Aerostich vs Cycleport/Motoport Kevlar riding gear.

[ride200mi]

Some of you may have seen this Kevlar riding gear. And doing a search here, found not much. I am thinking of getting a two piece suit as the weather here can get quite hot (100+F) during the summer. 2 piece will allow me to shed the jacket and/or paints during stops. The thing that has me wondering is why so many buy the "stich" instead of something as profound as Kevlar cloth. I remember seeing a couple of Aerostich suits and they looked like they had melted during a fall (not to the rider thank goodness) but the kevlar offers a better package. Is it that most don't know of this kind of riding stuff or ..??
The cost for me is around $700.00 (which includes armor). Aerostich around $1K.
I want a fitted set of riding gear now as it seems I am doing more and more riding in all weather and I am tired of the "off the shelf" fit from most offered. Saying that, I really like the Olympia stuff. Oly stuff is around $500.00 for both top and bottom. It doesn't have the armor the Motoport stuff has either(as much coverage).
Lets hear from you all....
http://motoport.com/index.asp

[jim williams]

Living where you do, it's no question. Get the Motoport. The only thing Aerostich has on Motoport is that they are waterproof. Motoport uses the inner liners, which I think suck, but, that's a personal thing. The stretch kevlar is so comfortable, you wouldn't believe it. Get the Motoport!

[turboderek]

I have been using my cycleport mesh Kevlar pant's and jacket for about a month (2100 miles and 30 rides).  The temp range has been from 35 degrees to 75 degrees.  Most of my rides are at least 1 hour.  I have been plenty warm and dry in cold and rain.  With all the liners out it flows air right thru keeping you cool.  I also looked at aerostich but the larger temperture range, testimonials and simply speaking to Wayne at Cycleport convinced me otherwise.  I feel I have the best street riding protection you can buy for jackets and pants.

[NVR2L8]

I have the Air Mesh kevlar jacket and pants, and in my opinion, they are the only non-leather mesh gear in which I feel safe.  Let me say that again...they are the only non-leather "mesh" gear in which I feel safe.

I bought the Motoport mesh pants/jacket because I needed everyday commuting gear that would allow me to wear my work clothes underneath, and while they aren't the most cool looking gear money can buy, on a hot SoCal day they certainly flow a ton of air.  It's deceiving when you look at the mesh kevlar material because at first glance it looks tightly woven, but when held up to the light you can see the mesh is porous and they definitely ventilate a lot more than the Joe Rocket mesh gear I used to wear.  Also, I think the stretch kevlar material is too hot for SoCal summers, so I suggest going with the kevlar mesh material.  My experience has found that the mesh gear can be worn on the hottest days as long as you keep moving, but just like any other gear you'll heat up quickly if not moving.  Also, the jacket flows so well that depending on what I'm wearing underneath, I'm typically using the jacket liner when the temp is 65 or less--at 65 degrees going 75-80 mph you'll feel like you're wearing nothing but a t-shirt, so you cool down quickly.

Lastly, the only downside to the gear are the pants liners.  They snap into the pants and are very functional, but they have their own zippers and velcro, plus the pants zippers and velcro, so the whole pants with liners can be an ordeal to get in and out of unless you intend on keeping them on for a while.

Anyway, I'm in South Orange County (Lake Forest), so let me know if you want to see this stuff in person.

Jeff

[bete]

I just got a pair of motoport stretch kevlar pants this week, They are extremely well made, compared to any of my other gear (first gear-hein gerick) theres no comparison. I hope there not to hot this summer, they are supposed to breath pretty good.  bete

[wesplains]

 Hi, I have had a set of the motorport Kevlar jacket and pants for two years. I use it everytime I ride, the longest trip being 1600 miles in four days thru rain, cold and heat. It works great, like what was said before, the liners are a pain in the a--, but they work well. I was on a two lane road, it was pouring rain and logging trucks were passing me every 5 minutes going the other way. I almost got blown off the road by them, but I was dry.

  Wayne, the owner is great to work with, the first jacket was to small to use with the liner, so he made me a complete new one at no charge. Plan ahead and expect to wait 10 to 12 weeks once you order. Good stuff, expensive, but good.

ps If you don't tell them not to put a strip down the pants leg, they will and it makes you look like a convict.

[ride200mi]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I have taked to Wayne and he too mentioned to get the vented jacket and paints. I was also wondering if anyone has seen a light gray or silver color. I think this will help with the heat during the summer. I have seen some of the Aerostich colors and I am not to sure about the gray's they have to offer. I do like the silver/gray of the Olympia suits. Or even a blue I guess.
I am surprised that no one with a Aerostich has responded yet... Hummmmmm....

