| Archive for Aussie V Twins A forum for Aussies who ride or love V Twin motorbikes |
| Aussie XB12SS |
What Gear You Wear & Thoughts.I've seen plenty of questions in the past about what people wear & questions on the best stuff so here is a chance to post it up with your thoughts & possible ratings.Or just a spot to show others what you wear. So here's mine. 
From left to right: Dainese 2 piece suit incorporating the Delma Jacket & Delta Pants. Jacket has composite body armour in shoulder and arm as well as thermoformed shoulder armour & titanium shoulder armour, back-protector & back safety hump Also has bubble internal lining which creates an insulating air cavity and allows air flow when hot but keeps warm when cool. Delta pants have composite body armour in knee & shin areas, soft inserts in hip area & large stretch inserts above knee, in groin and back of calf for added comfort and movement Comes with removable and replaceable knee sliders & will zip to any Dainese jacket as far as I know. All in full grain leather. Personal rating is excellent. http://www.dainese.com/eng/home.asp Black Rose Touring Jacket has padded shoulders, elbows and lower back with removable armour in the shoulders & elbows. Fairly stiff leather & takes a while to wear in. Personal rating is fair to good. Black Rose Vest – not much to say about that. http://www.blackroseleathers.com.au/aus.htm 
Left to Right: R-Jays All Seasons Jacket comes with a removable full arm length thermal lining & back, shoulder, elbow protection. Umpteen pockets including 2 mobile phone pockets? Comes with adjustable velcro hip adjusters & adjustable arm, bicep & cuff adjusters to help get that perfect. Excellent on those bloody cold long rides & will endure a hell of a lot of rain Only issue I have is I get a nasty rash around the neck from the material. Personal rating is excellent. R-Jays Voyager 2 jacket has high density body armour & back protector with removable quilted zip-in lining which also goes full length in sleeves. Good for the cool days & water proof. http://www.rjays.com.au/home/home.html# Personal rating is very good. RST jacket comes with basic back & arm protection & shower proof – just. Very cheap jacket. http://www.rst-moto.com/ Personal rating is fair. 
I won’t rate the helmets as I would hate someone to buy one on my opinion. I am a believer that everyone needs to try a few on & be correctly fitted. I’ll just say that Arai suit my head better than anything else & I enjoy the open face around town or on very leisurely rides. 
Left to right I have an old pair of full leather all seasons gloves with no armour & Dri Rider adventure tourer gloves with carbon type knuckle & finger protection. Both comfortable, warm & water proof. http://202.45.102.66/display.php?catalog=61&page=1 My personal rating is very good. Pair of Shift gloves bottom left which I don’t rate as they are more like golf gloves. Bottom right is a pair of X-over gloves. Leather palms with a material / kevlar back & sides with Carbon knuckle protection. Can’t find a web site. My personal rating is excellent. Bottom item is the R-Jays face cover for the open face helmet. I don’t go for the ones with faces printed on them & the R-Jay’s mask is about a third of the price. To the right are my Sherpa marino wool thermal gear product code is 210 which is specifically designed with bikers in mind. Extremely thin & comfortable & being wool are designed to draw any sweat away from the body. New Zealand product which can be found at any good camping store. Not cheap but worth the money. Personal rating is bloody excellent. 
Left to right is the R-Jays neck warmer which is great to wear with my leathers & at about $12 is great value. Next to that is another Marino wool product in the Intertrek balaclava designed for wearing under helmets. Extremely thin & causes me no issues under a tight helmet. Available from good camping stores. Personal rating is excellent. Then there is me ol’e faithful Fusport boots which are over 12 years old so don’t even know if the sell them anymore. Comfortable for riding & walking but no real armour on them. Personal rating is good. 
