Aerostich R3: The ultimate review after 100k miles

[@andycapp8843]

Have two of these, both are now well over 30 years old and still going strong. One I bought new for a trip to Europe and it arrived the day before I was about to leave and didn’t fully appreciate they really are only an oversuit and first thing in the morning I was very cold..very cold indeed. Solved this by insulating my chest with a newspaper and all was well. If you are considering buying one, allow for layers if you ride all year round. Both leak at the crotch, to overcome this I now have a couple of lightweight insulated jackets worn over the top..no leaks and in the winter there is no requirement to wear heated vests. If it’s below freezing I use the car…..no longer ride in snow or ice. One sunny afternoon I hit cattle crap just after a bend and the bike dropped like a stone and we both went along the road on our side for 70 paces or 60 yards. The cylinders on the GS and hard panniers saved my left leg and the aero stitch suit suffered abrasion to the left hip through to the skin and a few scuffs. Two twisted knees, a fractured right wrist and just abrasions to the left hip were my injuries. It was cost prohibitive to return to Aerostitch for repairs, had it done locally…..still in use. The second suit was bought from a friend who decided to stop riding. It is too large in reality for me but is useful if I want to layer up when a long ride is planned on wintry days. They are comfortable to wear, simple to take on and off, BUT they are only an over suit, with no insulating properties whatsoever……..and expensive for a suit that leaks ….. but only at the crotch. Would I buy another……YES…..if I lived in the U.S.A. but taxes and freight increase the cost to a prohibitive level. There are other suits out there which are comparable. I have another, full insulated one piece suit I bought at a motorcycle show a few years ago which is a total,pain to get on and off, doesn’t leak at all but is too damned hot on all but the coldest of days and as I have mentioned, I no longer ride in ice and snow. If you are considering buying one……..research it thoroughly and provide measurements according to what you want the suit to do for you, not just your size. It is only a rain suit, if you want it to be something extra add a few inches to accommodate layers for instance. The video was interesting but failed to outline the problems associated with the product as I’m guessing from the looks of it, was a relatively new purchase. All the information regarding protection etc., can be taken from the manufacturers web site but they won’t give you a true long term revue, warts and all. They Costa great deal, spend you money wisely.

[@johnasbury9915]

I’ve had my 2 piece 30 years now and it’s still the best piece of riding gear I own, still the most waterproof and the gear I feel Safest in. I’m Sure I’ve got almost 100K on mine as well, best investment in gear I’ve ever made

[@PierreDacunha]

I also adventure ride and own the 2 piece lightweight. I had mine custom fitted due to my long torso and short legs, I also had an inch removed from the sleeves. It's now a perfect fit while seated on the motorcycle. I'm happy with the two piece for the same reason for your concerns, there is a nice benefit, if you are a little flexible still, I am able to remove my arm from the jack while keeping my pants on, and the jacket stays attached with zipper. I keep the zipper attached in case of a slip and fall and the jacket rides up. I will not buy and commuter set next time but a purpose suit, the Darien, the return on investment and being able to have them repaired is priceless

[@tango165]

Great video.. thanks for the long term review of the suit.

[@emfl4437]

I have the 2 piece suit, it is worth the extra money. It still goes on the same way, but you the flexibility of just taking off the jacket and you can customize the jacket and pants sizes to better fit. I do like my aerostich, thanks for the review

[@dangerdave8080]

I still have some life left in my current Stich ... will get 2 piece next for the reasons you shared ... thanks!

[@martij30]

I've got a pair of motorcycle jeans (with Cordura material and armor, so protected) and a thick leather jacket with plates as my first set of gear but I might have to get myself one of these suits in the near future when I start to ride a lot more. Thanks for the info on this suit!

[@scottcates]

Wow, this is an outstanding review. We share similar riding styles -- and scars. I've been very interested in Aerostich and I want to know more before I invest in a product that costs this much. Thanks again. New subscriber here.

[@dangerdave8080]

Thanks for your comments. I've had my "stich" a long time and a lot of miles ... I recently sent it back to Aetostich for a zipper replacement. Should get it back next week ... while it's a bit of a hassle to ship to MN ... it's nice it can be repaired. Thanks for your comments!

