Moto Gear

Moto Gears

 

 

HELMET - Shoei Hornet X2

I have tried and worn many helmets since I began riding. The details on a quality helmet that cost over 500 dollars versus one that is 100 dollars is very apparent. While it is debatable and subjective whether the many creature comforts are necessary to one's need, I find that for me it is important enough. I got a grey helmet, it wasn't the color I would have liked, but it was on liquidation, and I was able to pick up for nearly half the retail. I have been wearing this helmet for one whole year/season, and since I have many other Shoei helmets, I have to say, the shell shape of Shoei is the most comfortable for me. The helmet is a bit on the heavy side, and the air flow cant compete with shield less helmet, but on long duration trips/rides the quietness of the helmet beats noisy/ windy helmets. 

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM-  Sena SMH10

I've been using the SMH10 since its introduction. With its bluetooth connection to my phone, rider to rider communication, and able to sync to my Zumo 550, it does make the riding experience much more enjoyable than not having it. I was one of the very first adopters, back when they were selling the units for 100 dollars. I turn all my riding buddies to SENA, and my riding buddies all made fun of me saying "SENA should be paying you", cause I must have help them sell 2 dozen units. I always have 2 sets of SMH10, one will always be charging and the other I will be wearing. I've been using this system for a long time now, and it has proven to be very reliable. However, this is my second and third unit, the first one died after 50,000 miles and 4 years of abuse. It was partially my fault, as it shorted out, after I plugged it in to charge after a rainy ride, not noticing that there as water in the charge port. My second unit currently is kind of buggy, as I have dropped it a few times. I suppose when it dies, I will upgrade to the current generation replacement. 

JACKET and PANTS - Olympia Troy Jacket and Olympia Moto X2 Pants

I settle on Olympia Moto X2 a while back. It had everything I needed, mega vents that I can open when its hot, and liner and rain coat that can be worn outside. When I first started riding, I thought the rain liner and thermal liner I had Rev'it Gear 2 was ingenious, until I actually started using it. When you hop off your bike and want to throw on a layer on the side of the road, no one is going to stand there and strip down to put the liner in, okay maybe someone will, but not me. The idea that the rain liner can go outside of the jacket is a much more real world solution. The one thing that bugged me about the Moto X2 jacket was that it had the hydration pack on the back. The hydration pack attached to the jacket is always not very good. The quality is usually sub-par compare to stand alone hydration bags, and when fully filled it is uncomfortable cause its pulling on the jacket. So when they came out with the Troy jacket, which is essentially the same with slightly thinner abrasion material, and without the hydration pack, I was sold. The lighter material turns out to be a positive surprise, as it doesn't feel so bulky. 

BOOTS - Forma Adventure Tall and Superfeet Orange Insole

I have been wearing the Forma Adventure boots for 3 years now. It has a much wider toe box in the front, and my wide feet doesn't feel cramped and uncomfortable as it would in a Sidi. While it does provide less protection compare to a true motocross or a heavier duty adventure boots, the comfort level and my level of riding, I find the protection more than sufficient. My first pair started leaking after a year and 2 month. I called Forma and they said that the warranty is only for one year, and ask me to send my boots in. They replaced my boots at no cost after 2 weeks. I am pretty sold on their customer service. Inside the boot I'm using Superfeet orange insole, this have been tried and true for me over 3 years of use, even before I started off-road I had them in my street boots.  

GLOVES - Rev'it Sand Pro and BMW Atlantis Gore-Tex

After years of wearing leather, I still got my love for leather, when you are traveling in hot and sweltering heat, taking a leather glove on and off is a total drag. So I started shopping for textile gloves. One day when I was in Cycle Gear, I saw that the Rev'it Sand Pro was on sale, but they did not have my size. After some shipping mishaps, they finally got me the glove. It has surprisingly a lot of padding and for the price point I don't think it can be beat. It is also super comfortable, most comfortable glove I have ever worn, since the stitching are on the outside. For my Winter/ Waterproof glove, I have my 6 year old BMW Atlantis Gore-Tex glove. Again one of the most comfortable glove I have ever worn, but unfortunately, the liner inside has separated from the outside. I'm also wondering if it still is waterproof. I am not 100% sure I'm staying with this glove. 

HEATED GEAR - - Aerostitch Kanetsu Heated Vest

The Aerostitch Kanetsu vest is pretty simple, one button, no temperature adjustment, but also no controller to break. I got this as one of my first piece of gear, and it was one of the most satisfactory purchase I have made. Although I have to admit, I hate riding in the cold, and this vest have seen less than 20 hours of use, but it has worked perfectly every time. 

BACKPACK - Kriega R20 

I needed more storage compare to my Ogio 3L hydration pack. So instead of just buying a backpack, I got a motorcycle specific one. I was pretty sold from my Kreiga tool roll quality that I pull the bullet and got this bag. There seem to be alot of attention to detail and high quality material. But only time will tell. I like to use this for my hiking back pack on the trip as well as my everyday bag. 

