So far I’ve been lucky in that I’ve decent local train service that gets me to work in under 40 minutes, so I go on the bike when it suits me and if the weather looks rubbish I catch the train (wimp, I know).
But, my company is about to relocate me from the centre of Liverpool to one of those appalling ‘out of town’ offices with no decent pubs nearby. Public transport will mean a 90 minute journey time, so I’m going to go on the bike every day to keep costs and journey time down. It’s a 25 mile trip each way – half A roads and half motorway. If I decline a car parking space I get an extra chunk of cash for being green. I’m also told I can claim for any extra expenses as a consequence of the move. My winter biking wardrobe really isn’t up to daily commutes in the cold & wet, so I’m going to request some readies to buy decent commuting kit. I know some of you guys are hardened winter riders, so any one got any recommendations for a decent zip together textile jacket & trousers and waterproof boots? Total budget should be about the £600 mark – if I can squeeze it out of the accountant's sweaty palms.
Cheers,
Chris.
What to Wear This Winter?
Started by
Matlock
, Sep 02 2007 08:08 pm
29 replies to this topic
#1
Matlock
-
- Supporting Member(thanks)
-
- 3,913 posts
Carpe Citizen
- Location:Liverpool
- TDM model: no more
Posted 02 September 2007 - 08:08 pm
2002 TDM900 in glorious yellow, NOW SOLD 
2012 Honda Crosstourer VFR1200X. Hyperspeed tourer.
1990 XTZ750 in black, standard apart from Micron silencer. Mechanical restoration complete, cosmetic restoration next on the agenda.. NOW SOLD
Follow me on twitter
#2
SteveGlover
-
- Member
-
- 857 posts
850 going for 900
- Location:Bolton. Lancs
- TDM model: 2003
Posted 02 September 2007 - 08:19 pm
I've got fairly ordinary Frank Thomas kit which is OK for the odd day in winter but truth is I wouldn't fancy having to use it every day. I think I'd want something with some heating built in, like a heated jacket or heated waistcoat.
#3
Guest_Pantboy_*
Guest_Pantboy_*
-
- Guests
Posted 02 September 2007 - 08:21 pm
i wouldn't want to be without my sidi black rain boots. not too expensive (£100 when i bought mine) don't look like wellies but don't look like they are from
a power rangers wardrobe either.
a power rangers wardrobe either.
#4
Guest_yamaharghhhh_*
Guest_yamaharghhhh_*
-
- Guests
Posted 02 September 2007 - 08:41 pm
QUOTE(Pantboy @ Sun 2nd Sep 2007, 10:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i wouldn't want to be without my sidi black rain boots. not too expensive (£100 when i bought mine) don't look like wellies but don't look like they are from
a power rangers wardrobe either.
a power rangers wardrobe either.
#5
Pict
-
- Member
-
- 6,257 posts
Keep on keepin' on
- Location:North Herts., UK
- TDM model: 2006
Posted 02 September 2007 - 09:09 pm
Hairy Gerkin's Tuareg touring suit is bombproof, by all accounts.
"It's a TDM, Jim, but not as we know it"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAHmEWim3to
Diamond black TDM 900A TRIKE, 2006 ABS model converted by Trike Design (Caerphilly, South Wales) prior to first registration in March 2007.
#6
Geordie Guy
-
- Member
-
- 3,502 posts
Carpe Citizen
- Location:The Tyne - now ORMSKIRK
- TDM model: 2010
Posted 02 September 2007 - 09:22 pm
Chris,
I went to Almac opposite the Hen and Chickens, Maghull,
Go on a Sunday morning as the owner is in, He knocked aload off for me.
I went and got, Sidi black rains, new lined SPADAR 100% water proof jacket and trousers, £250
The more you buy the more he'll discount it.
Go to Hienz Gerning and your lucky to the the steam of their p!ss.
Ivan
I went to Almac opposite the Hen and Chickens, Maghull,
Go on a Sunday morning as the owner is in, He knocked aload off for me.
I went and got, Sidi black rains, new lined SPADAR 100% water proof jacket and trousers, £250
The more you buy the more he'll discount it.
Go to Hienz Gerning and your lucky to the the steam of their p!ss.
Ivan
Edited by Geordie Guy, 02 September 2007 - 09:24 pm.
I'm a TDM SNOB !!!! "Adventure before Dementia"
Kawasaki GT550, XJ900 Diversion, 2002 TDM 900 , 2008 TDM 900a, 2010 TDM 900a.
Kawasaki GT550, XJ900 Diversion, 2002 TDM 900 , 2008 TDM 900a, 2010 TDM 900a.