[@johnb2649]

I am a full time- TWO rider. For 5 years I travelled between hospitals =all over the US-for contract work. I owned the 2-piece suit. I logged close to 200k miles, to include one ‘unplanned’ get off wearing this suit. There is no doubt it functions well in all weather -hot to cold, rain, shine, hail and snow. Buy it. Ride to Duluth to be fitted You’ll never regret the purchase. =Peace=

[@rabidwookie606]

Yeah, I got one. Best riding suit ever! %100 If you want a little more comfort get the shoulder adjustment for sport bikes, gives a little more length and the neck fits better.

[@rodlappin6147]

I also had a main zipper failure, but with less miles. I was wearing the suit almost every day though. I ordered a replacement from the "Discount" page that was a different size than the one they fitted me in when I made the trip to Duluth to buy the first one. To my surprise the other suit fit even better than the first. I kept both and other than liking the H Vis first suit's color better I still seem to wear the "Tan" one more. I have some BMW pants and a 6th gear mesh jacket I wear if I'm going to be walking around much on shorter rides.

[@bronsonscott]

Amazing review. Thank you much

[@motocrossadrian1978]

Good video Dave! Thanks

[@dangerdave8080]

Thanks! I'm a Newby to making videos... It's a lot of fun... Thanks for the comment!

[@kristy77a]

Excellent, informative review and information. The insight/input re: adventure riding needs and advantage of a lighter, two-piece suit are very helpful. Conversely, for paved road, non-adventure, long distance touring, I can see the appeal a one-piece would have. Much appreciated.

[@justletmecomment6453]

These things really shine with commuting. Least amount of time spent in the locker room short of squidding to work.

[@seanhewitt2521]

I owned a two piece. First year excellent, second year good, third year wet and cold. Daily commuter, and touring pacific north west; year round rider. Now I use hard armor, cheap Chinese outer jacket and pants and cheap rain gear. Change out the rain every two years or as needed. I ride warm,dry and safe for a lot less money.

[@3dpdstom]

Hey, thanks for the review, I’m looking at buying one of these for my upcoming riding season this summer.

[@dangerdave8080]

That's great! I think you'll like it!

[@atlas283]

I bought the 2 piece roadcrafter...was goong to get the light but they have a great sale on now...we will see how it goes. Never even touched an aerostitch.

[@langhamp8912]

I've had one or two of these suits since I was 20. I'm 52 now, and I believe I'm on my 5th suit. Might be the 6th. While I've usually owned a leather suit for those trackdays, for everything else an Aerostich suit works best. I used to see a lot of Aerostich suits back in the 1990's but very rarely see them now.

[@monunyabidness5949]

A nice honest review.

[@dangerdave8080]

Thanks!

[@RichardDePas]

Bought a Roadcrafter 1 piece off a guy in CA that went with an R3 Lite. Like the one piece but I agree 100% with your final thoughts. I just picked up a two piece Roadcrafter and like it. Takes a tad bit longer to put on but the versatility makes up for it.

[@dangerdave8080]

While I love the Stich .... I just bot some Revit gear ... for the hot summer months in Bakersfield ... it's pretty good stuff. I hope to post a review in a few weeks. Thanks for sharing!

[@markkulyas2418]

Does this suit have adequate air flow for the summertime, I live in central California and we're talking 80/90 and 100 ° temperatures. Air flow is a must.

[@dangerdave8080]

I live in Bakersfield, CA .... it is my goto gear ... the only time it is unbearable isOK. Hot, high humidity ... like the southern states ... hot, high humidity ... and then, as long as you are moving ... ok.

[@paulledet5911]

I’m 5:10 and 190 and the 44R fits great (though the belly area seems to be shrinking a bit ;-)

[@paigepoole7356]

powered sugar (aka donuts) causes nylon fabrics to shrink especially in the waist area.

[@RideYourRide39]

Love the video. I have a Roadcrafter jacket with Darien pants, which works well. I think moving to the two piece will solve your concerns and allow you to get longer pants.

[@dangerdave8080]

I agree .. thanks!