WARM BASELAYER - Rev It Glacier Shirt & Rev it Glacier Pants

I fight bought these two years ago to try to extend my riding season. I think it works well, I just dont like to ride in the cold, so I rarely ever use it. I actually used this a few times snowboarding as well, and it worked out really well as well. 

COOLING BASELAYER -  Dainese Dynamic Cool Shirt & Fox Racing Cut Off T

I had quite a few compression cooling shirts and non of them fit as well as the Dainese cool shirt I had. Only the Dainese shirt, have a loose fitting bottom, all the other ones that are full wrap tend to hike up when you bend over and move. It is the same design as Under Armor shirts, which I find to be the most annoying issue I have with compression shirts. Other compression shirts I had, had really tight collars, which feels like I'm being choked. The fox racing cut off T, is really just a glorify cut off t shirt with synthetic material, it is not nearly as technical as the Dainese shirt. 

RAINSUIT - BMW Pro Rain

I first started with a two piece suit from Nelson Rigg, and whenever I ridden in the rain, my crouch is completely soaked. Eventually the water would run down your pants the longer you are in the downpour. I switched to an one piece suit and at first it was a bit of a hassle to put on, eventually it did not take much time at all. It has always kept me dry. Even though the Olympia jacket and pants comes with all the rain piece and are high quality, I still have doubt it'll keep me dry riding in the rain. 

NECK WARMER - Rukka Gore Windstopper

Bought for the trip, for nasty bugs in Canada and winter riding. Tried it twice, and it have worked out well so far. 

Clothing

Clothing

FLEECE SWEATER - Kuhl Interceptor 1/4 zip

This was my first Kuhl clothing. I have to say, this is the most amazing fleece I have ever worn. I first bought the red one, cause I like the red color and it goes well with my skin complexion. But it really makes me stand out too much. I don't think I want that while I'm traveling. I got a green one when it went on sale again, and I think I may take that one instead. 

UNDERWEAR - Exofficio (5x)

These are the most comfortable underwear I have bought that is quick drying. I debated how many sets I will be bringing but they honestly don't take up that much room or weight for me to fuss over bringing an extra one or two. 

SOCKS - Smartwool (3x), REI (2x), Rev it summer socks

I really liked the Smartwool socks for hiking. I have use them for a few seasons. I am bringing 2 REI quick drying socks for back up, they are super thin, they will work in a pinch if other socks needs to dry. I'm debating if I should bring the rev'it sock, its one of the best sock I have bought, but the heft is just incredible. It is knee high and takes up alot of real estate. If I don't bring it, I'l likely pick up another Smartwool socks. 

PANTS - Kuhl Revolver Pants, REI Co-op Pants, REI Sahara pants

The Kuhl revolver is my second Kuhl brand clothing, I have to say I'm hooked. They use just enough synthetic and cotton to make it feel comfortable but still technical. The REI co-op pants are pretty fantastic. I wore it a few times oversea as my main pair when I travel and it has not failed me. Thirdly is the REI sahara pants, I took two pairs, one teal and one brownish, the are super quick drying, but they are also super thin. One of them ripped when I was hiking Zion and it teared when I got up from some rocks. I'm tempted to buy a pair of think travel pants as a alternative. 

T-SHIRT - REI Safari T shirt, Quick drying T

The safari shirt is 'okay', I got it on sale, and I still kind of feel like its a mediocre t shirt. I might just bring some random t-shirts, I'm sure I'll acquire more on the way. 

BELT - Bison Design 

Webbing belt, only belt I will bring. 

Camping Gear

Camping Gear

TENT - Lone Rider Moto Tent

My tent of choice is the Lone Rider Moto Tent. Before the minimalist loose their mind, yes I did my homework. 11 lbs and not free standing. You add the ground sheet for the other side its another pound. I thought pretty long and hard about this, as with all gear its tailor to the rider. If I wasn't going to camp extensively on my trip, I may have decided to get a bivy from Lone Rider as well. Weighs nothing and takes up no space. Maybe even if I was younger and less broken with injuries, I probably be okay crawling out of the tent regularly. But seeing that I have knee problems, back problems, and claustrophobic, the sacrifice was needed. One other thing that people always talks about, is that they bring a tent, and end up hating camping and never trying to camp when they don't have to. I will tell you, with the Lone Rider tent, I look forward to setting up at the days end. When that rainy weather become a miserable shifting around, it'll be much more livable and comfortable in my tent. 

PAD & PILLOW - Klymit Static V Luxe & Luxe Pillow

I originally started with the klymit static v and the x pillow. This was the same logic I used for the tent. Lighter is better, except if you are 6'1 and 44 inch chest. I used it only twice along with the X pillow, and came to a revelation. Anything on the market that is standard size is build for a 5'10 or smaller person, 5'10 being the maximum. So upgraded sleeping pad to the Static V Luxe (Insulated) with the Luxe Pillow. Both items are much more substantial in size and are much more comfortable when camping. I wouldn't just roll off of it. It is larger to pack and heavier, about double the size to the standard size. I also have a pump for the pad, so it is easier for me to air it up everyday instead of using my mouth. 

