Moto Gear
Helmets :: Jackets :: Pants :: Boots :: Gloves :: Luggage :: Extras
Helmets
- Shoei X-11 Large Kagayama 2 TC-5 (Black)
- Shoei X-11 Large Anthracite (Destroyed in crash June 2009. Ergo, it works!)
- Shoei X-11 X-Large Light Silver
- Assorted Shoei mirrored and clear standard visors.
- Assorted Shoei dark smoke and clear racing visors.
The Shoei X-11 Helmets fit me the best. I picked up the X-11 XL when I first got back on a bike, then I lost about 50 lbs and needed to drop down a size. I can use the XL shell. I just had to get thicker cheek pads.
Jackets
- Dainese Stripes: Crash tested. It worked pretty well. I still had some shoulder damage but all things considered, I very happy with the protection I got in that moment of need.
- First Gear Kilimanjaro: My biggest gripe is the velcro at the neck. It’s too strong. It catches my hair and it has destroyed the shoulder of the jacket. It sticks to the Cordura! The collar flap can’t work correctly when the stuck to the shoulder. Annoying. Not sure it’s a repeater.
- Vanson Cobra 2
- Vanson VentMax 3
- First Gear HT
- First Gear Mesh Jacket
- First Gear Speed Jacket
Pants
- First Gear TPG Escape
May 2010: I’ve had these for a few months now. I picked these up before my Off-Road Adventure class. Without the liner they are very comfortable. I can get them zipped shut over my Sidi Force Flex moto-x boots which is huge to me. I have used them with the liner in place and they are very warm and comfortable when riding in the low 40s. I wasn’t melting when the temps climbed to middle 60s. My biggest complaint is the hooks at the fly. I usually miss the hook on the first try. My second biggest complain is the position of the knee armour. It’s hard to get it just right, but I have this problem with all pants. - Vanson Technical Sport Pants
When the weather is nice, these are the pants I wear. They are all-day comfortable. If it rains, I pull on rain gear. - First Gear HT Cordora Overpant
I rarely wear these anymore. - First Gear Leather Overpant
If I’m commuting and the weather is dicey, I wear these. Not always the most comfortable, but they work. I crashed tested a pair a few years ago. They did their job.
Boots
- Sidi Vertigo Corsa 45 Black
- Sidi Vertebra 2 Tepor 45 Black
- Sidi Force Flex 45 Black
Gloves
- AlpineStars Racing something or other…
Primary choice when I want a full gauntlet glove. - Icon Pursuit Perforated Leather
On second pair. I wore a hole in the finger tips from daily use, which begs the question would they hold up in a crash? Not so sure… I still wear them when the temps climb above 80. - Icon Pursuit Leather
Good daily use glove, if you like a shorty design. Part of why I wear them is my carpal tunnel. Too much pressure at the wrist causes problems. - Vanson Winter / Waterproof something or others… Synth.
No longer available.
I’m not sure where these gloves are if that tells you anything. - Vanson 7R11 Track Gloves Leather.
Back up to my AlpineStars. Rarely used these days.
Luggage
- Yamaha Top Case with mounting plate and backrest pad.
- Givi (2x) 36 Liter and 45 Liter E Series case with mounting hardware. (Sold w/ DL1000, Summer 2008)
- Givi Top case (Sold w/ DL1000, Summer 2008)
- Nelson-Rigg Softside Topcase (x2)
- Nelson-Rigg Softside Sportbike Panniers
The Nelson-Rigg panniers were purchased for the YZF, but I have comfortably used them on the DL as well. The FJR came with matching side cases. I picked up a basic Givi top case for the FLR while I was waiting for the Yamaha unit to arrive. Since the FJR was redesigned for ’06, the top case took a very long time to show up. As a result the Givi will be migrated to the Ruckus when… the mounting hardware arrives, which is on back-order and has to be shipped from Italy. The Nelson-Rigg top case was purchased to add extra storage for a Canada run in ’05 w/ Laura.
Extras
- Garmin GPS in a cradle with continous power from power outlet.
- Icon Mil-Spec vest. I never wear this because it isn’t comfortable.
- Vanson Streamliner Electric Jacket w/ removable sleeves
- Vanson Streamliner Electric Vest
- Pearl Izumi Windstopper Vest
- Speedrag Rain jacket
- Generic rain pants
- BMW Neck Gaiters and Balaclavas. The only way I protect my neck from the elements. The thermal balaclava is really nice when the temps drop. As a bonus, these help keep my long hair tucked away.
