December 20th, 2012, 11:36 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: S
Location: North York (GTA)
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 250 SE Posts: 23
|
Leg Gear and commuting to work: The 6 options
Here's my gear list so far:
Helmet: AGV K-4 (fiberglass) Gloves: A* SPX-1 Jacket: A* GP-R Perforated Leather with optional CE back protector insert Boots: Planning to get a pair of SMX-1 boots from A8 Here is where I need help.. legs.. here are the options (I'm going to do light riding and commuting on my bike in the spring): Option 1) Regular Jeans, no armour Option 2) Riding Jeans with kevlar ($100) Option 3) Knee/Shin pads with regular jeans ($50) Option 4) Knee/Shin pads + kevlar riding jeans ($150) Option 5) Finding a pair of expensive riding jeans with insertable knee armour pockets (200$+) Option 6) Textiles with armour (keep a pair of jeans at work) Since I'll be riding to work I want to minimize my on/off time with all the leg gear (would hate to spend 20 mins a day in the bathroom adding/removing gear) Thanks! |
|
December 20th, 2012, 11:46 AM | #2 |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
None of the above (1 to 5) will be good protection, 6 will not be practical.
Legs tend to receive more damage than the rest of the body. Consider textile overpants with leg-long zippers and knee+hip CA protection. http://www.bikebandit.com/search?q=overpant http://www.bikebandit.com/fieldsheer-slip-on-pants
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
|
December 20th, 2012, 11:59 AM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
agree with hernan,
go with armored textile overpants
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 20th, 2012, 12:17 PM | #4 |
ninjette.org member
Name: S
Location: North York (GTA)
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 250 SE Posts: 23
|
I would try to avoid these to be honest - I feel as if they would fit/feel terrible and look even worse. I know the reaction I might get with saying that but I just won't be comfortable in 2 pairs of pants to be honest. In that case I might as well get leathers and change into pants at work everyday.
|
|
December 20th, 2012, 12:25 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
It may not look good but liners are warm, and save time going on/off.
But if you have short legs, i would go with leathers that zip to the jacket.
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
|
December 20th, 2012, 12:26 PM | #6 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
I use text pants with armor built in and I zip then to my jacket.
I leave work clothes at work and it takes like two mins to change, longest part is tying my shoes. If its the same routine every day I don't see why this wont work. Depending on what I want to wear under the pants they can be used as over pants but I normally just wear them by the self. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 20th, 2012, 12:30 PM | #7 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Nick
Location: Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250r (SOLD) - Black. 2011 ZX-6R Green/Black - 2001 Garbage Bag Green KLR650 Posts: 275
|
Quote:
I have a pair of Textile overpants and they actually work great. The armour is pretty important, but just as much as the abrasion resistance that jeans just don't offer. Think of it this way, you wouldn't ride witha jean jacket with armour in it, but you would in an armoured textile jacket. |
|
|
December 20th, 2012, 12:55 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Chris
Location: Chattanooga
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 09 ninja 15.256 Posts: 263
|
I wear these over my dockers and keep a pair of shoes at work.
Telluride Pants Not designed as overpants but they work pretty well.
__________________________________________________
"We're not always doing business, but we're always open." "For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring." Carl Sagan |
|
December 20th, 2012, 01:06 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: S
Location: North York (GTA)
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 250 SE Posts: 23
|
So the overall consensus is a big NO to any sort of kevlar jeans then?
Well if I'm going to be spending time in a bathroom stall twice a day changing, I might as well just get something like these: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...3-0-Pants.aspx It is full textile/vented with CE armor built in. That should cover it I guess and just keep a pair of jeans at my desk at work. |
|
December 20th, 2012, 01:08 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Al
Location: York, Pa
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300..............2008 Ninja 500-sold...2009 Ninja 250-Crashed Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '14
|
Just get a size or 2 larger then what you normally fit and they will be conferrable, even more so if you go down. My jean size is 32 waist and I get 36 leathers. On and off quicker also. Work shoes go into my backpack with my laptop and lunch.
|
|
December 20th, 2012, 01:45 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Justin
Location: Fresno CA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 12' Ninja 250 Posts: 831
|
yup everyone pretty much mentioned it already. Get some overpants. I recently bought some FroggTogg waterproof overpants and they are absoutely amazing, although they dont provide really any extra protection.
