Hey everybody, I'm about to buy my new Bike as most of you know :wink: .. And My attention has turned to riding gear.... I suppose when I go to the Dealer to buy the Bike I'll go ahead and buy my Helmet , jacket,pants, gloves, and boots too.. At least thats what I plan to do, First off, Is that A wise Idea to try and get it all at the same time? Maybe get some kind Of deal?... But my real question is, Do you all have any advice about the Items I listed above? As to what to buy, What I should be looking for etc.... I know I need overpants , and I'm most likely going with mesh.... And as you can tell, Its been a VERY long time since I bought any of this stuff or had anything to do with Riding gear. So any advice at all would be Very appreciated... BTW. I am prepared to spend "2 large" on this stuff.. Maybe $2500... I just want to know I'm getting what I need ( Protection first, Comfort,style) :? [/code].

I should mention that I've been reading through other threads and have already found alot of info, Just wanted to see if anyone had any other Ideas

Don't be afraid to try stuff on, no matter how long you have to be there for. Gear is important, but so is being comfortable on your bike. Speaking of comfort, know that your jacket should be snug. It's not a winter coat or stylish jacket - it's made for pretty much one position. Riding! So no lifting your arms above you head and stretching like you would in a dept store to judge the fit. I'd say mos def get the helmet, some good gloves, and a good jacket. The rest you can take more time with, but if you see something you like that fits, go for it. You'll proabably end up with more than one set of gloves, more than one jacket, more than one set of boots, etc. in the next couple of years anyway. Have fun, and keep the rubber side down.

Although you live in a warmer climate, don't rule out perforated leather. Mesh is better than nothing, but doesn't hold a candle to leather. Textiles are generally better than mesh too.

There are as many opinions on gear quality and manufacturers as there are on oil! The consensus though is that name brands like Alpinestars, Dainese, Cortech, Vanson, and First Gear are very good. There are lots of mixed (and sometimes heated) opinions about the quality of gear from Joe Rocket, Icon, and a few others.

Here's a good guide made by Cycleport that shows the duty cycles for everything from denim to denier to leathers.

saveyourhide.pdf (http://www.divshare.com/download/719876-2c6)

Get a full face helmet that fits you and is comfortable. Try different brands because they tend to fit differently. Get the one that fits you best.

When you buy a helmet, remember that they padding will form to your head and give some. The cheaper helmets will give more than most. I have an HJC that was snug when I bought it and now it shifts around a lot on my head. I'm going to buy a Shoei tomorrow and I am going with the snuggest fit that won't give me a headache.

The same is true with jackets. My leather jacket was so tight when I bought it that I couldn't take it off by myself and now it's slightly loose, but a good fit.

...Speaking of comfort, know that your jacket should be snug...
Other than all the good advice and info already here...I'd emphasize this snug (I'd say tight) for jacket, pants, helmet and boots. Gloves l like a bit on the larger size because it is more comfortable...I have several items that are annoyingly loose but seemed to be "comfortable" when tried on in the store.

And if something you like style-wise or feature-wise is a bit more $ than something else that is "OK" or just as good...spend the extra and get the one you like. Trust me, it is all about a feeling, being in a frame of mind AND you'll more likely put it on/use it all the time if it is something you really like.

If you happened to take the MSF class (I don't remember if you mentioned that or now) and you happen to have Cycle Gear store around where you live, you can get 15% off your gear if you bring them the "I passed MSF" slip.

Spend some time on http://www.webbikeworld.com/ before buying anything. These guys do indepth reviews of all the gear you may need. For example... I really wanted an ICON helmet cause it looked so bad ass... but after reading the review and how it was falling apart on them, I decided against it. Do your research. I know you're probably super excited and can't wait to just get this stuff and get on with it, but don't give into it. Research stuff first.

i dunno about dropping a ton of money on everything at one place. for me, it takes time and patience to find stuff i really like and that works well. i can't imagine any bike store having a full set of gear that will work well for me at any given time.

i got a full set of okay gear when i started, and replaced each piece as time went by. i was lucky enough to not have to crash test any of my first generation of gear, but it seems like it would be a shame to spend a lot of money on new gear and not have any left over to replace it when you've had a chance to figure out more precisely what it is you want in a piece of gear.

just my $.02.

