$$$ Gear $$$

[Jonesingfor650r]

So as some of you may know I do not yet have a bike so I'm trying to get everything in order before I actually buy it. If you don't know (most of you) I am in High School and my parents are against me getting a motorcycle, I'm buying one when I graduate because I had already planned on leaving for college anyways. After shopping around I've noticed some helmets that cost $400 that don't seem to be much different than the $70 Kawi helmets (speaking of which are the cheapo kawasaki helmets worth buying? they are supposedly SNELL & DOT approved).

ANYWAYS, so i looked up a Scorpion EXO helmet and it is supposedly the best you can get, but I know a lot of people who use HJC, any thoughts? Also, as far as jackets go, what would be good for 95 degree weather? I know an Alpinestars leather jacket is good for winter but I'm more worried about staying cool. I want to be safe during the summer and that includes staying cool. I know Joe Rocket is supposed to be good too. Anything cheap AND good? or no? lol.

[trikebubble]

Fit is very important (crucial actually) when considering a helmet. A $700 Aria will do you no good if it does not fit properly. I have a $200-odd dollar Icon and my wife uses a $600 Shoei. The difference in comfort and quietness is remarkable, but both will protect you noggin' equally well assuming you find one that fits properly. Any decent name brand helmet, for that matter, will do the job as long as it fits right.

As far as jackets go, I use a convertible style textile jacket. it has armour everywhere, and has layers that can be removed or added for hot, or cold, or wet weather. Most companies make jackets like this, and it seems Joe Rocket is among the most popular.

[Bubba68CS]

With helmets, the difference in cost is usually features...not protection.

My Shoei is a MUCH nicer helmet than my HJC...but I'd put money they would both perform about the same in a crash. For your first, get a nice cheap helmet that fits right...don't worry about the Arai, Shoei, Suomy, AGV, etc unless you just cannot find a cheap helmet that fits right (Arai in particular has at least 3 different head shapes available in their lineup...some people just have odd head shapes that require expensive helmets).

For jackets, I agree with Trike, get a textile. I wear leather that does well up into the 90's (if I'm moving), but its a very expensive jacket...and its not waterproof (have to cover it when it rains). A textile will be more versatile, and will be cheaper.

[Jonesingfor650r]

Great info thanks alot both of you. Everyone on this site is so friendly, On my old car site people were pretty bitter

[48Rob]

Look for bargains at the online stores.

I've bought some very nice gear for 75%+ off the retail price.

Here is a link to a pretty nice reasonably armored mesh jacket for $59.00

Vanson Vent Max 3 Mesh Motorcycle Jacket :: New Enough, LTD

[CTRider]

I have an HJC CL-15.

I tried the Scorpions and found they felt a bit "cheap" compared to the HJC. For one thing, the breath guard wouldn't stay put. There wer also fewer catches for the shield, namely none to hold the shield open just a sliver to vent a little more on a cold, foggy morning.

The HJC was about the same price, so I went with that and I'm pretty happy with it. Prior to that I wore a Shoei that was quieter, but not much more so to warrant the extra couple hundred bucks for it.

As far as jackets, anything in a textile by Fieldsheer or Tourmaster will work well. They're relatively inexpensive and offer a good deal of venting. I believe the Fieldsheer stuff tends to run slightly small, so try it on first.

[rbentnail]

IMHO, since it seems you are new to this, DO NOT buy anything online! Fit is so important when looking for gear. You need to spend more time worrying about finding someone who will actually help you find what you need rather than taking a salesman's word for it. It's called a mentor. Again, just MHO, but there are just too many people out there who have a real talent for seeing eager young newbies (read impressionable, naive, gullible, sucker) coming from a mile away. It's why they're in sales- they're good at it.

Just my $.02.

[Jonesingfor650r]

Originally Posted by rbentnail

IMHO, since it seems you are new to this, DO NOT buy anything online! Fit is so important when looking for gear. You need to spend more time worrying about finding someone who will actually help you find what you need rather than taking a salesman's word for it. It's called a mentor. Again, just MHO, but there are just too many people out there who have a real talent for seeing eager young newbies (read impressionable, naive, gullible, sucker) coming from a mile away. It's why they're in sales- they're good at it.

Just my $.02.

Your 2 cents are worth a thousand. I have a couple motorcycle friends up in Atlanta who have been helping me out. They were the ones who pointed me towards the Kawasaki 650r to start with.

