottering about in the heat.

[Faldo]

[magpiemale]

I am going in october will be wearing my RST textile suit....with thermal lining in a bag just in case.

[barnhatter]

I wear my leather jacket and cheep Asda jeans while touring. I have been a bit concerned about the lack of protection with my jeans so am getting some Hood kevler lined jeans for this summers tour.
I know that there is a lack of protection issue but I feel if you are far too hot while riding due to full leathers etc your concentration will be reduced, you will dehydrate and get tired quicker.
Remember that it can rain heavily on the continent so take waterproofs, I just use a pvc set that roll down as small as possible.
I also wear a pair of waterproof leather gloves, membrane gortex lined type, although these get quite hot, am thinking of taking 2 pairs next summer a normal summer pair and the waterproof ones.
Also remember waterproof boots as wet feet will distract your riding.
Remember you need to stay cool for most of your trip but might if it rains stay dry. A comfortable rider is more alert, safer, less tired and has a more enjoyable time.

[Hawker]

I have a tip for keeping your feet dry. I use Army Goretex socks, the black ones that reach upto your knee are brilliant and you get get a pair for under a tenner.

They let your feet breathe but keep them dry, its also easier to pull your boots on with them. I'd suggest wearing light cotton socks inside the Goretex ones for comfort though.

[hellkat]

https://www.souvenirsofparis.com/images/french-berets/beret-basque.jpg

https://www.saundersallotment.co.uk/Resources/Dcp_0441%20-%20onions%20final%20string.jpg
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[magpiemale]

It is best to have a spare pair of gloves one for summer and the other waterproof just in case.A pair of teknic summer gloves are only £30-40 waterproof ones a decent pair up to £60-70

[SimonB]

I've gone aboard a few times and always worn leathers. On my last trip I was persuaded to wear textiles. The idea was that if it rains I wouldn't need to stop and put on a rain suit. However I then discovered that my textile jacket was no longer waterproof and for the first 3 days of my trip I was completely soaked. My trousers held up fine but my boots leaked as well.

When I go touring again I will be wearing leathers as I find them more comfortable in the heat and its not that much hassle to put on a rain suit, I feel better protected as well.

Boots also don't dry out overnight either so a good tip is to wear plastic bags on your feet before you put on your boots. This way you'll keep your feet dry and at end the end of the day provided it hasn't rained again you'll have dry boots as well!
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Bikes: Honda CBR250RR [sold], Yamaha FZR600 [sold], Honda CBR600RR6