Advice on gear.

[berserk81]

Hey there I have started pricing for gear before I buy my first bike, from what people on here have said and from what I have seen from crash videos, being prepared before you ride is always the safest bet.

That being said I only have about a $500 budget because I'm poor. I know that cheap isn't the way to go when it comes to your life,but that's what I got to work with. I found what appears to be a decent HJC helmet, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008NY...6MO5XNWEK&vs=1, a somewhat good noname leather jacket with armor, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002KN...M989C0A5C&vs=1. I have my Carolina Lineman boots that I use for work and feel they will be sufficient for riding in most situations. I just don't know about pants or a good set of gloves. Do you think the helmet and jacket will work well enough until I can devote more money to gear, and what would be a good selection for pants and gloves? Thanks for any advice you can give.

[crazymadbastard]

Welcome aboard. Glad you are looking into gear. Inexpensive gear is way better than no gear. I would look into overpants and keep using workboots till you can get dedicated riding boots. Good gloves are a must imo, google "degloving".

[crazymadbastard]

oh and for gear, I have had good sucess w/ revzilla. Good prices and fast shipping. So far I got Joe Rocket Pro street leather jacket, Tour master overpants, Joe Rocket gloves- gauntlets and shortys Bell Helmet 1/2 off at motorcyclecloseouts dot com - I use timberlands as boots but will upgrade to dedicated boots shortly- like NOW!

[adouglas]

Good approach if you've got limited funds.

My own journey with gear is typical:
- Get a quality helmet on closeout. You can get a name-brand Snell helmet for $100-150 if you look around (I've had Joe Rocket (made by HJC) and Scorpion, both Snell, both about a hundred bucks).
- Get a motorcycle jacket with CE armor. I started with textile/mesh. Again, cost $100-125 on closeout.
- Get motorcycle-specific gloves, preferably gauntlets. My first pair cost less than 100.
- Use work boots to start.

That was a good starting point because it took care of the major necessities.

Next item on the list was overpants, again with CE armor.

After that, motorcycle boots and proper back protector.

Since then I've upgraded everything to full leather, as opportunities presented themselves and funds permitted. Nowhere to go from here but into more expensive brands.

[Boom King]

Don't be afraid to check around for used gear either. Other than perhaps a helmet, IMO dollar for dollar, Good condition quality used gear > cheap quality new gear.

[csmith12]

^^^^ this

I would bet there is a local group that has some available. My local group has a ton of gear for sale and some of it is even given away for free. All you have to do is make some new friends.

[rasta]

+1 on buying used. You can find some good deals on Craigslist for used gear in great shape. Some people don't like buying used gear, but I don't see a problem with it. As long as the gear hasn't been crashed in. Although I wouldn't buy a used helmet...

[crazymadbastard]

come to think of it, all my gear is now *used*, so def nothin wrong w/used gear.

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by crazymadbastard

oh and for gear, I have had good sucess w/ revzilla. Good prices and fast shipping. So far I got Joe Rocket Pro street leather jacket, Tour master overpants, Joe Rocket gloves- gauntlets and shortys Bell Helmet 1/2 off at motorcyclecloseouts dot com - I use timberlands as boots but will upgrade to dedicated boots shortly- like NOW!

Thanks for the tip. When I start riding it will be cold I'm sure and I don't know if I should get winter great or not.

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Good approach if you've got limited funds.

My own journey with gear is typical:
- Get a quality helmet on closeout. You can get a name-brand Snell helmet for $100-150 if you look around (I've had Joe Rocket (made by HJC) and Scorpion, both Snell, both about a hundred bucks).
- Get a motorcycle jacket with CE armor. I started with textile/mesh. Again, cost $100-125 on closeout.
- Get motorcycle-specific gloves, preferably gauntlets. My first pair cost less than 100.
- Use work boots to start.

That was a good starting point because it took care of the major necessities.

Next item on the list was overpants, again with CE armor.

After that, motorcycle boots and proper back protector.

Since then I've upgraded everything to full leather, as opportunities presented themselves and funds permitted. Nowhere to go from here but into more expensive brands.