as for textile overpants I'm currently looking at.. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/i...-textile-pants http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-axis-pants aand http://www.revzilla.com/product/icon-arc-textile-pants Theres sooo many options though. Surely you'll find somethin you'll like. |
|
December 20th, 2012, 01:55 PM | #12 | |
CVMA #74 WSMC #750
Name: Nemesis
Location: On the track
Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
Because careful about those textile pants...during a crash the armour will shift out of place. Just make sure you buy pants & upper jacket that's very snug but not restricting. I used to commute in a textile 2pc track suit (Dainese) is prolly the best 2pc textile I've owned (crash tested too ).
__________________________________________________
|
|
|
December 20th, 2012, 02:15 PM | #13 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
Quote:
http://www.leatherup.com/c/Leather-P...669E08F06D0CB8 Jeans will break; but even if they won't, your skin will acquire burning scars from them; I do have some on the skin of my legs from jeans that did not rip during a fall. A chain is not stronger than its weakest link: protect your hands, head and legs well.
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
|
|
December 20th, 2012, 02:36 PM | #14 |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
|
You may also want to check Competition Accessories for some good deals and quality gear (whatever you decide to get). I've shopped at their store a few times and the customer service is great.
Always remember the 7 P's Prior Proper Planning Prevents Possible Physical Pain. |
|
December 20th, 2012, 03:45 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
|
textile overpants are a good solution.
no need to change at work, just zip them off, and hang them next to your jacket. With the liner, they also provide decent rain/cold weather protection. |
|
December 20th, 2012, 05:27 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Weezy
Location: Massachusetts
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Posts: 169
|
One more vote for textile overpants. I have Scorpion Deuce Overpants and I can wear them over jeans comfortably. With the liner in they keep me warm even in the winter months. They are a little baggy being overpants so the knee protection is questionable in a crash scenario. In the summer I'm considering getting some knee/shin guards to wear under the overpants instead of the built in knee armor.
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 20th, 2012, 05:36 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Richie
Location: Arkansas
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally, 2015 Ninja ZX6R 636, 2014 Ninja 1000, 2013 Ninja 300 (sold), 2011 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 479
|
I've used my Rev'It Airwave pants as overpants before. There is enough adjustment at the waist to make it possible.
|
|
December 20th, 2012, 08:05 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: S
Location: North York (GTA)
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 250 SE Posts: 23
|
I understand that there is a huge consensus for "pro-overpants" but don't you guys feel weird wearing snowboarding pants over your jeans everyday?
Also is the safety going to be that much better than kevlar jeans?? |
|
December 20th, 2012, 08:14 PM | #19 |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
No weird, just clean, dry, warm and isolated from the wind, debris and the erosive pavement.
Cordura and kevlar-reinforced-denim don't perform alike: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordura http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevlar What about Kevlar jeans and exterior knee armor?
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
|
December 20th, 2012, 08:23 PM | #20 |
Thunderstruck
Name: Justin
Location: Wiggins, MS
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250R Posts: 41
|
I wear textile over pants with my riding boots. carry work boots in back pack. I have too many metal additions to my legs as it is to fool around too much.
__________________________________________________
"Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing"- Optimus Prime "If you want sympathy look in the dictionary between s**t and syphilis that's were you'll find it" -Major Payne |
|
December 20th, 2012, 08:25 PM | #21 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: S
Location: North York (GTA)
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 250 SE Posts: 23
|
Quote:
I'm thinking of just buying some 100$ kevlar reinforced jeans and either some external or internal knee/shin protectors that way I get some abrasion protection and knee protection. I will invest in some proper A* leather that zips up to my jacket for serious riding or trackdays which I fully intend to take advantage of. |
|
|
December 21st, 2012, 02:36 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
|
Kevlar Jeans
I bought Dainese Kevlar D6 Kevlar Jeans, and I wear them in combination with my Knox knee pads and my Alpinestars SMX-5 boots. I feel very comfortable during my 40 minute commute to work and I don't have to worry about looking out of place if I need to run errands or go for dinner while taking by bike. Not to mention if you ride in relative heat you won't want to be wearing 2 layers of pants if you're going out. In terms of protection, they're worse than textile pants, but above regular jeans.
