Motoport Jacket and Pants Splurge

[tsbt]

Was thinking of splurging on Motoport gear - I know Johnny and Frankenduck both swear by it - they seem to do custom everything, so many choices of styles, just curious if there's a good all-season jacket/pants someone purchased that they'd recommend? Also curious whether the 3/4 jackets or the shorter zip-to-pant jacket styles are favoured.

[motodude]

I've been using MotoPort gear for years.  I like 'em a lot.

I've got an old (~10 years) "Canyon" jacket that I recently sent in to get the collar and some velcro redone.  They did a good job, it is exactly what I wanted and was much cheaper than buying a new jacket.

I've got a couple of pairs of their pants.

What I really like, and some may not, is that the rain liner is removable.  Aerostitch doesn't do that.  Consequently, in the summer you'll see the the Aerostitch guys enjoying the "Aerostitch sauna".  I can do cold much better than I can do hot so Aerostitch was never really a consideration for me.

I've never used the thinsulate liner.  The rain liner, cuts the wind (yes, they DO breathe) and keeps me plenty warm when it is cold.

I have not crashed so I don't know their crash worthiness first hand but a buddy of mine has gone down more than once in a Canyon jacket (like mine, this was several years ago) and the jacket did it's job.

Just my two cents,
Tom

[frankenduck]

The main reason I bought the Kevlar jeans is that nobody makes size 32 tall pants so I bought the Motoport pants so I'd have custom pants where the legs don't ride up above my boots.

Diamond Gussett Defender jeans also can be bought with a long inseam.

[tsbt]

I've been using MotoPort gear for years.  I like 'em a lot.

Thanks for all the details Motodude you're obviously a huge advocate I hear the Aerostitch can be hotter than a snakes ass in a wagon rut. Part of the reason I'm thinking Motoport is this article it compares Aerostitch and Motoport but also talks about the typical Poly jacket (like the one I currently have) as a product that melts to the skin from being too close to a muffler or from road rash. Kevlar doesn't. Pretty easy decision. That and the breathability and safety rating.  :2thumbup:

The main reason I bought the Kevlar jeans is that nobody makes size 32 tall pants so I bought the Motoport pants so I'd have custom pants where the legs don't ride up above my boots.
Diamond Gussett Defender jeans also can be bought with a long inseam.

Cool that they do Kevlar jeans was checking them out, might have to get a pair nice option on a hot day too.

[frankenduck]

I also had Motoport put an extra zipped cargo pocket at 45 degrees on my left thigh.  I keep my wallet there.  Makes gassing up quick and easy. It was another $20-25.

[motodude]

I also had Motoport put an extra zipped cargo pocket at 45 degrees on my left thigh.  I keep my wallet there.  Makes gassing up quick and easy. It was another $20-25.

I've kept my wallet in the (velcro flapped) cargo pockets in both my MP pants.  Never had it fall out or any issue.  But, having a zipper would certainly provide some piece-of-mind.  Wish I'da thought of that.  :embarass:

Tom

[billday]

I love my Motoport pants. (I also really like my BMW Airshell jacket.)

One thing about Motoport -- the measuring instructions on their website were confusing. But when the pants came they fit me to a tee.

Oh and one other thing about Motoport. When I finally took the plunge to buy them, I had just a couple of weeks before I was due to leave on my cross-country ride, and they got me my pants in time. Great folks.

[tsbt]

the stretch kevlar is good for temps 20deg to 115+deg... ld comfort unders + electric jacket under a motoport stretch kevlar jacket into the 20s... ld comford unders under a motoport stretch kevlar jacket into the 100s+... the stretch kevlar breaths just enough to keep the blast furnace out and lets your ld comfort unders work as designed...

i would gett the police pants in stretch kevlar again... i would gett the marathon jacket in stretch kevlar again... highly customized from their stock offerings of course...

Thanks j o, really helpful. I'm a click away from getting the Stretch Kevlar Marathon/Stretch Kevlar Police Pants and Quad armour for both - borderline on getting the crotch armour as it get's awful hot down there to begin with and I don't want to ruin my chances of one day having kids, heh. Up here in Canada we get down-right-chilly come late fall, do you think the Stretch with the heated layer does the trick for +5 temps? probably the coldest I'd be riding before it becomes an ice rink and I park it. Also are there any added customizations you can't live without? Appreciate your time. These details are great.

tsbt

[tsbt]

When I finally took the plunge to buy them, I had just a couple of weeks before I was due to leave on my cross-country ride, and they got me my pants in time. Great folks.

