Question:
So here's the story: I have a pair of Aerostich Combat Touring boots.
I've had them for three years and I love them but they're still stiff as
hell. They work fine riding my Shadow, on which everything's big and
clunky, but they're just not sensitive enough to feel things right on the
SV650 I just bought.
So I'm looking for something good yet flexible. I realize I'm going to
sacrifice a modicum of protection for this but I'm okay with that if I'm
not sacrificing too much.
Any personal suggestions on a good pair of comfortable flexible boots?
Answer:
Sidi has been my racing, track, and sportriding boot of choice for
years. I've recently read good reviews of their Strada Evo Tepor
model for street riding. Might be worth checking into.
The ones you've got... I've been riding my SV650S with my Combat Tourers
for six years now. The secret is adapting how you actuate the shifter.
Use the edge of the sole of your boot rather than getting the entire
toe of the boot under the shifter, which is practically impossible if
you have it adjusted so you can downshift normally. Once you start doing
it that way you will probably start using that technique on other bikes.
You can also break in your boots by wearing them for extended periods
while walking around, they do eventually get more flexible.
One more thing-- you will absolutely want to cover the metal end of the
shifter with something, a piece of stout rubber garden hose might
be just the ticket. Otherwise it will quickly wear a hole in the
uppers of your $257 Combat Touring boots, right above the sole...
I used a handy rubber cap-plug (the yellow bit) from a sample kit
I received at work:
http://www.visi.com/~olsonm/im00006_crop.jpg