Are Dainese products cheap? No. Are they quality? Yes. Are they stylish? Extremely. If you want kevlar jeans that look good, give these a shot. And if you decide to go with kevlar jeans, at the very least wear motorcycle boots (not shoes) as well as knee protection. I was thinking of investing in leather pants, but if you've ever been stuck in rush hour (sometimes standstill) traffic on your motorcycle in the heat, you know how unbearable it already is to be wearing full gear without heavy pants. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 21st, 2012, 03:59 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Tim
Location: Goshen CA
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 red 250 ninja Posts: 740
|
THey aren't snowboarding pants, but I wear textile overpants every day. During these winter months, I wear thermals, dickies, and then the riding pants over those, and I have no issues with them. The pants I have aren't even overpants, just oversized riding pants that fit over my pants. I just have to take my boots of and put them back on, but no getting changed.
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 21st, 2012, 05:54 AM | #24 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Richie
Location: Arkansas
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally, 2015 Ninja ZX6R 636, 2014 Ninja 1000, 2013 Ninja 300 (sold), 2011 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 479
|
There are also suits you can wear. Aerostitch and Teiz come to mind.
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 21st, 2012, 08:08 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: S
Location: North York (GTA)
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 250 SE Posts: 23
|
Thanks everyone.
I've decided that since I'll only be riding in the Summer that I will be buying a pair of good quality Kevlars and invest in some knee/shin protectors and couple that with a 3/4 racing style boot. That should be perfectly suited for short commuting and then when I get to work all I have to do is take the knee pads off... Also I will be investing in some A* leathers to zip up to my jacket for serious riding. Thanks for all the advice/info. |
|
December 21st, 2012, 08:45 AM | #26 |
hates stupid people
Name: Mark
Location: Oklahoma City
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R Posts: 860
|
I agree with the rest of the input here about the over pants. I think in the end though, it all comes down to the rider and what you want to wear. I have a pair of Icon textile overpants that I sometimes wear when I go out for spirited riding but I never wear them to work simply because I don't feel like it.
__________________________________________________
My vlogging channel: Ma1iciousLogic |
|
December 21st, 2012, 08:50 AM | #27 | ||
Biker
Name: Steve
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 723
|
Quote:
Quote:
Kevlar jeans are cool i think, and i might invest in them some day, but you will get dirty and wet while on the bike. The overpants protect you from everything. I too thought about "looks" before i got my overpants, but 3 crashes later (one in the rain) all while commuting, I can say I'm extremely glad i purchased them. I was able to pick up the bike and keep on trucking... errr motorcycling or whatever to work! lol I wear my business pants, underneath the overpants, along with work shirt. The wrinkles go away after an hour. I also wear full road race boots. In NYC no less. Rev'it Axis overpants are extremely quick to get in and out of. |
||
|
December 21st, 2012, 10:55 AM | #28 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: S
Location: North York (GTA)
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 250 SE Posts: 23
|
Quote:
|
|
|
December 21st, 2012, 10:58 AM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
lolwut
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
|
December 21st, 2012, 11:28 AM | #30 |
ninjette.org member
Name: S
Location: North York (GTA)
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): '10 250 SE Posts: 23
|
|
|
December 21st, 2012, 11:55 AM | #31 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
|
i was just messing with you.
