Looking to get new gear. Input please.

[Luap McKeever]

I've been using the same tourmaster tops and bottoms for several years.  They've all seen better days.  Yet, my Chippawa boots are still strong as ever.

I'm looking to get a good one piece suit.  Something with armor.  Something that can be used in all weather (maybe zip out liners, etc).  Cold, rain, hot, etc.  Keep in mind that I am not a millionaire  .

What do you have and/or recommend and why?  I did several searches, but most of the topics were a little dated, so I'm sure that there's something new and improved out there today.

Thanks for any input,
Luap

[oldbike54]

 Wait ... not a millionaire , surely the CEO of a giant multinational concern like Wild Guzzi must be worth tens of dollars ...

 Oh , I bet most folks say Aerostich .

 Dusty

 PS Now when is the corporate retreat in Maui ?

[Triple Jim]

I bought a Joe Rocket Survivor a couple years ago and it has all the features you mentioned.  The only complaint I have is the main front zipper is not a douple-pull type, so for a "rest stop" you have to unzip it all the way down.  Everything else about it is great... waterproof, warm, removable insulated liner, good visibility if you get the non-all-black one, and comfortable.  Price is in the mid $300 area.

[pyoungbl]

Aerostich.   Not inexpensive but might be the last suit you ever buy.  My last one was 13 years old and I only gave it to my nephew because it was no longer waterproof.  He'll never ride in the rain.  Otherwise it was near perfect.

Peter Y.

[Luap McKeever]

Wait ... not a millionaire , surely the CEO of a giant multinational concern like Wild Guzzi must be worth tens of dollars ...

 Oh , I bet most folks say Aerostich .

 Dusty

 PS Now when is the corporate retreat in Maui ?

   I was until I put it all into Enron stock.  Lost it all.  Now, I net about $350 per year.  So, we'll just have to settle for a Corporate retreat to Pea Ridge, AR, because I'm budgeting $300 for a new riding suit and that leave me with $35 after I fill up the Stelvio 

I bought a Joe Rocket Survivor a couple years ago and it has all the features you mentioned.  The only complaint I have is the main front zipper is not a douple-pull type, so for a "rest stop" you have to unzip it all the way down.  Everything else about it is great... waterproof, warm, removable insulated liner, good visibility if you get the non-all-black one, and comfortable.  Price is in the mid $300 area.

Ooh, now we're talking.  I'll definitely look into them.  Thanks Jim.

Aerostich.   Not inexpensive but might be the last suit you ever buy.  My last one was 13 years old and I only gave it to my nephew because it was no longer waterproof.  He'll never ride in the rain.  Otherwise it was near perfect.

Peter Y.

I probably won't be able to swing that.  I would like to though.

[Scud]

I know you said one-piece, but some two-piece suits perform well. I'm also looking, as my piece Hein Gericke (which has kept me dry in some serious rain) is showing wear.

I have not yet made the plunge, but have been eyeing (and even trying on) the Dainese D-Explorer, which has all the features you're looking for - except you would need Jacket and Pants.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-d-explorer-gore-tex-jacket

BTW - the Dainese store in Costa Mesa, CA is fantastic. I recently bought some stuff there - the staff I talked with were all motorcyclists, not just people working retail, if you know what I mean. And they're prices are as good or better than internet (if you ask).

The jacket and pants combined will set you back less than one million dollars.

[Guzzistajohn]

I jacked around with all kinds of lesser brands of two piece suits for years, and wore them out slick. They were OK, but when I saw Prescott (smithswede) in that Aerostich suit at the okie campout, I knew what I had to do. He rode up in a rainstorm that would choke a bullfrog and he still had dry gold bond powder on under his t shirt. Needless to say, I was impressed! I was a little concerned about the heat in the summertime here in the Ozarks, but with the vents open and some shorts on underneath, it's really not bad. All the storage is really nice too. I got the waterproof boot covers too and they do a nice job. It does give a nice sense of security with all the protection, and the weird looks you get in public places make it all worth while! I'll be starting my 3rd season with it this year I need some more bugs on it!

[Luap McKeever]

I jacked around with all kinds of lesser brands of two piece suits for years, and wore them out slick. They were OK, but when I saw Prescott (smithswede) in that Aerostich suit at the okie campout, I knew what I had to do. He rode up in a rainstorm that would choke a bullfrog and he still had dry gold bond powder on under his t shirt. Needless to say, I was impressed! I was a little concerned about the heat in the summertime here in the Ozarks, but with the vents open and some shorts on underneath, it's really not bad. All the storage is really nice too. I got the waterproof boot covers too and they do a nice job. It does give a nice sense of security with all the protection, and the weird looks you get in public places make it all worth while! I'll be starting my 3rd season with it this year I need some more bugs on it!