Thanks Bill good to know since I'm making a trip north myself in two weeks and would love to have it by then - me hopes. Sounds like quality service to me.

[Tom05301]

Aside from falling over at stop signs because I couldn't reach the ground easily on my R75, I haven't been down, yet. I fall off my bicycle a few times a year, but that's what I expect riding on snow and ice. That experience doesn't translate. Although, I have heard my helmet hit the pavement/ice a few times, and I am rather grateful for that sound, and that I can hear it.

In any event, I've given up on the one piece suit idea and am leaning towards Motoport. The last hurdle is ... which fabric? The kevlar is a big jump up in price from the Cordura. My sister says I drive like an old fart, and with a few years off the bike, I'm rather riding like one, but imagine some day I'll spend time on highways at 65mph (77 on the speedo?). I don't have unlimited funds, spent more than I expected on the bike I just bought but I was tired of shopping, and my wife doesn't seem to understand that I will need another. So, half a grand here or there might add up.

Has anyone ever gone down and seen their Cordura melt from friction, or fuse to their flesh from the hot exhaust system? Any one abraded through any material? Etc?

Advice and war stories most welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Tom

[argent brick]

You did not buy a second rate bike, so why do that with your safety gear?

When you buy a Motoport jacket, you are getting one of the best on the market(so I have been told).
The same holds true with Areostitch gear. If you are going to buy the best, THEN BUY THE BEST.
If you are going to choose Cordura to save money just bank your cash a little longer and purchase what you really should use.
Get the Kevlar. You bought the best helmet you could get,right? When the time comes, you will buy the best tires you can afford, won't you?  Don't cheap out on safety gear. Inferior materials and poor quality workmanship are remembered long after the savings is forgotten.
You only have to buy quality once.

That's my 2 cents.


Oh, remember, the riding season is beginning to come to a end. How much do you have left?  Month and a half? Maybe two, or three tops? Maybe you should work on getting your brick a little lower and have your Motoport gear made over the winter. When spring comes, you will be set to jet. Proper gear, proper bike. If your bike fits, there is less chance of needing your safety gear.

[WoahGold]

I'd have to agree with argent.

I don't recall off hand what my old jacket (Alpinestars) was made of exactly, but it was some sort of heavy textile. I was shocked how quickly it disintegrated when I had my fall. The only real "good" areas were the reinforced joint protection. I recently picked up a Vanson leather jacket. It is rather heavy but it's got thick leather, reinforced joint projection, and steel plates along the the spine of the back protector. It's very comfortable now, but I imagine it could be hot come summer.

Overall I'd just agree that safety gear is the last thing to skimp on.

P.S. My brick tends to average about 5-7mph faster than what I'm actually doing too. It seems common.

[BobZ(IL)]

I guess you all should save up and buy racing gear. Takes a lot of tumbling to burn through.

[Tom05301]

Thanks to all. The R is long gone, long live the K.  Although, there is a short wheel base R75 in town that might be looking for a home, maybe this spring. I'm keeping an eye on it.

[argent brick]

I guess you all should save up and buy racing gear. Takes a lot of tumbling to burn through.

If I had a race bike or was going to race, then yes, I would upgrade my gear.

There is only about two hundred dollars difference in price between comparable Kevlar and Cordura Motoport jackets.
I know times are hard right now, but I am sure most of us can find a way to save a couple of "C" notes over a few months.

[Tom05301]

The Motoport site has a chart on tear strength and abrasion resistance which shows that the heaving Cordura is about the same as leather on the first. The Kevlar Mesh is many times greater. Someday, on an interstate, I might be glad I spent the extra. A one time purchase, maybe good for the rest of my riding days ( I bought the bike from an 80-yr old who is still riding and went down recently on an interstate and walked away) makes sense. Probably even cents.