[@szaneman791]

New subscriber here as well. Great review. I have thought about an Aerostich suit in passing and have wondered about the leg creeping up and you answered that question. Seems like most pants (for men at least) have that problem of needing the room for the sensitive bits which makes the move up when riding

[@dangerdave8080]

The crotch has never been a problem ... it's kind of vain ... but, on my goldwing. .. my knees are bent so much the pants come up of my boot ... alot. On my BMW ... I have noticed not as much knee bend ... therefore, looks better. I'd still get a little longer the next time. I really like the suit ... it works well for me. Thanks!

[@phillipquann7659]

I have a AS one piece light, 6-1 and 230lb. I was lucky and got to go to one of the AS Store events which allowed me to try some suits on and set on my bike while an AS Rep looked things over and took some measurements. I ended up with a 50L which looks over sized off the bike but when I get on looks like the custom made garment it is. I do think I would get the 2 piece suit in retrospect.

[@dangerdave8080]

I'm going to there Pop Up store in California this month ... to try on the Darian and the R-2 2 piece. Thanks for your comments!

[@davegallo8166]

I have an R3 and a Darien 2 piece. The R3 is for quick trips or commuting. The Darian is my touring rig .

[@dangerdave8080]

The Aerostich stuff is soooo good!

[@sschrock3776]

Well Done

[@dangerdave8080]

Thanks... Need to get better with the videos... Steep learning curve 😂

[@michaelturner9673]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the classic Roadcrafter and the R3? Yes, I have seen the website. Looking for riders who have owned both.

[@bobklee2397]

Main thing is the classic is lined, R3 is unlined. R3 also has different zip and water channel to prevent water ingress. The classic did leak on me a couple of times, the R3 never did but was more of a pain to get the main zip started

[@szlaeyer22]

How feasible is this in very hot weather? In cold and rain, seems to be a no brainer. But what about scorching hot?

[@dangerdave8080]

Cold and rain ... I wear a heated jacket ... the suit is very waterproof! Hot weather .... in the South ... high heat high humidity ... KEEP MOVING! In dry heat worries .... I wear a long sleeve shirt in summertime.... helps me sweat a little ... stand up, and the air flow cools. I have worn in 118 degrees ... sweat is your friend. I have no problems wearing in hot weather ... thanks!

[@AdventureGlide]

New Sub. Thanks for sharing. I have been eyeing these suits for some time now. I've also been looking at the motoport gear. Do you have any experience with Motoport?

[@dangerdave8080]

Hi ... I am unfamiliar with Motoport. Thanks for watching the vid on Aerostich.

[@MotoPavilion]

I got the same suit and use it for a 1000 miles. I like the suit BUT…. It restricts my movements. When I try to spread out my elbows it pulls them back due to no elastic in shoulder area. Same happened when I lean forward. If they put stretching patches on the lower back and shoulder/armpit areas it will way better suit.

[@dangerdave8080]

Great idea!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Great review. I like how you did this outdoors next to your bike. Indoors reviews of suits just isn't the same for me. I've had a Roadcrafter since around 2007ish. Great suit. Four or Five years ago I wanted to try a two piece suit for the reasons you mentioned about slipping in and out of the jacket or just riding in lighter riding pants. I bought a Klim Badlands Pro Jacket & Pants set. First, I have an issue, I never want to stop when I'm riding. So, I never take the time to stop to stow the pants. Plus, then I have to stow them somewhere. When I have had to wrestle my bike off the ground and taken the jacket off, I'd wished the pants were off too. I can take the whole one piece Roadcrafter off in just a few seconds more than taking the jacket off. Thats been my findings with switching to a heavy two piece suit. My one gripe about the RC is poor waterproofing in this older suit. wet crotch syndrome. I still have the RC and I've been donning it more often these days. If I could lose some weight I'd have justification to buy another RC!

[@dangerdave8080]

LOL! I, too, have tried some 2 piece gear... but, keep going back to the Stich ... it's so easy to get on and off! Thanks for watching!

[@rcafmaintainer3723]

Great suit, I’ve been debating on getting one. Nice sound track in the background, military base?

[@dangerdave8080]

No ... Intro was sound effects ... 😀

[@mfairus3781]

Always wanted to buy these but too damn expensive

[@dangerdave8080]

Yep! I think my suit with the extra stuff... $1,700! I have rode over 100k miles while wearing the suit... that's about 1.7 cents per mile LOL! So... a 500 mile trip... $9 for protection... 👍

[@atlas283]

They have a sale on right now. I bought roadcrafter pants and jacket (demos) for $950...hope they fit. I hear their service is phenomenal tho, and that's been my experience so far.