Ughhhh.  You guys are gonna make me have to take out a loan...

I know you said one-piece, but some two-piece suits perform well. I'm also looking, as my piece Hein Gericke (which has kept me dry in some serious rain) is showing wear.

I have not yet made the plunge, but have been eyeing (and even trying on) the Dainese D-Explorer, which has all the features you're looking for - except you would need Jacket and Pants.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-d-explorer-gore-tex-jacket

BTW - the Dainese store in Costa Mesa, CA is fantastic. I recently bought some stuff there - the staff I talked with were all motorcyclists, not just people working retail, if you know what I mean. And they're prices are as good or better than internet (if you ask).

The jacket and pants combined will set you back less than one million dollars.

Thanks.  I'll add that to my list to check out too.  I really like the idea of one piece though.  I've been 2 piecing it forever.

[Luap McKeever]

This one would be perfect if I could pull the liner out...
http://www.revzilla.com/product/firstgear-thermo-1-piece-suit

[Guzzistajohn]

Ughhhh.  You guys are gonna make me have to take out a loan...

Thanks.  I'll add that to my list to check out too.  I really like the idea of one piece though.  I've been 2 piecing it forever.

I bet I wore out 4 different two piece outfits and was never really happy with the fit. The 'stitch is perfect, nothing flapping in the breeze, ever.

[oldbike54]

 I second the Joe Rocket idea .

 Now , we are gonna have to have a talk about this corporate retreat thing . At least we can have it at Withrow state park , I'll bring my own tent .

 Dusty

[SmithSwede]

Don't let my recent zipper experience give you the wrong impression.  I'm totally sold on the Aerostich stuff.    I kick myself for not getting this kind of gear years ago.

The best thing about it is that it's waterproof.   So you just put it on and ride.   No more guessing about the weather, no more stopping and starting to mess with rain gear.   Just put on the suit and go ride.  If it rains, you will stay dry.

and yes, they look like they would be too hot in the summer.  But when you open the vents, they turn into a big old bag of flowing air.   Works great.   

They are hot when you are stuck in stop and go traffic, but then, everything is hot under those conditions. 

[fotoguzzi]

please watch my Roadcrafter video.. only had 586 views in 6 years..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YytH5xNOID0

another one from 2010, I love to live in my RC days or weeks on end..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tvRKb2yS70

[Guzzistajohn]

I don't know why WG can't buy a nice cabin up on Table Rock Lake for us to stay in, the poor side near Shell Knob would be OK. It would be close enough to the corporate offices and Luap could have us ALL measured for our free custom WG Aerostich suit. That'll be OK won't it Luap? Think of the group photo

[Luap McKeever]

I bet I wore out 4 different two piece outfits and was never really happy with the fit. The 'stitch is perfect, nothing flapping in the breeze, ever.

I've secretly wanted a 'stitch for a long time.  Just hard for me to swallow that pill, hehe.

I second the Joe Rocket idea .

 Now , we are gonna have to have a talk about this corporate retreat thing . At least we can have it at Withrow state park , I'll bring my own tent .

 Dusty

Looking at the Rockets for sure.  Not sure about a retreat though...don't think I've ever had one of those :-)

[John A]

I had an Aerostitch, sent it back to the factory every year for inspection and repair. All went well but after about five years they said it was no longer economical to fix. Normal wear, so it's not the last gear you'll have to buy. I still use it but its getting purty ratty.

[Adk.IBO]

I bought my Aerostitch very slightly used for $200 and sent it to Aerostitch for some alterations. Another $150 or so with shipping and it's all I've worn for 3 years now. It took some diligent internet searching but they are out there and worth it!

Stay safe, John

[Noguzznoglory]

Motorcyclegear.com is closing out all the first gear  TPG one piece suits for 299.00. Originally 699.00.
Supposed to be waterproof. MCN did a comparison couple of years ago and liked it. I have limited experience with the one I got for Christmas so can't give much feedback

[calfruit]

I bought the one piece aerostich at age 40, it was a15 second entry. Still wearing it today at age 65 and it is a 3 minute entry. It is the first thing that I would replace, of all of my moto gear. The next one will be a two piece--- for the ease of entry and the ability to remove the jacket and walk into a cafe wearing the pants.  They wear like iron  and with the new waterproofing products (rustoleum)  they remain waterproof into their senior years

[fotoguzzi]

1 more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpeyNJD9P44

[Luap McKeever]

I don't know why WG can't buy a nice cabin up on Table Rock Lake for us to stay in, the poor side near Shell Knob would be OK. It would be close enough to the corporate offices and Luap could have us ALL measured for our free custom WG Aerostich suit. That'll be OK won't it Luap? Think of the group photo

That would be awesome.

