Riding Boots

Topics related to the ownership, maintenance, equipping, operation, and riding of the R1150R.

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TicTac

Riding Boots

Post by TicTac »

I was shopping around for a pair of riding boots.
And it looks to me that you can not go wrong with SIDI.
My choices are: the SIDI Champion or SIDI Champion Air.
I live in Miami and looks like SIDI Champion Air is
A better choice for Miami hot weather.
I’d like to hear the opinions, please, about the SIDI Champion Air.
Looks to me like SIDI Champion are very heavy for walking around.
Thanks.
DJ Downunder
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Post by DJ Downunder »

I saw these at the Phillip Island Moto Gp...they were nice.... :D

DJ

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Boxer
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Post by Boxer »

DJ, you're too much! :P

Nice boots.
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tipstall
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Post by tipstall »

DJ,

I like the high calf protection. :wink:
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dallara

Search function...

Post by dallara »

No offense, TicTac...

But this question has been discussed dozens of times before on this board, but for some reason new comers and guests don't bother to use the "Search" feature of the board to check for any previous threads. Funny thing is... You will probably get about a dozen or so replies to your direct inquiry, but you could get tons more info and personal rider experiences using that "Search" feature.

Not really trying to rag on you, but something that has been mentioned over in the "Memeber's Only" section as a bit of a pet peeve around here.

Okay, rant over...

My personal favorites in boots all come from Kochmann boots, made in Germany. I have owned Sidi's, Alpinestars, Prexport's, Thoroughgood's, and some others... When I found the Kochmann's I found the most comfortable boots I have ever worn, and better yet, they wear like iron.

Check 'em out at:

http://www.topgearmotorcycle.com/

Cheers!

Dallara
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tipstall
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Post by tipstall »

Dallara,

Sometimes, (many times), the search feature returns so many unrelated threads you give up. I'm not complaining!!! I like this free site.

Not to highjack, I also don't know what to do about boots, how do you donate? I did donate when purchasing from http://www.newenough.com. I emailed Pat, is that the right person?

TicTac, I'm also considering SIDI, since I'm up north I might look at a different model. Dallara, thanks for the info, which model do you have?
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dallara

Tipstall...

Post by dallara »

Hey, Tipstall...

I fully understand your observations about the "Search" feature (maybe it is "feature" that should be in quotes... Sort of like Microsoft's many "features"... :lol: ), but it still amazing how many questions get repeated that were discussed very short times ago. It wouldn't hurt new comers and guests to simply go back through the last dozen pages of the board to first see if their inquiry has come up recently, and then simply post onot that thread with more specific questions...

I know it seems like a bit of nit-picking, but I do think folks would get more responses that way...

Just my two cents...

Moderators, can you guys address anything about the "Search" function and why it is so inaccurate? Doug?

Anyway, back to Kochmann boots...

I have two pair - one pair of "Silverstones", which are by far my favorite riding boots ever... and one pair of "Scouts", which are really neat as they don't "look" like a riding boot, yet come up nearly as high as the "Silverstones", and are great for hiking around the perimeter of race tracks, etc. because of their lugged soles. However, their tall, lugged soles are also their only drawback, as it definitely changes you foot/toe/peg/foot lever positioning compared ot the flatter sole on the "Silverstones" (and all my other riding boots...). I have easily adapted, and now it seems I automatically adapt without ever even giving it any conscious thought between the two sole heights, so it really isn't a big deal.

But I truly *LOVE* my Kochmann boots... Extremely well-made, quality materials, unsurpassed comfort from day one compared to other brands I have owned, completely waterproof yet they "breathe" really well and never seem hot even in South Texas summers, the soles wear like iron yet have terrific traction on any surface, the material that the toe "shift pads" is made of never shows any wear at all yet provides great purchase on the shift lever...

I could go on and on, but as you can see, I'm sold on 'em!

Cheers!

Dallara
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Biff's R
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Post by Biff's R »

I was looking at the Kochmann Silverstones, until I found a pair of BMW Goretex boots for $77(listed at $290ish). I am extremely happy with the BMW boots, and they seem to be very comfortable. The only drawback is that they can be kind of warm when the temps are in the 90F + range.

I found the previous deal on the BMW website, so it may be worth a look to see if there are any deals.
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Post by mistercindy »

I tried several pair of boots before buying and settling on the BMW Contours. They're great. As to the Sidi Champions, I'm sure they're a well made boot, but the Sidi's are a pain in the rear because the clasps are on the outside of the leg. Among the wonderful thing about the BMW Contours is that the clasping is a large and easy to use velcro strap on the inside of the leg where its easy to get to.
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DJ Downunder
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Post by DJ Downunder »

I tried several pair of boots before buying and settling on the BMW Contours.
I have a few friends with these and love them...next time I buy boot I'll be getting them too.. :smt023

DJ
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bimrluvr
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Post by bimrluvr »

I may be mistaken, but the Oxtar Matrix with GoreTex is essentially the same boot as the BMW Contour and extremely comfortable... in fact, my dealer told me that Oxtar (a Czech company) makes the BMW Contours for BMW.
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camfarm

Oxtar

Post by camfarm »

I found the Oxtars to be very satisfactory.

Many find the Sidi's to be too narrow through the midsole.
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Post by Boxerboy »

I've got the BMW travel lights. Very happy with them.
They've been thru at least one all day torrent and the feet were still dry.
Cheers...and stay horizontal!
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Biff's R
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Post by Biff's R »

As MisterCindy said above. The zipper/velco on the inside of your leg is much easier to open and close when you are all geared up as opposed to the outside of the leg closures.
Jeff (lifer #289)
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TicTac

Riding Boots

Post by TicTac »

Thank you ALL for the help.
Today I am taking a trip to the BMW shop.
To check on the BMW boots. :roll: :roll: :roll:
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mick Hoff
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Sidi Air Champion Boots

Post by mick Hoff »

Tictac,
I have the sidi air champions & live in the St.Peterburg area, if Sidi's fit your foot, then they're a good boot. I use them 3/4 of the year. They are not as cool as the Sidi info makes them seem. I Have Oxtars also. Have found the Sidi & Oxtars to keep out the water. You really have to try 'em on they fit very different
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yjleesvrr
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Post by yjleesvrr »

Okay, I just wiped up the slobber on my laptop thanks to DJ. Er, what are we talking about? Oh yeah, boots!

I've been immensely happy with my Sidi Sympatex boots. The best 275 bucks I ever spent. Totally waterproof, durable (accidently drove over it with my car), and supremely comfortable for all-day wear. I apply a little black shoe polish on occasion so that I can wear it while I'm on business and not have people notice that it's actually a motorcycle boot.
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tipstall
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Post by tipstall »

The dealer I bought my bike at, Nick's BMW, said that BMW is offering a special deal on Contours currently. It runs for a couple of weeks. I think I'm leaning towards the Silverstone, I have a wide foot.
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TicTac

Riding Boots

Post by TicTac »

Thank you all for the help.
I checked BMW and SIDI.
I went with SIDI Champion Air.
Very well made and a good fit.
:D :D :D :D :D :D
DJ Downunder
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Post by DJ Downunder »

Sidi make great boots....they might cause a few missed shifts till they wear in and soften up.

DJ
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