[rselin]

I have had a Motoport Ultra Trek (non-kevlar) jacket for about 5 years.  Construction is really heavy duty, easily the most durable textile jacket I have ever seen.  I have lowsided and hit a guard rail wearing this jacket and had no visible damage.

However, it is heavy, the shoulder armour is uncomfortable, it never did soften up with repeated washings (despite Motoport's claims it would become as soft as denim), and the liner is a major PITA (better be psychic with respect to impending rain).  On a faired sport bike I never did get much air flow through the jacket so the claim that putting the Goretex in the liner made it cooler never really rang true for me.  And, the liner never did fit the jacket very well, and it certainly didn't fit into the interior back pocket as Motoport claimed.

I think Motoport has the right idea with the heavy-duty construction, but need to work on some of the details.  Those details are the main reason I am getting a 'Stich for my next suit.

[Thor]

I have had a Motoport Ultra Trek (non-kevlar) jacket for about 5 years.  Construction is really heavy duty, easily the most durable textile jacket I have ever seen.  I have lowsided and hit a guard rail wearing this jacket and had no visible damage.

However, it is heavy, the shoulder armour is uncomfortable, it never did soften up with repeated washings (despite Motoport's claims it would become as soft as denim), and the liner is a major PITA (better be psychic with respect to impending rain).  On a faired sport bike I never did get much air flow through the jacket so the claim that putting the Goretex in the liner made it cooler never really rang true for me.  And, the liner never did fit the jacket very well, and it certainly didn't fit into the interior back pocket as Motoport claimed.

I think Motoport has the right idea with the heavy-duty construction, but need to work on some of the details.  Those details are the main reason I am getting a 'Stich for my next suit.

I have Motorport kevlar gear, for three years now, and the jacket fabric has become almost too soft.  If I just have a t-shirt on underneath, the flapping of the arms can hurt.

My liners fit just fine in the back pocket of the jacket.

It flows air as well as can be expected when you have armor and a faired bike.

The liners work great.  I rode for 3 hours in a major rain and didn't get wet, (but the hotel clerk looked at me funny as I filled out the paper work and water was streaming down my arm from the outer jacket.)

I don't like the armor, but not because it is uncomfortable.

I don't like 'stiches.  You don't get a true custom fit.  They will do some things within narrow guidelines.  It seems to matter who you talk to.  I had a friend who rode up there to replace a jacket he had purchased that year and destroyed in a crash.  They told him they couldn't do what they had done 4 months earlier.

The 'stich is MUCH warmer than the Motorport gear.  The armor fits better and it is easier to get in and out of.  I don't mind the extra two minutes it takes for me to put on the Motoport, but I do realize that a two minute delay will released the wrath of hell fire from some people.

I just feel that the 'stich is way too much money for what you get.  If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I'll take Motoport or leather first.

Although, in some circles, a 'stich is a status symbol.  Sort of like the sport touring riders version of a pin encrusted leather vest.

[fallzboater]

A one-piece 'Stich is unbeatable for what it was intended for:  a year-round commuter suit with good crash protection.  If you don't have to ride in near-freezing temps, or rain (although it's not fully waterproof), there are probably better options.  I also like the one-piece since you can drop the whole thing very quickly at stops.

Kevlar is strong, but not particularly known for abrasion resistance.  The protection of the 'Stich is at least comparable to any other textile suit.

What's surprising to me is that after 15+ years with very few changes, nobody has really topped the 'Stich for all-round versatility.

[Motocentaur]

Go to advrider.com and search for the very thorough side by side review of both suits posted by a guy who has both. I'd give a link if I wasn't such a Luddite.

[motospeed9058]

A one-piece 'Stich is unbeatable for what it was intended for:  a year-round commuter suit with good crash protection.  If you don't have to ride in near-freezing temps, or rain (although it's not fully waterproof), there are probably better options.  I also like the one-piece since you can drop the whole thing very quickly at stops.

Kevlar is strong, but not particularly known for abrasion resistance.  The protection of the 'Stich is at least comparable to any other textile suit.

What's surprising to me is that after 15+ years with very few changes, nobody has really topped the 'Stich for all-round versatility.

I also have a one piece stitch, and ride with it religiously in 100+ heat AND humidity.  Something So Cal doesn't have.  Believe it or not, with all the vents open on the stitch, the air flow is that of the mesh stuff.  You only notice it at a stop light, but your there for maybe a minute?  Also, there is a common rule in the stitch community of 10 seconds.  It takes 10 seconds to get this thing off because of how well it is made.  

