Suits Should I Buy an Aerostitch Suit?

[Horsehead]

Well I have been reading up on their products ad nuasium for the last couple of days, and while doing so I stumbled across an article on Aerostitch's website regarding the differences between the roadcrafter and darien, 1pc vs 2pc. And as vain a decision as it is, I think I'm going to go with a 2 piece suit, ADV1 pants and Darien jacket. I like that the adv pants fit a little lower on the hip (more like blue jeans they say), and the fact that I can have different color jacket vs pants. Like I said, I'm vain. But I'm 6'1" and on the heavier side, so a full 1 piece suit will probably make me look more like an overweight emergency worker than someone who belongs on a motorcycle. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity

 

[Horsehead]

Update ... The more I think about it, the more I'm hesitant to drop a grand or more on something sight unseen. Sooooo I am considering riding up to Duluth to see what all they have and try stuff on before dropping that much coin.

According to Google it's 1200 miles. Definitely would be the furthest I've ever gone in a bike. Might have to work up to it ...



While I'm thinking about it, how do y'all plan long trips like that? I would not want to just ride on super slab interstates for 18 hours. But I also wouldn't want to make the trip twice as long by going only back roads...

 

[rwthomas1]

Not to dissuade anyone from making a trip, but you want to be sure they are allowing this in the covidmania. If you call them they will help figuring out what size you are. I believe they will sometimes ship a couple different sizes for you to try on, but you'd have to check on that. An aside is If you are planning on, or thinking about losing weight anytime in the near future, do this first. Lots of jokes on here about "shrinking suits" and such, but it is a real concern if you are spending that kind of coin. Some women worry about swimsuit season, and it appears that some bikers worry about riding season.

RT

 

[heffly]

Stalemate...
Having your cake and eat it too
I started LD riding because of time. Its a everexisting dilemma...
backroads=more time
Freeway=less time
Backroads more scenery, simpler pace. More critters...
Freeway more miles, less entertaining, safer travel.

 

[dduelin]

So many roads and so little time. If time is short and there’s a destination in mind I’ll take the slab to make time for the interesting roads at the destination.

 

[dwalby]

While I'm thinking about it, how do y'all plan long trips like that? I would not want to just ride on super slab interstates for 18 hours. But I also wouldn't want to make the trip twice as long by going only back roads...

I saw your route planning, and the thought occurred to me, in the West we usually only take back roads on motorcycle rides, freeways are for cars and trucks. But, our back roads tend to travel through unpopulated areas, so they're still pretty good for not getting slowed down too much in the process as there's very few towns or traffic lights along the route.

In the East your back roads go all over the place, and it looks like they pass through a lot of small towns that will have slow areas and traffic lights. Looks like the difference between freeway and back roads is probably a lot different in the East vs. the West, am I right? So, your "twice as long" comment isn't an exaggeration, or is it?

Regarding stich sizing, its usually pretty easy because they make everything in incremental sizes rather than S/M/L/XL so using their sizing chart you can usually get close enough for comfort on the first guess, I was able to. I don't know if things have changed over the years, but in the past the stich jackets didn't have any lining for warmth, so you want to buy them a little large to wear a warmth layer underneath.

 

[skipcurt]

Update ... The more I think about it, the more I'm hesitant to drop a grand or more on something sight unseen. Sooooo I am considering riding up to Duluth to see what all they have and try stuff on before dropping that much coin.

According to Google it's 1200 miles. Definitely would be the furthest I've ever gone in a bike. Might have to work up to it ...

While I'm thinking about it, how do y'all plan long trips like that? I would not want to just ride on super slab interstates for 18 hours. But I also wouldn't want to make the trip twice as long by going only back roads...

I felt the same exact way. I had done several online sizings and had a different size each time. I decided to go there. I timed it with WiSToc and also made an Iron Butt Bun Burner out of it hoping to ride home in my suit. They didn't have my size and color combo I wanted so I headed to WiSToc without it but knowing in several weeks I'd have it. When it arrived it was spot on and still is. FWIW, go with the extra T6 armor including the spine. I tried all of the types (R3, R3 light & Classic) but went with the classic because it felt more substantial (safe/protected) to me.
Good luck in your decision!

Skip

 

[John OoSTerhuis]

I bought both my RC 2-pc suits right at Aerostich with an in-store discount (NLA). Tried on a bunch of them. Expert help. You can buy short and tall right off the rack. With the 2-pc you can get a jacket or pants in a size different than the other. BTDT Saves special ordering of a 1-pc in some cases if you’re a slightly odd fit. I have their back pad which velcroes right in and has its own wide belt. I also have, and most often wear, their bib. Highly recommend the back and hip pads. Try on any suit with them installed. JMNSHO

John

 

[CDNolddude]

Update ... The more I think about it, the more I'm hesitant to drop a grand or more on something sight unseen. Sooooo I am considering riding up to Duluth to see what all they have and try stuff on before dropping that much coin.

According to Google it's 1200 miles. Definitely would be the furthest I've ever gone in a bike. Might have to work up to it ...



While I'm thinking about it, how do y'all plan long trips like that? I would not want to just ride on super slab interstates for 18 hours. But I also wouldn't want to make the trip twice as long by going only back roads...

You could always take the interstate to get there and take your time coming back. I have done that before. Only way I could do 800 miles in one day. Now at my age 500 miles is a long way. I rode there intending to buy a Darien jacket but ended up not getting it

 

[Bulitt]

I have owned quite a bit of Aerostich stuff over the years and still do. I also like to support Andy any time I can. However, I recently bought a Klim Hardanger suit which is very much like an Aerostich R3 (unlined) step through “onesy”. Before you buy, at least take a look at it. Lots of vents for warm weather riding, goretex, back and hip armor, and better styling. For my needs, it is a better suit.

