Gear for a fair weather rider

[Riaz]

I started riding recently (1/2 dozen times last fall) and expect to ride casually going forward.  I've loved my rides so far, but realistically I won't be hitting the track and will be mostly riding around town on weekends.  I'm wondering how serious I should get with gear.  I picked up a jacket with armor, gloves and a helmet when I got the bike, and am now looking at pants and boots.  I must admit part of my concern is dressing like a racer while seldom exceeding 40 mph and stalling at red lights, but I can get over that.  I know most of the riders on this forum are more serious riders, but any suggestions for boots I can walk in and pants appropriate to fair weather riding?  I'm considering either the Joe Rocket Blaster perforated pants or pants with mesh, but don't really have an idea for boots.  Thanks.

[Scotzman]

There's a lot of moto boots that don't have the look of moto boots, but offer protection from falling/weather. If I'm just going from A > B, I wear 8" leather work boots that still give protection and support to my skinny ankles.

[Slide Panda]

Look at the offerings from

http://www.aerostich.com/off-and-riding/footwear
also
http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Boots-p-1-c-7.html

Both have some moto boots that aren't boy racer boots.

[redxblack]

For that kind of riding, you might be well suited to get some kevlar lined jeans rather than leather pants.

[Slide Panda]

One catch with most of the Kevlar jeans is they lack impact protection. But there's all sorts of stuff available for wearing under pants. Personally I've got the 'limb-tubes' made by T-Pro/Forcefield for use under my jeans. I quite like them, but there's a lot of different manufacturer choices available.

[Triple J]

Regardless of riding style I think you should get the best gear you can afford. You can get into an accident just going to the store, and good gear can protect you. Not just abrasion resistance, but also impact protection.

For pants, I prefer overpants, as you can take them off when you get to your destination. You can also wear whever suits you underneath to match the weather/circumstance (jeans, khakis, shorts, etc). They also usually don't look all boy racer.

Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants are a nice overpant at a decent price. I used to wear these.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/pants/textile_pants/joe_rocket/alter_ego_20_textile_mesh_motorcycle_overpants.html

Aerostitch Darien overpants are what I wear now...and proably what I'll always wear. They're fantastic.
http://www.aerostich.com/darien-pants.html

Here are some boots with good protecion, and reasonable price. Higher end race boots are even better for protection if you can afford them and don't mind the look..
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/alpinestars/net_air_motorcycle_boots.html


http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/boots/sport_street_touring_boots/sidi/strada_evo_air_motorcycle_sport_boots.html

[sbrguy]

"bmw all around boots"

i have them they are great and can do basically anything except really agressive riding and track riding.  goretex waterproof and easily fits under a pair of jeans and all you see is a black boot then.  not heavily armored but basically good for what you are looking for.

[DoubleEagle]

Just remember, most accidents happen within 25 miles of home .

In other words dress for a crash ...not for a ride.

An accident ( something not expected ) can happen at anytime , ...so be prepared.

Dolph     

[Riaz]

Thanks all for the great tips.  I had to google "boy racer", but yes, I'd rather avoid the extreme look.  I hadn't heard of aerostitch, but their stuff does look functional and understated.  Now that I've looked at all the sites I'm falling into the trap of wanting more than one set of each for different situations.  I can see how the gear side could get wallet draining...  Again, the advice is much appreciated. 

[Triple J]

If I had to do it again I would have just bought Aerostitch Darien pants and a Roadcrafter or Darien jacket (maybe even just a Roadcrafter suit) and called it a day. It's pricey, but will last a LONG time and is good for ANY weather.

I currently always wear the Darien pants...and a Vanson leather jacket for nice days and my A'stitch Darien jacket on any other day. I'd say the A'stitch jacket is what I wear 70-80% of the time due to our lovely PNW weather. Long trips I just wear the A'stitch jacket since it's good for any weather I may encounter. It's nice not caring if it rains.

The A'stitch stuff may not be as cool looking as a leather jacket...but I'm married, so who cares.  

[RBX QB]

Not trying to thread jack, but anyone come across a reinforced MC boot with a good lugged sole? I need something more of a "work-boot". I ended up with a Harley boot made by Wolverine (I think). It's pretty good, 3/4 height, but certainly not reinforced in the areas that some of the other options out there are.

[mstevens]

Consider Rev'It gear. They make some really nice touring gear (not racer-y) that offers very good protections. I love their boots, which are nicely armored yet are unobtrusive.

[thought]

for a more casual look, try out the puma flat v2's:

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/puma-flat-v2-boots

i have them and they look like normal puma sneakers and you can easily walk around in them... that being said, if i had to do it again, i would have probably gotten these for more ankle protection:

http://www.revzilla.com/product/puma-roadster-v3-boots

only about $39 more, but are full boots for full protection

also, i just got a pair of sartso killer jeans, specifically the brown wave ones.  they are pretty expensive, but they are also the only kevlar jeans that i've seen that have a modern cut... basically one that doesnt make you look like you're wearing dad jeans

http://www.sartso.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=104

the amt of kevlar they have tends to be more than the other kevlar lined jeans... which should increase abrasion resistance, but also does make them a bit warmer than the other brands.  also, and this is another big reason i went with them, they have pockets inside to fit knee armor... so you can fit any brand you want in there for the most part.

i also use the tpro knee armor velcro limb tube... it's pretty comfy and doesnt look too bad under a baggier cut jean.

[DesmoDiva]

Not trying to thread jack, but anyone come across a reinforced MC boot with a good lugged sole? I need something more of a "work-boot". I ended up with a Harley boot made by Wolverine (I think). It's pretty good, 3/4 height, but certainly not reinforced in the areas that some of the other options out there are.

Check out the Sidi On-Road or Canyon lines.  Two different styles both with lug soles. 

I have a pair of the Gore-Tex Touring boots that are great.

[thought]

Check out the Sidi On-Road or Canyon lines.  Two different styles both with lug soles. 

I have a pair of the Gore-Tex Touring boots that are great.

here is a review of the canyons

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/sidi/canyon-boots/