First set of gear

GearMonkey · September 25th, 2012, 09:34 PM

Went to Cycle Gear to get some ideas for gear and picked out a set (haven't bought anything yet). Was looking for reviews from anyone that has any of these items...

Helmet: Bilt Speed
Jacket/pants: Bilt trackstar (2piece)
Boots: no decision but I read the Bilt Trackstar boot review here
Gloves: no decision, deal on Bilt trackstars though, they felt good
Chest/Back protector: Icon Striker (is this even necessary with a leather jacket?)

I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I also need to be protected, so are these good values for a new weekend rider?

psych0hans · September 25th, 2012, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglepilot6

Went to Cycle Gear to get some ideas for gear and picked out a set (haven't bought anything yet). Was looking for reviews from anyone that has any of these items...

Helmet: Bilt Speed
Jacket/pants: Bilt trackstar (2piece)
Boots: no decision but I read the Bilt Trackstar boot review here
Gloves: no decision, deal on Bilt trackstars though, they felt good
Chest/Back protector: Icon Striker (is this even necessary with a leather jacket?)

I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I also need to be protected, so are these good values for a new weekend rider?

I don't think you "need" a chest+back protector with a leather jacket... You don't wanna bulk up too much while riding and then be in a situation where you don't want to even bother putting on your gear at all. Just upgrade your back protector in the jacket and buy chest armor inserts for your jacket.

Trailerboy531 · September 25th, 2012, 10:03 PM

Bilt is cheap and you get what you pay for.

I wont buy bilt.
ever.

psych0hans · September 25th, 2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailerboy531

Bilt is cheap and you get what you pay for.

I wont buy bilt.
ever.

Keep an eye out on the "for sale" section and you should be able to snatch a good deal on some branded gear. Also CL and eBay are your friends...

csmith12 · September 26th, 2012, 05:02 AM

If you get the Bilt gear, definitely get the stryker or some other upgraded protection. Shop around for clean, used gear. With the season coming to a close, now is the time and it can save you a ton of cash.

lgk · September 26th, 2012, 05:46 AM

the bilt helmet is too cheap feeling to me.
i would get a used shoei or bell helmet.

the sedici monza two piece is better, i would spring for that one instead.

do not cheap out on gloves. get full leather ones, from a good brand.

hirubhaiambani · September 27th, 2012, 12:18 AM

Instead of spending $100 on the BILT helmet…here are two much better options (Both are Snell and DOT approved)

Joe Rocket

Scorpion

Leather Jacket in sub $200 range AGVSPORT

Actually there are many more options for good gear in the cheap….just need to look and shop around a bit….Definitely look at closeout and outlets sections of websites to find good deals…

Good luck finding good gear…ATGATT

lgk · September 27th, 2012, 04:29 AM

Forgot that the scorpion is on sale.
its a good helmet, would definately recommend it over the bilt

massacremasses · September 27th, 2012, 06:52 AM

look for 2012 closeouts. 2013 stuff should be coming out.

vman1313 · September 27th, 2012, 07:25 AM

Hey Scott and fellow Georgia rider,

The Bilt stuff is truly starter gear and cheap. My first season of riding I used hand me downs, this season I bought all Bilt crap, by spring I will have better and more worthy gear. Bilt isnt bad but it isnt good either. None of my Bilt stuff (Helmet, Jacket, Gloves) has ripped or cracked or broken and I have put over 7k miles on that gear and will probably get about 10k before being able to buy my new gear. Its a money thing I know but remember its also a safety thing. IMO - protect your head with a better helmet but everything else is ok unless you find something better for same around about price.

GearMonkey · September 28th, 2012, 06:46 PM

Thank you everyone for the input. Everyone I've talked to said to steer clear of Bilt if I can, and I intend to. So now what is everyone's opinion of Teknic gear?

How about helmets? http://www.ohsmotorsports.com/p-6685...-mc2-blue.aspx
JoeRocket Prime Vector

Bassman · September 28th, 2012, 08:03 PM

Make sure you have a toothbrush for those overnighters

GearMonkey · September 28th, 2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassman

Make sure you have a toothbrush for those overnighters

Eh?

psych0hans · September 28th, 2012, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglepilot6

Thank you everyone for the input. Everyone I've talked to said to steer clear of Bilt if I can, and I intend to. So now what is everyone's opinion of Teknic gear?

How about helmets? http://www.ohsmotorsports.com/p-6685...-mc2-blue.aspx
JoeRocket Prime Vector

Bell arrow 99.95 and it's a Bell. Great reviews too.

Probably be my next helmet.