So overpants would be the way to go for pants huh? Shuld I try to find some that zip to the jacket since the one that I am going to get has the zippers for it?

I want to go for at least the leather jacket for protection and for some wide deflection since I know that some mesh textiles can let wind pass through. Thanks for the advice and the tips. Safe riding.

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by Boom King

Don't be afraid to check around for used gear either. Other than perhaps a helmet, IMO dollar for dollar, Good condition quality used gear > cheap quality new gear.

Thanks may look into some used gear I se a lot on Craigslist.

[berserk81]

So what about gloves then I see a lot of people talking about gauntlets, are they the way to go?

[crazymadbastard]

Originally Posted by berserk81

So what about gloves then I see a lot of people talking about gauntlets, are they the way to go?

It depends if you enjoy having healthy wrists after a fall. I fell off a scooter when I was 10, lucky I only cracked my wrist and now have 2 inch scar on my hand and s few more on my knuckles. Its all a trade off, comfort convenience safety. Just have to commit on where your priorities are.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by berserk81

So what about gloves then I see a lot of people talking about gauntlets, are they the way to go?

I love my HJC CL16!!! Got it for around 100... I wear it most days, seems to vent better than my scorpion, both of em where around the same price and around $100!!!

Yea gauntlets, or race gloves are better than shorties IMO (an most others around here)

I don't zip my pants to either of my jackets, but I'm also lookin into one piece suits for riding/track. You will find lots of info about you should get them that attach, and use them that way. Personally I don't.

Sweet judge... I have the aluminum frame ultra lite with the shorty barrel... Loves!!!

Used gear... Saves money, and sometimes ya can find used stuff with the tags still on and no signs of use!

I won't say that I started with shorty gloves, $99. A hjc helmet $1??. And a close out fly racing jacket for under $100, and some army boots... It's kinda freaky getin used to riding thinking about falling over and having your jeans turn into road dust, closely followed by your skin, but hey... I didn't skin my legs before I got my over pants thankfully!!! I like to gear up, helps my head to get with the bike and not have anxiety an such. Good job gearing up

[JohnnyBravo]

You wear small gloves??? @rasta had some joe rockets for a steal...

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Sweet judge...

Its the Puplic Defender, shorter barrel with the polymer grip. Its what I will be carrying once I get my Conceal and Carry License. It's a dangerous world out there and its good to have a Public Defender who cares for your safety.

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

You wear small gloves??? @rasta had some joe rockets for a steal...

I usually buy large when buying work gloves.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by berserk81

Its the Puplic Defender, shorter barrel with the polymer grip. Its what I will be carrying once I get my Conceal and Carry License. It's a dangerous world out there and its good to have a Public Defender who cares for your safety.

That's true... That's what I carry when I have extra room, 45LC & Slug mix. Otherwise it's a .38 special or a .357... I stopped carrying my glock for revolvers a while back, still love my .40 though

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

That's true... That's what I carry when I have extra room, 45LC & Slug mix. Otherwise it's a .38 special or a .357... I stopped carrying my glock for revolvers a while back, still love my .40 though

Awesomeness. How are the C&C laws where you live? Here in Arkansas it pretty easy to get one and the license is honored in like 38 states. It does suck that when I end up making my trip out to California I would have to put my weapon away, because that police state doesn't honor Arkansas C&C license. The one state where you would need it most. Right on Johnny way to envoke your constitutional and God given right to protect yourself.

[rasta]

Originally Posted by berserk81

I usually buy large when buying work gloves.

Probably wont fit the gloves I have. But just for sh*ts n giggles, why don't you measure the size of your hand (from outside of index knuckle to the outside of pinky knuckle) and report back.

Thanks for the shout @JohnnyBravo, I didn't want to plug my own ****

[JohnnyBravo]

YW...

The Military status helps. Some states I don't even need my ccw to carry

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by rasta

Probably wont fit the gloves I have. But just for sh*ts n giggles, why don't you measure the size of your hand (from outside of index knuckle to the outside of pinky knuckle) and report back.