These are sold at retailers so you could likely find one to try on closer than Duluth.

 

[George]

My reply to the OP: Yes. I'd rather sweat than bleed.

I've owned both 1 and 2 piece. I prefer 2.

 

[Woodchuck]

My understanding is that Aerostich stuff is old Goretex technology and the Klim is the newer licensing and is 100% waterproof and a lifetime warrantee.
This what I have researched in the last year or 2. My $$

 

[wjbertrand]

Can the Klim gear be repaired by the factory in the US? That's one of the benefits of the Aerostich gear in my mind.

 

[Whisker Bill]

After reading this thread, I’m looking for a good used 2 piece suit, I’m 6’ and 180 lbs with a 30” inseam with 36” belt. I usually take a size large shirt.
Would anyone have a suit they would like to sell at a reasonable price?
Whisker Bill
Brian
I apologize for jumping in on the post!

 

[amorley]

My understanding is that Aerostich stuff is old Goretex technology and the Klim is the newer licensing and is 100% waterproof and a lifetime warrantee.
This what I have researched in the last year or 2. My $$

KLIM warranty is restricted:

"We warrant *every product we make to be free of material, manufacturer, or workmanship defects for the **practical lifetime of the product. Additionally, all KLIM GORE-TEX® products are GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® for the **practical lifetime of the product."
.....
"
** What does the practical lifetime of the product mean? The practical lifetime of a product is not indefinite. The intensity under which the product is used determines this factor. Materials will deteriorate and fade over time and moving parts will wear out. We design our products to endure extended periods of use. Use your best judgement, if it looks worn out then it likely is. It may be time to simply replace your product, we hope you will give Klim the opportunity to enhance your experience in the most demanding conditions.

The following items will void the lifetime warranty of the product even if the issue is unrelated to these damages:

• - Rips, tears, cuts
• - Burns, abrasions
• - Accidents, crashes
• - Improper Care, negligence
• - Normal wear and tear
• - Modifications, alterations
• - Use other than the product’s intended purpose

"

Warranty

www.klim.com

No Goretex product will remain waterproof as it becomes dirty. The dirt degrades the breatheable Goretex membrane. This is particularly true for motrocycle gear. Both Aerostich and Klim recommend washing their gear with products such as Nikwax Techwash

 

[Bulitt]

I think they are both top quality products. Both will do the job you buy them for. If you want a lined suit, the classic RC is your only choice but it is heavier and warmer in hot weather. I prefer the lightest, coolest suit which is either the R3 stich or the new Hardanger, .....both are unlined which is fine with me because I wear clothes underneath anyway. What sold me on the Klim was my experience with other Klim gear I own and knowing the quality and some of the features of the new suit. The Hardanger suit has numerous vents including thigh vents, front and back that allow the suit to flow air. It is very adjustable on the calve and forearm area in addition to the waist which allow you to customize the fit a bit. Finally, even though this won’t matter to most of the “function over form” folks, It is a better looking, more modern designed suit.

In the end, I guess it comes down to personal preference. Buy the one ya want. Life is full of choices!

 

[Bulitt]

After reading this thread, I’m looking for a good used 2 piece suit, I’m 6’ and 180 lbs with a 30” inseam with 36” belt. I usually take a size large shirt.
Would anyone have a suit they would like to sell at a reasonable price?
Whisker Bill
Brian
I apologize for jumping in on the post!

If one shows up here, please support the forum but if not, there are plenty on EBay or ADVrider flea mkt. Keep an eye on the age of the suit. Aerostich says there useful life for the goretex in their suits is approximately 10 years If being waterproof is important to you. They can be re-waterproofed with products like nikwax but eventually they all seem to leak.....

 

[STumped]

My understanding is that Aerostich stuff is old Goretex technology and the Klim is the newer licensing and is 100% waterproof and a lifetime warrantee.
This what I have researched in the last year or 2. My $$

I don't know.... Check out the first review (2/23/2020):

Klim Hardanger Riding Suit - RevZilla

Long thought to be archaic, dated and out of style, Klim has taken the one piece motorcycle suit and upgraded it with the latest armor and weatherproo…

www.revzilla.com

Might be an isolated case but still, not very encouraging.

 

[Bulitt]

I don't know.... Check out the first review (2/23/2020):

Klim Hardanger Riding Suit - RevZilla

Long thought to be archaic, dated and out of style, Klim has taken the one piece motorcycle suit and upgraded it with the latest armor and weatherproo…

www.revzilla.com

Might be an isolated case but still, not very encouraging.

If you really have an interest, there is a multi-page thread of “actual owners” reviews of the Hardanger suit in the “Equipment” forum over at advrider as well as several threads debating whether the R3 or the Hardanger is the better suit.

I follow it, so here is a summary:

Both suits get high reviews
The owners of both suits are partial to the one they bought and will argue why it is better.

 

[rwthomas1]

After reading this thread, I’m looking for a good used 2 piece suit, I’m 6’ and 180 lbs with a 30” inseam with 36” belt. I usually take a size large shirt.
Would anyone have a suit they would like to sell at a reasonable price?
Whisker Bill
Brian
I apologize for jumping in on the post!

Here's how I did it: Figure out what size you are looking for. Aerostich had a sizing guide on the website, works well enough. Use searchtempest.com to scour craigslist. I found mine half the country away and had the seller ship it to me. There's a lot more for sale searching that way. Keep looking until you find what you need, it's out there.

RT