Gear questions

[Nyuu]

So I'm trying to plan for what gear I'm going to get and I think I've finally got a good list going. Now I just need opinions. I'm in the Air Force, so I have to wear certain levels of protective gear though I think the AFI mostly says it has to be abrasion resistant. Anyways, is this gear too much or too little? (And don't say "no gear is too much", I'm speaking in terms of cost, protection, and comfortability being realistic)

Alpinestars Thunder Gloves - Motostrano.com
TCX X-Cube Waterproof Boots - Mens - Competition Accessories
Sliders Kevlar All Season 2 Pants - Compacc
Sliders All Season 2 Kevlar Mesh Jackets - Compacc

One last thing, I never picked out a helmet. Any suggestions?

Thanks for all the help!

:thumbup:

 

[MNGreg]

So I'm trying to plan for what gear I'm going to get and I think I've finally got a good list going. Now I just need opinions. I'm in the Air Force, so I have to wear certain levels of protective gear though I think the AFI mostly says it has to be abrasion resistant. Anyways, is this gear too much or too little? (And don't say "no gear is too much", I'm speaking in terms of cost, protection, and comfortability being realistic)

Alpinestars Thunder Gloves - Motostrano.com
TCX X-Cube Waterproof Boots - Mens - Competition Accessories
Sliders Kevlar All Season 2 Pants - Compacc
Sliders All Season 2 Kevlar Mesh Jackets - Compacc

One last thing, I never picked out a helmet. Any suggestions?

Thanks for all the help!

:thumbup:

Helmet is extremely hard to recommend because your ability to wear certain brands all depends on your headshape circular/intermediate oval or elongated oval.. I would find one that is DOT/SNELL/ECE approved.. Though those approvals can be a hot button to allot of people and say DOT is enough.. I personally just like the extra ratings. I would just buy online or at a store, but whatever route - sit in the store with it on your head or at home for about 45 minutes.. Many places say 20 minutes, but I didnt develop a hotspot on my Icon for about 40 minutes, then had such a headache I could barely focus... wasted $269. Next Arai helmet I ordered online and then watched a hr long tv show with. Great helmets in all price points, mainly just different manufacture material, ventilation and inner fabric.. If possible I would recommend one with a PinLock visor.. These are EXCELLENT Antifog lenses.. Cant get any better in my opinion. Especially considering you will begin fogging up where you live ALOT come End of Sept.

Jacket, that mesh is ok, but you will get better protection with a full textile jacket. Mesh doesnt have as much resistance. I have a mesh and like it, but only use it when above 105 temp. So far my Tourmaster Transition 3 has been good for me all the way up to 102 with heat indexes higher than that, just open the vents.

Sliders Jeans are ok. I have a pair of them and of Draggin jeans.. You might want to look at a actual pair of riding pants or over pants also for extra protection when you want to have "fun riding". I put Firstgear Overpants over my other pants when I plan on doing "fun" riding or whenever I get on the interstate.

I would also look at some kind of Knee/Shin pads. Help protect you a bit from possible broken kneecap from impact if you unfortunately go down.. I have also felt these protect me from flying debri shot up by cars. Barely feel it but still do. I have the Icon Strykers but there are many good styles.

Gloves look similiar to my A* gloves. They are nice and that carbon fiber held up nicely when I went down. Have you looked at full gauntlet gloves at all? Like the AGV Laguna or Cortechs? They will provide a little more protection to your wrists should you go down and have your sleeves go up a little on you. (happened to me). Some of them even offer better "slide/abrassion" protection around the palm and wrists, and even have a bridge to reduce the risk of the pinky from being dislocated.

 

[Alex6]

DOT alone = garbage. A half-bucket that Harley riders wear is a DOT certified.

 

[Detrich]

gloves look ok, but if your budget allows i would recommend choosing a full gauntlet glove for added wrist protection. u should be able to find some just like that but that also extend/ wrap around the wrist for added protection:
Alpinestars SP-2 Leather Gloves - Motostrano.com
Alpinestars GP Pro Gloves - Motostrano.com

boots look too short & too soft to me... try to choose a full-length, hard shell boot instead:
TCX S-Sportour Boot - Competition Accessories

pants look ok, but make sure that the knee armor is a snug/ tight fit and doesn't move around. otherwise, it's useless. your knees are THE most vulnerable lower-limb joint.

jacket looks ok, but personally i've sold all my textile gear and opted for leather. yes- it costs more. but, it's worth it.

helmet is one of those items that is trial and eerror. u'll have to try some on and get properly fitted.

just remember that as a general rule, all motorcycle gear should fit very snug. the helmet should fit very snug. they should not fit like ordinary clothes or they will flap around in the wind, or the armor will shift around and will not protect properly.

search our forum for some excellent threads on fitting a helmet properly...

