[neochanger]

Originally Posted by hikozaru

Spencer jacket has a stretch panel at the elbows to relieve some tension, which can accommodate some more versatile riding style.

Thanks again for your well written detailed response. I have decided in favour of Viaterra for the reasons you mentioned. Now, the only issue is that stores in my city or even Lucknow don’t have Spencer jacket/pants and are willing to get them only on pre-order which means I can’t really check sizing and fit. Maybe, I need to go somewhere else to try them out or if not, will rely on Viaterra’s official video on finding the right size to get my fit.

[naveenvenkatesh]

I am looking at options for a descent backpack for 1-2 day rides. Here is my shortlist. Can users please share feedback if you are using or know of anyone using these:

1. Carbanado madpac pro 20L (cheapest on Amazon): https://thecarbonado.com/products/mo...43738738393329

2. Rynox stacker 20L stormproof: https://rynoxgear.com/collections/st...20l-stormproof

3. Trek-n-ride motercycle backpack: https://treknride.com/product/biker-...able-backpack/

Any other options in 2.5-4K range that I am missing?

[neil.jericho]

Originally Posted by naveenvenkatesh

I am looking at options for a descent backpack for 1-2 day rides. Here is my shortlist. Can users please share feedback if you are using or know of anyone using these:

1. Carbanado madpac pro 20L (cheapest on Amazon): https://thecarbonado.com/products/mo...43738738393329

2. Rynox stacker 20L stormproof: https://rynoxgear.com/collections/st...20l-stormproof

3. Trek-n-ride motercycle backpack: https://treknride.com/product/biker-...able-backpack/

Any other options in 2.5-4K range that I am missing?

naveenvenkatesh, you could also consider a tail bag like the very popular Viaterra Element or a tank bag which doubles up as a tail bag, like any of the options from Viaterra, Rynox etc. Ive been using the Rynox Optimus as a tail bag for the last few years for day rides, overnighters etc.

[naveenvenkatesh]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

naveenvenkatesh, you could also consider a tail bag like the very popular Viaterra Element or a tank bag which doubles up as a tail bag, like any of the options from Viaterra, Rynox etc. Ive been using the Rynox Optimus as a tail bag for the last few years for day rides, overnighters etc.

Thanks Neil. I have the Viaterra 45L Hammerhead tail bag already on order. I needed something that is a bit smaller. Most of my rides were done with my old laptop backpack. That is almost on its last legs, so wanted something specifically to replace it. I am more comfortable with backpaks than tailbags.

I have ordered Trek-n-ride motercycle backpack already. Should get in a day or two. Will review both the tailbag and backpack after using them. I have a ride to Kodikenal planned from 12th to 14th March.

[aditya.bhardwaj]

Hi,

I have been a Viaterra user for gloves and luggage since a long time and I am really happy with their service and warranty terms.

Yesterday I tried the Rynox Stealth Evo 4 jacket and Air GT pants. They fit really well and I am about to make the purchase. Just wanted to know how is Rynox's after sales compared to Viaterra. I am aware Viaterra also gives lifetime support and repair. Not sure about Rynox.

Lastly, the warranty period for Rynox is 6 months and 12 months for Viaterra.

[aklonewolf]

I have personally had good experience with Rynox after sales even after 5 years of the Jacket ownership. The process is bit lengthy but the charges are reasonable.

[MileCruncher]

Yesterday I watched this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqfDQ1ptBV8&t=773s

Have been struggling to put my MX Boots (Leatt 3.5) with my touring pants (Rynox) due to the knee armour being too long as well my calf being on the wider side. Neither does the pants go in nor am I able put the trousers over the boots. Hence I have been wearing these boots for my touring. While I have done about 4K Kms of touring on them, I'm not confident of their protective ability. Hence the desire to move to MX Boots.

And hence, I'm contemplating following Adam Riemann's route with inner + knee braces + mx pants + MX Boots. But wanted to ask fellow riders how does it work in India's hot weather climate.

The other is riding armoured denims (Rynox has one with Kevlar inside) + MX Boots. Suggestions please!

[scarn]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Yesterday I watched this

https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=kqfDQ1ptBV8&t=773s

Have been struggling to put my MX Boots (Leatt 3.5) with my touring pants (rynox) due to the knee armour being too long as well my calf being on the wider side. Neither does the pants go in nor am I able put the trousers over the boots. Hence I have been wearing these boots for my touring. While I have done about 4K Kms of touring on them, I'm not confident of their protective ability. Hence the desire to move to MX Boots.