Glasses that I wear with the open face helmet. Hate wearing glasses with the full face. Cheapish & the frame broke after about 18 months. Left to right are my Bobster Raptors – comfortable with padding to keep the wind out. http://www.activesportsunglasses.com/bobster-eyewear1.html In the middle are the Wiley X glasses with padding, shatter proof lenses & straps if needed. http://www.activesportsunglasses.com/wileyx.html Very good glasses for me. 3rd pair are the Ocean Eye wear with padding, 4 interchangeable lenses, straps etc. I hate them, bloody uncomfortable across the bridge of my nose with wind pressure. Purchased all through motorcycle shops. 
Just my Buell shirts & cap signed by Erik. |
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| Murdoch |
Thats a great topic Aussie 
I`ll get some pics together of the gear I use |
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| LeatherPants |
Damn, that's a lot of gear... I'd post up pics of my gear, but i'd be too embarrassed after that. 
LP |
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| gibbler |
 agreed LP...... impressive range of kit AussieXB12SS!!!......
just to make you (probably) less embarrassed LP I'll post my gear.... should add I'm on my LAMS (restricted) licence (2 months to go until I get a REAL bike!!!!) so.... yeh... ya gotta start somewhere with gear etc, right? 
head to foot.... Nolan helmet Sunnies - not sure what they are  the Bolle-anaconda's don't fit well with the helmet (any suggestions here?)
Dririder summer jacket (hard protection on elbows and shoulders, warm zip out vest, rain zip out vest) Dririder summer gloves Red Max Jeans Dririder touring boots also have a Dririder Nordic 4 Jacket for the cooler weather...... |
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| buellbabe |
FARK! and I thought I had a lot of bike gear!
RIGHT gonna get busy with the camera LOL |
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| Aussie XB12SS |
Sorry mate, definitely not trying to embarrass anyone but thought it may be a good topic for those who want some ideas on whats good & whats not.. Some of my stuff is great & some is average & some is "just". & after all that I forgot to put my Dragin Jeans on as well. 
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| Bueller |
My Mum always said that clean jocks and holes without socks are the most essential. Just in case you have to go to hospital. | ||||||
| Aussie XB12SS |
So................... I shouldn't wear the G-String anymore....................just in case? It is leather though.........................for extra protection you see. 
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| buellbabe |
PICTURES NEEDED!!!!!!! | ||||||
| LeatherPants |
Hell NO!!!  
LP |
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| Murdoch |
Good to see you posting gibber 
I use Oakey sunglasses Started off with the Straight jackets as the straight arms make it easy to slip on while wearing a helmet Replaced them last time with another pair of Oakey’s, but the "Minute" this time (still with the straight arms) Very similar to the Straight Jackets but a little narrower.................which makes them easier again to fit while wearing a helmet But I have noticed that different helmets affect how easy they are to fit My HJC helmet allows sunglass fitting quite easy The Reevu helmet I have is a bit tighter fit so it is a little harder to fit the sunglasses. But I presume the easier fitting applies to any/most straight armed sunglasses. |
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| buellbabe |
I used to wear Bolles and never had an issue with them but sadly they got lost... now I have HD glasses and they are actually a bit uncomfortable inside a helmet but not to worry cos since I put the dark tint visor on the helmet I have sworn off wearing sunglasses inside my helmet. Even the best brands will still obscure your peripheral vision and when you stop wearing them the difference is amazing...
But thats just my 2c, I'm sure other people will disagree LOL |
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| Aussie XB12SS |
Tinted visor's for me all the way. | ||||||
| LeatherPants |
I still wear sunnies, but only coz a lot of my rides which start in the morning end up running into late evening, and i find it's easier to chuck the sunnies under the seat than it is to carry visors around to change them out.
LP |
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| Murdoch |
I wont argue a tinted screen gives better vision
And is probably a better option if only traveling in "safe" daylight hours But as other have said I quite often find myself out at dawn/dusk & don't want to/cant carry different visors Especially when I used to work 12 hr shifts I would either leave in the light & return in the dark or vice versa I find the wrap around style sunnies lose very little peripheral version as I cant see the side corners if I try But yeah I can just see the top & bottom of the frames |
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| Bueller |
I got old model Raybans. Lenses replaced - toughened and photo chromatic tinted. They adjust to change of light really quickly.
