[Daedalus64]

I have many pairs of dedicated motorcycle boots. Just no waterproof ones. Well, one pair of shorty waterproof City boots from Nankai that I got in Singapore a long time ago. Probably 17 or 18 years now.

Ive had mixed experiences with non motorcycle bots while riding. Mainly my issues are with not having a shift pad on the left boot and no ankle protection.

I’ve worn everything from high top Nikes to Doc Maertens and any work boot imaginable in between. For motorcycle boots, Alpinestar are my go to. I have a pair of GP Pros that have lasted me quite a long time and a few others that have not.

More recently I got a pair of vented mesh RS Taichi shorty boots for summer. They’re probably my favorite so far. They articulate like a pair of Nikes but have the protection I want. But they’re not waterproof.

The Nankai shorties I mentioned above are old and beginning to fail. They don’t leak or anything but the Velcro is failing. So time for new boots. Anyone have experience with Richa they’d like to share; boots or otherwise? Good, bad or indifferent?

I’ll end with, my winter gear is old. I’ve ordered a suit and boots to replace my old failing gear before they do fail.

I have those exact pair of waterproof Richa boots, plain black however, and so far find them comfortable. They've not been tested in the rain but certainly feel like they'll be ok. I have touring boots which I wear if I'm just out casually, or when I'm riding the Bandit as they don't really suit my leathers for longer rides. My feet are slightly different sizes, so for one, I think the left a slightly smaller (half size) boot would have been better but they don't do them, so I went for a larger pair to make both feet comfortable and wear thicker socks. My friend has the same pair but not waterproof, and perforated for riding in the summer which he has also found to be very comfortable. I'm happy with my purchase.

I've got an Alpinestars V3 Drystar textile coat, but haven't yet bothered with the matching trousers, I simply wear a good quality pair of waterproof over trousers (Oxford Stormseal) which have saved me a couple of times. They're also good for helping against the wind which is a nice bonus.

 

[Daedalus64]

The only other thing I'd say about the boots, but this is the same with all is the material is quite stiff to begin with, and I found the zips a bit awkward at first but they should ease up. They're quite a snug fit around the ankle (likely just my shape ankle though!) so make sure your leathers are tucked neatly before you put them in the boot as space was a bit tight. Otherwise I've been happy with them.

I ordered the Berik suit as a full winter riding kit. Seems like wearing regular gear with rain over suit is a temporary solution rather than the fix.

I definitely needed (wanted) a textile jacket, but my missus suggested not to bother with matching trousers, suggesting just to wear over trousers, which in my limited experience is good for a moderate shower, or if you get caught out, but I wouldn't want to subject myself to riding for a long time in the wet. Not that I'd choose to go out knowing it was going to rain

My friend has a set of Berik leathers, but obviously these aren't suitable for wet weather, so he can attest for the fit. Your Torino jacket (I quite like the colours of the black/white/blue and red, wish I could change my green one now!) looks less bulky than my Drystar, which doesn't really suit the riding position on the GSXR, the bandit being more upright it is not a problem. Although I wouldn't plan on needing to wear the textile on the GSXR as it won't go out in the rain! The obvious downside being the additional warmth of the textile vs my leathers, although I do have a casual leather riding jacket I wear with a pair of kevlars that I can fit thermals under - they're just not suitable for the wet clearly.

I agree the arms on my Alpinestars jacket are long, but not as bad as some I've worn - the most frustrating thing with mine are the velcro strips along the arms; they're long and snag on everything! The armour is superlight and really flexible, i had to ask the guy in the shop if it even had any! I've since fitted a Forcefield Pro Lite back insert as it was on sale but the Nucleon stuff is good.

 

[Daedalus64]

Size is always a concern I have, but generally have got lucky one way or the other.

I figure the boots I have will loosten up, of course, but how and when does that happen? I mean, I am very 'economical' with my pedal movements and I don't think they'd ever soften up from riding alone, and they are not designed for walking in. So I am a bit stumped now that I have them. I can't argue they are the wrong size, shoes are even worse for fit than clothes, but the boots that showed up I think are pretty ideal on actual size.

Yeah I find different manufacturers are different sizes, luckily I have a Sportsbikeshop on the industrial estate opposite the one I work on, and there is a J&S in the next town over so it is quite easy for me to try things on and then order them online to find them cheaper. SBS as @Yellow Submarine has found are really good, and will order things in for you to try on FOC.

