Beginner's first suit/gloves?

[Dragunov-21]

I've been searching, but haven't found any threads that specifically answer my question...

I'm a complete rookie looking to get a bike in about six months, I wanna play it safe (relatively lol) - starting with a 250 sports bike of some kind (in part so that I don't look stupid in full gear).

I was wondering exactly what was necessary for someone who's gonna be only on the streets, sticking pretty close to the speed limits (ie max speed 90kph (~60mph), with usual speeds around 50kph (35mph).

Good quality FF helmet (prolly Shoei/Arai/KBC/Scorpion/Nolan), decent boots with rigid ankles, but what about gloves and body protection?

For someone like me, riding pretty cautiously, is this sort of thing neccessary, or would it be overkill?

2PC MOTORCYCLE LEATHER RACING SUIT w/ ARMOR BLACK: Boltmen_Leather_Suit-Black Armored Motorcycle Jacket & Other Motorcycle Gear

Also wondering about gloves, and whether carbon fibre or similar knuckle armour is recommended or just for higher speeds.

Sorry if I come off as a bit of a dumbass, but I've got ZERO experience in pretty much anything related to riding, am not loaded with cash (solid colour helmet with reflective decals for me, I think), and just want to make the right decision right off the mark

[Roadie1951]

I've had two crashes since I started riding in the 1970's and I was going less than 35 miles per hour both times! 55 stitches in my right forearm/elbow and severe roadrash on my right knee in the first crash, dislocated left shoulder in the second. First crash I was wearing a bluejean jacket and jeans, second crash I had on a leather jacket and leather chaps.

So, you decide if you need leather or not.

[Dragunov-21]

I know I need protection of some kind, just wondering whether light armour would be help or wasted cash...

[trikebubble]

While leather offers the best protection, it can be a bit of a pita to wear sometimes, especially(is this even a word?) in the heat.

Maybe you could look at a textile jacket and pants. They both offer some protection and are available with padding. The last thing you want is to spend a whack of cash on a wicked set of leathers, then not be bothered to wear them to go get milk at the cornerstore because they are a hassle to put on.
Get a good textile jacket, and possibly pants too for your everyday riding. and eventually when you decide to step up your riding style look at some decent leathers.

[82LTD750]

A good pair of leather gloves would be a plus. The big heavey ones with all the armor is probly not nessasary but it is what you feel comfortable with. Still warm weather in Texas but the mornings and evenings are starting to get cool so we are starting to see the leathers come out. I am still using fingerless gloves. You don't want to get a rock or big bug hitting your nuckles.

[soc_monki]

i would at least get some textile gear...at the moment i have an Icon Arc jacket and the Arc overpants. the jacket is textile, with leather on the shoulders and arms (good compromise i think), and of course armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back. the pants have aramid (kevlar) in the knees and hips, as well as some padding and knee protection. i took out the knee stuff though, and prefer to wear my MX knee guards. strap in place and stay put.
plus, having overpants is great for going to work, or to a friends house, or whatever. just take them off when you get there so you dont have to walk around in your riding gear all the time!

gloves...get something with leather in them. carbon fiber i dont think is necessary. i have Icon Tarmac 2.0 gloves...comfy, and protect well. ive had lots of bugs and various types of debris hit my hands, and hardly feel a thing!

boots...im still looking there. my work shoes are working for now...steel toe/metatarsal guards, full leather, stiff around the ankles, no slip sole. pretty much a riding boot LOL

helmet...again i got an Icon. Mainframe Hooligan. comfy, plenty of venting, easy to take off the visor and clean it.

you dont need leather...it does protect the best, but getting some decent textile gear is MUCH better than a tshirt and jeans. but, as it is ive got a Teknic Chicane jacket (leather) on the way. its good to have options

[gpzrocker]

Ok, I have thought about it, and I have my opinion figured out.