SLEEPING BAG - Enlighten Equipment Revelations

I have always hated sleeping in sleeping bags. Something about it always bothers me, its awkward and tossing and turning always have me in a weird contortion feeling. When I did my research everyone had recommended the enlighten equipment quilt. So I ended up getting the Revelation quilt. I learned my lesson this time, I ordered the quilt extra wide and extra long. It turns out to be just enough and not a inch too large or small. I have used it in 35 - 45 degree nights and it has held up really well, and kept me very warm. I like the blanket style system, it is much more natural than sleeping bags. 

STOVE & COOKWARE - MSR XGX EX & Snow Peak 900 Titanium & Vargo titanium utensils

I ended up buying the MSR XGK multi-fuel stove, because I want to be able to run the stove using just gasoline. I know that Coleman fuel is cleaner and better for the environment, but I don't want to be looking for different type of fuel in the middle of nowhere.  I am also aware some people use very simple system that packs a lot less, and some even use only something to heat the water. A lot of people I know also can eat the same thing everyday, or just sports bars for all meals. I am not one of them. I cook everyday at home and I like to cook. I am also very bothered by eating the same thing two meals in a row. If anything at the end of the day, one of the things that I look forward to the most is a good meal. So that doesn't mean sports bar, or cup of noodle. My pot is the Snow Peak 900 titanium cook set. Cooking and eating utensil is Vargo titanium fork, spoon and knife. I'm powering my stove with my 1.5 liter Primus fuel that goes on the back of my pannier that double as emergency fuel. I'm also carrying a small seasoning kit. 

CHAIR and MISC 

First up we have my saw and my knife, the saw is a silky saw, the knife is a kabar Jarosz Turok. Second we have the latern and head lamp the lantern is Goal Zero mini light house, and Actik Petzel headlamp. Finally I have my chair, from Alite, the Mayfly chair.

Tools and Security

Tools and Security

- Front Tire Tube

- Rear Tire Tube 

- Motion Pro Tire Spoon 2x

- Bead Breaker Motion Pro

TOOL ROLL - Kriega

Craftsman Wrench (8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17)

Craftsman Socket (10, 12, 14, 17)

Craftsman Hex Head Socket (4, 5, 6, 8)

Snap-On (8mm long socket, 2 inch extension, 6 inch extension, sliding T handle)

7 inch Knipex Adjustable Pliers

7 inch Craftman vice grip

Zip Ties (4 inch & 8 inch)

Wire Cutter & Needle Nose Plier (4.5 inch)

2.5 mm Allen Key

Loctite Thread Locker (Blue)

Super 33+ Electric Tape

OEM Spark Plug socket, Phillip and Flat Head Screw Driver

Kobalt Mini Flathead

19mm and 22mm Axle Wrench Combo

- Bungee net

- Gaskets and Orings 

- Tire pressure Gauge

- Ear Plugs 

- LockStrap - 2.5 ft 

- Kyptonite Caliper Lock

- Saddlemen Distination Pack

Camera and Video Equipment

Camera and Video Equipment

CAMERA & VIDEO- IPhone X, Moments Lens, Shure MV88

I only upgraded from the iphone 6s to the X for the camera. I'm using this as my main Camera and Video blog tool. I'm not particularly married to Apple, but I do find for what I use the phone for, its pretty efficient. Between iMsg, and the Apps I use most often, it fits my daily use. I then bought two lenses from Moments photography. One Wide Angle lens and the 2x zoom lens. Combined with the Moments phone case 2.0 it actually works really well. I then got an IOS mike the MV88, most typically used for musicians recording stuff on their iphone. The quality is pretty top notch. None of these are studio quality, regardless if its photograph or video. But it is light weight and I can carry it anywhere I hike and walked. 

LAPTOP - Microsoft Surface 3

I find as I get older the necessity for what I use a piece of technology became more "means to an end" rather than buy the technology first to find what it can do. I bought this cheap laptop two years ago, and it have served me well. If it breaks I'll just get something else, I only use it for website updates, writing, and building GPS tracks. 

DRONE - DJI Spark

Bought the cheapest drone I can find that the best quality. I don't really know how much I will use this, and Simon mention to me that his Mavic Gimbal broke due to the sustained vibration of the bike. So I think I will carry it in my backpack, to see if it will last longer. I might not even be able to recognize my fear that the drone will get confiscated at border crossings if it breaks before I get there. 

STORAGE - Sandisk ixpand 64gb - 2x, Micro sd 128gb - 2x, WD passport 4tb drive 

The ixpand is very handy to transfer photo to the laptop or otherwise remove from your iphone. It is quite the hassle for it to update to just move the photo. I always found that system on the IOS to be the most cumbersome and not user friendly. I then just got some Micro SD card storage just in case. One 4tb drive for storage.

TRIPOD - Mefoto Backpacker Air 

The Mefoto backpacker air is highly criticized for the locking system online. So many review says the legs self retract. But most people are also using it with a mirrorless camera, which compare to my iphone is very heavy. I have used the tripod many times and even sat overnight with a load on it and it has not yet retracted unexpectedly so I guess only time will tell.