.cyb

ps. you realize that $2500 is enough to get a really nice pair of boots and gloves (say $200 each), a set of custom leathers ($1600), and one of the most expensive helmets you can find ($500)? i think the money would be much better spent if you waited a little while to drop the big money to figure out what your needs and preferences are....
________
College Girls live (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/college-girls/)

The MSF Discount is Deff. Good to know... I have to hang my head in shame as I say this lol.. But I've never had a License :shock: .. I rode mini Bikes as a kid, Had my first Dirt Bike at 13, street bike at 18, And have rode untill 6 or 7 years ago :? I'm 35 .... So the MSF is a new thing to me...And yes, I will get Legal this time :D ..
I think my best approach will be, If I find what I want and need while I'm there, Sure, go ahead and get it...But I dont really want to spend the whole Lot at one time.....The main things I'm set on buying at the time I buy the bike are a Helmet, a jacket, and some Pullover pants so I can ride to work... As I've said before, I unfortunatly sold every stitch of riding gear I owned when I sold my last bike...And honestly, I'm kinda shocked at how much things have changed in 6 years...There is a TON of crap on the market now (Great thing).. But on the other hand, if I get down there and can get some kind of deal on the gear since I'm buying a bike, I'm not gonna be shy about getting what I want lol... But my aim is for either mesh or Textile for now, I'll drop the big $ on leathers later on maybe..... The keep it "Tight" advice everyone has given me is great... I remember the last time I rode, I had a Helmet on that would literally almost turn sidways on my head it was so loose (it wasnt mine of course)..And that was a VERY unpleasant experience....So I'll glad you all reminded me of that..
The one thing I forgot to mention about the $$ I was willing to spend is that I'd like to do a little aftermarket modifying also.. For one thing, the rear signals and Mirrors have to go, Quick... I'd aslo like to clean up the rear underside and put a visor on, maybe an exhaust.... So I Kinda mislead you all on the "Spend a ton on gear" thing....Riding gear wasnt the only thing I had on the Wish list. But it is the most Important.... I'm kinda timid about getting back on.. So I want good protection above all else...

I just found these, Does anybody know much about this particular Gear?

http://newenough.com/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/evolution_carbon_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html

http://newenough.com/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/ht_ii_textile_motorcycle_overpants.html

take your time man, a good deal takes one of three things, good luck, patience, or knowing someone at a shop to give ya deal. look around and take your time.

and be careful on that bike you might drop it.

SpeedyMcjesus

Just remember that MSF discount at Cycle Gear only works once at each store.

FirstGear Evolution looks like a nice jacket but remember you are coming into summer and it looks like it would be hot - according to Paul.

Jackets...I'd go to a store and try some on (if possible the brand you are thinking about buying online) as they all seem to fit different. I wear a smaller jacket than I do "full leather" size and both of them are different than my "dress" size :roll:

$2500 is a TON to spend on gear. I got a great jacket for $299 with full armor. I bought a KBC helmet for $200, and a tinted sheild for $25. Gloves were like $40. Thqats basically it.

Honestly, I find that comfort, style and protection are ALL equally important. If I think something is ugly or uncomfortable, I wont wear it. So buy what you like, and what is comfortable, because you will be most apt to wear it 100% of the time. Even if there is no armor, but you love how you look in the jacket, its better to wear that than nothing. Preferably, you wiill like the most protective gear... but usually thats not the case.

Yes, 2500 is a heck of a lot of gear. You should be able to get some good stuff, and even better, some gear that will work for different conditions.