[Kawasaki Noobie]

I also am looking for a riding jacket. I want one that will be cooler on the hotter days, but has a lot of protection (Im one of those "hot shot punk kids," on a ninja. I was barely going 25 in a parking lot with my dad helping me with some quick stops and drills). I really want somthing breathable and sturdy. I dont want to go with a textile or polyester anything. Either 1000D cordura or kevlar.

Sorry for the hijacking, but I think we are in the same boat here

[RocketPunch]

Originally Posted by Jonesingfor650r

Your 2 cents are worth a thousand. I have a couple motorcycle friends up in Atlanta who have been helping me out. They were the ones who pointed me towards the Kawasaki 650r to start with.

I buy ALL my gear online including my 1pc track leather, never have a problem with fit. Unless you have some super odd proportion like 6'5" and weight 150lbs or 5'6" and weight 300lbs, you will not have issue find good fitting gear.

Start with a 250 unless you weight 250lbs+, ride it for a year and then upgrade.

[2thdr]

If you end up getting a Scorpion EXO helmet, I recommend you spend a little extra and get the 700 model over the 400. The shell is a better fiberglass/composite that is superior to the 400's polycarbonate shell. A good, cheap, cool summer jacket is the Scorpion Cool Rod...it has CE armour and has a zip out wind proof liner that doesn't feel like wearing a plastic bag under the jacket. Leather jacket for cooler weather...there's nothing better for abrasion resistance, but get one with armour in it.

My 2 cents is, if you are new to riding that you might do well to heed the advice from RocketPunch. Start of with a late model, used Ninja 250...develop your riding skills for a year and then buy the bike you want. There's nothing worse than getting that beautiful new bike and then dumping it...and don't think you won't...most do. And above all, ride safe and have fun!

[V2K_CCTX]

check out scropion mesh jackets too, mine keep ALL my skin on and no broken bones when i ate asphalt for 120 ft at 40 mph....

[V2K_CCTX]

And make suer you have a set of riding boots with NON-slip soles

[Jonesingfor650r]

Originally Posted by V2K_CCTX

And make suer you have a set of riding boots with NON-slip soles

Really? I wasn't even planning on getting boots, nobody seems to mention them for being of any protective value.

[Bubba68CS]

People do talk about their protective value...but not as much as helmets or jackets. You'll want boots of some kind.

Motorcycle Boots Product Guide - Motorcycle Boot Guide - Motorcycle USA

[2thdr]

Originally Posted by Jonesingfor650r

Really? I wasn't even planning on getting boots, nobody seems to mention them for being of any protective value.

Only if you want to keep your feet man. Boots are very important IMO. For something comfortable for riding and walking I don't think you can beat the ICON Superduty 3's. I love mine...

[gpzrocker]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

As far as jackets go, I use a convertible style textile jacket. it has armour everywhere, and has layers that can be removed or added for hot, or cold, or wet weather. Most companies make jackets like this, and it seems Joe Rocket is among the most popular.

I have a Tourmaster Flex 2 coming in tomorrow for exactly this reason. For an ATL person, this could be the only jacket you need year round, or one like it, as was mentioned.

And boots, essential along with gloves. When you fall, you throw your hands out, so for me palm is critical. Cool armor on top is not, although I do have that. Icon in my opinion makes great gloves.

Boots: I fear for my ankes, and the shifter pad on them is a shoe saver. Although I own the Sidis and a pair of Prexports, next time I will probably go for the military style jump boots that I used to wear.

Best "gear", though? Motorcycle Safety Foundation class. Hands down.

[Jonesingfor650r]

Hey this will sound yet more nooby of me, but for boots do you just slide your shoes into them or take shoes off and wear them like you would any other shoe?

Much appreciated once again guys, I love this site haha.

[Bubba68CS]

Originally Posted by Jonesingfor650r

Hey this will sound yet more nooby of me, but for boots do you just slide your shoes into them or take shoes off and wear them like you would any other shoe?

Much appreciated once again guys, I love this site haha.

You'd have to get some awfully big boots!

Wear them like any other shoe. If you plan to commute, you'll either need to change shoes when you get where you're going, or buy boots that are appropriate for the environment you'll be in (ie if you're in an office, they'd better look nice) and are comfortable to walk in.

[northernman]

Walmart is the place, flipflops $4, shorts $ 8, t shirt $ 6, and then all you need is $400 Oakley sunglasses, and you are ready to roll.

Ride safely.