I had daylight issues with tinted visors. In the mountains coming into dark corners in bright sunlight I'm not able to see the corner until I'm in the shadow of the corner with a tinted visor or dark sunnies. These work everywhere, and I don't have to worry about them at twilight. Only problem is when the sun goes in they turn clear - they look a bit Clark Kent. |
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| buellbabe |
My HD glasses have clear lenses for night riding...
At the moment I am riding to work in the dark and home in daylight . Still using the tinted visor, its quite adequate around town, there is enuf ambient lighting to light the way LOL. |
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| Captain |
I tried them once, but didn't find them all that comfortable. 
Hey Bueller, I have the transition lenses on my everyday glasses, but I find they only work when the actual lense is exposed directly to the light. Do yours change significantly under the brow of your helmet? I find that my helmet shades the glasses, so they don't react so well. |
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| Bueller |
The optomitrist though that that may happen. They work on UV. We tested then under the visor and they work well. If I want super cool movie star dark I may need to lift the visor, but they go pretty dark with the visor down. |
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| Bueller |
They're actually the most comfortable. Hardly know they're there. |
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| Captain |
Anyone who has doubts about what sunnies to wear should try to find a pair of prescription wrap-arounds that are suitable. 
There is not much available that is both practical and looks OK. I eventually found Rudy Project to have what I wanted. 
Anyone else use prescription specs? 
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| Aussie XB12SS |
I have been trying to get a pair of "wrap around" style sunnies for ages now & have had absolutley no luck. I asked a young girl in the glasses shop about them a couple of months ago. Me "do you have wrap arounds. Her "what are they" Me "you know, the ones that wrap around & are a bit sleekish" while gesturing the shape around my eyes. Her "oh, you mean like those old blokes used to wear" Me "    "
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| buellbabe |
How RUDE!
Bloody ignorant young whippersnapper... 
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| Murdoch |
They`d probably only know about them huge "bug eyes" type glasses
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| buellbabe |
EEEWWWWWH! | ||||||
| Bueller |
This is the suit I bought, custom made.
How about guessing how much I paid? I got a $200 reduction because the jacket was meant to be big enough for a jumper, but is tight over a jumper. Zip together two piece made from analine leather. (Heavy, soft Italian leather, solid colour all the way through.) Full armour (all removable) except I didn't want the neck bulge. Removable sleeve and torso lining. Kevlar joints. Inside pockets. 
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| Aussie XB12SS |
Been waiting to see what yo were getting. Looks good sounds bloody good as well.
$2,000 ? |
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| Bueller |
Limbo; You can "Go Lower Now" Aussie Thanks for the guess. I think it's a good deal. I'm going to see about getting them to make club jackets and vests. |
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| Murdoch |
$1500 | ||||||
| Bueller |
Limbo thanks Murdoch You can go lower now. |
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| Murdoch |
Well they may as well gave them to you .gif)
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| Aussie XB12SS |
$1099? | ||||||
| Bueller |
Way lower. No knee jerk guesses tho. |
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| Bombardier |
$899.00 | ||||||
| gibbler |
surely not lower than 800 clams
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| Bueller |
That was the original asking price. Because the jacket is too small to fit a jumper, and perhaps 1/2" too short at the front they knocked it down to $600. They would have remanufactured the jacket and kept the price at $800 if I'd wanted. I couldn't part with it. I'm most displeased
It is perfect for trackdays and touring as a 1 piece and no issues in summer. I may need a winter jacket. I'll be talking to them about that, or perhaps I'll get a club jacket. I'm probably getting knocked out of riding for the winter anyway. |
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| Murdoch |
OK, I got organised & took some pics for this thread
Heres my Helmets, A HJC, REEVU & a M2R open face 
The HJC is fitted with the bluetooth kit for the GPS You can also connect to your bluetooth phone & makes calls while on the road (I don't have this set up) I have pulled the mike down a bit so you can see it as it normally sits up inside the helmet out of site 
I use the open face occasionally............normally just going for sedate short runs 
The REEVU helmet is a beauty 
It has an inbuilt rear view mirror The design is similar to a periscope. The clear panel at the back is where it "see`s" 
And the rear of the plate that says "VISION SYSTEM" is the rear view "mirror" that you view After using one of these for a while you really miss the rear view function when using other helmets Its not perfect................but pretty good 
Heres my Walden Miller Jacket I had one exactly the same for 20 years that was still fine (apart from the expected wear) but I think it must have shrunk as one day I couldn't fit in it any more 
So I thought if I could get the same again I would..............& was lucky enough to (although a few sizes bigger now )
In summer I sometimes wear the vest when using the open face............. 