GL

 

[Alex6]

Most rambling riders already have a thick skull to a certain degree, but Johnny Law insists it's not thick enough. Classically free, the SKID LID original motorcycle helmet adds DOT approved thickness to protect your head from the ground and your wallet from the system. The Skid Lid helmet is conforming in its fit but this dome shaped motorcycle helmet encourages individuality with its selection of tight graphics.
$35.99 - $44.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How much is your head worth to you?

 

[meganiimarie]

I don't know what they have done with the regs back in the states, but I know riding on base overseas has become a lot more relaxed. That being said, I still like to be covered but comfortable in the heat and enjoy these... Alpinestars Fastlane Shoes - RevZilla.

 

[MNGreg]

I would find one that is DOT/SNELL/ECE approved.. Though those approvals can be a hot button to allot of people and say DOT is enough.. I personally just like the extra ratings. Great helmets in all price points, mainly just different manufacture material, ventilation and inner fabric..

I stated these things because Personally I wouldnt buy it if it wasnt done by atleast two. But I prefer all 3. I think most name brand helmets (arai, shoei, hjc, S&S etc) will be certified by atleast 2, many times all three now.

Good helmets in all price points as in the $139 SS1000 Helmets, all the way up to the $700+ ones. By the way, that cheap SS1000 Helmet is actually pretty comfy, but was just too big.

I would steer clear of those 1/2 melon covers also... Even if I ever go to a cruiser I wouldnt even settle for a better quality 3/4 helmet, after the damage my SS1000 took I will wear full face my whole life.. I want to keep my cheeks and face. Plus WOW. Had my visor open one night going 45mph and got a bug in the face, wow that stings!! LOL

For helmet though before you begin looking, Figure out your shape.. That way you dont fall in love with a helmet that really isnt adequate for you. You can focus only on what will truly fit, and then find the model and style you like of that selection.

 

[oldtouring b]

Consider these ideas

Helmet-- Scorpion is one of the best values out there. A good universal fit and no fogging faceshield. Very good helmet.

Gear in general-- New Enough(never remember their new name!) has a great selection and customer service. Look in their closeout section.

If I were starting out--I would look on ebay and advrider and this website for like new used gear. If you prefer new then I would look close at Olympia and Tourmaster.

On boots look at Sidi. Their waterproof boots are the best IMHO.

Remember you are starting on a never ending search for the perfect bike and gear. This won't be the last items you will buy!!GL and ride safe.

 

[oldtouring b]

New Enough= Motorcyclegear.com

 

[MichaelInVenice]

A few things:

That mesh jacket looks OK to me, because it seems to be only partially mesh. The common "sliding areas" are all cordura nylon. My Olympia jacket is similar and I think it's a good compromise: mesh panels in the low-impact areas for ventilation, heavy fabric and padding in the other areas for better slide protection.

Keep in mind that even with the neon color, you probably still have to wear a vest on base. There are a few jackets like the Icon Hooligan that are Mil-Spec compliant with nothing else on them. I have a size medium Hooligan in neon yellow that I'm about to sell, so free free to let me know. It'll be listed here as soon as I can snap some pictures. The downside to that one is that it is mostly mesh, but has CE impact protection on all the key points and you can replace the back protector with an even better one.

Pants look OK. Mesh with fabric in the "important" areas and CE protection in the knees plus padding in the hips. I ride in similar. Would not use it in real high performance situations, but that's not how I ride anyway. I upgraded the hip protection on mine.

I don't like any glove that doesn't cover the bottom of the jacket sleeve. I do have a pair of lightweight "round town" gloves that are mesh and leather, as well as a better pair for highway and other riskier riding. This is what I use for lower speeds around town. They're far from perfect in terms of protection, my best compromise for those situations.

Boots, I like a higher boot and one that is a bit more "walkable." I ride the Sidi Tour Rain for most situations where I need to walk around and/or be able to function in them. (There's a slightly lower-cut version called the "Traffic Rain" that are also OK. The Sidi Fusion (which also comes in "Rain" and "Air" versions) is a great boot that includes a lot of track characteristics in a fairly versatile boot.

Helmets? First, find one that fits. That is abolutely job #1. Almost all the major manufacturers certify their helmets in multiple jurisdictions (DOT, ECE, and about a dozen other minor ones), so I have no real issues with any of them in terms of safety. As somebody else noted, DOT alone is somewhat meaningless, but you will find few full-face helmets that aren't also certified in the other major markets. Biggest problem is that the manufacturers more often than not won't tell you all the certifications a helmet has. My Shoei is DOT, ECE and about half a dozen others, but you won't see anything other than a DOT sticker on it if you bought it in the US, and it can take a ton of research to get to the details. (They do this intentionally, to avoid cross-shipping and "grey market" activities that undercut their distributors' profitability in some markets. Some go to the extreme measure of giving identical products different names in different places.)

