Kevin Merrick rates his sporty kit

Kevin Merrick’s kit reflects a change in his riding attitude

“After a lifetime riding Japanese sportsbikes, I recently decided to buy a Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak as it has all the performance of a sportsbike, but with upright bars. And as a result I have had to update my kit. I was generally a onepiece leathers man as when I rode the bike it was for fun, not commuting. I did a lot of trackdays and fast Sunday morning rides, so one-pieces were the obvious choice and as I didn’t generally ride in the wet, waterproof gear wasn’t necessary. That’s the benefit of age, I’ve done my time commuting in all weathers in a wax jacket. When I bought the Multistrada last year, comfort was at the forefront of my kit buying decision.”

1 Ducati Givi tank bag £99

“This locks to a mount attached to the fuel cap. It’s easy to remove, has a pocket so you can use your phone as a satnav and has a waterproof cover.”

2 Shoei NXR Rumpus TC4 £469.99

“It’s a lovely lid and I use a tinted Pinlock rather than a dark visor, which stops all the fogging up, and the vents are excellent.”

3 RST Pro Series Paragon V Jeans £135.99

“I bought these because they do an over-length jean, which is 34in rather than 32in in the leg and stops them riding up.”

4 Alpinestars SMX-1 R boots £132.64

“I still wear race boots, but these ankle boots are so much more comfortable for walking around in – and they don’t creak! “

5 Ducati Sport C3 gloves £118.99

“These are so comfortable. The only issue is that the Multi’s grips are so aggressive they wear through the palms really quickly.”

6 RST Pro Series CPX-C jacket £134.99

“The comes with a fleece liner as well as a waterproof liner with the outer layer being mesh which is great in warm weather.”