Haha I figure walking around in the boots depending on what I am doing they will loosen in time, if they are anything like my snowboard boots I simply wore them out in public and at home, which have a mouldable liner, or you can use a hairdryer/body heat. I looked like a weirdo but I didn't mind 🤣 My Forma mid adventure boots are some of the most comfortable I have ever worn, even vs proper hiking boots.

I took the FJ12 through a few winters and the weather and salt really damaged it.

'Just' rain is almost fun, there is a moment when everything is soaked to hell and can't get wetter, and you just think 'C'mon, call this rain! Bring it on!'. Or maybe that is just me! 🤪

Mud and salt is shit bad for the bike and for you and your clothes, and we get that here a lot, and on small narrow roads so no 'cleaner lanes' to hide from it.

On using a bike for main transport, I am right in the middle of pondering this myself. I am wondering whether to just consider the bike to be 'primary' transport because I am in the process of selling my car, it is worth too much for me to justify the tiny number of miles I do in it, so selling it on. Question is whether to replace it with a 'banger', just in case of needing 4 wheels, or just not bother.

Obviously, if I do then I have a reason and need to invest further into riding kit, hence I have been following your posts recently.

We've got out first ride out of the season on Sunday, I've been checking the forecast and it should be dry, but cold. It's more of a causal one for charity so I will probably wear my kevlars, textile coat and the adventure boots, with a thermal base layer underneath. Question is whether I take the GSXR or the Bandit which has heated grips I don't tend to ride much during the winter, I live close to work so cycle and we have 4/5 other vehicles to choose from. The main reason is the idiocy of other road users when it is darker and wet 🤷‍♂️

I have a good set of winter gloves but found they don't really cut out the wind as much as I'd like, one of my friends suggested wearing latex gloves underneath and I was surprised that it works, the disadvantage is they're not breathable so your hands sweat more. I quite like the idea of a liner glove, like I have with my snowboarding ones, if I could find a pair that cuts the wind, but are thin that would be a winner.

 

[Daedalus64]

When I lived in the UK, I found silk glove liners to be effective at keeping my hands warm. I only wore leather gloves then and those were effective at keeping the wind at bay. The silk liners are thin but give enough room for a thin layer of boundary air that eventually sets to body temperature.

Bit gutted as unfortunately the weather was not suitable for our ride out over the weekend but I did try out my inner gloves from my snowboard gloves and they fit under my winter gloves, so at least I know I can use those, although I don't know how much they'd keep the wind out. Perhaps I'll try out one of the technique's above and position my fingers out/hide my thumb. I did read your review about your heated gloves and its tempting, especially as the heated grips only help the palm.

My box o’boots just arrived from Super Bike Shop.

I absolutely see what you mean. I tried the left boot first as my left foot is slightly larger. Generally if the left fits the right will also.

Ankle articulation seems fine. Won’t know until I wear them on a ride though.

They are quite stiff as you say. Pretty sure some of the reviews on the web stated the same. Also once zipped there is no room for leathers. Particularly if your leathers have shin armor.

My plan was to wear these with my winter riding pants over the top of them. Keeps the rain out I reckon. Thus, that bit shouldn’t be an issue.

I can see how anyone with longer calves would have issues with how the boots fit above the ankle. They fit me fine in that respect but as already mentioned, I won’t be tucking leathers into these.

Foot bed feels fine just walking in the house. Toe box is a perfect fit. I have thicker work socks on so seems they’ll be perfect.

I’ll update again once I wear them to ride.

I actually don’t mind riding in the rain so long as my hands are not wet and cold, and my ass is dry. Once my ass is wet, ride over.

I agree as well, I almost enjoy rain riding. When it’s just rain anyway. I find it almost serene…mostly in that I’m usually the only one out in it.

One of my favorite rain ride memories is from my time in the UK.

I was on a ride from RAF Upper Heyford where I lived, to a buddies house on RAF Croughton. Rain was pissing down.

I crossed over the motorway and there, along a short hedge lined stretch to the Bainard’s Green roundabout I saw another bike headed towards me.

Some bloke out on his Harley! He stood up on the floor boards and raised a fist as we passed. I raised a fist to the sky as well….we were the only 2 nutters out on 2 wheels that day.