Still would like to know what Duck wears, but I've made up my mind. 8<)

[frankenduck]

Still would like to know what Duck wears, but I've made up my mind. 8<)

JMHO, but if I thought my personal safety were THAT important then I sure as heck wouldn't ride motorcycles.  This notion was reinforced for me a couple of years ago when I witnessed a very experienced rider wearing a FF helmet get killed instantly by a left-turner.

Heck, my very favorite riding is riding my K1100LT without a helmet. (In states where its legal of course.)  Yes, I'm even one of those people who will stop at the state line to take my helmet off. IF you don't understand then you don't understand but I learned to ride without a helmet and find it much more enjoyable.

That said, here's what I wear:

Pants: Either Diamond Gusset Kevlar jeans or Motoport Kevlar jeans.  I got the Motoport's because I have a long inseam and have trouble finding stuff off the rack that fits well.

Jacket: I have several of various kinds, all with CE armor, and I wear whatever fits my mood.  I had a 'Stich jacket for a while but found I never wore it so I sold it.

Helmet: I usually ride in WA, OR and CA so I have a few Arai Quantums to choose from.  I figure if I have to wear a helmet then it might as well be a good one.  (Though I do have a couple of half helmets for nice days on the LT.)

[Tom05301]

Duck,

Thanks for sharing. In understand. I used to ride in sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt, sometimes without the shirt, but I was in better shape back then. It isn't entirely consistent, but I've got different standards for around town, scooting down two lane VT roads than I do for "combat" riding, e.g. Massachusetts and CT. It makes no sense, but I'm great at rationalizing. Hence my return to motorcycle riding.

Tom

[argent brick]

Someday, on an interstate, I might be glad I spent the extra. A one time purchase, maybe good for the rest of my riding days...

It does not have to be on the interstate, it could be anywhere. With medical cost higher that ever, you could easily pay that two hundred dollars in added emergency room fees if you ride with cheap gear.

FWIW, a Motoport purchase is in my near future. A birthday present to myself.

[Tom05301]

Happy birthday. I'm not waiting that long. 

[argent brick]

My goal is to have it before my birthday but it sounds like you will get yours first. Please let us know what features you pick and why and a ride report.  Could be of some help to the rest of us.

[Tom05301]

I don't know what the lead time is, but I'm not likely to get around to ordering before the end of the week. On October 30 last year we had our biggest snow of the season, over 18 inches. You may have more to report sooner.   8<)

I will report in.

[CRASH]

On a race track, sliding is a serious concern and kevlar will out perform leather in most cases.  Leather is still an excellent choice. On the street, blunt force trauma is the main cause of injuries.  Having additional abrasion resistance is not a bad thing, but padding and body armor will have a better chance of helping.  Over 50% of all accidents involving motorcycles also involve another vehicle. The initial impact and smacking into the ground is what causes the most injury. And once there is impact, a lot of the energy is absorbed and less sliding occurs. Of the other 50%, many of those single vehicle accidents involve the motorcycle hitting a stationary object.  I do not wear kevlar gear, some of my gear has kevlar in key points, but not the entire suit.  When I raced I wore leather.  Now I wear good quality textiles with CE body armor.  Gear to me is throw away ... once it is in a wreck, I don't care what it is made out of, it is compromised and I am buying new gear anyway. I hear people say that Motoport gear is good for several accidents ... nice, not for me it wouldn't be - and if you are really concerned about safety, it should not be for you either.  I have seen a lot of cordura gear after serious accidents and decent lengths slides that did their job as intended.  Do a Google search and you will see gear that has been in serious slides that is done, but protected the rider.

And I am not knocking Motoport gear.  Good cordura stuff is just as expensive these days - and this is one of those areas where you kind of get what you pay for.  But I think cordura and textile gear gets unfairly slammed when it usually performs as intended. Nothing is fool proof so there will always be exceptions.

I do think Motoport gear may be the ugliest gear on the market .. but that is just personal opinion.

[argent brick]

I do think Motoport gear may be the ugliest gear on the market .. but that is just personal opinion.

+1

[Tom05301]

The ugliest rating pushed me over the edge.  :-)

 I ordered hi-viz kevlar pants and jacket today. Through a quirk of scheduling, I might get lucky and get it real soon. I'll report on arrival.