Also, everybody will tell you that the stitch will leak in the rain right around the crotch area where water pools up.  I got one word, NIKWAX.  Can order from lots of vendors, and Aerostitch suggests you wash the suit in NIKWAX and all the waterproofing issues I had went away.

Here is some other items to consider in your purchase decsion:
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Roadcrafter-Darien-FAQs-sp-18.html

HMMM AEROSTITCH        

[Penforhire]

Since So Cal is more hot than cold (or wet) I prefer my unlined Motoport.  No way is a permanent urethane liner as cool.  Can't be.  And Motoport's Goretex liners are high quality bits of kit (get the uninsulated set as rain-only liners, insulated are too warm).  I am thinking they could use more "trick" pockets though.  My Ultra II Cordura suit (2-piece) does not have a waterproof pocket (without liner installed) nor a clear "map" pocket on arm or leg, that sort of thing.  The style is also dorkier, to me, than the 'Stitch Darien or other competitors.

I wouldn't have bought the Motoport, was thinking 'Stitch or a BMW suit, but I got a stunningly good deal at the IMS show years ago on a discontinued color (like $500 including liners).

I am STILL torn about one-piece versus two piece.  I'm thinking my next suit will be a one-piece, just to see the other side of the coin.

[ride200mi]

Hey thanks everyone for your input. And though some of you mentioned "how warm" a suit may be with linners etc, I am not too worried about how much warmth the suit will provide but will it be cool enough in my 100+'F weather here in the hottest part of California... Bakersfield. We do go to the coast all the time but I find that most of the jackets I have had in the past do a pretty good job in the cold here in CA. The other part is how well it will fit. I am tired of having a jacket choke me or having a hell of a draft down my back. So I want a jacket that will zip together and be able to shed the paints when we are stopped. Lots of good stuff and didn't want to have to take a second out on the house to buy a nice suit.
Now I want an opinion on colors. I am not looking to get another black suit... Again way to hot.
Want about a Royal blue and gray?
I have a silver Futura.

I am the one in the cap.

[Thor]

Black pants.  Otherwise they can look really grimy.

You should know that the Motorport touring suits don't zip together.  They use a wide adjustable belt - your pants won't fall down in a crash, but your jacket could ride up.

With Motoport I would get a short jacket with zipper attachment to the touring pants.  The pockets are nice in the pants, but too fussy to deal with in the touring jacket.  Plus, if you ride anything sporting the back protector in the touring jacket will ride up and cause the collar to destroy the lining in the back of your helmet.

I don't know if Aerostich still puts this disclaimer/recommendation in your owners manual, but you are not supposed to wear their suits without a full covering layer underneath.  Cordura can melt in a long slide and burn to your skin.  Most crashes are below 30 MPH, so I don't how big of a concern it is, but I know two people that won't wear theirs without a full undersuit on.

[RickC1957]

Ok maybe it just me....but was just looking at their website and one thought came to my mind.....everything looked.....ill fitting Maybe just to my eye....but all their stuff looked "clumsy" and loose. How is it going to give you protection if the stuff is doesn't fit well

[hovmaven]

You should know that the Motorport touring suits don't zip together.  They use a wide adjustable belt - your pants won't fall down in a crash, but your jacket could ride up.

I have a 'stich and the motoport black/hi-viz air mesh kevlar (which zips together).  I use the 'stich in the winter, motoport everytime else.  Echo the comments on the motoport air mesh liner system -- it's about the only knock I can think of, but really isn't when you balance that against the comfort in 85 degrees plus temps.  

[info]

I went down with a kevlar shirt with armor and a pair of corduroy jeans. The kevlar tore as
much as the cord jeans in a low speed off. I was not impressed. And I know, ATGATT.....

[ride200mi]

Ok maybe it just me....but was just looking at their website and one thought came to my mind.....everything looked.....ill fitting Maybe just to my eye....but all their stuff looked "clumsy" and loose. How is it going to give you protection if the stuff is doesn't fit well

I thought the same. I asked Wayne about the fit, he said all Motoports are custom fitted and won't look as loose as in the pics on the web site. He also mention that they do zip together (paints and jackets). The pics didn't have the armour on the models, so thats why they look a little loose. I HATE, HATE, HATE, did I mention HATE, my stuff flapping. All my riding friends have a point about black, it will look better down the road, say 2 or 3 years later. Not to mention not looking dirty... So maybe black it is...

[hovmaven]

FWIW, here's two pics: