Motorcycle gear?
Alright so i always hear not to skimp on motorcycle gear cause it can save your life.. but is more expensive always better? or is alot of it more expensive just because of the brand? I have no clue what im supposed to be looking for so what do you think of these 2 jackets? are they both crap? or what cause they are both pretty dang cheap..
http://www.motodirect.com/servlet/Detail?no=157
and
http://www.motodirect.com/servlet/Detail?no=531
and what about these 2 helmets.. is it really worth the extra 100 and sum dollars to get the shoei one?
http://www.motodirect.com/servlet/Detail?no=703
http://www.motodirect.com/servlet/Detail?no=602
If someone could point me in the right direction as far as gear goes itd be greatly appreciated cause i want good quality stuff but i dont wanna pay $1500 to get it..
Expensive is not always better for your needs. Helmets like Shoei and Arai are expensive because of their ultra light weight. They make for good track and/or racing gear. HJC helmets are more than adequate for street duty. Also look into Scorpion and KBC. Be sure to try a helmet on before purchase. Finding something that is snug and comfortable is more important than the price tag.
Either of the jackets you linked to are fine. Again, I recommend trying them on before you buy them. A local bike dealership makes for a good place to try on gear even if you aren’t going to buy there.
Good luck, and don’t forget gloves!
Expensive is not always better for your needs. Helmets like Shoei and Arai are expensive because of their ultra light weight. They make for good track and/or racing gear. HJC helmets are more than adequate for street duty. Also look into Scorpion and KBC. Be sure to try a helmet on before purchase. Finding something that is snug and comfortable is more important than the price tag.
Either of the jackets you linked to are fine. Again, I recommend trying them on before you buy them. A local bike dealership makes for a good place to try on gear even if you aren’t going to buy there.
Good luck, and don’t forget gloves!
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MOTMOTT
except on short trips when it’s 80+ outside.
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The jackets don’t look too bad, but personally I would be hesitant to purchase it on line without finding one at dealership to try on first. I have found that the textile jackets with the armour inserts are somewhat restrictive and while they do allow the majority of movement need to properly ride, I was not comfortable just wearing the jacket.
Comparing the helmet descriptions, the Shoei helmet has more comfort features, while both helmets have the same safety features. But you should really try the helmet at a dealer before buying one on-line. The fit is different from one brand to another.
When determining what type of gear you will need, first determine what type of weather will you be riding in. Hot, cold, wet, etc. I like to find something that is versitle enough to take me from one extreme to another with maybe just adding an extra layer or removing the insulated liner. The new switchback jackets look interesting, but again certain brand-names can be costly.
Personally, I like my leather jacket. I have it waterproofed a couple times a year, it has a zip-out insulated liner and I purposely bought it one size bigger. This allows extra room for an additional fleece on those 40 degree mornings!!
And don’t forget about leg protection/warmth. Chaps are the best invention yet!!
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Here’s a good rule of thumb:
Budget $1000 for full gear; this means full face helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves, not just a helmet & jacket.
Shop around to as many places as you can and try everything on. Now buy what FITS THE BEST within your budget. Odds are you’ll have HUNDREDS of $$ left over from your original $1000 and still have a full kit of great gear, and you’ll be less likely to settle for crappy stuff just to save a buck or two. Trust me, it works!
As far as helmets go, it’s up to you. It shouldn’t have to be said that a $300 Shoei will be a far better helmet than an $80 Zox, but you don’t have to spend that much for a good helmet. HJC, KBC and Scorpion make fantastic helmets in the ~$200 range, and as long as it fits snug and comfortable you’re fine.
Gloves are another hard to fit item. If you have short, stubby hands, then Joe Rocket is fine. If you’re average, then Alpinestars fit pretty well. And if you have skinny hands and/or long fingers, Teknic and AGV Sport will fit better. (I wish I had known all this five years ago!)
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