And hence, I'm contemplating following Adam Riemann's route with inner + knee braces + mx pants + MX Boots. But wanted to ask fellow riders how does it work in India's hot weather climate.

The other is riding armoured denims (rynox has one with Kevlar inside) + MX Boots. Suggestions please!

Adam mostly rides off-road, where knee braces are essential since he’s always on the balls of his feet . Off-road riding requires constant movement, from standing and sitting to gripping the bike with your legs. This is where Knee braces help prevent hyperextension, twisting injuries, and direct impacts from crashes or obstacles.

Abrasion resistance isn’t a big concern because most falls happen on dirt. I recently saw him wipe out on a dirt road in Thailand, dislocate his shoulder, and pop it back in like some kind of superhuman.

His main focus is impact protection over abrasion resistance. In India, though, most touring happens on paved roads, where crashes usually mean high-speed slides. That’s why we need good CE AA or higher abrasion resistance, along with solid knee and hip protection that is comfortable for long hours in saddle.

Same goes for mx boots unless you have another pair of shoes that you can quickly get into to walk around the mx boots are insanely uncomfortable to move around in.

His setup works great for hardcore off-road riding. For road touring, though, it’s not the best choice unless you’re spending a lot of time off-road too.

[shyamg28]

Plastic v/s metal-backed Handguards

Most ADVs come only with plastic Handguards from factory. Even the premium ADVs like the GS.
The V Strom 650 as well. And now even the latest Gen Beta kid, the Adv 390.
The exception to this seems to be the Himalayan. But that is still only as an accessory.

I have personally experienced the plastic handguard take a massive crash & survive, leaving the levers intact.


I had the chance to attend INRC last year. What I noticed was that all motorcycles had plastic Handguards.
None of them, even the factory racing teams like TVS & Hero, had metal backed guards. Even privateer motorcycles had just plastic handguards.
But this contradicts the popular opinion that if you're going off-road, Barkbusters are mandatory. Are they really? I'm confused.

I have read on some forums that metal backed handguards can cause damage to fingers if the rider accidentally gets their hands stuck in weird ways.

Can someone help clarify why & when plastic handguards make sense, v/s metal backed handguards?

[hikozaru]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

Plastic v/s metal-backed Handguards

I had the chance to attend INRC last year. What I noticed was that all motorcycles had plastic Handguards.
None of them, even the factory racing teams like TVS & Hero, had metal backed guards. Even privateer motorcycles had just plastic handguards.
But this contradicts the popular opinion that if you're going off-road, Barkbusters are mandatory. Are they really? I'm confused.

Probably weight? Racers and teams are not exactly known for putting safety first, and certainly not in India. I mean, these guys ride single cylinder bikes with no bar end weights, no rubber inserts on the pegs for long periods of time. If I do that on my 390, my limbs go numb in minutes. All that faff, to save what 100 grams?

That said, I have no idea if metal ones are as bad steel toes for boots and the above thoughts are pure speculation.

[neil.jericho]

Indian motorcycle riding gearheads would have noticed that Reise Moto has become the importer for brands like Ixon, Spidi and Acerbis, while also being a reseller for popular brands like Bobo, Mad Dog etc. They also have their own riding gear (some of which looks suspiciously similar to products from established brands!). Over the weekend, I dropped into their recently inaugurated store in Bangalore, with krishnaprasadgg and another avid enthusiast, to check out what inventory they have. The store was a lot larger than what I expected it to be, and as you will see from the pictures, they have a lot of products on display.

As Indian enthusiasts have become more aware of safety ratings and are willing to pay for higher quality riding gear, it is heartening to note that we now have more jackets that are class AAA (Ixon Vortex 3) and class AA (Ixon M-NJORD). I was looking at full gauntlet gloves and quite liked the Ixon GP4 Air. It felt like a better choice than the Rev'it Quantum 2, and I say this as a full fledged fan of Rev'it gear! These Reise Rhodes gloves were a seriously impressive bit of kit at the Rs 4,999 price point.