As people know, I strongly advise fully armored leather for its protection. In your neck of the woods you will want perforated leathers for summer wear. If you get leather, it should be thick and of good quality, and properly sewn. Some leather gear is "fashion weight" and will not offer proper protection in a fall. Find a Dainese or Alpine Stars or Vanson suit and check it out -- look at the leather and the stitching and make sure whatever you get is of comparable quality and you should be ok.

I can understand if you want mesh because of the humidity, but if you do get a mesh jacket be sure it fits well because the only protection it will offer is the armor. If anything moves, the protection will be gone. I think you can live with perf'ed leather pants even out there, though.

It's good to get a jacket and pants that will zip together - if you are sliding you don't want the jacket to ride up. A zipper prevents that.

Boots should have ankle protection, either stiff thick leather or (better) a plastic shell over the outside ankle protrusions. Modern racing boots are also designed to protect the shaft of the leg from compression fractures - they are very impressive, but that may be a bit over the top for street riding. Just be sure to protect your feet and ankles! Those little bones are hard to repair.

Gloves should have good protection on the back, especially over the knuckles. I have an ancient pair of Spidis that I believe were the first commercially offered with kevlar armor. I love 'em! They cost me a fortune back then, but you can get comparable gloves now for under $100. I highly recommend looking for gloves with this sort of armor -- of course, make sure there is plenty of good thick leather on the palms, too, and that the gloves are properly formed (ie, that they are curved naturally in the shape of a hand holding a handlebar grip) and otherwise comfortable.

Helmets. Full face, snug, DOT. Snell rating is not necessary for safety. Comfort and a snug fit are the most important thing. You may want to look for a helmet with good venting. Try on many, many helmets until you find the one that fits the best. By the way, Arai and Shoei at least use more than one "last" for their helmets, so different models of their helmets fit different heads. Try on different models within those brands.

Undies. Having pretty pink and blue flowers on your undies will make you ride faster! :D

...Having pretty pink and blue flowers on your undies will make you ride faster! :D
:thumbsup

Dyno tested +5 bhp at rear wheel... :shock:
http://hanty.net/garden1.jpg

Yep, just like those! :lol:

LMAO . Ok where do I get those and would you suggest a brand? :shock:

Thanks for all the advice everybody, And for being patient.. Easy to tell I'm a little excited.... I cant wait to go get It and Ride a little...
Now all I really need to worry about is getting the tires Scuffed lol

LMAO . Ok where do I get those and would you suggest a brand? :shock:
Skimp Skamps are nice and don't have any irritating seams for long rides. They should be able to hold, um, everything too. You can get them through the Hanes catalog. 8)

I'd wear them for 5 RWHP. But I really really dread Trying them on and the purchase :(

I'd wear them for 5 RWHP. But I really really dread Trying them on and the purchase :(
Nobody knows you're a guy on the internet!

:wink:

Doh, But you see, Now you know. And I really dont know who you would tell where you live...Which would lead to them talking to their friends, which will lead to all their friends talking to friends , who would talk to other friends , and will eventually lead to it getting back the where I live. And before you know it, I'm doing an Interview for the Enquirer on how I gained 5 RWHP from Wearing Something called Skimp Skamps with pretty pink and Blue Flowers.. And we cant have that now can we :wink:

No one said life was easy! :lol:

I jsut really noticed this, And its way off subject, But....There are several 599 Riders on this forum from My neckofthewoods... Interesting..
Your right btw, Life is not easy..
I Am however :naughty

You are SO going to be teased. :wink:

Gloves should have good protection on the back, especially over the knuckles. I have an ancient pair of Spidis that I believe were the first commercially offered with kevlar armor. I love 'em! They cost me a fortune back then, but you can get comparable gloves now for under $100. I highly recommend looking for gloves with this sort of armor -- of course, make sure there is plenty of good thick leather on the palms, too, and that the gloves are properly formed (ie, that they are curved naturally in the shape of a hand holding a handlebar grip) and otherwise comfortable.


just something to add to Sachi's rather complete description of desirable factors for gear ... glove, particularly warm weather gloves, seem to be heading towards (1) no gauntlet and (2) no wrist strap.

i don't get either of these, and i won't buy a pair of gloves that don't have both a gauntlet and a wrist strap. on the gloves i have, the wrist strap is primarily what holds them on. elastic just doesn't cut it.

that's it.

cheers!
.cyb
________
Medical marijuana doctor (http://mmjp.org)

Good point to keep in mind.. But, What the heck is a Gauntlet?