Black Max Gloves 
RedMax Jeans by Black Max 
Buell switchback boots 
Blundstone boots.....................one of the last Aussie made sets made (will have to look for a new Aussie boot when these wear out  )
I wear these when just popping up the shop etc..... Or with the vest & open face 
Oakley wrap-round sunnies & clear glasses 
. |
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| gibbler |
.
nice gear murdoch tho those red max jeans look like 3/4 shorts you'd be a tall fella then?
btw
what GPS unit u runnin'?
hhmmmmm... must bin riding in the rain and on drying it shrunk.......
. |
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| Bueller |
I'd like to try that Reevu.
Is it noisy? Does your head get pushed back a bit when you turn sideways. It has a bit of a high profile. |
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| Murdoch |
Yeah I agree that pic doesnt look right
I think rotating the pic may have changed its format
There not as short as they look I`ll give you the drum
TomTom Rider V2 I love it Was very handy on my trip away earlier this year Took me through a lot of places I`d have never had found or navigated through by myself I also have the car kit so I can use it in any vehicle as well. I`ll take some pics of my set up when I have the chance next.
I like it & it suits my head shape well Others may not be as lucky
No I don't think its particularly noisey...........its quieter than the HJC I`ve never noticed my head being forced back when turning & I don't think the profile is higher than a lot of other modern designed helmets. I did a review on it a while ago .................I`ll see if I can dig it up Although one thing I can tell you is that it still has not been approved for on-road use in Australia but is currently in the process It has been approved for on-road use in Europe & New Zealand . |
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| Aussie XB12SS |
Bloody hell that's cheap.
Never seen those sort of boots before? Are they comfortable? |
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| Murdoch |
Yeah, they are pretty good Also comfy to walk around in if you stop at a shopping centre (Pub  ) etc....
They are not the highest quality but very good for the price Cant remember the exact pricings but the retail price was a fair bit A bloke had them in his US Ebay store & you could score them for around $60 US a pair Mine cost under $120 AU delivered |
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| BGA |
Good thread this one,
Fark Murdoch, i thought i was the only person to use Fusport boots, I don't have them any more as they wore out and I wanted a work boot sole so now have the Rossi 801 which I really like. I like the iridium visor as it copes with low light better than tinted however when the light is really low, I use shooting glasses both yellow and clear depending whats at hand but that works well. I am a fan of Tiger Angel leathers tho and the more I use the guardian angel pants the more respect I have for them, buying aussie gives me a warm fuzzy feeling 
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| Murdoch |
Gave it a bit of a try out today for you Heres me wildly spinning my head around riding along 
Anyway I`ve never noticed until you ask but turning my head fully sideways I can feel some wind resistance But if you had hadn't asked the question I would never have been too aware of it I`ll wear the other helmet next time & see how much, if any difference there is |
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| Bueller |
I noticed it with the alien air tubes on my AGV steath. I ripped them off and it stops the kick that I used to get through the neck when I looked behind. |
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| Aussie XB12SS |
Latest edition to the wardrobe care of my wife & son for me birfday.