Of course, if it has Snell on it, you have good peace of mind, but many manufacturers will only submit their "track" style helmets to Snell to evaluation. (Because tracks are the only place it's required.) If you're looking for more of a sport-touring design, the Snell rating can be pretty hard to find. If you want a modular helmet, Snell is out of the picture completely so might need to do a bit more research.

But still, as I said, if it's a full-face or modular from one of the major names, it is probably fine for normal street use. If you're even thinking you may ever want to ride on a track, it needs to be Snell with double D-ring closure.

In the end, I think this is like anything else though. Be prepared for the fact that with a bit more time and experience, you'll probably find that some of your choices were wrong and you'll need to adjust.

 

[Nyuu]

Awesome advice everyone, I'll start looking at everything that was said. I imagined it would take a lot of trial and error, especially since I've only been looking online so far. I'll have to get out to a shop sometime this weekend and try stuff on.

Thank you all!

 

[Nyuu]

So I'm going tomorrow to look at new gear at some stores in Kansas City. These are my online picks, which I'll probably be buying if I can't find anything better at the stores. Tell me what everyone thinks.

Icon Compound Mesh Long Gloves - RevZilla

TCX S-Sportour Boot - Competition Accessories

FirstGear HT Air Overpants - 2011 :: MotorcycleGear.com

Tour Master Transition 3 Jacket - RevZilla

Scorpion EXO-1000 - Solids offered by PowerSports4Less

I'll be comparing the safety features and pricing of these to what I find at the stores, so let me know opinions.

 

[MNGreg]

I think the list looks good for starters.. Reason I say that is once you get into riding you find that you become a gear whore.. You will always be wanting the new style this or that, or spend the money on something that offers a little more protection than the prior. But I think you have a very good list there and will be happy with it.. I can especially attest to the pants and jacket.

Jacket - Tourmaster Transition 3 - Automatic rain gear for you. Very nice and warm with the liner in it. Take the liner out and I was comfortable (though wet back) all the way up to about 95. Above 95, open the back, waist, check and shoulder vents and I have been comfortable up to the hottest I have ridden this year (heat index 113) again with a wet back though but I think that will happen no matter what in those temps). Lots of storage with internal pockets for phone and music player or wallet. 600D with I think 1680D in impact areas. Shoulder vents if you open them, just make sure you pull down and snap the bottom of the vent and have back vent open, helps prevent the shoulders from "lifting" at high speed.

HT Air Overpants. - have the liner in and you have the pants part of your rain gear or on slightly colder days as a extra wind block. Get yourself some knee pads that strap onto the knee. Knee pads in these and other pants do not stay in place enough to trust them in an off. They are good when in riding position, but would be too prone to move on you if you go off.

FYI: the pant side zipper attachment doesnt work unless you buy same brand gear. My jackets and pants zipper on the reverse side of eachother.

 

[MNGreg]

on a side note, you check out bikebandit.com at all?

check return policies carefully with buying helmet online. (especially clearance/closeout - if happening)

Revzilla has good return policies and you can get zillabucks.

Bikebandit you get bandit bucks, but if you are part of AMA you can use your member # and get 10% off your purchase (some exclusions apply - like if items are already on sale). But when signingup for AMA, they used to give a Bikebandit gift card that you could use also, and AMA you can get roadside assistance, where as AAA will cost more for a MC. Then if sign up for Bikebandit podium club you can get free shipping and 1 yr theft/crash damage protection on the items w/ a police report.

Good luck with the purchases.. Will feel like Christmas in August for you!

 

[oldtouring b]

You did good.

It is one thing to ask for advice. A much bigger thing to actually listen!!

Good luck with your new gear..

 

[buzzbomb]

So I'm going tomorrow to look at new gear at some stores in Kansas City. These are my online picks, which I'll probably be buying if I can't find anything better at the stores. Tell me what everyone thinks.

Icon Compound Mesh Long Gloves - RevZilla

TCX S-Sportour Boot - Competition Accessories

FirstGear HT Air Overpants - 2011 :: MotorcycleGear.com

Tour Master Transition 3 Jacket - RevZilla

Scorpion EXO-1000 - Solids offered by PowerSports4Less

I'll be comparing the safety features and pricing of these to what I find at the stores, so let me know opinions.

That's good looking stuff. I would also recommend you consider perforated boots. The TCX boots have a "breathable lining" but that's not the same. I've got a set of these:

BILT Street Gear - Trackstar Leather Motorcycle Boots - Cycle Gear

and they breathe really well, but my feet still sometimes get pretty hot. I don't know how bad unperforated would be. Still, those are some nice choices and congrats on choosing to gear up!