Where to buy helmet, jacket, pants, boots for starter?

[Nim]

Hi All

Hope I have the right forum for this.

Had a learners motorcycle licence for about 15 years now without really using it and now I'm wanting a bike and kit for commuting from North Shore to Papakura for work. The bike will probably be a Honda VTR250 or Hyosung GT250, heaps of information on here for it.

I also need the safety gear though and a couple of place I checked out in Barry's Pt Road Takapuna had hemlt/jacket/pants/boots/gloves packages for $600-$800. Anyone have any useful information for the right gear at a good price?

Cheers
N

[Kiwi Graham]

I think for choice, quality and in your case convienience Cycletreads on Barry's Point Road is a good bet.
There is also our very own Quasi here if you want to travel too.

[cs363]

There's plenty of variety within the shops on Barrys Point Road, I doubt you need to go any further. Plus you can try it all on before buying, thereby saving any possible/probable hassle with mail order etc.

Remember, you are talking safety gear here as well as protection from the elements, and you are planning on using this at a minimum of twice a day every day.
Don't skimp on the essentials - you'll regret it if you do. Also, make sure if you're buying gear that is advertised as waterproof that the shop will back that up if it leaks. There is waterproof gear and then theres gear that doesn't let water in..... :D

[Tryhard]

http://www.1tonne.co.nz/

[Nim]

Hey guys, thanks for the input, was pretty surprised to have so many helpful replies overnight!

That 1tonne site looks really good (especially the sun visor'd helmets) but without experience in knowing sizes and correct materials I think I'll try my shopping at Barry's Pt.

[Tryhard]

Hi m8. I have no affiliation with 1tonne. But I found them realy good. If stuff doesnt fit you can exchange or return. I purchased a helmet online (not from 1tonne)- however you need to research, just because a helmet looks good doesnt mean it is safe. If I can find the web site I'll post a link.
It's like a test site for helmets. Some of the cheaper ones are safer than the more named brands.
I used to ride mountain bikes so I looked in the inside of my bike helmet for size. You can also measure the circ. of your head just above your eyebrows. A helmet does have to fit properly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sil3nt]

You are probably thinking of http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

Don't buy a helmet based solely on that website. I would personally avoid 1 or 2 star helmets but the most important thing is the fit. Those stars really don't mean shit.

[p.dath]

Can I (rudely) suggest you come along to some free NASS sessions? They are a lot of fun.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/wiki/North_Auckland_Street_Skills

[Nim]

So far as the helmet goes, my understanding is it's all to do with the fit in which case I'll probably grab one from a shop the first time round


Can I (rudely) suggest you come along to some free NASS sessions? They are a lot of fun.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/wiki/Nort..._Street_Skills

Hey thanks for the suggestion, I already scoped this one out and it sounds like a great idea especially since I plan to sit the restricted pretty soon after getting a bike. There's a handy looking VTR250 on trademe that I'd like to go check out but need to get at least a helmet before I do so:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=269906571

[one fast tl1ooo]

Good luck finding some gear.. :):):)

[p.dath]

Hey thanks for the suggestion, I already scoped this one out and it sounds like a great idea especially since I plan to sit the restricted pretty soon after getting a bike. There's a handy looking VTR250 on trademe that I'd like to go check out but need to get at least a helmet before I do so:


BRONZ also do a really good course (so I've been told) at Whenuapai Airforce Base:
http://www.rrrs.org.nz/
Only costs $50. They'll tell you all about how to legally lane split as well. I'm going to the course on the 21st of March.

The dates for this year are not on the web site yet, but here they are:
2010: 17 Jan 2010 21 Mar 2010 18 Apr 2010 16 May 2010 20 Jun 2010 18 Jul 2010 15 Aug 2010 19 Sep 2010 17 Oct 2010 21 Nov 2010
2011: 16 Jan 2010 20 Mar 2011 17 Apr 2011 15 May 2011 19 Jun 2011 17 Jul 2011 21 Aug 2011 18 Sep 2011 16 Oct 2011 20 Nov 2011

[allycatz]

Can I suggest you go try the gear on in shops and then jump on TM and search the brand names of the gear you like. I've picked up over $2000 gear (new price) for around $500, from people that didnt like riding or sold their bikes. Gear has been in as new condition too

[JimO]

get a new helmet and buy the rest off trade me

[Insanity_rules]

Anyone have any useful information for the right gear at a good price?

Shop around but don't get too hung up on price. Find gear that fits well and is comfortable for you

[Ratti]

Consider buying fluro yellow vest and waterproof overpants if you're commuting in all weather. water proofing on gear does not last that long and trust me...a wet crotch causes all sorts of problems. You really don't want to go there.

[Nim]

2 hours now for the pre inspection of the new bike (vtr250) at cycletreads. Comes with a LS2 delta helmet too so that's covered. I've ordered all the rest of the gear (boots, glaves, jacket pants) from 1Tonne and so I'll give some feedback once I've given it a good run.

THanks for the help and recommendations, I'm looking forward to getting out there.

[Nim]

Just as a follow up, all my gear arrived from 1tonne overnight and luckily it all fits well. I bought:

Cordura Abbs Jacket
Razer leather gloves
Cordura sports pants
Touring boots

Without kowing any better it all seems to be well made and looks good. Can't vouch for anything more right now than it's hot as buggery even with all the liners removed.