Motorcycle Gear for a Purpose
If you must go to work, then at least grant yourself an enjoyable journey and go by motorcycle. The benefits are multiple; extra minutes in bed, as you'll save time, and you'll arrive feeling awake and alive – whatever the weather. Home-time will be even sweeter, too, when you high-tail to freedom with the twist of a wrist. Why save your motorcycle for the weekends? Commuting unites the pleasure and practicality of motorcycling, and your kit needs to reflect this purpose.Most commutes involve a variety of roads and entail a range or speeds, so you need a motorcycle helmet with all-rounder credentials. Racy full-face helmets are okay, but the noisy ventilation can give you a headache, and there's no point flaunting a lairy paintjob just to ruin it with road grime. A utility full-face or flip-up helmet is the order of the day, providing good performance at all speeds and in all weathers. Real-world benefits like a removable/washable lining, anti-fog insert and flip-down sun-visor are all worth considering.
Once you recognize the benefits of motorcycle commuting, you'll want to use the motorcycle all year – or a least until the rain starts flooding the roads. So you need a decent multifunction jacket that will keep you dry, safe and not to hot, and which zips to a pair of leather or textile motorcycle trousers. A good all-season Cordura jacket should cover all bases, all year round. Make sure the armor 'sits' securely on your elbows and shoulders, and wear a back protector. Go for the best jacket you can afford, from a reputable brand.
If you're an all-weather hard man, you'll want insulated waterproof motorcycle gloves, whereas fair-weather softies can make the most of feedback-friendly sport gloves. A good compromise for all-round riders is leather gloves with a breathable waterproof membrane.
You have two options for your legs, leather or textile motorcycle trousers. Leather offers superior abrasion-resistance, arguably more style, and is more breathable than waterproof textile. The disadvantages of leather is that it won't fend off a still shower and isn't as comfortable as Cordura motorcycle trousers. That said, a pair of waterproof trousers in your rucksack should cover all meteorological eventualities.
You need boots that will keep your feet happy come rain or shine. The best solution is a pair of Core-Tex-lined leather boots, which keep out water while letting your feet breathe. If you can't afford Gore-Tex, go for a pair of regular waterproof boots. Don't get seduced by flashy looks of full-on race boots, as you'll regret their lack of weather protection. If you only ride in the dry season full-on race boots with their good ventilation can be an option for the tropical weather in Thailand.
