Help picking Gear

[mpalakudiyil]

Hello Guys! I'm a new rider and wanted to pick out some gear. I have a relatively low budget as I am a college student but I picked out the best gear for the price IMO. What do you guys think?

Helmet:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F4PGYFG/...V3FDMLSU&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMMV49U/...88MKOF0H&psc=1

I am stuck between these two helmets. Obviously HJC has the better looking helmet with the more reputable brand.I will most likely go with it. What do you guys think?



Jacket:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UF2D5C/...G7PZYKRP&psc=1

I am almost 100% sold on this Jacket. It's an awesome price and comes with loads of features. There's plenty of protection, looks cool, and it even comes with an removable liner. This will he extremely useful for the rapidly changing environments in Colorado.
I've also noticed this company Viking Cycle also made a replica. Which one do you guys think I should get?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PG6BKVG/...DQAOGORZ&psc=1


Gloves:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089FGEXK/...J0RQDM12&psc=1

These gloves look pretty Solid for the low price point. I'm open to more suggestions

Thanks!

[Ghostt]

As a spokesman for A.T.G.A.T.T. I can suggest buying quality gear, I personally have Fieldsheer jackets, pants, gloves, Fulmer helmets, Oxtar boots and Bohn adventure amour.

Here's a link to my friend Brittany " Queen B" Morrow website www.rockthegear.org

[capt_bugaloo]

You can't go wrong with HJC helmets. I've owned a couple of them over the years, and they are very decent helmets with a relatively low price.

What about pants and boots? IMHO a good pair of boots is vital: they give you good ankle support while putting your foot down at a stop, keep your feet warm and dry, etc. Don't use cheap-ass lace-up work boots; get yourself a decent pair of zip-up street boots. You can find decent boots for maybe $100 on sale - well worth the price.

[DEFY]

I realize you are on a budget, and I can probably tell you everyone would love to not spend much and get more back for their buck. I think it is awesome you are looking to rock AGATT. I also believe you are making the correct choice and should continue on that path of finding gear. The only thing on your list I might think would work would be the HJC, however I have never used HJC and can't say much on their quality. Leather is your best friend so if you can get it in leather do so, it will act as a second skin and will take the road rash better then mesh or textile. Do NOT skimp on your gear, on a bike it is your pillow of safety.

[mpalakudiyil]

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

You can't go wrong with HJC helmets. I've owned a couple of them over the years, and they are very decent helmets with a relatively low price.

What about pants and boots? IMHO a good pair of boots is vital: they give you good ankle support while putting your foot down at a stop, keep your feet warm and dry, etc. Don't use cheap-ass lace-up work boots; get yourself a decent pair of zip-up street boots. You can find decent boots for maybe $100 on sale - well worth the price.

I have a pair of a Timberlands that I planned on as using for boots. Is that a bad idea?
I haven't put much thought into pants because of the extra costs. I was just going to stick to my jeans, I know they aren't very sturdy. Are there any cheap options?

[Ghostt]

Boots are one of the most overlooked items, proper footwear is highly recommend, in my case Oxtar(now called TCX) boots are CE rated, and made specifically for motorcycle use.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Other great source for reviews is webbikeworld.com

[DEFY]

I have TCX boots, worth every penny and I wear them all day at work so they are comfy as well.

[mpalakudiyil]

If my budget allowed me I'd get a beautiful leather alpine stars jacket.

I think I'll be okay with my Tim's for now because they do provide ankle protection.

If I got motorcycle boots besides it would be these:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/f...f-riding-shoes

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...k-9-moto-shoes


Anybody have comments on the glove I picked ?

[LittleRedNinjette]

How much is your skin worth?

I know your area well. I lived on Rt1 in South Brunswick once upon a nightmare. I know how f***ed up traffic is around there. protect yourself my friend.

My ankle was f***ed up in my wreck (on rt27) and i was just wearing work boots like that.

Check in at Cycle Gear. I would stay away from the Bilt helmets though. My Bilt gloves held up OK in my wreck but i wouldn't get them again.

[mpalakudiyil]

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

How much is your skin worth?

I know your area well. I lived on Rt1 in South Brunswick once upon a nightmare. I know how f***ed up traffic is around there. protect yourself my friend.

My ankle was f***ed up in my wreck (on rt27) and i was just wearing work boots like that.

Check in at Cycle Gear. I would stay away from the Bilt helmets though. My Bilt gloves held up OK in my wreck but i wouldn't get them again.

What do you think about the boots I posted? I will be doing my riding in Colorado this summer.

[LittleRedNinjette]

Between the 2 i would tend to lean to the S&S shoes but only just. I went with tourmasters and they are very comfy and have good ankle protection.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/t...ponse-20-boots

[Ghostt]

They make motorcycle boots for warm weather riding, I have a pair of Oxtar matrix air boots, they breathe nicely, even with the Gortex.

[kdogg2077]

Higher quality gear would be better but if you can't afford it what you have posted is fine for now. Most people upgrade their gear over time.

What other people are posting about boots is good advice. If you lowside (one of the most common types of accident) your 400lb motorcycle will probably fall right on your ankle. Boots are a must.

I have a pair or Cortech boots that are crash tested and I recommend that brand. Bilts boots are cheap too and plenty of people wear them.

[mpalakudiyil]

Originally Posted by kdogg2077

Higher quality gear would be better but if you can't afford it what you have posted is fine for now. Most people upgrade their gear over time.