Luckily my leathers are quite tight around my ankle so I can fit them in, the fact the boots taper helps. You definitely wouldn't fit shin armour in. I have wide feet, so I found the same as you, toe space is perfect and it they are a good fit everywhere else; my feet don't move around when I'm riding. I'm glad you find them suitable and my review wasn't unjustified 😂

I tend to agree, I don't mind riding too much in a bit of rain, although I've only ever been on my Bandit or a 600 Monster in the rain, so I'm yet to experience more power in the wet from the GSXR. The cold, wet and windy certainly makes a strong case for staying at home, even if the rain was sporadic and seemed at most, a short shower. In the UK it is just so unpredictable, hence why I usually have the coveralls, however unless you can find somewhere suitable to stop and put them on but the time you do you're already wet! Maybe he was raising a fist in anger at the clouds, its a thing that happens here often, although I do commend the solidarity!

Do they make heated seats to keep your ass warm and dry 🤣

 

[Daedalus64]

No problem making one. Just get a resistive heater film and refit under the seat cover.

What's wrong with the electrically heated jock strap? Doesn't everyone have them?

As it was a second hand bike I didn't fancy wearing the one that came with it!

 

[Daedalus64]

Hmmmm 🤔 fair point. Might have to look into that.

Maybe those cheap heated grips could be made to work….slide under the seat cover….re-staple and voila!

🤣🤣🤣

Jokes aside I retrofitted heated pads to some car seats years back, so it is certainly do-able, whether it is worth it or not is another matter

Update:
Was informed my new suit arrived today. Unboxed and tried the jacket first. Fit is better than the 56, through the 58 feels like a snug 56 should.

The pants actually fit, though the 58 is 2 sizes up on the 54s they are still quite snug. I can at least fasten the waist and actually contort myself into a sport riding position without too much discomfort. This was just after dinner though, so my morning gear up might be a bit less of an ordeal without a belly full of food.

I put the Richa boots on with the pants over them…worked like it was meant to be. Pants did not drag on the floor while walking either so they’re not too long. I imagine once on the bike they’ll wind up right where they should be.

My only disappointment with these is the zip to join them does not work. Weird. It’s like the two zippers aren’t even the same “pitch”. At least the pants came with a full zipper so….I can possibly sew the zip to the flap on the jacket and make them work together. I knew that Juki full industrial sewing machine would pay off!

I guess all that’s left now is to see if I can still return the 1st set I received. Not paying some crazy exorbitant rate to send the stuff back. Prolly sell it here locally or on eBay if I can’t send the stuff back for a reasonable amount.

Tomorrow is the big test I guess. Gonna ride in to work in the new gear. Also….might see about finding a used 04-05 seat to mod with a seat heater!

That's good then, although it's a shame about the zip. What would be nice is if all manufacturers used the same size. I know a lot come with the zip loose so you can sew them in as you said, but I have different jackets I wear with my kevlars, which means they have different size zips, so instead unproductively I haven't stitched in any of the zips!

I bet the weather tomorrow will be dry, with the sun shining, which is obviously not a problem but I guess the real test is inclement conditions, although I suppose at least you can test how comfortable they might be. How long is your daily ride?

 

[Daedalus64]

Not tremendously long or even what I consider long. It’s 7 miles from house to work. It is nearly all semi urban so lots of traffic signals and major intersections. The last mile or so, nearest the airfield is sorta rural. There’s an ID check before entry too.

Still, if I get caught at every light, it’s a 15-20 minute ride. I’ve caught every green light before and made it there in 10 minutes. Including the ID check.

Even that can take a while as the number of people who get turned away at the gate has risen in recent years. It isn’t like there aren’t giant signs telling everyone what’s ahead. Nor lack of places to turn before the gate.

Anyway, it’ll have to wait a day. Pissing down this morning. Winds over 20 mph too. Think I’ll take the SUV instead.

Ah ok, not too far then, although I get that having to stop at traffic lights and junctions is not ideal, especially if its wet!

My ride to work is ~2miles...so I have to be creative with the route to even give the bike sufficient time to warm up 🤣 it sometimes takes longer to get all the gear on than to ride! Not worth it at this time of the year really. I usually cycle, even if its raining, unless it's really bad weather in which case I'll take the Jeep

 

[Daedalus64]

What are those numbers? Not chest size, surely, wouldn't you flatten the poor bike!?

