Motorcycle gear

[Rugger]

Any stylish fellows out there ride a two wheeler to work? Any tips for gear on top of a suit?....hopefully without looking like an idiot or like one that just came from Sturgis?

 

[Rugger]

No one? I figured there would be some old wiry Triumph riders around here.

 

[emptym]

I commute by motorcycle, but just a few miles each day. I don't wear a suit but usually wear a sport coat and tie. I try to wear dress boots like these by Alfred Sargent to protect my ankles against wind and rain, or in a crash. When it's cold I wear unlined nylon windpants that have zippered cuffs for easy on/off over shoes. When it's wet, I wear a waterproof version. In the city I use an Polo knock-off of a Belstaff/Barbour jacket over a sport coat. It doesn't have padding, but it's waterproof and made of ballistic nylon. There's a pic of it near the middle of this page. Of course, I wear a proper, armored Belstaff jacket, Sidi boots, etc. when on long rides. There's pics of that gear in this thread, toward the end.

 

[PoundSand]

What do you think makes you "look like an idiot"? that's kind of vague.

There's essentially no riding gear that offers real protection that you'll want to wear over a suit.

My priorities in protection are helmet (always), gloves (always), boots and jacket (almost always), then pants. Putting aside the helmet, gloves are easy, and motorcycle oots make a huuuge difference (those little bones in your foot can get seriously f'd up), and those AS boots don't provide much crash protection.

 

[Hackett]

Suits work better with scooters.

 

[emptym]

^You're right about the boots. But they are better than regular shoes, which I'd otherwise be wearing. Maybe I'm stupid, but I don't think the risk of a low speed slide that I'd be doing in an urban commute is worth the extra effort of ATGATT. Sometimes I ride around in the city on a bicycle wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals, and go the same or higher speeds as on the motorcycle.

An Aerostitch suit is probably the best option for an ATGATT commute. Also, Rev-it and Belstaff (the USA version) make good armored versions of the old waxed Belstaff/Barbour jacket.

 

[NewcastleWA]

Your best bet for over-the-clothes motorcycle gear is textiles. MC leathers tend to be close fitting.

You have a few choices with textiles. The two piece outfits are probably the best bet with a suit.

As mentioned, Aerostich is well thought of and somewhat pricey. The Roadcrafter (one or two piece) and Darien (two piece reg and lite) models are popular.

I have a two piece outfit from First Gear that works well. They are one of the few manufactures that makes tall sizes if that is a need for you.

Many of the other well known motorcycle clothing manufactures have a over-the-clothes line.

I only wear motorcycle boots when I ride and I carry my dress shoes.

 

[blahman]

People who ride to work at my office keep their suits and dress shoes in their lockers and just get changed when they arrive at work. There really is no way you can wear something that gives you enough protection yet doesn't ruin/crease your suit.

 

[contrarycomet]

I've commuted using an Aerostich for 10+ years (Seattle WA, and SF, CA) and highly recommend it. It's made to be worn over regular clothing, and you can wear it over a sportcoat/suit.

 

[xcontext]

I sometimes wear Bellstaff black jeans that have optional pads. Dianese makes a corduroy sports coat with elbow pads. But really, if you ride any distance you need proper gear. When I ride (on the freeways of L.A. I wear cycle specific footwear (sometimes just ankle boots you can walk in), jacket, etc. It is a gamble--what chances are you willing to take. Maybe you don't want to take chance breaking your back but are willing to take the risk f road rash on your arms. Always wear helmet. I was in Milan this year and everyone rides in suits. But they only ride around town at low speeds.