[Luap McKeever]

Motorcyclegear.com is closing out all the first gear  TPG one piece suits for 299.00. Originally 699.00.
Supposed to be waterproof. MCN did a comparison couple of years ago and liked it. I have limited experience with the one I got for Christmas so can't give much feedback

I'll look into that for sure.

[kirby1923]

Aerostich for sure, worth it. I have one suit that is over 20 years old and is still very sound although shows the scars of age (like me).
If it becomes damaged they can rebuild it.
If it becomes not water proof you can pull the armor out throw in the washing machine with a bottle of a wax substance (cheap) sold by Aerostich and it will once again water proof.

I used to ride with leather and even still have the Vanson jacket I bought over 35 years ago, a few scars but still good. Some occasions that the leather is appropriate

Fabric suits are better for  touring and in fact I do not carry a rain suit when going Aerostich.
I like Sidi boots, light and water proof + good fit.
 If your going to ride allot more, should make the investment, I have never regretted it.

mike

[K250]

Luap, I'll be an Aerostich endorser also......     That being said, if you don't want to spend that much, buy your one piece somewhere you can return it if you don't like it.

I bought a Fieldsheer Highland one piece a few years ago and did not like it at all.

Motorcyclegear and their Firstgear TPG leftovers might be worth a try.  Have never seen one in real life so who knows...

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/tpg_expedition_suit_2014.html

[Jim Rich]

Luap,
I wear an Aerostich Darien Jacket and sometimes the pants for 3 seasons.  Very nice jacket with lots of storage, protection and ventilation when you need it.   But when the summer heat arrives I start wearing a mesh jacket, the Darien is warm in the heat.  But I still use it if I am taking a long tour type ride for days at a time.  My friends that wear the Aerostich Roadcrafter one piece suits tell me it gets a little too warm if the temps are over 80. 

[Tinkerfreak]

Friend picked up one of these 2 years ago and really loves it. My only issue with the Olympia brand, from my experience is the neck closure velcro has a very short life span.

http://olympiamotosports.com/product/mens-odyssey-one-piece-suit/

have to admit it is a nice looking suit and he claims it works well in hot and cold weather. Unfortunately he is a fair weather rider so I can not comment on the weatherproofness

Cheers

[John Ulrich]

I broke down and ordered the new one piece Roadcrafter R-3 unlined.  3 month wait... this one is the most popular seller. 
Now being retired and looking for an all weather suit to ride to rallies ...why not!   

[kingoffleece]

I got a fantastic deal on a slightly used Areostitch R3 of the ADV Rider site.  When I opened the box up it looked like it had never been worn.  500 bucks got me all the armor and the boot covers!

They come up for sale often.  I knew my size from the chart and jumped when it became available.  No regrets at all.

[Markcarovilli]

Friend picked up one of these 2 years ago and really loves it. My only issue with the Olympia brand, from my experience is the neck closure velcro has a very short life span.

http://olympiamotosports.com/product/mens-odyssey-one-piece-suit/

have to admit it is a nice looking suit and he claims it works well in hot and cold weather. Unfortunately he is a fair weather rider so I can not comment on the weatherproofness

Cheers

 :1:

You can find these priced well thru dealers....

Mark

[rob-mg]

I've been using the same tourmaster tops and bottoms for several years.  They've all seen better days.  Yet, my Chippawa boots are still strong as ever.

I'm looking to get a good one piece suit.  Something with armor.  Something that can be used in all weather (maybe zip out liners, etc).  Cold, rain, hot, etc.  Keep in mind that I am not a millionaire  .

What do you have and/or recommend and why?  I did several searches, but most of the topics were a little dated, so I'm sure that there's something new and improved out there today.

Thanks for any input,
Luap

There's no way that I'd wear a one piece suit throughout the conditions you're talking about.

But I know what the centre piece would be, and for me it's a Vanson competition weight perforated jacket.

I also wear Vanson competition weight trousers, although I'll admit that I'm sometimes tempted to omit them.

I've been down on this gear twice, both times without a scratch. Can't speak highly enough about it.

And yes, it takes armour, both soft and hard.

I believe that the money that I've spent on Vanson leathers is the best money that I've spent on owning a motorcycle.