Gear

2012 Suzuki GSX-R750; AGVSport riding leathers; HJC CL-R2 helmet

Man does not ride a bike naked. It chafes and you miss out on buying all kinds of cool gear! If you're a gear-head like me, about the only other endeavor that beats out motorcycling for buying stuff is photography. Trust me, I know this from experience.

If you add dual-sport riding to the mix, you get to buy camping gear as well.

Anytime I read about someone taking long trips on motorcycles, whether it be across the United States or across remote continents like Asia or Africa, I enjoy reading about their adventures but I also have a compulsion to learn about the gear they use. Many authors neglect this aspect of their travel writing.

Since I've been racking up a fair number of miles, and am getting into dual-sport riding, I decided to create some sections on my blog devoted to the gear I use, both on and off the bike.

I have two bikes, a 2007 Suzuki V-Strom DL650 and a 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750. I wear different gear for each bike.

V-Strom

• Aerostich Darien jacket
• Aerostich AD1 Light pants
• Sidi Canyon boots
• HJC RPHA-Max helmet
• Cortech Scarab winter gloves

GSX-R750

• AGV Sport Palomar two-piece leather suit (summer), and,
• Aerostich Roadcrafter (R2) one-piece textile suit (spring, fall, and winter)
• HJC CL-R2 helmet
• Sidi Fusion boots
• River Road Mystic Leather mesh gloves

Each bike has its own set of luggage. The V-Strom is fitted with Touratech Zega Pro aluminum side cases and a Givi V46 top case. I use a Wolfman Explorer Lite tank bag.

The Gixxer has Motocentric soft side bags, tail bag, and magnetic tank bag. I also have a large waterproof duffel bag that I attach to the seat instead of the Motocentric tail bag when taking multi-day trips.