Bassman · September 28th, 2012, 08:19 PM

lol, don't worry, I'm just tease'n you. Unless you really go on an overnighter. A whole set of different gear, depending if you're hotel'n it or camping. No worries, I'm sure your just interested in day gear

02337 · September 28th, 2012, 08:23 PM

I bought a bilt textile jacket and the track star boots. The boots I bought were blue, and the toe sliders screw was stripped... On every pair they had. I bought the black ones instead an loved them... Ankle protector, shin protector, leather, double stitched. I've worn them for about 3k miles and no problems.
Jacket is ok but I'll be purchasing the sedici monza jacket.

I did buy the rkt 201 and love it, I replaced the shield though, hjc actually makes joe rocket helmets. Snell, dot approved for 79? Its a little noisy though but ear plugs help.
I also picked up speed and strength gloves on clearance for $20....

I agree with finding close outs, I dont particularly like the bilt jacket, nothing wrong with it but want to get out of textile.

GearMonkey · October 8th, 2012, 04:22 PM

After shopping around I finally bought all my gear. Decided on Scorpion EXO-1000 helmet (snell 2005), Teknic 2 piece leather suit (used), Alpine Star SMX-5 boots, and Alpine Star leather gloves (freaking great deal!$50). All for $600, close to the budget I planned!

Thank you everyone for your input!

massacremasses · October 8th, 2012, 04:23 PM

I like dirt gear.

so much cheaper..

alex.s · October 8th, 2012, 05:18 PM

don't bother to buy bilt.

Jono · October 8th, 2012, 06:45 PM

Good call on not getting Bilt gear. When I started out last year I bought a Bilt Jacket and it came with a free pair of Bilt gloves. After about a months use of my Bilt jacket the front zipper stopped working. No problem though because Cycle Gear gave me a new jacket. But now a little over a year later, that jacket is starting to show some signs of wear. The velcro on the cuffs of the arms is coming apart. Like the stitching didn't hold up. I haven't stopped by Cycle gear yet to see if they will do another exchange but I doubt it. I'll see though. And those free gloves they gave me are falling apart as well. Like the jacket, it is also a velcro problem. But I honestly didn't expect them to last as long as they did. Will be getting either A* or Dainese gloves soon.

If you really, really can't afford better gear, then Bilt is okay. I mean it is better than no gear. It should hopefully at least hold up in one crash.

Will I ever buy Bilt gear again. No. I want gear that will last for years without issues. I bought Dainese boots about a year ago and they are as nice as they were new. Actually much better because they are broken in. Haha.

September 25th, 2012, 09:34 PM	#1
GearMonkey ninjette.org guru Name: Scott Location: Atlanta Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 363	First set of gear Went to Cycle Gear to get some ideas for gear and picked out a set (haven't bought anything yet). Was looking for reviews from anyone that has any of these items... Helmet: Bilt Speed Jacket/pants: Bilt trackstar (2piece) Boots: no decision but I read the Bilt Trackstar boot review here Gloves: no decision, deal on Bilt trackstars though, they felt good Chest/Back protector: Icon Striker (is this even necessary with a leather jacket?) I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I also need to be protected, so are these good values for a new weekend rider?

September 26th, 2012, 05:02 AM	#5
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	If you get the Bilt gear, definitely get the stryker or some other upgraded protection. Shop around for clean, used gear. With the season coming to a close, now is the time and it can save you a ton of cash. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

September 26th, 2012, 05:46 AM	#6
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	the bilt helmet is too cheap feeling to me. i would get a used shoei or bell helmet. the sedici monza two piece is better, i would spring for that one instead. do not cheap out on gloves. get full leather ones, from a good brand. __________________________________________________ Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700

September 27th, 2012, 04:29 AM	#8
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	Forgot that the scorpion is on sale. its a good helmet, would definately recommend it over the bilt __________________________________________________ Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700

September 27th, 2012, 06:52 AM	#9
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	look for 2012 closeouts. 2013 stuff should be coming out. __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

September 25th, 2012, 10:03 PM	#3
Trailerboy531 Gear crash test dummy Name: Max Location: South Bay (So. Cal) Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.	Bilt is cheap and you get what you pay for. I wont buy bilt. ever.

September 27th, 2012, 12:18 AM	#7
hirubhaiambani Ninjette Fanboy Name: HB Location: Missouri Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja250 Posts: 307	Instead of spending $100 on the BILT helmet…here are two much better options (Both are Snell and DOT approved) Joe Rocket Scorpion Leather Jacket in sub $200 range AGVSPORT Actually there are many more options for good gear in the cheap….just need to look and shop around a bit….Definitely look at closeout and outlets sections of websites to find good deals… Good luck finding good gear…ATGATT

September 27th, 2012, 07:25 AM	#10
vman1313 ninjette.org sage Name: Tony Location: Buford, GA Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '14 Honda NC700X; '14 Honda CRF250L; '07 Lifan 200 Posts: 623	Hey Scott and fellow Georgia rider, The Bilt stuff is truly starter gear and cheap. My first season of riding I used hand me downs, this season I bought all Bilt crap, by spring I will have better and more worthy gear. Bilt isnt bad but it isnt good either. None of my Bilt stuff (Helmet, Jacket, Gloves) has ripped or cracked or broken and I have put over 7k miles on that gear and will probably get about 10k before being able to buy my new gear. Its a money thing I know but remember its also a safety thing. IMO - protect your head with a better helmet but everything else is ok unless you find something better for same around about price. __________________________________________________ www.northgariders.com NuBe4Life!!!

