Still LOTS better than this,when it comes to understated anyway. No doubt the BMW gear is great stuff but no doubt bike gear... By LWD they'd got the point:
Are you aware of the Macna Chameleon? It's a twin-shell system (a la Companero), core leather jacket with laminated waterproof overjacket. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/macna-men-s-chameleon-motorcycle-jacket http://www.roadrunner.travel/2013/04/07/macna-mens-chameleon-jacket/ There's also a corresponding trousers set.
Triumph has a handful of models that seem to fit your style requirements. All are $300 or less. http://shop.triumphmotorcycles.com/apparel Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk
Interesting and they have some other twin-systems as well. That said, never seen the point in zipping in liners and connect jackets. Have a bunch of thermal liners I've never used and loose membranes are on the wrong side of the jacket (unless bonded in which case it prevents jacket from being soggy). Problem with rain jacket is they get damaged so using a wp Cordura or similar shell makes sense. Here's another option, some very clever vent pantents in front/side. Looks good and thermal liner can be used separately. And probably more protective than wax cotton: http://www.webbikeworld.com/r5/tucano-urbano-trip-jacket/review.htm
In the Macna system the external shell is a jacket as well. Regarding connection, on my Companero I can just not bother to connect the outer shell if I want, but if I do connect it, then the whole thing behaves like one single jacket (or pants), so it's easier to take off or on. If I just put my outer wp jacket on for a short rain, it might not matter. If I have to use them together for a longer rainy/cold trip, it's very convenient.
I'm currently looking for a wide temperature range leather jacket that is waterproof. Do you have the Macna Chameleon and if so do you like it. I'm also looking at a revit ignition 2 and if you have any experience with it could you say how the two jackets compare? Thanks.
I'm only an armchair motorcycle tourist having only lived off the bike for about two weeks total. That said I've ridden for years and I've done a decent amount of traveling, camping and exploring. I've put a decent amount of thought into what gear I would bring if I was setting out on a motorcycle tour. I have had a number of different 3/4 length touring style jackets. Oilskin, leather and textile. Each of them have pros and cons. I do not like logos, I don't like flashy colorways, (high viz gear notwithstanding) I like layering, and flexibility I like gear to serve more then one purpose. Also when it comes to rain gear, I've found that i like the waterproof layer to be the outermost layer when it comes to jacket and pants. And I don't like to stop and struggle to put on a rain jacket. If I was to set out on South American tour today. Most likely I would go with an Aerostich Darien or Darien light jacket. In tan with the reflective delete option. And I would try and see if I could get the older style sleeves without the added straps, just to make the jacket look more normal.
Thinking much the same. Not big fan of the Aerostich style though but sure it's good stuff. That said, the Darien pants is on my short list for pants, like the simple design and lot of nice features. Tan color looks desert-ish.
Another option. Probably better abrasion restistance than oilskin http://shop.ridejohndoe.com/kevlar-apperal/field-jacket-olive-j-2003.html EDIT: Forgot already posted this...but now with pics
Style, I think the Darien is the total absence of style. But it is highly functional I like that the tan looks more normal, and less like a high zoot adv-suit. While not dipping into the OD-Green quasi uniform look that some of these jackets have. I am editing this to back fill some info in case anyone wonders into this thread. I did end up getting a Tan Darien, and I've been remarkably disappointed. The color was off from the factory with a strong red color cast, and after just over a year of being used maybe 40% of my riding, It's faded (which is a good thing from the color cast point) but not evenly, and it gets dirty very fast, as fast or faster then the high-viz yellow they sell.
Well I just ordered a macna chameleon. Should be here in a few days, if the thread is still active I'll voice my opinions.
Still thinking about making a less adventure looking Version of the Companero set up... This Dainese mesh jacket got leather on outside of arms/shoulders, looks good and definitely improves abrasion resistance. Maybe not quite casual looking but still cool. Also possible to add chest protector and back protector so getting closer to a pressure suit regarding protection. Though, the back protector is a bit short so may want a kidneybelt with integrated back protector to cover lower back (got acouple of those), Guess good for bumpy roads anyway. And supports back. So all I need is wp abrasion resistant shell for cold/wet on top of this. http://www.dainese.com/us_en/motorbike/g-air-frazer-tex-pelle.html?cat=12
I'd skip the abrasion-resistant part and just get an inexpensive waterproof shell to put over it. The Dainese jacket should provide the abrasion resistance.
Although it looks quite cool in warmer weather. I would be concerned about the abrasion resistance if wore alone.
Yes, it does say that stand alone jacket on Spidi web site but seen other Places questioning this. That's why started looking at mesh jackets and really like the part leather concept (got that on my Stadler suit as well). something reassuring about leather... I'm not quite as cool as 007 unfortunately