Exactly this! When more income comes in I will be looking into leathers.

But thanks for all the awesome advice everyone! I'll be sure to buy some good boots.

[liberpolly]

Never buy a helmet you didn't try on. It cannot be said too often, so read this again in ALL CAPS.

[liberpolly]

Originally Posted by mpalakudiyil

I have a pair of a Timberlands that I planned on as using for boots. Is that a bad idea?

Very.

Originally Posted by mpalakudiyil

I haven't put much thought into pants because of the extra costs. I was just going to stick to my jeans, I know they aren't very sturdy. Are there any cheap options?

Craigslist. It's much, much better to buy expensive gear used (but not crashed in) than cheap new.

[mpalakudiyil]

Originally Posted by liberpolly

Very.



Craigslist. It's much, much better to buy expensive gear used (but not crashed in) than cheap new.

True. Ill check out CL when I get there.

[Ghostt]

Don't forget eBay as well.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by mpalakudiyil

......... I haven't put much thought into pants because of the extra costs. I was just going to stick to my jeans, I know they aren't very sturdy..........

Consider textile over-pants.

Most damage happens to the legs:
http://roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/85.html

http://www.sportrider.com/motorcycle...t-to-wear-when

[capt_bugaloo]

+1 for Craigslist - you can find some real bargains, and even try items on before you drop your cash.

I wouldn't want to buy someone's used sweaty old helmet, but I have bought jackets, gloves, and boots. Four years ago I bought a pair of Alpinestar street boots in excellent shape for $30. I still wear them whenever I ride.

[mpalakudiyil]

Any suggestions for lower protection?

[liberpolly]

Originally Posted by mpalakudiyil

Any suggestions for lower protection?

Boots, you can usually buy almost new SIDIs for around $100. Same with leather pants by Dainese or A*.

I would stay away from ebay, you need to look at the stuff before shelling your money, any signs of crash - pass, and at the seller, see if it's not stolen.

[liberpolly]

Helmet - go to the local stores and try them all on. All of them. A good helmet must be snug on top *and* sides of your head. Not free, not pressing - snug.

[Ghostt]

Here's something for the visual crowd

[LittleRedNinjette]

Its a bit of a hike for you but it may be worth going to Revzilla in Philly to try on a bunch of helmets. You dont have to buy from there but that's the best was to see what helmet will fit your head shape best. good place to check out other gear, including boots, for sizing.

[Urban Ninja]

HJC makes great budget helmets, but instead of going with CS-R2, spend a little more and get the FG-17 model. It's a huge improvement over the CS-R2 and will make you a much happier rider. It also has a dual safety certification - DOT and SNELL.

I know it's a big investment but if you buy the right quality gear from the beginning, you won't have to worry about it for years to come.

Having said that, you should consider Dainese Crono or Spidi Net 7 as your jacket choices:

http://www.mototude.com/SPIDI-NET-7Jacket-p/474-306.htm

http://www.mototude.com/DAINESE-Cron...-p/1735142.htm

Even at low speeds, your first instinct if you're going down on your bike will be to put your hands out to break your fall. That's why you definitely don't want to skimp on hand protection. Rev'It's Chevron gloves offer a good amount of protection: http://www.mototude.com/REV-IT-CHEVR...s-p/fgs080.htm

Definitely don't go without pants or boots. For budget pant options, consider Rev'It's Factor 3 pants: http://www.mototude.com/REV-IT-FACTO...s-p/fpt065.htm

As far as boots, any motorcycle specific shoe will be better than riding in regular shoes or sneakers. Even a simple riding shoe such as Sidi's Gas will offer much more protection than regular shoes: http://www.mototude.com/SIDI-GAS-Rid...-p/sds-gas.htm

Safe riding!

[Urban Ninja]

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

+1 for Craigslist - you can find some real bargains, and even try items on before you drop your cash.

I wouldn't want to buy someone's used sweaty old helmet, but I have bought jackets, gloves, and boots. Four years ago I bought a pair of Alpinestar street boots in excellent shape for $30. I still wear them whenever I ride.

Definitely don't go used on a helmet but if you have an opportunity to buy used quality gear on CL, that's a much better option than buying new crappy gear from an unknown manufacturer.

[mpalakudiyil]

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

And yes, when I will be buying my helmet new.

[LittleRedNinjette]

Good idea!

Hit me up if you decide to go to Revzilla and want some company. I'm essentially on the way for you.

[mpalakudiyil]

Anybody have some experience or advice regarding motorcycle jeans?

[Ghostt]

Originally Posted by mpalakudiyil

Anybody have some experience or advice regarding motorcycle jeans?

I have a pair of S&S jeans, with the added armour. I also have the Bohn bodyguard system which is nice as well to wear under regular clothing.

I prefer my overpants, but sometimes you can't wear those all the time, when there's no where to store your gear.

[LittleRedNinjette]

I ride in these: http://www.dragginjeans.com/

I realy like them. the armor they come with is meh but you can always get better armor. The jeans themselves are comfortable.

[Proteus]

Definitely don't overlook boots. The two times that I've been down my feet/ankles would have been destroyed if I weren't wearing proper MC boots.

I don't remember where I read this, but take the footwear that you're planning on wearing for riding with the toe in one hand and the heel in the other. Twist them towards each other. That is what will happen to your foot in a crash.

I wear these, they are comfy and have held up well for two seasons of daily riding. http://www.cyclegear.com/BILT-Pro-To...torcycle-Boots