#7
Guest_Pantboy_*
Guest_Pantboy_*
-
- Guests
Posted 02 September 2007 - 09:25 pm
QUOTE(Pict @ Sun 2nd Sep 2007, 09:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hairy Gerkin's Tuareg touring suit is bombproof, by all accounts.
they got 100 notes off the toerag jacket and 80 notes off the troosers at the mo.
#8
David H
-
- Member
-
- 539 posts
Knight of Postsalot
- Location:Hayle
- TDM model: 1991
Posted 03 September 2007 - 12:26 am
Handguards and heated grips would be my first choice.
I'd also recommend a good quality turtle neck, the skiing type that stays windproof even when wet.
I'd also recommend a good quality turtle neck, the skiing type that stays windproof even when wet.
#9
jht
-
- Member
-
- 1,769 posts
has been here 4ever
- Location:surrey/hants border
- TDM model: 1996
Posted 03 September 2007 - 12:47 am
QUOTE(Pict @ Sun 2nd Sep 2007, 09:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hairy Gerkin's Tuareg touring suit is bombproof, by all accounts.
Second that, and add...
HG Tuareg boots / a buff / v wipe fto fit on your glove fer yer visor/ WP force 2 gloves
all stuff I used last 2-3 winters & would happily recommend
Done: Homo sap navigation/ twisty thing on bars to make it go vroom/ grabby thing to make it stop (in front of twisty thing)/ 'leccy things front and rear to make it glow at night/ Sucky + drippy oiler thing to keep chains moist (!!) / Laser Pro Stock Race pipes / bleeding ear drums (see previous mod)
To do: Educate homo sap nav system to operate twisty + grabby things/ get ear plugs
All Trashed Now... Pants... its a Cat B Mwahahaha it lives again!!
Remember every driver is a deaf myoptic twat who is out to kill you, ALWAYS assume they are going to do THE most f*cking DUMBASS, STUPID manouver possible, at the worst possible moment; get past, and get past quick
To do: Educate homo sap nav system to operate twisty + grabby things/ get ear plugs
Remember every driver is a deaf myoptic twat who is out to kill you, ALWAYS assume they are going to do THE most f*cking DUMBASS, STUPID manouver possible, at the worst possible moment; get past, and get past quick
#10
TDMTAM
-
- Member
-
- 4,205 posts
Carpe Citizen
- Location:Glasgow, Scotland
- TDM model: 2008
Posted 03 September 2007 - 06:04 am
QUOTE(jht @ Mon 3rd Sep 2007, 01:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Second that, and add...
HG Tuareg boots / a buff / v wipe fto fit on your glove fer yer visor/ WP force 2 gloves
all stuff I used last 2-3 winters & would happily recommend
HG Tuareg boots / a buff / v wipe fto fit on your glove fer yer visor/ WP force 2 gloves
all stuff I used last 2-3 winters & would happily recommend
HG Tuareg boots are great, & i would recommend the HG goretex stuff to.
TAM
2008 TDM 900 in BLACK, MRA Vario, DL handguards & more to come
1994 TDM 850 mkI Silver, with Blueflame end can, Gone to a new owner & I kinda miss her!
Only a Biker knows why a Dog sticks it head out the car window
Only a Biker knows why a Dog sticks it head out the car window
#11
ChrisG
-
- Supporting Member(thanks)
-
- 8,282 posts
Resident vulture
- Location:Netherlands
- TDM model: 2009
Posted 03 September 2007 - 08:19 am
Another vote for Sidi Black Rain boots, they haven't leaked yet. Not tried the HG ones though, but took a look at the Tuareg jacket and trousers recently and would definatly consider them if replacing my kit.
If you've never used it give Rain-X a try, fantastic for keeping the water off your visor, above about 30mph you just turn your head slightly and all the water runs off.
I know you said it in the original post, but zip together is a very good idea. My IXS kit doesn't and I often wish it did.
Buff or similar, the fleecy ones are great in cold weather, I know a couple of people who swear by silk balaclavas.
Love my Eska gloves, neoprene cuff slides up inside your jacket with another cuff outside the jacket, the water that runs down your arms doesn't end up in the glove.
Nikwax Techwash and the wash in waterproofing stuff, well worth it to keep your kit waterproof.
If you've never used it give Rain-X a try, fantastic for keeping the water off your visor, above about 30mph you just turn your head slightly and all the water runs off.
I know you said it in the original post, but zip together is a very good idea. My IXS kit doesn't and I often wish it did.
Buff or similar, the fleecy ones are great in cold weather, I know a couple of people who swear by silk balaclavas.