😂 EU sizes, don't forget FC-moto is German

 

[Daedalus64]

What he said^^^

But yes, chest size. I spent a great deal of my spare time in my younger days in the weight room. I generally wear a US 46 jacket though some, like my leather flight jacket is a US 48.

Way back when I was in my late 20s/early 30s and fit like a draught horse, I had the same size chest/back and a 28” waist. Sadly, as I’ve gotten older my waist size has ballooned to a 36 where it’s been since my mid 40s. It takes increasingly more work to keep it a 36.

Not for any vanity reasons…I have too much $$$ invested in riding gear to just say to hell with it and let myself get fatter. FWIW, at age 56 now, and 5’9” tall; I’ve weighed roughly the same for the last 15-16 years. 210 lbs. Roughly 15 stone I reckon? Hardly a weight that would flatten a bike. Might be hell on the rear shock though! 🤣

Still lighter than riding with a pillion! Although these bikes aren't really designed for that of course To be fair I imagine a bit of weight on the bike helps to keep it more planted, I'm quite light and find myself bouncing around a bit if the road is a bit uneven; there's a rough part of the M25 which is bad enough in a car, let alone on a bike! Maybe I need a stiffer rear shock 🤷‍♂️

On another note, did you manage to get out today and test the new gear?

 

[Daedalus64]

Got home without any real issues. It was a real deal test of the water proofing for sure. It was raining moderately when I got outside to the bike. Once I took off from under the overhang outside my office it wasn’t really coming down, but that changed pretty quickly.

It hammered down a few minutes later while I was waiting on a traffic signal. If I had to guess, it was probably every bit of 1/2” an hour rate of rain fall. Big heavy drops hammering down in a full on down pour. If I needed to test the kit in real conditions I certainly got to.

I gotta say the boot soles are now irritating with how slick they are. More missed shifts all the way home. Just not something I ever had issues with before. They seem fine on the asphalt but on the concrete outside my office door….slick enough to bust my behind if I’m not careful.

Sounds like the suit has done its job and your review is mostly positive, although the zip does seem like its an issue. I've found armour positions a bit hit or miss; they've obviously been designed for an average, and I have also had problems in the past with knee protection especially. I don't think it is something that can be easily fixed, unless you have the pockets restitched or similar to your own position I guess. I've always been pleased with my jacket, granted it is a different brand, but your comments regarding trousers makes me feel like I should probably get a pair (even if its not matched with the jacket brand wise). How well do the trousers cut out the wind?

I must admit I hadn't used the boots in any heavy weather so I couldn't comment on the grip of the sole when it was wet. I'm sorry you've been having problems with them. I don't recall them being too bad on the pegs, but then it was a while ago I rode wearing them and it was warmer then! Do you have any thoughts about what you're going to do about them?

 

[Daedalus64]

Sorry for the late reply, been so busy these last few days!

I'm glad you've found it all positive, despite the foibles with the boot grip, which is totally ironic since they're designed to be used in the wet! I do get what you mean though, I've had shoes in the past where the rubber sole is so hard, with an almost shiny finish to it, it has taken time to "wear" in and the rubber to soften after which they are super grippy, I'm hoping this is a similar situation with these boots but time will tell.

I didn't realise you rode with an electric jacket (might have missed it in one of your earlier posts) I've never found my upper body to get that cold, and my Astars jacket is quite warm, its mainly been my hands. Your review of the heated gloves has piqued my interest though. I've got heated grips on my Bandit, albeit one is a bit temperamental but they only heat the palm. I don't have anything on the GSXR so the gloves might be the better option.

I've also been looking at some of the Knox clothing, it looks really good, but is quite expensive especially when I don't know anyone who has any of it. I'm guessing you guys get it in the states?

 

[Daedalus64]

Ah cool, I'm relatively new to riding, so still learning the best brands, which is why I was interested in your reviews of the technical clothing!

I've got a forcefield back protector in my AStars Textile, hardly know its there. It's not as flexible as their Nucleon kit but I much prefer it to that one that is in my Weise more casual leather jacket. The Handroid gloves look insane, but I guess give incredible amounts of protection. The only Knox kit I've got is a balaclava, it was discounted and I needed something warmer under my helmet! 🤣

That's good then, its been warmer here too, so much so I'm thinking about getting one of the bikes out of hibernation, although its definitely not warm enough for leathers alone! Those boots will be my go to unless I'm doing something more casual, I think you'll wear them in quicker than I but progress seems positive at least.

