Picked up some new gear.

[jeffie7]

RF1100
Alpinestars SP-1 Perforated Leather Jacket
Icon Field Armor Vest

My old RF900 was about 6 years old and matched my F4i so I figured it was about time I upgraded to a solid black.
I've warn it once, as always I wear earplugs but it does seem to have a bit of weird wind noise. I'm not sure if it stands out more because maybe it does a better job wind protection so the little weird high pitched sounds stand out more? As far as the air vents go, they for once seem to work. Normally I never know if they're open or closed so I just never use them, however with the RF1100 I can feel a difference, not much but it seems like a lot when normally I feel nothing.

The jacket is my new daily use jacket, I'm trying to stay away from the mesh jacket. I guess I'm getting old It's pretty heavy but it is what you'd expect from a leather jacket. It does have the hump on the upper back. First thing I noticed once I got on the bike is if I tilt my head back too far the rear of the RF1100 hits the hump, I guess in a sense it could be working as a neck brace. I doubt that's how they planed it but I guess it's an added benefit. There's no reason to lift my head back far enough to hit it unless I'm leaning over and trying to look up.

The Field armor vest is pretty light, fits my build very nicely, it has a lot of adjustments so it should fit most people very well. The back has a nice hard protective shell, the front chest protector is foam and then there's a thick piece of rubber on that. I tried the jacket with the back pad installed + the back protector, and also with the rear pad of the jacket removed + the back protector. I found that it really didn't make that much of a difference comfort wise so I'm leaving the back pad in place.

When fully suited up I truly do feel protected. So much in fact that the first backroad I hit I had to ask myself WTF was I doing. I couldn't believe just how fast I hit it. with out a doubt it bumped up my confidence. This is both a good and bad thing. I had to keep myself in check for the rest of the ride.

For anyone looking for a street use back protector. I really am happy with the icon piece. It was $119 locally and $100 online. It's a nice added piece of gear that wont break the bank.

 

[double0Si]

Looks good. Glad it fits you well. I had heard a lot of complaints over on Gixxer.com a while back. I need a good leather jacket for my eventual track days. Ive got two Alpine Stars Mesh jackets. I love em.

 

[jeffie7]

What was the complaints for? jacket, back protector or helmet?

 

[Kanned]

I like it, nice purchase. I'd love to get at least a nice leather jacket, but my funds are a bit limited. I've taken a ride with quite a few friend's jackets, and I agree about the vents. I've never worn one that I could really tell a difference between open and closed. Here in south FL, I want some hardcore vents.

 

[jeffie7]

The vents are on the helmet. If you have a perforated jacket it should breath pretty well. The new jacket I have is pretty heavy, with the liner in place I bet I could use it in 50o weather. Today was around 80 and it was kinda warm but over all a nice ride.

 

[Kanned]

Ohh, I misread. My Arai's vents are pretty decent.

I rode quite a few times this winter at ~50 with like 3 layers and it was still pretty cold. Mesh and cotton fail at wind breaking lol. When I get a leather jacket, it will definitely be a light color, though. Summers are fucking brutal.

 

[jeffie7]

Ohh, I misread. My Arai's vents are pretty decent.

I rode quite a few times this winter at ~50 with like 3 layers and it was still pretty cold. Mesh and cotton fail at wind breaking lol. When I get a leather jacket, it will definitely be a light color, though. Summers are fucking brutal.

I have a heavy joe rocket jacket for winter riding. I can't remember the name of the jacket but its been good down to the 30s

You do not want leather for cold riding. It doesn't hold heat at all.

 

[95b16coupe]

jeffie, do you ride with leather pants?

i've been considering the purchase, but most of my riding is pretty casual. ie, going to the beach, park, and other recreational. i don't spend as much time as i would like on some solid twisties.

 

[jeffie7]

jeffie, do you ride with leather pants?

i've been considering the purchase, but most of my riding is pretty casual. ie, going to the beach, park, and other recreational. i don't spend as much time as i would like on some solid twisties.

I want some, it's on my list. I use Joe Rocket pants, I'm not sure what they're made out of but they are padded.

I know very few people who have crashed when riding the twisties. Most people get taken out when riding casual.

I'd say something like 95% of my close calls have been from people pulling out in front of me. Thankfully I always watch for it and give myself enough room to get around.... so far.....

 

[95b16coupe]

yeah, most of my close calls have been at slow speed too. i would like to get full leathers for teh track though. assuming i ever make it out there.

 

[double0Si]

I was talking about the vest.

 

[jeffie7]

I was talking about the vest.

Were they complaining because it wouldn't stay in place when using it over a wife beater?

I've read a bunch of professional reviews on it and found nothing but good stuff. After riding with it. I happen to agree.

 

[double0Si]

No it was from people using it in addition to full gear that have gone down. Because of the way it extended a bit past the waist line of their back it actually hurt their spine more than it helped or something like that. Like I said I saw it a while ago.

 

[awptickes]

Yeah, I have the same confidence deal when I hit the roads fully geared up. I don't see the need for a back protector, because all of my gear (aside from my mesh jacket) has some pretty substantial back protection. What do you wear it with?

Leather pants are probably the best thing I've ever gotten. Just be sure you get something that is zipper-compatable with the jacket you want to wear with 'em. You don't want to wind up like me, paying $35 for a custom YKK zipper that fits in the pants.

So when do you want to meet up and hit some backroads?

 

[jeffie7]

I always gear up but this takes me to a new level lol.

most jackets do have built in pads for the back but its no where near the same. I left my jacket back protector in and am using the other back protector with it. doubled up.

Anytime you.

A. make the trip down
B. feel you can hang

=)

 

[awptickes]

How's the weather going to be tomorrow?

EDIT: screw that, it's gonna be cold.

 

[phyregod]

I wear Mesh for a couple of reasons.. When I purchased my gear, I did it all at once, at the same time I purchased my bike, so funds were limited. Also, I live in an area where temperature reaches 100+ degrees on a regular basis, which is hell in leather. I do wear leather riding boots and gloves, and I really do need a leather jacket... Sooner or later..

Mrs. Phyre showed a little interest in riding, so I purchased her a set of nice equipment... Spent twice the money on hers as I did mine.. Nice leather jacket, etc.. And they still hang in the closet.. Tags still on..

I do need a better spine protector for certain, I'd like another review on it after you've worn it in different situations..

 

[jeffie7]

How's the weather going to be tomorrow?

EDIT: screw that, it's gonna be cold.

62 aint that bad. I'll have traction issues but its still not that bad.

 

[awptickes]

I had traction issues today. Stupid 4 year old tires wouldn't stay warm at all.

 

[jeffie7]

I just ordered a tire tonight. 190/50/17 woot