Love my Eska gloves, neoprene cuff slides up inside your jacket with another cuff outside the jacket, the water that runs down your arms doesn't end up in the glove.
Nikwax Techwash and the wash in waterproofing stuff, well worth it to keep your kit waterproof.
1992 Mk1, 76k miles, Hagon springs, MTC exhaust, 4½ gears Gone now
2009 900 abs, 42k miles, Yamaha heated grips, double bubble screen, R&G crash bungs, scottoiler, Autocom, 1500 lumen LED spotlights.
#12
TonyDevil
-
- Supporting Member(thanks)
-
- 9,336 posts
seagull squadron leader & founding member of GoatTracKrew
- Location:Saarfend-on-Sea, Essex
- TDM model: 1991
Posted 03 September 2007 - 12:59 pm
spend the bulk of your £ on a decent pair of boots, you can always get a cheap all-in-one waterproof to go over the top of your leathers 
for work each day i wear a pair of draggin-jeans chinos, fine in the office as they look smart casual and have waterproof trousers in the topbox for emergencies.
i have a Buffalo textile set that is supposedly waterproof, but its never been subjected to a prolonged drenching, i'm told all woven fabrics will eventually let the water through
if theres a chance of rain i wear the Buffalo jacket, otherwise its just a cheap (but fully armoured leather jacket)
if you want armor for the knees then get some moto-x stuff to go under the draggins
also i always wear a full knox back protector, the stuff that fits inside a jacket is rubbish, it needs to be strapped to you.
for touring i use my decent summer leathers nearly all year round, just wear an all in 1 waterproof over the top
ps. handguards are your best friend in winter
for work each day i wear a pair of draggin-jeans chinos, fine in the office as they look smart casual and have waterproof trousers in the topbox for emergencies.
i have a Buffalo textile set that is supposedly waterproof, but its never been subjected to a prolonged drenching, i'm told all woven fabrics will eventually let the water through
if theres a chance of rain i wear the Buffalo jacket, otherwise its just a cheap (but fully armoured leather jacket)
if you want armor for the knees then get some moto-x stuff to go under the draggins
also i always wear a full knox back protector, the stuff that fits inside a jacket is rubbish, it needs to be strapped to you.
for touring i use my decent summer leathers nearly all year round, just wear an all in 1 waterproof over the top
ps. handguards are your best friend in winter
"Never argue with an idiot. They just bring you down to their level and beat you with experience"
My TDM :
Black 1991 850 MK1, 160k+ miles(ish, best guess really, gave up trying to keep count after 3rd set of clocks and 3rd engine), PilotRoad2 tyres, custom stubby exhaust system, bluespot calipers & goodridge braided hoses with dunlopads, maxton forks, Ohlins shock, kedo handguards, stainless TDM grill, Scottoiler with lubetube & dual nozzle thingy, Givi Wingrack2 with E45 & 2xE36s, renntec crash bars, Autocom with blueteeth & PMR radio, TomTom Rider2, Optimate IIIsp, Bagster tank cover, anti-dazzle coating
to fit : led spotlights, heated grips, new braided lines and rear caliper that actually has bleed nipples
Silver-ish 2003 900, 70k miles, PilotRoad3 front tyre (new@65k) & PR2 rear(new at 69k), Renthal 755 bars with KTM handguards, oxford unheated grips, power commander 3usb, scorpion titanium exhausts, standard screen with vario winglet thingy, stainless grill, oem centre stand, bagster tank cover, givi monokey topplate mounted on grabrail with V46 topbox, Givi PL pannier rails with E21s, crash bungs, mirror extender thingys, Halfords Advanced Laser Blue brillance bulbs, 21w led spotlights, touring scottoiler with leehenty dual nozzle, Autocom with blueteeth & PMR radio, TomTom Rider3 Urban, winter style anti-dazzle coating
to fit : led brake light strip, replacement heated grips
current rides : TDM850 3vd/mk1=tourer&scratcher, TRX850=weekend twisty toy, 2003 TDM900=commuter, 2005 TDM900=unmolested. Gone but not forgotton : XTZ750=overland touring toy, GS500e, GS125
If a strange looking truck driver honks at you & gives you the thumbs up, its could be me 
#13
Lunlunzai
-
- Member
-
- 465 posts
Carpe junky
- Location:Southampton, Hants
- TDM model: none yet
Posted 03 September 2007 - 01:19 pm
I think I used the cheapest kits amongst in this group.
I used to wear 'proper' kits but found out apart from the armour pad, I was not happy with their perforamce especially on those wet and cold days.
