Motorcycle gear and related questions

[Not Mad Max]

I converted my unlimited license, narrowed down my choice of new bikes and fudged the family finances so no one will miss the $$$.

Since I'd rather be old than bold, can any of you more conservative riders tell me what sort of protective gear you find works best in this hot, humid, sunny/rainy climate? I will be commuting a lot and touring some.

Does anyone have specific recs on 1) full face helmets that are particularly well ventilated and 2) two-piece suits with armor that deal well with the weather here? How about gloves and boots?

I notice the locals' idea of proper protective gear is a shirt worn backwards. That ain't for me.  But I suspect full race leathers ain't the ticket in this heat either.

I come from a place where heated handgrips sound like a grand idea, so I hope you can understand the reason for this query.

[same boat]

Good questions. I commute and do the odd spot of touring. I hail from cold climes and brought my wholly inappropriate leathers here which are fine for a one day burn round malaysia in safety but truthfully I've been hunting around for something more appropriate for the climate - and you'll have difficulty with this. To work I am disgracefully travelling with no safety gear apart from the helmet but I justify this on the grounds that it's a simple commute - not a great argument.

Anyway, a friend of mine has a great two piece outift made of fully ventilated light weight strong material with built in armour - looks great too. The name of the maker is Joe Rocket and if you surf up some shops in US/UK you can get it mail order - it is not waterproof though but you can't have everything. I am yet to find anywhere local that has a decent selection - try going on hols to Oz and looking there!

[ultimax]

have a look at these threads!
http://www.singaporebikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6584&highlight=armor
http://www.singaporebikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8732&highlight=armor
http://www.singaporebikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1544&highlight=armor

The Hit-Air system sounds like a good investment.

[This message has been edited by ultimax (edited 21-06-2003).]

[Apples]

I use a Nolan combination helmet which allows me to lift up the chin guard when talking with passengers or cooling down.  N100 is model number I think.  Only problem is that it requires both hands unlock and pivot up.  I've heard that the next big thing for these helmets is single hand release, but I don't know if they're available in Singapore.  BMW might do them.  

In Europe I've recently seen these sorts of helmets that also detach the chin guard mechanism from the visor so that you can have the visor down and chin guard up.

As for protective gear for this weather......  very alert brain, sharp eyes, good wing mirrors and exit strategies....

Good luck.  Let me know if you come across any light weight breathable waterproof kevlar clothing.

[This message has been edited by Apples (edited 23-06-2003).]

[Not Mad Max]

Went to Motoworld as suggested in a related thread. It's basically right down the street from the Traffic Police HQ, which, erm, was very convenient for reasons I'd rather not elaborate on...

Aside from the usual leathers, they carry a lot of Japanese-brand fabric riding suits, as well as a few Dainese, etc.

Only saw one really well ventilated jacket, but it didn't really suit me...They don't really stock any Shoei or Arai helmets, which are the ones I've used before, although I'm going to have a look at Nolans and similar models as per the suggestion here.

I have a BMW catalog, so I know they make the kind of appropriate riding safety gear that I seek. But whether Performance carries stock and/or charges the cost of a mid-size Jap bike to get it remains to be seen. I'll be checking in any case.

Good hunting

[Icarus]

I use the BMW Airflow Jacket and trousers and can testify that they will be about the coolest thing that u can wear here apart from a t-shirt and shorts. I have been riding in Asia for many years and you cannot win with the heat, its either too hot with full protective gear (lots of wet sweaty leathers etc...) or when in Rome do as the locals. For long trips to Malaysia I wear my airflow jacket otherwise around town its just shorts and t-shirt. Its a trade off unfortunately between safety and comfort....but then the motorcycle police dont wear any serious protection either 9too hot for them as well?).

[Sledge]

Most of the shops around Serangoon/Lavender sell Arai/Shoei helmets. Very well vented now and you can also take out the padding for washing.