I was determined to get Dainese boots to suit my leathers but they were terribly uncomfortable & the Alpinestars fit perfectly. 
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| buellbabe |
NICE!
I'm the opposite to you. I loved all the straps n buckles on the Alpine Stars but they were horribly uncomfortable. The Dainese I bought are very plain but fit like a glove. Of course when I'm riding with the other members of Slappas MC there are no sensible boots allowed...strictly stilettos only. Must remember to take some photos! |
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| LeatherPants |
I've recently started wearing Draggin K-Legs. I typically ride in Jeans, and I've been looking for a pair of kevlar jeans for ages, but none seem to fit me right. The K-legs are leggings I can wear under my normal jeans, and they also cover the full leg with kevlar rather than just covering certain areas. I've got the knee armour in there as well that they sent out as a bonus with them.
I'd post pics, but, well, really, noone needs to see me just wearing leggings... LP |
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| buellbabe |
I have been harassed by some of my more sensibly attired mates for wearing draggin jeans in summer. My view is that if you put the armour in them then they give just as much protection as the stinking hot kordura that they wear!
Really when it comes to safety you can't beat leather...which reminds me...this chick was out on her Fiireblade at the track a couple of weeks back, now cos its a practice session ya don't HAVE to wear leather. Well she binned on the back strait. Her fancy looking kordura suit was shredded. OUCH... she walked away but she was bruised and battered... |
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| BGA |
Hey Murdoch,
I know you have posted somewhere else and I am a lazy git, but wanted a reminder on your thoughts of the Andy Strapz bag you use. I can't recall if it is the 18 or 30 litre bag. Also, is fitting an issue. Cheers |
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| Murdoch |
G`day BGA,
Its the AA Bag I use, the 18L I think its a great bag. The side compartments are another 1.5L each Doesn't sound a lot of room but you would be surprised at how much gear you can fit in when packed well I carry my wet weather gear under the storm-flap which makes for handy access & doesn't use any of the room inside the bag It fits really well to the Lightnings (& I suspect most bikes) With its own tie down straps it makes fitting it really easy & only a few minutes at the most I would cross the straps over diagonally under the tail to obtain a very secure fit Not sure it needed it but I cut a piece of that grips stuff that comes on a roll for kitchen use to sit the bag on for extra grip I`ve done a few 800K days set up like this & the bag never moved, just re-tightened the straps a few times http://www.andystrapz.com/productdetails.php?pid=33&BACK=55 http://www.andystrapz.com/page-content.php?cid=54&sid=39 
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| BGA |
Ah cheers for that mate, I actually thought it was the larger bag and the photos answered the question of fit,
thanks again |
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| Bombardier |
A word to the wise - The standard padding on the Buell luggage will not save your plastics from getting scoured/worn away.
What Murdoch has under his looks to be the ducks nuts. My tail section has large divots in it from the Buell saddle bags from 28000km of commuting in dusty areas. The dust gets under the contact areas and acts like sandpaper. |
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| buellbabe |
I use a piece of deerskin leather cut to shape to protect the paint on my tail-piece. Works great and looks good too.
BTW, cheers Murdoch for sending me that Andy Strapz link... got some good stuff eh? |
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| stunva |
Sandpaper
Hear that Two Guns, saddle bags can save you bundle on sandpaper. |
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| twoguns |
haha... seems then that i can just sit that bag right on the seat cowl! yeehaaaa. 
am sticking to back pack for our upcoming run. 
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| Bueller |
I got the '09 Firebolt saddlebags a while ago, and the new tailpack arrived today. Big enough for Texas. I also got a 51 litre ventura. And now I can't get off work to go to the Muster 
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| LeatherPants |
Just got my ventura delivered today... noone mentioned there'd be hole drilling That can sit in the too hard basket for a couple of days at least.
LP |