And as a side note, My Skimp Skamps arrived yesterday, There a little tight up front, but the seamless thing is very comfortable, I'll let everyone know how the 5 RWHP thing goes on Tue :shock:

Good point to keep in mind.. But, What the heck is a Gauntlet?

A gauntlet is a long glove. It has a cuff that extends well beyond your wrist - ideally to fit over the top of your jacket. As gloves go, I only use gauntlets for the extra wrist protection and secure fit they offer.

Ahh. ic. Never hear them called that.. Good thing I plan to buy a pair of both. Although my first thought was to get the longer gloves for cooler weather.. Its been a long time since I rode, But I do remember the annoyance of gloves wanting to work their way off you hand.. And in the event of a crash. Those straps would be priceless..

Had to jump in on the gloves theme. I have three pair, right now. Winter gloves have the gauntlet and I wear them from about 45 degrees F on down. Primary warm weather pair has a strong strap on the wrist backed with elastic, but no gauntlet. Haven't had any issues with these. Third pair was an el cheapo for taking the MSF course and were worth every cent I paid for them (almost zero!). I'm gonna toss 'em soon and invest in rain gear.

In any case, try on a ton of gloves before you buy. Fit is critical for comfort, which plays into safety. You can't ride well if you're distracted by your gear.

Now, if we're gonna get into undies, then this goes for socks, too. Personally, I HATE loose socks. Happy feet = smoother shifting! :D

I have no suggestions for socks, other than fit. Personally, most of my socks have pictures of kitties on them but that's because my friend Claire bought me about ten pairs of Cat Socks for my birthday a few years ago. :D

Well, here's a thought. Natural fibers are the most comfortable (cotton or wool), but usually need a little bit of Spandex or something added to maintain fit, etc. And of course, a sleek fit is MUCH better for aerodynamics! :D

As for graphics, you can't go wrong with leopards, mountain lions, or panthers. They're just plain motivational! :lol:

I purchased a pair of these (http://www.techsox.com/incat1.asp) socks this year. They are still fairly new to me, but are comfortable, fairly cool, and stay where you put them without slipping or rotating out of place.

You can never go wrong with a good pair of Argyle socks. Now if only the made wingtip boots for the office professional/dirty biker dude I'd be set. Gotta keep a spare set of dress shoes in the office to keep up appearances. :wink:

Thanks for the advice, I'm just really glad nobody said Pictures of Kittens will get you 5 RWHP :lol:

Some sort of Cool Max material for socks also...with boots, I like the kind that come up to my knees - seems to wick moisture out. But no matter what, unless you use some spray or powder, things will eventually get a bit funky. So just like they tell ya in the military - change them often to keep your feet dry.

Jawbreaker...if your new "riding undies" are too tight in the front, might I suggest the crotch-less version... Bonus: saves valuable seconds on "pit stops" when doing Iron Butt rides... :shock:

crotch-less version

Clearly you haven't checked the guys vs. gals poll lately!!

:gtfo

No fair, she started it! :lol:

http://www.honda599.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=991
Current member list is over 280...!

crotch-less version

Clearly you haven't checked the guys vs. gals poll lately!!

:gtfo

One word, gentlefolk: Shave!! :mrgreen:

Just remember that MSF discount at Cycle Gear only works once at each store.

That would suck. Lucky for me, the place where I'm getting my bike not only gives a continuing discount on gear and accessories, but I can finance the cost of my gear along with the bike.

Some great advice here! I'm hoping to keep my initial gear cost down to about a grand or so. That will be mostly cold and wet-weather gear though; I'll be coming back in the spring to get summer gear.