__________________________________________________
Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
|
December 21st, 2012, 12:47 PM | #32 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Fox
Location: Boston
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 881
|
Quote:
that being said, I still wear mine. I have debated getting a set of knee pads and ditching the overpants on hot days like you're suggesting, especially since my commutes are low speed (under 35). But the lack of hip protection, and absence of a good knee pad that doesn't have a huge shin protector on it, (I ride with full on race boots, every day) has held me back from making the switch. |
|
|
December 21st, 2012, 02:28 PM | #33 |
Land of Bagged Milk
Name: Brian
Location: Ontario, Canada
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja ZX-6R 2012 Passion Red Posts: 91
|
hey e90,
I posted on GTA too. I bought a good set of overpants when I got my bike. Those lasted 3 days. End of July temps and overpants were a fail for me. I have no idea how people do it. I mean I am not enough with the rest of my gear, the pants were just too much for me. Passing out by overheating was something I decided to avoid. I switched to jeans and armour (A* knee/shin and Knox Shorts). Bought my Draggin Jeans yesterday to replace my regular jeans so now I am ready for next season. I have TCX S Sportour boots so I have a fair amount of protection under the Kevlar reinforced jeans. |
|
December 21st, 2012, 03:54 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Travis
Location: Washington, DC
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664
|
The leg armor is good -- in fact, better than overpants, as armor in pants doesn't stay put very well in a crash (ask me how I know). But you might also want some hip/ass/coccyx armor. When I'm not wearing my leathers, I either wear overpants + knox knee/shin armor, or kevlar jeans + knox armor + dianese armored shorts. With the armored shorts and knox armor under the kevlar jeans, plus good boots (SMX5s for me), I feel very protected and look fairly normal from outside (well, no less normal than always ).
|
|
December 22nd, 2012, 09:24 AM | #35 |
1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass
Name: Jeremy
Location: Dayton, OH
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.
|
These are what I'm wearing right now. http://www.compacc.com/p/Sliders-Kev...ding-Jeans-4-0 They have tons of kelar in the important areas, and they don't cost a lot. These are also way better than cheaply made Icon victory jeans....trust me I've "tested" them both.
|
|
December 22nd, 2012, 08:58 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Tim
Location: Quad Cities
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: 102
|
It was mentioned that the armor shifts while in a crash. Do any of the companies make overpants or regular pants that have an adequate method of keeping the armor in place? Damn the comfort, I can live with a little restriction and heat.
I can see a need for hip and knee protection. The knee pads on my pants cover the front, not the side at all. And there's not much of anything keeping them even facing forward. I feel a little naked still.
__________________________________________________
Motorcycle noob, feel free to ignore me. |
|
January 15th, 2013, 01:22 PM | #37 |
One Loyal Fox
Name: Rahul
Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R (RIP), 2011 ZX-6R Posts: 869
|
I have these: http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com...l.bok?no=13029
They work very well, are warm, waterpoof, CE armor in the knees, and pretty low key if you get the right size. I can put them on/take them off within 10 seconds right over my jeans. I don't ride in just jeans anymore..overpants or suit, thats it.
__________________________________________________
My riding blog! Check it out if you are bored!aninjaridingpandabear.blogspot.com RIP Alex 8.10.12 |
|
January 15th, 2013, 01:46 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Matt
Location: San Diego, CA
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Triumph Bonneville; 2008 Ninja 250r (trackbike) Posts: 748
|
My #1 recommendation..has been crash test twice
For knee and shin protection...and BMX, MTB, or even MX gear that you can easily strap or wrap around your leg that I wear under my slacks
Icon Automag Leather overpants...that way I can wear my work slacks underneath Its full leather and not chaps, looks cool, provides protection, and the armor for the knee and shins is discreet.
__________________________________________________
*CVMA #312*SoCal Trackdays*BigHeadz Racing*Motion Pro*Factory Effex*Leatt Brace* Racetech *Bell * Woodcraft CFM*Vortex*Hotbodies*Surface Sun Systems*Braking*LiveWire Energy*Freegun Underwear |
|
January 15th, 2013, 05:48 PM | #39 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
|
shorts are fine... YOLO right? those crocs will keep your feet from smelling bad too.
__________________________________________________
|
|
January 15th, 2013, 07:26 PM | #40 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
I might start commuting...help. | tar wheels | Motorcycle Gear | 19 | June 5th, 2013 12:58 PM |
[motorcyclistonline] - Heated Gear Options | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | March 29th, 2013 03:00 PM |
Pants for commuting | saxnbass | Motorcycle Gear | 13 | November 1st, 2011 07:32 PM |
[hell for leather] - How to adapt motorcycle gear to work in a riot | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | October 21st, 2011 05:30 PM |
Riding Home from work: why you should ALWAYS WEAR YOUR GEAR! | Skippii | General Motorcycling Discussion | 15 | August 25th, 2011 04:23 PM |
|
|