Do keep in mind, that like with most motorcycle stores in the country, it helps to do your homework and know what you are looking for, before you head to this store. That said, its great for the community that we have another serious player in the market, who is bringing us more choices at a range of price points.

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by scarn

His main focus is impact protection over abrasion resistance. In India, though, most touring happens on paved roads, where crashes usually mean high-speed slides. That’s why we need good CE AA or higher abrasion resistance, along with solid knee and hip protection that is comfortable for long hours in saddle.

Same goes for mx boots unless you have another pair of shoes that you can quickly get into to walk around the mx boots are insanely uncomfortable to move around in.

Fair point on abrasion resistance. I agree MX Boots have a single purpose. Protection from hyperextension or twisting while riding.

This is my MX Boot - https://leatt.com/int/product/boots-3-5-v24

My current touring boots:
In city and multipurpose all day shoe - https://gadsyll.com/product/g-star-m...sistant-black/
Current touring shoe - https://gadsyll.com/product/g-star-11-tourer-brown/

The issue with these Gadsyll are they have a thermoform structure inside but no protection from twisting/ hyperextension incase of a massive high speed fall.

I have finally found 1 touring pant - https://rynoxgear.com/collections/ri...nado-pro-pants which with its tapered bottom, allows it to be tucked inside the boots.

Slowly want to completely replace the long touring boot with MX boot and see how they hold up during 10-12 hours on the saddle.

[TheVaas]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Have been struggling to put my MX Boots (Leatt 3.5) with my touring pants (Rynox) due to the knee armour being too long as well my calf being on the wider side. Neither does the pants go in nor am I able put the trousers over the boots. Hence I have been wearing these boots for my touring. While I have done about 4K Kms of touring on them, I'm not confident of their protective ability. Hence the desire to move to MX Boots.

Suggestions please!

The Rynox armours are pretty heavy & longer than other brands. So why not change the knee armour of the Rynox pant to say a D30, and then try putting the boots over them? This would save you the trouble of buying another set of pants and increasing your touring wardrobe. The other safer route is to go the 'Knee braces + MX Pants' way.

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Fair point on abrasion resistance. I agree MX Boots have a single purpose. Protection from hyperextension or twisting while riding.

This is my MX Boot - https://leatt.com/int/product/boots-3-5-v24

MX Boots are anyday a better and safer bet than the Gadsyll - especially since you're on the Tiger. They'll give you more confidence if the going gets rough.

[Deamon0508]

Originally Posted by shyamg28

None of them, even the factory racing teams like TVS & Hero, had metal backed guards. Even privateer motorcycles had just plastic handguards.
But this contradicts the popular opinion that if you're going off-road, Barkbusters are mandatory. Are they really? I'm confused.

I have read on some forums that metal backed handguards can cause damage to fingers if the rider accidentally gets their hands stuck in weird ways.

Can someone help clarify why & when plastic handguards make sense, v/s metal backed handguards?

What I'm about to say is purely my own speculation, plastic guards would be better in cases of one big knock, while metal ones would be better for multiple smaller knocks.

The amount of energy that the plastic guards absorb to break and shatter is likely to protect the bar and lever, while the metal one is more likely to transfer that force onto the handlebar. That being said, if my fingers are at between the guard and levers, handlebar be damned, I'll take the metal knuckle guard every day of the week. But then, If I'm still holding onto the bar when I'm slipping and falling, there's something wrong with my reflexes then.

From how I understand it, riding offroad might involve multiple hits from bushes and shrubs with concealed branches on to the knuckle guard, a plastic one might break, while a metallic Barkbuster might keep soldiering on.

So, I've finished my part of not answering your question, yet typing out a reply.

[doomketu]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Over the weekend, I dropped into their recently inaugurated store in Bangalore, with krishnaprasadgg and another avid enthusiast, to check out what inventory they have. The store was a lot larger than what I expected it to be, and as you will see from the pictures, they have a lot of products on display.

We in Bangalore are spoilt for choice. I love the Solace factory outlet in Banashankari , and just opposite is the Rynox store . Else Autonity and Ryderz Arena in JC road , Rainbow helmets in Lalbag now with Reise in Koramangala.

That aside, how is the quality of their jackets when compared to established INDIAN counterparts. I knew about Reise only because of their Tyre ( for ADV 390 ) and youtuber promotions. Not really seen anyone in my circle own any Reise gear.