September 28th, 2012, 06:46 PM	#11
GearMonkey ninjette.org guru Name: Scott Location: Atlanta Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 363	Thank you everyone for the input. Everyone I've talked to said to steer clear of Bilt if I can, and I intend to. So now what is everyone's opinion of Teknic gear? How about helmets? http://www.ohsmotorsports.com/p-6685...-mc2-blue.aspx JoeRocket Prime Vector

September 28th, 2012, 08:03 PM	#12
Bassman ninjette.org guru Name: Marc Location: Castaic, CA Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1986 Goldwing, 1996 CR500, 2011 Ninja 250, 2009 Harley Heritage Softail, 1941 Suzuki Gerbil 250 Posts: 427	Make sure you have a toothbrush for those overnighters __________________________________________________ I know there's a 7th gear here somewhere... Changing to 15T/41T, now I'll get that 7th gear, lol.

September 28th, 2012, 08:19 PM	#15
Bassman ninjette.org guru Name: Marc Location: Castaic, CA Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1986 Goldwing, 1996 CR500, 2011 Ninja 250, 2009 Harley Heritage Softail, 1941 Suzuki Gerbil 250 Posts: 427	lol, don't worry, I'm just tease'n you. Unless you really go on an overnighter. A whole set of different gear, depending if you're hotel'n it or camping. No worries, I'm sure your just interested in day gear __________________________________________________ I know there's a 7th gear here somewhere... Changing to 15T/41T, now I'll get that 7th gear, lol.

September 28th, 2012, 08:23 PM	#16
02337 ninjette.org member Name: George Location: Delaware Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 03 ninja 250 Posts: 201	I bought a bilt textile jacket and the track star boots. The boots I bought were blue, and the toe sliders screw was stripped... On every pair they had. I bought the black ones instead an loved them... Ankle protector, shin protector, leather, double stitched. I've worn them for about 3k miles and no problems. Jacket is ok but I'll be purchasing the sedici monza jacket. I did buy the rkt 201 and love it, I replaced the shield though, hjc actually makes joe rocket helmets. Snell, dot approved for 79? Its a little noisy though but ear plugs help. I also picked up speed and strength gloves on clearance for $20.... I agree with finding close outs, I dont particularly like the bilt jacket, nothing wrong with it but want to get out of textile.

October 8th, 2012, 04:22 PM	#17
GearMonkey ninjette.org guru Name: Scott Location: Atlanta Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 363	After shopping around I finally bought all my gear. Decided on Scorpion EXO-1000 helmet (snell 2005), Teknic 2 piece leather suit (used), Alpine Star SMX-5 boots, and Alpine Star leather gloves (freaking great deal!$50). All for $600, close to the budget I planned! Thank you everyone for your input!

October 8th, 2012, 04:23 PM	#18
massacremasses Avid Kitteh Poster Name: Justin Location: Norcal Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.	I like dirt gear. so much cheaper.. __________________________________________________ I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/

October 8th, 2012, 05:18 PM	#19
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	don't bother to buy bilt. __________________________________________________

October 8th, 2012, 06:45 PM	#20
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	Good call on not getting Bilt gear. When I started out last year I bought a Bilt Jacket and it came with a free pair of Bilt gloves. After about a months use of my Bilt jacket the front zipper stopped working. No problem though because Cycle Gear gave me a new jacket. But now a little over a year later, that jacket is starting to show some signs of wear. The velcro on the cuffs of the arms is coming apart. Like the stitching didn't hold up. I haven't stopped by Cycle gear yet to see if they will do another exchange but I doubt it. I'll see though. And those free gloves they gave me are falling apart as well. Like the jacket, it is also a velcro problem. But I honestly didn't expect them to last as long as they did. Will be getting either A* or Dainese gloves soon. If you really, really can't afford better gear, then Bilt is okay. I mean it is better than no gear. It should hopefully at least hold up in one crash. Will I ever buy Bilt gear again. No. I want gear that will last for years without issues. I bought Dainese boots about a year ago and they are as nice as they were new. Actually much better because they are broken in. Haha.

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