Also on the combination helmets I was told by one of the shops that these are illegal, even though they sold them, and that they are for export only. He said that unless they have the blue Singapore cert sticker on the back you can be prosecuted for using them. Some people do use them, just wondered whether there had been a change of heart by the gov.

I've heard you can also buy Kevlar jeans but not sure of where from, anybody know ?

[This message has been edited by Sledge (edited 30-06-2003).]

[Biker blerk]

Chiap Lee on Serangoon Rd is the Arai importer, best vents and custom pads make Arai the top choice but also the most expensive. Get the RX7 for vents all over the place, you will still cook when you get stick in traffic mind. Second best is OGK, vents are a little bigger so plenty of air to your bonce but noisy as hell, Chiap Lee also sells OGK. Vincent the guy that owns the place is very helpfull and knows his stuff. His brother owns a place a few door down on Lavender so they share stock and pricing. Thy sell Glover jackets and stuff plus Diadora leathers. In my oppinion you will be cooked if you wear textile gear so might as well cook a little more and wear leathers. As long as your moving its not too bad. I wear a one piece race suit on the hiways in Malaysia and its bearable. Look a bit of a plonker riding round Singapore but who gives a toss.

[Biker blerk]

Gloves are pretty easy but prepair to buy new ones every year cos they will stink in no time. Nankai are good quality but big sizes are pretty small so you might have problems getting a pair to fit. Tecnik do Kangaroo skin glover that are very strong and comfortable. I did a bit of 200kph tarmac surfing in a pair and came away without a scratch on my hands. Bug hole in my helmet and leathers in bits but gloves ok. Try Sporting Motorcycles on Lavender for gloves and occasional deals on helmets and two piece leathers. Joe Lee runs the place and is a top blerk and has some very reasonably priced gloves.

[Apples]

Good info Biker Blerk.

The Nolan combo helmet is PSB tested and passed.  Recommend it - well vented and good value at approx S$330 [I think].

[GS 1100]

Hi Is there any GS1100R owners out there, i have a few questions on my GS bike maintainence.

Firstly I think I'm due for my Major Maintainence, has anybody done this at Performance Motor. And what kind of $$ can i be expecting to pay.

Also the clutch is due for replacement. I'm looking to replace that as well, however Performance Motor ONLY replaced with original BMW parts, and they would not install a aftermarket like the Touratech Ceremic Clutch for me.
Has anyone had the Touratech Ceremic Clutch installed on yours? If so where can the installation be done? Thanks

[Biker blerk]

gs1100:

If you try talking to Sporting Motorcycles on Lavender about repairs on your gs they should be able to help. I know that one of the mechanics from BMW does a little moonlighting there from time to time.
Ask for Joe and he should be able to help, to speed things up you might want to pay for the parts up front so he can get them in for you quickly.  

[Not Mad Max]

Apple,

Where did you find your Nolan for $330? I saw a Shoei combo helmet and liked it, but it was an Export-only model. Don't want any more aggro with the TP...

Icarus,

Do you also use the Airflow helmet? Performance quoted $$$$$$$$$ for the Airflow pants and jacket...'fraid to ask about the helmet...

Thanks guys

[Icarus]

NotMadMax - I got my Airflow jacket and trs from the UK when I was last there, dont actually use the trs much but the jacket works as advertised, its got armour protection and lotsa mesh, so you do actually keep cool -  as long as you are moving, prob best suited for long trips out of town. I have not tried the airflow helmet, as I prefer a full face and use an Arai RX7, which i think is fab. The best place to buy Arai/Shoei, if you ever go there is HK as they are seriously cheaper there. Junction Rd in Kowloon near the old airport is the place to go.

[Icarus]

GS1100 - I ride a K1200RS, got it new from Performance Motors and have had it serviced there, I know some people grumble about them, but I have had nothing but good service from them. I had 2 beemers (R100S and R850RT) in HK and I can say that the cost of parts and service here is much cheaper. Its not cheap for a service ( a couple hundred bucks ?) but I guess you gets what u pays for, I would rather have BMW trained guys working on my bike, I know some other places will also do the same work.