Thanks for the shout @JohnnyBravo, I didn't want to plug my own ****

From outside of index knuckle to outside pinky knuckle is 3 1/2''

[tfkrocks]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

YW...

The Military status helps. Some states I don't even need my ccw to carry

Hah, that makes no difference for me in California sadly.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Hah, that makes no difference for me in California sadly.

Sad
I only drove in Cali after my Vegas trip... Drove into Cali from Vegas, hit 40, an high tailed back towards fort hood. So I can't comment much on Cali, just the southern states I have lived in, traveled through, or checked the laws of.

[tfkrocks]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Sad
I only drove in Cali after my Vegas trip... Drove into Cali from Vegas, hit 40, an high tailed back towards fort hood. So I can't comment much on Cali, just the southern states I have lived in, traveled through, or checked the laws of.

Most counties here technically issue CCW permits, but it's almost guaranteed they won't. I know nearly all the counties in my area won't. Also can't open carry in the state. No weapons for anyone!

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Hah, that makes no difference for me in California sadly.

I left that state when I was 19 or 20. I go back (or try to at least) once a year to see family and friends. I have lived in Arkansas since 2000 and love it.

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Most counties here technically issue CCW permits, but it's almost guaranteed they won't. I know nearly all the counties in my area won't. Also can't open carry in the state. No weapons for anyone!

So mainly just criminals and gang bangers carry? Sounds heavenly said no body ever
Boo

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by berserk81

So overpants would be the way to go for pants huh? Shuld I try to find some that zip to the jacket since the one that I am going to get has the zippers for it?

I want to go for at least the leather jacket for protection and for some wide deflection since I know that some mesh textiles can let wind pass through. Thanks for the advice and the tips. Safe riding.

Overpants are more versatile, leather protects you better.

Overpants deal with wet wetter better and can be worn over street clothes.

Leather pants (I'm talking track pants) fit tight so they'll keep the armor in place better if you crash. They will also hold up to a slide along the pavement MUCH better. You'll need proper boots if you go that route, though.

Most pants come with some variation on the jacket-to-pants zip. There is NO standardization so it's unlikely that the jacket you buy will match the pants you buy unless they're from the same manufacturer... and even then, no guarantees.

This is easily dealt with if you have access to a sewing machine. All the clothing comes with the matching zipper half so you just sew that onto the other piece and you're good to go (i.e. pants will come with a zipper half that you sew into the jacket, or vice versa).

I zip my pants and jacket together becuase everything fits better that way in my case. It's not mandatory by any means on the street. A good leather jacket will be stiff enough that it's not likely to ride up, provided you buy one that fits you properly (i.e. close). This is not the time to go with baggy clothing.

Think hard about ventilation. Arkansas must get hot in the summer.... it's a LOT easier to layer up and block the wind than it is to deal with gear that doesn't ventilate well.

My leather pants, jacket, gloves and boots are all fully perforated. Even then it gets pretty sweaty in the middle of summer.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by berserk81

So what about gloves then I see a lot of people talking about gauntlets, are they the way to go?

Shorties generally aren't as robust as proper race-type gauntlets. If you go down chances are high that you'll instinctively put your hands down, so buying good gloves that will hold up in a slide is a really good idea.

How good an idea? You tell me. This is the aftermath of a slide in cheap shorty gloves.

Originally Posted by Nemesis

Granted those gloves are low-end and I don't recommend anyone buying low end gloves.

[csmith12]

Jeeezzz... that pic is so horrible every time I see it.

[adouglas]

Any time you start thinking with your wallet instead of your head, look at pictures like this to get your priorities straight.

- Bargain gear is rarely a bargain

- Looking bada$$ is not the most important thing.

Buy good chit. Buy it because it increases your protection. That's what's important.

[berserk81]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Any time you start thinking with your wallet instead of your head, look at pictures like this to get your priorities straight.

- Bargain gear is rarely a bargain

- Looking bada$$ is not the most important thing.

Buy good chit. Buy it because it increases your protection. That's what's important.

Thanks for the tips, and don't worry I am the kind of guy who could give two s*its less about what I look like.