Gear

Its been a awhile since i have ridden a VFR and a sport Touring Bike, I purchased a 25th ann and need a couple things. I know most are subjective but the right directions will help:
Looking for quality

Good Helmet Brands that have good ventilation, protection and vision

Tires for everyday street and freeway riding(with the occasional blast up a canyon)

tank protection

Tank bag


Thanks guys

 

As you said this is subjective...

Here's what I have.

Helmets: Shoei RF-1100 (Sport rides), Schuberth C3 (Commuting)
Shoei has great ventilation and good vision and very comfortable and other than the lip at the back of the helmet hitting the hump of my leathers, is an almost perfect helmet. Although I need to wear ear plugs to keep noise levels tolerable. Schuberth is a Modular and is known for being very quiet and I use for commuting and touring, it has good airflow but no where near the Shoei, probably why the Schuberth is quiet and the Shoei more noisy. The Schuberth also has an internal sun shield and is great for long days where it starts light out but darkens before you get home. Note that Shoei has one that is almost identical feature for feature with the C3, it's called the Neotec. Although the latest Shoei, which may be my next helmet is the GT-Air.

Tires: Michelin Pilot Road 2s ('09 VFR Sport Touring tire), Michelin Pilot Power 3s ('01 Sport tire)
PR2's are great on mileage and work well in the twisty stuff. You should get 8-10K+ on these if you ride somewhat conservatively. PP3 is a 90% street, 10% track tire and may not be the best if you do a lot of touring and/or commuting but is great for the twisty stuff.

Tank Protection: None
(N/A)

Tank Bag(s): GIVI T480 Tank Lock, TPH01 Tank Lock
The T480 is an expandable tank bag that holds tons of stuff and is adjustable fore/aft for better positioning. The TPH01 is a small non expandable tang bag that is great for wallet, sunglasses and small bottle of water and energy bar, perfect for quick trips. Both bags use the "Tank Lock" system which consist of a ring that mounts to the filler cap ring and allows the bag(s) to be quickly secured and released.

I hope this is helpful. Cheers!

 

Ootvs cover pretty much all
Tank bag I prefer magnetic for quick remove. Cortech or chase hasper are great.
Tires pilot road 2 or 3 for touring and occasions canyon knee scraper

 

Thanks for the response, very helpful. On the tank protection is it that you dont like or believe in the gas tank protectors?

 

Here is the link for Tank protector
TheTankSlapper.biz - The Product

Here is the helmet I think would match your bike

 

Loop62 Holly Batman you have been a looker since 2010
Congratulation on the RWB arty2: :thumbsup:

 

I'm a moving Joe Rocket advertisement. I like their interceptor jacket, has layers and the sleeves remove for revealing mesh that works quite well. Carbon look lid, both leather gloves and thin gloves. Magnetic tank bag, saddle bags, so plenty of storage.

 

Just to clarify, I was thinking you meant something like a tank bra or vinyl covering. If you're referring to the protector that protects the part between the rider and gas tank, I do have one of those but it came on the bike when I bought it so not aware of the make/model. However, if you were referring to the former, a lot of riders use the 3M clear vinyl covering and some like the tank bras. I personally would not chose a tank bra but might consider the 3M stuff.

Cheers

 

Thanks guys for the info. Tried both the rf1100 and the gt air. Both nice helmets and fit well. Also tried the Qwest from shoei. Seems you get the tinted lense and extra air flow for the extra cash.
I did join a couple of years ago(looker) but havent visited. My bike has been at my buds for over a year and just got around to shipping back to me across country. Cant wait to have it back.. Checked out tank slapper, seems there are different kits for 01-09. Is the price diff the 3m v the tank slapper brands?

What are your thoughts on Bilt gloves quality?

 

Bilt products are junk IMO
Tank protector are same price for all model based on their website. I found Alpinestar reasonable and fit well. Icon and Cortech also good as well.

 

TheTankSlapper.biz - Comparison

Here is the comparison from the website. Hope this help.

 

Just so you know tank slaper carry both 3m and static film. As for helmet I don't care for the tint visor
Saved the money and vet yourself a nice sun glasses that you can wear them any where

 

Nice but pricey!

http://www.shoei-helmets.com/products/GT-Air/GT-Air_Journey_TC-2.jpg

 

Bilt gear is a "stop gap" IMO, it's cheap and gets you some sort of protection in between a high quality long lasting set of gear, although not all of their stuff is crap. Personally I'm a big fan of the Knox Hand Armor line, I have two different pairs of their gloves and I love them! Another good glove for decent money was from Teknic, unfortunately they are going out of business BUT you can probably pick up a pair for cheap right now as retailers are blowing out their gear. Check out the Teknic 'Lightning', decent glove for the money, especially now that they are going for less than $80.

As far as the Quest helmet, it is supposed to be the quietest of the Shoei line, it's a "touring" helmet and meant for long distance comfort. That being said, not sure if it still comes with one, but the GT-Air was originally shipping with a Pin-Lock lens and it has the drop down sun shield, which in my opinion is worth the extra $, as ear plugs can always quiet down any helmet. My Schuberth has both a Pin-Lock and the sun shield, plus it is quiet, but it came at a high premium! The GT-Air has just about everything I am looking for in a helmet, which is why I am strongly considering it as my next helmet, YMMV.

 

Hello loop62,

I have 3m clear bras on both my bikes, excellent stuff. The kit on my Suzuki is 6 yrs old. No signs of fading, yellowing or lifting.

 

I wish I have Ootvs money, I agree the Scuberth is nice and top notch but $700 I think the GT Air would work and save you a few clamps ound:

 

Ootvs

Thanks for the gear tip I will run by Cycle Gear today and see what they have. The GT Air fit really great and not having to stuff sunglasses in my helmet is enticing. Looking at the journey or the wanderer 2.







http://www.shoei-helmets.com/products/GT-Air/GT-Air_Journey_TC-2.jpg


http://www.shoei-helmets.com/products/GT-Air/GT-Air_Wanderer_TC-6.jpg

 

Thanks Arnzinator

 

I thought the same thing when I bought my Shoei RF-1100, but then thought it was a bargain when I bought the Schuberth (actually my company paid for it, but still). The best thing to do IMO, is set a budget for yourself and then look at helmets in that price range, you might find something that works for you. On the other hand, you might find that paying the additional cost is well worth the difference.

I will say this, staying well protected is a costly thing, but if you're comfortable and it's going to hold up in an accident along with lasting for a few years, then it's worth while investment.

 

Copy... Safety is first and cost follows.

Why the upgrade from RF 1100 to Gt Air? Seem very close!