I was feed up and went for the simple things:
-an outdoor cross-tech jacket
(a new generation of gore-tex developed by Gore, more or less gore-tex. Law enforcement use it as uniform jacket fabric as they prevent body fluid from penetrating through.) + a cheap (£3) fleece jacket underneath gives me the best warmth and 100% dry.
I think cross-tech may not be easy to find in the UK, I was wearing a gore-tex jacket (as shown below) for a year , it lasts and works even in most horrible storms + washing once every 2 weeks! very good value indeed.
- heated grips
- thin gore-tex gloves (dun wear thick gloves in conjuction with heated grips)
- handguards
- a good quality over-trousers (as I wear suits in office so it is easier to put on and off. Sometimes and again, I found armour trousers not being 100% waterproof and makes me look like I piss myself. Feeling like yr ass is soaking in a pond in extreme case).
- a cup of hot tea/ coffee before u shoot off
Again, I am doing a mix of dual-carriage way + country road so most of the time is between 40 - 70 mph and so far it works PERFECT for me
I used to wear 'proper' kits but found out apart from the armour pad, I was not happy with their perforamce especially on those wet and cold days.
I was feed up and went for the simple things:
-an outdoor cross-tech jacket
(a new generation of gore-tex developed by Gore, more or less gore-tex. Law enforcement use it as uniform jacket fabric as they prevent body fluid from penetrating through.) + a cheap (£3) fleece jacket underneath gives me the best warmth and 100% dry.
I think cross-tech may not be easy to find in the UK, I was wearing a gore-tex jacket (as shown below) for a year , it lasts and works even in most horrible storms + washing once every 2 weeks! very good value indeed.
- heated grips
- thin gore-tex gloves (dun wear thick gloves in conjuction with heated grips)
- handguards
- a good quality over-trousers (as I wear suits in office so it is easier to put on and off. Sometimes and again, I found armour trousers not being 100% waterproof and makes me look like I piss myself. Feeling like yr ass is soaking in a pond in extreme case).
- a cup of hot tea/ coffee before u shoot off
Again, I am doing a mix of dual-carriage way + country road so most of the time is between 40 - 70 mph and so far it works PERFECT for me
Edited by LUNLUNZAI, 03 September 2007 - 01:27 pm.
2002 HONDA CB250 NIGHTHAWK (SOLD)
2003 HONDA TRANSALP XL 650 V
2003 YAMAHA TDM 900 (SOLD)
2003 APRILIA CAPONORD ETV 1000 (SOLD)
2005 HONDA VARADERO XL 1000 V
2003 HONDA TRANSALP XL 650 V
2003 YAMAHA TDM 900 (SOLD)
2003 APRILIA CAPONORD ETV 1000 (SOLD)
2005 HONDA VARADERO XL 1000 V
#14
MarkyMark
-
- Member
-
- 981 posts
900 going for ... 1000cc?
- Location:Swindon (SN4)
- TDM model: 2003
Posted 03 September 2007 - 05:05 pm
I have 90 minutes to survive - so this is my two pennoworth
I leave a pair of trousers and shoes in the office and change every day. (I even had spare socks and pants in my drawer for really wet days).
I wear my leathers. Adjusting under-leather depending on temperature - e.g. wind-stopper leggings. fleecey sweat-shirt.
I wear waterproof trousers if it is really cold.
I always wear High Viz jacket. I have had tremendous value from "Dickies" bomber style jacke - sold in Halfords for £20.
Don't care about my feet.
Hands are the most difficult and most important - I wear frank thomas gore-tex gloves summer and winter. When temperature drops below 10ish, I put a pair of skiing mittens over the top of them.
It is extremely difficult to keep your ass dry. Waterproof trousers never last long - so I buy cheep and discard when they fail - always in the crutch at the point where the four seams meet. Again I have had good mileage out of Dickies waterproof trousers, and I like the fact that they are yellow with high Viz bits on them.
I leave a pair of trousers and shoes in the office and change every day. (I even had spare socks and pants in my drawer for really wet days).
I wear my leathers. Adjusting under-leather depending on temperature - e.g. wind-stopper leggings. fleecey sweat-shirt.
I wear waterproof trousers if it is really cold.
I always wear High Viz jacket. I have had tremendous value from "Dickies" bomber style jacke - sold in Halfords for £20.
Don't care about my feet.
Hands are the most difficult and most important - I wear frank thomas gore-tex gloves summer and winter. When temperature drops below 10ish, I put a pair of skiing mittens over the top of them.
It is extremely difficult to keep your ass dry. Waterproof trousers never last long - so I buy cheep and discard when they fail - always in the crutch at the point where the four seams meet. Again I have had good mileage out of Dickies waterproof trousers, and I like the fact that they are yellow with high Viz bits on them.
