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I recently purchased a bike, 2006 SV650 Flat Black (was custom painted) for $3500, and I have a bit of money leftover. I've decided to invest this money into riding gear--namely a jacket and perhaps some pants--since all my normal jackets catch too much wind. Also when I ride with normal jeans, they tend to ride up my leg so my ankles freeze like crazy. I was looking to spend probably about $200-300 on the jacket, and maybe $100-200 on the pants.

My plan is to get fitted for the clothing and then see if I can find it cheaper online from Ebay or a website. I know a lot of people dislike Ebay but they have extremely low prices. I'd prefer to buy new, although slightly used doesn't really bother me either. I'm a relatively skinny guy--about 5'-10", 145 pounds--but I have pretty broad shoulders so my body looks like a "Y" shape. I'm thinking leather since I hear it can withstand more punishment, but I'm not closed to the prospect of textile or that new material I've heard of. I'm done growing although my shoulders and chest will probably get slightly larger since I work out regularly.

I was simply wondering what some high-quality jackets and pants would be since there seem to be quite a bit out there. I recently purchased an Arai Quantum II frost black, so I'm looking for something that would match that as well. The area I live in is Seattle so it's usually pretty chilly and rains on occasion, although I'm not looking for a raincoat necessarily. Also, I was wondering if I need gloves with wrist protection and/or boots above the ankle. I wear thin leather gloves and Doc Marten boots that don't go above the ankle.

Thanks for the feedback.

Seattle? SV650? Recently bought a helmet and now looking for gear?

This sounds familiar.

People here can tell you the upsides of leather and textile. The thing that stands out for Seattle is how wet it is. So you can go two ways:

1. Go with a traditional leather jacket/pant combo, AND get a rainproof oversuit.
2. Have a look at Rev'it http://www.revit.eu/. They have a US distributor, and make good looking stuff, waterproof, with options for removable warmth layers. (Both leather and textile)

Also,

You can skimp on boots for a while, if you can get some sturdy workboots with a Gore or eVent layer, but gloves are up there with helmet. Riding all winter? Don't skimp. If you're doing three season riding, summer gloves may be enough.

Lastly,

People here can give you websites for on-line gear dealers, just try not to "pee" off your local shop. A good one will have expertise that riders should find invaluable, if you find your health and safety to be invaluable that is.


Good luck with your training and gear shopping.

Ed

Gewt yourself decent boots.

It rains in seattle almost as much as it does here.

My boots new from Hein Gericke should have been £70 (I got them for a tenner but thats a different story) - They are leather touring boots that protect my foot, ankle and shin. The good thing about them it that they are plain black and aren't powerranger gear so people at work don't even notice that I am wearing them under my work trousers.

Not sure where this Leather isn't waterproof thing started as I've been wearing Leather for decades without having significant problems. I have to be out for an extended period in torrential rain (think vertical sea with slots in) for the seams to leak - and it is always the seams that leak.

I have a mental picture for you. Take an angle grinder with a sanding disc - now imagine taking that to the sides of your ankles, top of your knees, elbows etc. These are the parts of your body that will grind down the road in the event of an off.

I have pictures of the roadrash from a 30mph drop in jeans - would you like to see?

I like the joe rocket ballistic jacket and pants or the first gear Kilimanjaro jacket and HT overpants combo.

For both rain and cold weather definitely try to get a 3/4 length jacket

I bought my (naked leather) leathers (jacket, pants, chaps) from Chillhowee Motorcycle Leather down in Grants Pass, Oregon

www.chilhowee.net

I also have the Milwaukee rain suit (which has worked very well..)

R
(over the big hills in Yakima (where, yes, it does rain!))

Gear on a budget....
http://www.newenough.com

check closeout/bargain basement