Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

motorcycle jeans

I'm keen to try something like these Knox Richmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXCbRgxIVDI

but otherwise I'm not convinced. In that video he lists loads of the issues - proper protective Kevlar ones tend to be too uncomfortable to wear off the bike for any time, don't look that good, too hot in the summer, not warm enough in the winter. Which makes them a bit pointless.

The RST Blade I posted are a great option because they come with hip/knee armour and a winter fleece liner. So that one pair will cover most bases.

The Pekev lined ones are thinner and feel more like normal jeans, though sadly a lot of manufacturers are really into putting accordion stretch sections in which really isn't a good look IMO

Will I look like a twat if I get one piece racesuit for general riding about?

People either think bikers look like douches or they look cool. A one-piece won't change that.

I wouldn't get a one-piece just for practicality, if you want that look get a matching two-piece. Plenty of people commute in them and everyone judges the super-dooper-expedition-troopers way more ;)

I got this jacket with upgraded back protection as it hits a lot of middle grounds - waterproof, warm enough with the liner for 3 seasons, ok in the summer, retro enough for my Triumph twin, but modern enough for a sports bike, etc... and cheap obvs.

It's a good eg of the choice you have with jackets. Whereas you should be budgeting at least £70-100 for gloves.

While everyone's on the kit talk, I still have some stuff that I could do with shifting.

Heine Gericke two piece suit is DE 54 on top and 52 on bottom. RST jeans are 36. Triumph Jacket is Large. Gloves are L or XL, forgot to check. Boots are 11. Black and white HG jacket is marked as 56 but is smaller than the suit jacket, so fuck knows. No prices in mind, just make me a sensible offer.

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I think I have some black Draggin' Jeans kicking about as well.

I like the Knox underarmour I've been using for a couple of years, they seem to do good urban kit. The Rokker chinos have lots of special treatment to make them cooler in the summer and they are quite comfortable off the bike for hours, even physical work in them is fine. The Rokker revolution jean from a few years ago maintains a constant body temperature, is completely water resistant and abrasion proof, the styling is a bit marmite and they have a slightly unusual feel to them for a jean, the material is a little bit stiffer, but overall very good jeans.

I don't bother with knee armour in the jeans any more, it just seems to weigh them down and when you walk with it in the pressure from your knees makes the trousers want to fall down! There are some great knee pad holders which you can wear under the jeans so they stay in the right place all the time.

For customer service I have found the guys in Infinity in Clapham top notch, much better than Metropolis in Vauxhall

For me it would go Helmet, gloves, boots, jacket, trousers in order of importance but people have different opinions. I've been riding in jeans for years and so far have been lucky but I ride fairly slowly on more of a tourer bike (Harley, Triumph Tiger) . I've two pairs of gloves - summer and winter and a new pair of Oxford waterproof boots (the mens version of these https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product/oxford-magdalen-ladies-boots-brown ) which have been great and also don't look too "bikey"

I should add I've a good pair of waterproof overtrouserswith protection that at this time of year I wear on longer rides to keep my legs warm and dry

I've a top Spidi jacket but a lot of times throw on a Barber jacket with layers - the girlfriend got herself an Oxford jacket that is a similar style but has all the padding

Fun ride on Sat - 100 or so miles of trails and fire roads and a killer tri-tip sandwich. The only bummer is that the XR handles like a feral pig. front forks need a rebuild with some lighter springs to start. Likely new head race bearings too.

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I was told this ages back, I didn't listen and bought alpinestars, it's good, but for same money the Rev"it equivalent is a full notch higher in quality imo.
There was a large online store went bust recently so loads floating aboit on eBay, cheap if your an xs or xl/xxl/xxxxxxxl etc

Trans Europe trail (tet)

Always been fascinated by the trans America trail (Tat) but costs a fair bit to get a bike over there (or buy in country), and finally stumbled across the Tet while on a greenlaning forum. Seems to take in just about every type of terrain that mainland Europe has to offer. Doubt I can afford to do the whole thing, but looking at choosing a 3 week section (prob loop of the baltic) for early summer (April/may) so less insects and maybe some snow in places.
Anyone done any of it? There's a lot in the UK using the fast disappearing network of boats (and the other kinds!)

I'm living in Vancouver, BC right now. Thinking of picking up my mate's FJ1100 and spending a couple months on the road before I head home at the end of the summer.

Anybody got any US/Canada west to east road route suggestions?

That looks incredible. I'd get some of the UK bit done while you can!

Dont suppose anyone has a torque wrench and 27mm socket available to borrow in SW London? Chain is getting a bit slack on the triumph and need to shift the wheel back. Ordered one on amazon but didn't pay premium and planning on doing 500miles this week

I have a 27 and a giant torque wrench. Down in Bromley though, if you can be bothered to make the trip....

I might be able to do that depending on timings...will send a pm

Dry weather came for half a day! Finally can use almost all of my tyres, felt so good to be not bolt upright all the time because of rain /salt/ ice/slush /wet diesel
Got a friend who lives in foothills of the alps, colder but much drier, she can ride almost all year after daily snow has been cleared.

Kinda makes me want something light and revvy, but cheap, like 80/90s 250/350 4 banger and just demolish tyres with it.

I want to get an old SV650 as a run about, but I need to be able to fit it round a corner into my garden ideally. any idea what the turning circle of them is? I need to take it down a side passage then round a 90 degree corner.

I keep my chain on my old Blade with about half inch more slack than recommended, but I am meticulous about cleaning and lubing. The result is that the tension rarely needs adjusting.

Issue is the rubber chain guard is getting a rubbing so think it is way too loose.
I normally give it a spray with chain lube after riding in the wet, need to get a brush and cleaner
Going to pop to @Soul tonight to do it quickly

I use this stuff to clean my chain then, depending on the season; wax or lube.

Fair play. All I was saying is slightly loose is better than slightly tight in my experience

Get a cheap plastic tarp - run the back wheel on to it and slide it to right or left - stick an old covered chain around the wheel to help pulling it, 'tis easier than it sounds. You could also buy a proper rollered jobby. Might work hey ?

One of these would do the trick, as per @hanford suggestion...

Get yourself some paraffin liquid. £10 for 4l or so. Will make it spanking.

@Soul @hanford
Thanks both, its more likely I'll go the tarp route as the surface is pretty rough down there, a mixture of paving stones, gravel and mud. I don't think the small wheels of the roller will cope.