Where do you buy your gear?

[NormZ]

I'm looking to buy riding gear, specifically a perforated leather jacket. I would like to buy from a local retail store so that I can see the product in person, check the fit, etc. However, I've checked nearly every motorcycle store here (Wichita KS) and have found very limited selections. There are numerous sites on the internet that have what I want, but I'm reluctant to purchase without being able to inspect the quality and try it on.

Where do you all buy your riding gear? Are there more choices available in a larger city? Is there a "mega" store somewhere that maybe I could arrange to visit on vacation?

[trikebubble]

The 2006 Bike Shows are making their rounds right now. Maybe one is making a stop close to you. Their would likely be at least a few accessory dealers at the Bike Show.

[cudaosix]

Long as the online store your buying from has a return policy, you could always send it back for a different size or refund. Just check for a restocking fee and you'll have to pay for the extra shipping. I've bought from newenough.com a few times and their great to deal with. Not really the best way to go about it but at least an option.

[hot_shoe_cv]

There tons of good stores to buy riding gear but for leather, I wouldn't think of going any place but Fox Creek Leather They use only the best quality and their customer support is excellent. Free shipping and guaranteed for life against defects. I have many of their products from gloves to chaps...all are soft as butter and made in USA in Virginia.

[tomdenise]

I've bought everything I own from Cycle Gear. But I do have a local store (couple of them actually) and I used to work there.

I prefer to try stuff on too, but they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee... it should be no problem to return anything you aren't satisfied with. They even take back helmets (conditions apply).

[RGJ]

I just look at all web sites that sell gear and find the best price. There are a lot of good deals out there. You just gotta look for them.

[ervins]

I go to www.ema-usa.com . They are local to me in Pleasanton, CA area...Best to call them and they will give you a killer deal...Example. $500 Suomy helmet for $400...You can't beat that. Check it out. Nice guys as well. Used to go to this shop that charged list on everything until I saw EMA at Two Wheel Tuner magazine...Now I am hooked and can buy goodies and save money to buy more goodies, and did I say more goodies? GL

[Ken]

www.newenough.com & www.motoemporium.com & local dealer

[sourdough]

I have a Firstgear perf. jacket that I bought used. I had a seam come loose and called them. They repaired it and shipped it back to me with no charge in about a week. I thought that was nice that they would stand behind thier product even when I wasn't the original purchaser!
For your info, a perf. jacket is good to about 85F. I bought one of those vests that you soak in water before wearing and that made a big difference.
MCR for Oct. 2003 has a good article on buying a leather jacket. Which reminds me, I better renew my subscription.
Good Luck, Jim

[junior]

There's a place 200 miles up the road from you in KC. They have great prices and i've bought several items from them the past couple months, boots, jacket, goggles, and a helmet. I'm 2500 miles away from them but I'll keep buying from them because the service is a lot better then what I get from our local shop.
E-mail me if you want the site, not sure if I can post it.

[zedx11]

this site you can pick the colors you want and basicaly build your own suit.
http://www.tigerangel.com/frontpage.html

[accord_guy]

Also try motorcycle-superstore.com. They close-out items at great
prices. Any order over $100 is shipped free of charge. I've ordered
jackets and helmets and have been quite pleased.

[ksrider]

I buy at www.powersports4less.com and a local dealer. Generally find lower prices on the web, than thru the local dealer.

[tux259]

Anyone have any experience with Ridegear.com? I was thinking of using them for purchasing my gear.

[Wolf Lover]

tux259 - I purchased all my equipment for riding my quad there. I would recommended them. Got some great deals on helmets & clothing.

[Ricer64]

I buy my helmets locally, so far at only one place, because they have the best selection and I want to be able to wear a helmet before I pay for it. I suppose you could check one out and get the right sizing locally and buy it online.

I have a lightweight Fieldsheer perf jacket I bought from http://www.brocktoncycle.com . I just measured myself to their sizing chart and ordered the size it said to get. It fit perfectly and it's a great jacket that I got for a fair low price. (This jacket was recommended by folks here.)

I just ordered a Cortech jacket from http://www.compacc.com to replace a Joe Rocket jacket I purchased locally that doesn't suit me. I had actually tried the Cortech jacket on locally, but I didn't like their price so I found it $40.00 cheaper online.

You can do a web search for a type of jacket you're looking for and when you have several prices decide whether you want to buy for less or pay more locally. Sometimes it's worth paying more because you build up a friendship with your local dealer. Sometimes they just go too far with their prices. They have to have some wiggle room to be able to offer their bike customers a discount.

Good luck,

Al