 

[Daedalus64]

I think I will get the bikes taxed and back on the road too for Feb. January was cold, and still not 'nice' but not actually as cold as I thought, I'd have gone out a couple of times already.

Given my current situation (other thread, sold car) the 'kit' situation should get some attention. I am not into buying expensive branded kit, I have generally found that there is equal quality unbranded available, though it can be pot luck. I think I hit lucky with a reinforced and "armoured" cordura jacket, and a very good quality pair of leather trousers, they zip together. Happy with those, and I have some waterproof layers if needed.

That stuff is OK on a long trip down to 5C or a pinch less. I think we are there now. I am not keen on leather jackets, personally I find they tend to restrict the head movement, OK otherwise but the bulk of leather around the shoulders and neck don't really suit my style to move my head around a lot.

Whether I need to get a warmer winter suit, I guess nothing would be practical to go over that sort of arrangement so it'd need to be a single piece with due protections in it. That sounds expensive.

It's my hands that I am now worried about. I have developed instances of 'Raynauds' syndrome which has been quite significant this winter where the fingers stop flowing blood.

So I think the biggest expense is that I have to try to get some heated gloves. The ones @Yellow Submarine posted about look good, about the cheapest you can get and I noticed the list price from the manufacturer direct is like 250 euros. Thing is they are not CE rated, and I am actually struggling to find 'any' heated gloves rated for CE protection. I'm not overly anxious about that, but looks like it might be the biggest single expense of clothing. Even getting a new quality lid might not come to more.

AStars, REV'it and RST both sell CE KP1 rated heated gloves, the former are available from SBS, although the RST are out of stock. They're also cheaper than the ones that @Yellow Sub listed however I haven't read any real world reviews of the other ones.

I'm all for good quality unbranded, and lets face it there are a lot around, but as you say its pot luck, and can the ratings really be trusted in the case of an accident. I suppose it the stitching, seams and protection all look and feel good there should be no reason not to trust them. Anything to make riding a bit more affordable whilst staying protected. I'm still learning.

I did read your thread about selling the car, I would firmly be in the "cheap runaround" camp, but I guess I'm a bit biased in so much as I do have access to multiple vehicles, all of which are old so owe me nothing and I fix them myself when required, but my main transport is cycling as I live close to work and amenities. I use it to go to and from the gym, have a big rucksack to go shopping if I need to, but when the need arises (specifically to move large things like logs or go out with my family) my WJ Jeep GC comes into service. I couldn't totally be without a car, but I commend your choice and think some good kit would certainly benefit you. Where in the UK are you? I'm fairly central, so whilst it does get cold when we have bad weather, it isn't as bad as further north, or west compared to some areas.

 

[Daedalus64]

The main thing to look for is the number, either 1 or 2 (designated harshness of the test) and the KP code, which stands for Knuckle Protection, they usually have a longer 5 digit code which determines the test type, then followed by a year, but in general all European products that have undergone a safety test have a CE mark. Gloves designed and/or pre 2018 didn't have the same regulations, so might find whilst they are kitted out, might not have needed a test to certify their specification.

It is however quite easy to forge, so unless an unbranded, or not known brand gets checked, or asked for the test certificate there is no way to really guarantee it I guess.

Edit: When I was looking before at these test/certification codes, in particular for helmets, I noticed that outside of the UK some of the same type tests are coded/labeled differently (perhaps because the UK is now not part of the EU) So whilst I was looking for a specific number (I can't remember which) I was actually able to look for an alternative one, which gave me the same certification. If that makes sense?

 

[Daedalus64]

Yeah weird, it doesn't "technically" mention it on the manufacturers own website, only an image of the CE logo as @Yellow posted above 🤷‍♂️ The label in the gloves has all the right codes, albeit the actual testing code is missing which is a bit dubious, however I cannot seem to find anything which states it must. the only thing I have with me today to check is a snowboard helmet, which I wear in the winter to cycle in as its warm and offers protection 🤣 however it does have the relevant EN code on the label followed by CE, and a pair of DeWalt work boots, which again, has both CE and the EN code.

Ultimately the fact that neither the manufacturers website, or the gloves officially state the EN code could give some level of concern, if that information was the deciding factor in purchasing these gloves 🤷‍♂️ its up to you. @Yellow is happy, and his review was thorough, they look well made.