Hot weather riding gear
Wed, 01/09/2010 - 09:50
I'm going to Australia for a month riding an XR400 and occasionally a Fireblade, the XR4 will be mainly on-road with some gravel roads thrown in and who knows where I'll end up some times (big tank).Could be some quite long days in the seat at 100/110km/h cruising.
It will be summer there, initially SW Oz, but then probably north to the Tropics.
So what would people recommend to wear, would be buying in UK or NL probably. Oz bike gear prices are steep.
Not a millionaire but don't like pain (not this sort anyway!)
Sun, 05/09/2010 - 16:50
#2
Re: Hot weather riding gear
Thanks for the info Mr Zen, unless I'm on the Fireblade won't be going fast enough for the cops to bother me. Gear wise still mulling things over.
Mon, 20/09/2010 - 16:00
#3
Re: Hot weather riding gear
Have you considered Klim Dakar pants - plenty of vents, protection and toughness.
Also, a Kreiga waterpack might be a sound investment.
And don't forget a buff/neck tube - this will prevent your neck from the attentions of the sun and instects a plenty.
Tue, 12/10/2010 - 10:14
#4
Re: Hot weather riding gear
I've just returned from a 30+ degree ride in a full vented leather outfit + armour in all the right places. It was my first experience of doing this. I normally wear the leather vented jacket, but, seeing as I recently got hold of a matching set of leather pants, I thought I'd give them a spin.
I shant be doing that again.
I literally 'stuck' to the seat whereas I am more used to a bit of textile movement...the leg ends being inside my On-Roads took up too much space and therefore numbed my right foot...and best of all, in trying to escape the creatures post-ride was a nightmare. Nah, maybe in cooler climes or on track - for sure, but here, in the heat and high humidity - nah.
I'm waiting for my Klim Dakar pants to arrive; in the meantime, my Hood kevlar jeans will do.
Final bit of 'good' news: my bike's starter motor and battery got fried by the heat...when I returned, and hit the kill switch, a/the starter motor kept on 'starting'...it was most disconcerting...even with the key removed it kept at it...so, after re-engaging the kill switch it restarted the engine, and even an attempted stall would not stop the 'whirring' motor. It's never happened before and it was a bit of a 'rise of the machines' moment...
Anyway, eventually it stopped (battery dead); then I removed the neg. lead and called my workshop to tell them the good news. Drat.
Tue, 12/10/2010 - 21:07
#5
Re: Hot weather riding gear
Hi,
Read 'T shirt or leathers?' post on this forum as it may give you something to think about.
Rick.
It will be summer there, initially SW Oz, but then probably north to the Tropics.
So what would people recommend to wear, would be buying in UK or NL probably. Oz bike gear prices are steep.
Not a millionaire but don't like pain (not this sort anyway!)
Dririder is pretty popular, its a light mesh, protective in a prang and has 2 liners one for winter and a waterproof and most folk take both out.
Hornee etc are popular jeans, kevlar etc., but most folk just wear jeans and riding boots.
Remember that going north in summer can mean rain, monsoon and cyclones, so get some wet weather gear. For sleeping wait until you get here and buy a good swag.
Coppers are pretty rough on riders so borrow a navman to check your speedo before setting off. Once in the bush and 35-40k from the nearest town you are usually safe from coppers except at State borders, where they like to assemble.
In Queensland max is 110kph but you can do 130kph before they'll stop you in the bush. In the Territory its 130kph legal max and the sky's the limit except near towns as above and between Tennant Ck and Daly River where the copper has swallowed a toad or has a crap wife or mother in law or some such and hates everyone.
Avoid leather.
Also I tend to keep my screen low as it gets too hot without ventilation.