Yes to jacket, gloves, boots, helmet. Get gear that feels right the first time: snug but not too tight or floppy loose. When you try on the right set, you will know.

1)A helmet that fits right: I tried on like 20 different brands, and the one that fits me best? The cheapest. Still has the ratings, but just not the cool factor on the name.

2) Gloves: I have thin and thick -- even in the 90+ heat, I favor the thick.

3) Boots (or shoes): Man, there are a lot of options out there, again fit is important. And comfort is a close second.

4) I Like the idea of the MX kneepads: I have armored pants, but don't go all of that way every day I ride. Overpants are great.

Another thing (for me at least) is light colors: they are cooler. I had a black Icon jacket and thought I would die at summer stop lights. Got a green one, made all of the difference in the world.

Remember fit is key: 99% of the name brand gear today is very similar in crashworthyness.

[Dragunov-21]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

Now time for a stupid newb question... Leather chaps - They go on the *outside* of your jeans/pants/whatever, right?

Not that I'd get them, given that I want full protection+kneecap armour, but just for my own info lol.

And yes, I realise just how stupid that question sounds

[soc_monki]

Originally Posted by gpzrocker

Another thing (for me at least) is light colors: they are cooler.

light colors are also more visible! i have a green bike, and my jacket, gloves, and helmet are all green (pants are black). friends have told me they can see me coming a mile away because of all the bright colors. so it fits with the theme of the bike (Kawi Green) as well as being very visible. and yes, light colors are cooler. same principle as a black car and a white car...the white car is going to be cooler inside on a hot day because the black car is going to absorb the heat, while the white will reflect it.

itll still be hot, but a few degrees here and there can really make a difference!

as for chaps...i dunno. people wear them but id go for full pants personally. the chaps leave a very important part of your lower body uncovered. and if that gets damaged you will be very uncomfortable sitting down for some time

[gpzrocker]

Pssst: chaps don't look right on sport bikes. Actually, they only look right on old people on cruisers.

And I am an old person, I am allowed to say that.

[skewterdewd]

Honestly, as a new rider in a leather one-zie, you could expect oh, I would guess, something only slightly less than constant mockery.

Skins are great for the track and high-speed travel thru the countryside, but probably a bit much for the commute to your local burger shack. And in the heat of summer...= mis-er-a-ble.

Check out your options in both fiber and leather pants/jackets. More versatile, (some are true 3-season jackets) and many will zip together if that's your desire.

Nothing says you can't wear a leather jacket and fiber pants either..

Gear that fits is the key.
You are smart to be researching this stuff. Someday you'll be glad you did!

[medic03]

Originally Posted by Dragunov-21

.. Leather chaps - They go on the *outside* of your jeans/pants/whatever, right?

Yes they do but as others have said don't get them if you are riding a sport bike. Look into A good jacket and some riding pants. I went through the same thing about buying a 2 piece leather suit. I like it but only wore it twice due to the heat and it is a pain to put it on for commuting. Will wear it more now since the temp is dropping a bit.

[Dragunov-21]

Sweet, so as far as mesh/fibre/kevlar goes, any good value (cost relative to performance) brands to look for? (Icon and... any others?)

@soc_monki: Kudos, I always wanted a green ninja and matching green/black gear, saw a guy with both on zinging (yuh, it's a real word now lol) up the highway, and just thought ... Yeah, was pretty pleased lol...

[soc_monki]

i like my Icon stuff...ive got a Teknic Chicane jacket coming today. its leather but they have textile stuff as well.

you can go to newenough.com and check out their inventory. lots of good stuff, and some for very cheap (my Chicane is a $300 jacket...got it for 150!) lots of good deals to be had, just gotta look around a bit but if you order online without trying on first, make sure the place has a good return policy!

Drag...i get teased all the time by friends. they call me the "green power ranger" when they see me all geared up LOL i just need to get one of those tinted faceshields...then ill look more the part!

[Roadie1951]

Olympiamotosports.com. Excellent quality textile.