[@christianbh]

How is it in the summer? Is there good ventilation when needed?

[@dangerdave8080]

My experience ... I ride in a lot of hot weather ..95+ ... all vents are opened. After you sweat fur a bit. Stand up and get airflow through the entire sit and cools nicely..

[@edcrouch7803]

I’ve had the two piece suit since 1995. It just works in all conditions. I changed out the armor about a year ago because I thought “Gee, it had to deteriorate over that long timeframe.” I agree that it is not inexpensive to purchase but neither is new skin. A friend’s recent trip to the emergency room with a broken wrist cost >$45,000 with radiology and surgery; and then there is a year of rehab. So comparatively an Aerostitch suit is a bargain. One more thing while I’m on a rant… don’t buy a cheap helmet.

[@dangerdave8080]

I agree.. It doesn't what you wear until you need it! I agree... $1700... It's worth it to me... unfortunately I needed it a couple times... Glad I had the Stich on!

[@scottcates]

I've had hip injuries both times I went down so I wholeheartedly agree with the hip armor for abrasion resistance. My worst injury I was going only 29MPH but thte slide concentrated the abrasion right over the hip bone and did a number on my cheap skin.@@dangerdave8080

[@fredzuccarelli]

My luck.....id get all suited up.....and have to pee!!! 😂😂 But i do love it!!!!

[@dangerdave8080]

Lol

[@beebeer]

I bought my Aerostich one piece in 1999 and it's shrunk, or it could be that I've got larger 🤔😁 I don't wear it all the time, and the one complaint I have is that it leaks a bit around the crotch in heavy rain, otherwise I reckon it's been good value for money. Also, as I'm in the UK I would advise anyone buying one from the UK and having it delivered there, to beware of taxes and import duties! Cheapest way is to have it delivered somewhere in the USA and have a friend or yourself to pick it up and bring it back while on holiday.

[@Crashphoenix666]

It doesn't look vented, how does it feel in 90+ degree heat?

[@dangerdave8080]

Great question ... I'm in Bakersfield, CA ... it's hot in summer. I will wear a "water" vest ... soak this in water and wear under the suit. Also, you will sweat in the summer time ... stand up at speed the air will flow underarms and zip down the suit a bit and the air will cool you very nicely. More sweat the cooler🤓

[@Michael-vt9cz]

Great review Dave. 😅I have the RC classic and I rode in 100+ degree heat on the way back from the BMW rally in Great falls MT a couple of years ago. Fortunately, while there I picked up a LD Comfort base layer that works wonders in a RC one piece suit. It’s a special fabric that you wet and it acts like an evaporative ac. The owner of the company gave a lecture on how to stay cool. In the Roadcrafter you zip every thing up tight except a bit at the neck, pour water down the inside of your sleeves. Then when riding you let the wind flow up your arms and out your neck. It amazing, drops the temp in your suit 20-30 degrees F.

[@baldricksimson]

there are underarm vents , plus a vent all the way under the reflective strip on the back , and pocket zippers too.

[@pauldonlam1]

❤

[@VagaBumAdventures]

Great channel!

[@dangerdave8080]

Thanks! I'm your newest sub ... you're a great story teller ...

[@1zanglang]

Wow! This dude has a turboprop powered BMW GS.

[@dangerdave8080]

It's a great bike... lots of fun to ride!

[@jimmydickson8854]

Isn’t a bit awkward when you go to the toilet

[@dangerdave8080]

Lol ... it's a bit of a chore when you are in a hurry! 🤣 Number 1 ... just a zipper pull ... Number 2 .. full dismount ... takes less than 30 seconds off ... and less than 30 seconds on. THANKS!

[@dronetoursolutions5572]

This is about the only review on youtube because nobody wants to get their head bitten off for giving any sort of opinions on these suits.

[@dangerdave8080]

Hmm..... Opinions are great! It's OK to have differing outlooks/opinions (unless it's politics LOL). Thanks for the comment.