XT1200Z - Big and bouncy
GTR1400 - Chaufer the wife.
XT660Z - Fun and commute.
TDM900 - Yellow.
#15
Guest_celticbiker_*
Guest_celticbiker_*
-
- Guests
Posted 03 September 2007 - 05:46 pm
Like most on here I ride all year round in all weathers and have used the HG kit now for many years and had no trouble with it at all. Currently I have the voyager kit and it is exellent and you should be able to get boots,gloves,jacket & trousers(thats strides for you ozzies out there) for under £600 so you'll have a bit left over for yer sel
CB
CB
#16
Matlock
-
- Supporting Member(thanks)
-
- 3,913 posts
Carpe Citizen
- Location:Liverpool
- TDM model: no more
Posted 03 September 2007 - 09:40 pm
Thanks for all your tips guys. I'm gonna visit my local HG branch on Saturday and take a look at what they've got - the Tuareg sounds good, especially if they're knocking a few £££s off it. Anyone know if the Tuareg suit has removable insulated linings - it doesn't mention it on the web site. The Sidi boots look good to, so a trip to Almac at Melling is in order too. Thanks again for your help.
Cheers,
Chris.
Cheers,
Chris.
2002 TDM900 in glorious yellow, NOW SOLD
2012 Honda Crosstourer VFR1200X. Hyperspeed tourer.
1990 XTZ750 in black, standard apart from Micron silencer. Mechanical restoration complete, cosmetic restoration next on the agenda.. NOW SOLD
Follow me on twitter
#17
stu
-
- Supporting Member(thanks)
-
- 2,060 posts
full o shoite
- Location:Irish Midlands
- TDM model: 2002
Posted 03 September 2007 - 10:31 pm
Given the current exchange rate, have a look at the aerostich roadcrafter at www.aerostich.com
Stu
#18
jht
-
- Member
-
- 1,769 posts
has been here 4ever
- Location:surrey/hants border
- TDM model: 1996
Posted 03 September 2007 - 10:37 pm
QUOTE(Matlock @ Mon 3rd Sep 2007, 10:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for all your tips guys. I'm gonna visit my local HG branch on Saturday and take a look at what they've got - the Tuareg sounds good, especially if they're knocking a few £££s off it. Anyone know if the Tuareg suit has removable insulated linings jackets do, dunno re trousers tbh - it doesn't mention it on the web site. The Sidi boots tried 'em, feet didn't fit, boot too narrow! Glad because got Tuareg boots instead.... then noticed large no of dispatch riders wearing same, that good sign in my book look good to, so a trip to Almac at Melling is in order too. Thanks again for your help.
Cheers,
Chris.
Cheers,
Chris.
Done: Homo sap navigation/ twisty thing on bars to make it go vroom/ grabby thing to make it stop (in front of twisty thing)/ 'leccy things front and rear to make it glow at night/ Sucky + drippy oiler thing to keep chains moist (!!) / Laser Pro Stock Race pipes / bleeding ear drums (see previous mod)
To do: Educate homo sap nav system to operate twisty + grabby things/ get ear plugs
All Trashed Now... Pants... its a Cat B Mwahahaha it lives again!!
Remember every driver is a deaf myoptic twat who is out to kill you, ALWAYS assume they are going to do THE most f*cking DUMBASS, STUPID manouver possible, at the worst possible moment; get past, and get past quick
To do: Educate homo sap nav system to operate twisty + grabby things/ get ear plugs
Remember every driver is a deaf myoptic twat who is out to kill you, ALWAYS assume they are going to do THE most f*cking DUMBASS, STUPID manouver possible, at the worst possible moment; get past, and get past quick
#19
GIBBO
-
- Member
-
- 463 posts
Carpe junky
- Location:Poole,Dorset
- TDM model: 2004
Posted 04 September 2007 - 11:29 am
I ride all year round and it's all good advice, decent boots, suit, heated hand grips etc. All amount to nowt if you do not keep your head warm!!!!!! Either a skull cap or a balaclava
My body is a temple, that's why my shoes are on the outside.....
#20
GIBBO
-
- Member
-
- 463 posts
Carpe junky
- Location:Poole,Dorset
- TDM model: 2004
Posted 04 September 2007 - 12:01 pm
QUOTE(GIBBO @ Tue 4th Sep 2007, 12:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I ride all year round and it's all good advice, decent boots, suit, heated hand grips etc. All amount to nowt if you do not keep your head warm!!!!!! Either a skull cap or a balaclava
Especially if, like me, you are folically challenged!
My body is a temple, that's why my shoes are on the outside.....
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users
