Thank you @Bumpkin @Helmut Visor for the replies, much appreciated. In response to the shell jacket tearing up, I've read plenty about normal jackets being the same, even expensive rukka jackets in slow speed accidents. No personal experience though.
I would say that they maybe a little stiffer, though that's probably due to the fact that my Rokkertechs are now at least four years old, have had a lot of wear and have been washed numerous times. In terms of fit I went with the Taylor straight fit. The Pioneer slim fit, that I would have otherwise chosen, wouldn't go over my boots. I would say that the Taylors are not too far from my Rokkertechs. Armour location is good in comparison to the Rokkers, though mine are of the older type, non adjustable and shaped armour (I did try 3DO Ghost armour but it just slid in the pockets). The armour in the John Doe jeans locates across quite a wide area and affixes with Velcro, seems to work very well. The knee armour is thin like the 3DO Ghost, a little stiffer maybe but shaped. Once warmed by body heat it was comfortable. I've noticed that on the John Doe website that they do waist sizes for every inch, rather than every other. I've called the shop and changed my order from a 32" to a 33". 34" was a bit slack, 32" a tad snug. Thanks for prompting me to have a further look. SportBikeShop didn't seem to carry John Doe in the showroom, looking on their website you need to arrange for them to be there the next day. Same as most of the kit I tried yesterday. And I had dropped into The Biker Company in Cheltenham a couple of weeks ago and discussed the jeans at some length but didn't have my Daytona Arrow Pro Air boots with me to see if they would go over them. Thought it best I went back there, supported and spent my cash with a local retailer.
Collected my longer than in stock John Doe jeans last week. Had a ride yesterday of some 200+ miles into Wales with some friends. Both the Knox Urbane vest and Dual Pro Jacket were very comfortable and suited me across the early morning 7ºC motorway blast to get there as well as the 17ºC high that we encountered later in the day. Had the thermal lining in the jacket throughout the ride, bordering on too warm occasionally but stuck with it not wanting to stop the ride. The John Doe jeans were great. Left the Knox trousers out this time as quite ventilated and without using the Scott over trousers probably too cool a morning to try those. Will try them when I'm riding alone one day so I can stop and use the Scotts over the top if necessary. The John Doe jeans fit well, maybe now marginally too long, fine when seated on the bike with no riding up, so I might put up with it. Alternatively I might get them taken up by 3/4 to and inch. I'd rather have them slightly too long than too short though. Comfort was very good both on and off the bike. I did buy, mail order, the level 2 armour to replace the included level one stuff. However, it's nowhere near as comfortable so that will be going back I think. In answer to your question; the front pockets are hand deep and feel normal. Have just measured them at 19cm. Back pockets deep enough for a smartphone. They did get a bit filthy in the Welsh back lanes (was with a couple of GSs trying to make a point, we even had to open a gate at one point ) so they got washed last night. This has made them less stiff and more like the Rokkers. Would still have preferred the grey Rokkers though, the fit is slightly better for me, not by much though. Shame that they discontinued them before I had the chance to buy some. Happy with the John Doe ones as an alternative.
I'm currently using Rheon armour, https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2024/august/rheon-armour/, bought from Roadskins. Much better than the shape moulded foam, IMO. Andy
Thanks Andy, do you use their level 1 or level 2 armour? The XTM level 1 armour that came with the John Doe jeans is comfortable. I ordered the level 2 from the same manufacturer but it's inability to bend at the knee without minor creasing and resulting discomfort means it'll be going back.
I bought Level 2 flat but I see they now do a Level 2 curved. Mine took a curve after the second wearing. If these appeal to you, I would recommend the pre curved. Andy
Thank you for the write up and comments of the John Doe jeans. They look to be worth the money. I ended up getting a pair of these Bull-it jeans - bargain price really. Probably not the highest rated but better than a pair of Levi's !
Thanks. Maybe this stuff is different but the trouble with curved armour is that it will show more when your standing up and be felt more when walking. The Roadskins website says that the level 2 knee armour is 10mm thick. £35 for just the knees as well. The blurb makes much of it being light, is this really noticeable/significant? Think I'll stick with the supplied level 1 stuff until I can see some at a dealers or a show.
