Recommended gear for starting out?

[dynamite9585]

Girly and I are getting our class 6's sortly and looking at our first bikes.
with the first purchase comes all the required kit (helmet Ect)

being we are both students and budget is a factor, whar kit do you suggest we get off the bat?

we know not to go cheap on the helmets (a $500 helmet is worth every cent you paid for it 1 sec before you hit the black top)

but the $100 boots, gloves $200 jackets pants ect. are they really worth the investment for people starting out or do they become more of a "i want to be a little more comfortable" item down the track?

[Suntoucher]

For me, I picked up a set of Fox knee and elbow pads(pretty sure they're MX), fit nicely under any clothing and are effective, while not being overly expensive.

Also recommend back armour of some description.

All armour is worth the investment, especially when starting out, but I can personally relate to not being fully protected due to budget constraints.

Don't fall off?

[imdying]

If you ignore fashion and are a bit canny (with your money), stout gear is quite cheap. Get some cow, might as well have something that'll take the scrapes whilst you're in the phase that you're most likely to fall off during (even if that's just forgetting to put your feet down when you stop or something equally daft).

[dynamite9585]

Don't fall off?


well thats the plan......
i have seen enough MX gear on trademe to outfit a small afircan nation.
but didn't think MX stuff would be much use for road riding.

PS. one other thing we need to do is come up with an affordable bike to bike communication system.
suggestions? i'm fairly handy with a soldering iron so making up a couple of cables isn't an issue, just need a place to start.

[The Pastor]

Girly and I are getting our class 6's sortly and looking at our first bikes.
with the first purchase comes all the required kit (helmet Ect)

being we are both students and budget is a factor, whar kit do you suggest we get off the bat?

we know not to go cheap on the helmets (a $500 helmet is worth every cent you paid for it 1 sec before you hit the black top)

but the $100 boots, gloves $200 jackets pants ect. are they really worth the investment for people starting out or do they become more of a "i want to be a little more comfortable" item down the track?

1st gear works for well for me when ever i start out on a bike trip.

[p.dath]

I'm assuming you are going to be mostly road riding.

Check out my guide on motorcycle helmets. You probably don't need to start out with a $500 helmet.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1562-Choosing-a-Motorcycle-Helmet
A $130 4 or 5 star SHARP helmet can be just as good as a $500 4 or 5 star rated SHARP helmet. Their is no relationship between helmet safety and cost.

Next, try to get a balance of all over protection, including boots, pants, jacket and gloves. Blowing all your money on just one area like a jacket would be a mistake.

Check out the ACC "Ride For Ever" web site for a good guide on what to look for specifically in motorcycle gear.
http://www.rideforever.co.nz/gear/

[phill-k]

This would be one of the most contentious questions on here. Personally after all the research I undertook when getting back into motorbikes some of the big name brands big ticket prices don't necessarily mean any better protection. From my own experience all my gear came from 1tonne (great prices, great product, he's a member here and has a webstore) except my helmet which I needed to fit locally.

good luck and remember you don't need to buy top name brands, especially where there is a standard for the product.

[ital916]

A $130 4 or 5 star SHARP helmet can be just as good as a $500 4 or 5 star rated SHARP helmet. Their is no relationship between helmet safety and cost.

http://www.rideforever.co.nz/gear/

Can being the operative word but in reality a $130 dollar helmet rarely comes close to the more top ends ones, as for the sharp ratings...I dont trust em. A top of the line 300 quid racing designed arai having a lower rating than a budget 30 quid lid...don't think so mate. I would like to know their testing procedures, the experiments, control tests, methods, results (inlcuding outliers) etc.

As for there being no relationship between cost and safety. I would not be so quick to say that. Yes, all helmets for sale meet the safety standards required of them but you will find the more expensive helmets exceed these standards, they do not aim to merely meet them.

As for all customers I fit out. I recommend, if you have the coin go with a better brand like shoei, arai. If for the simple reason, they last longer, have better parts support, better ventilation, usually come equipped with anti fog measures specifically designed for the helmet, have better build quality and additional safety features etc etc.

I'd say mate, if you are getting into it, for the first year of your riding, ride with all the gear. This is the time in which you will make most of the learning mistakes (IF you make any, it is not a when). What you want to focus on is three things - PROTECTION, WARMTH, WATERPROOFING. Looking cool can come later when you have more experience and can make INFORMED descions from that experience to branch out gear wise.

The more comfortable you are on the bike, the better your skills will develop.

A good textile jacket + pant + boots + gloves combo will cost maybe 400-500 bucks. A good helmet usually starts around $200 for entry level ones all the way to $1500 or more. Your head, your choice, do the research. I recommend personally shoei xr1100s but that all depends on if they fit your head. Everyone has a different head shape, dont go off measurements alone eh.

If you want any more info on gear, feel free to ring me at motomail on our 0800 number. Im happy to kick tyres and give you a run through the massive amount of gear in the industry.

Dont be afraid to shop around for the best deal or save up coin a bit longer. It will pay off. We at motomail do a full kit deal for 500-600 which is pretty quality, only the helmet is really entry level the rest of the kit is decent.

[p.dath]

Can being the operative word but in reality a $130 dollar helmet rarely comes close to the more top ends ones, as for the sharp ratings...I dont trust em. A top of the line 300 quid racing designed arai having a lower rating than a budget 30 quid lid...don't think so mate. I would like to know their testing procedures, the experiments, control tests, methods, results (inlcuding outliers) etc.

Read their web site - it's reasonably clearly stated.
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/content/sharp-testing

And I guess I have to put this question to you - why do you think your $1000 helmet is any safer? Just because it cost you more? Even though there is no test or standard that it has been subjected to where it got a better score than a $130 helmet?

I'll say it again. Most $1,000 helmets are no safer than most $130 helmets for street use.

Helmets designed for the track are quite different because of the impact speed - you you often have to accept a higher energy transfer into the brain - which the cheaper helmets designed for street use often don't suffer.


As for there being no relationship between cost and safety. I would not be so quick to say that. Yes, all helmets for sale meet the safety standards required of them but you will find the more expensive helmets exceed these standards, they do not aim to merely meet them.

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I 100% disagree with you. Take a read of my BLOG article on the different types of helmets, and then tell me what you think:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1562-Choosing-a-Motorcycle-Helmet

[ital916]

Read their web site - it's reasonably clearly stated.
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/content/sharp-testing



I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I 100% disagree with you. Take a read of my BLOG article on the different types of helmets, and then tell me what you think:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1562-Choosing-a-Motorcycle-Helmet

Oh, my apologies on the sharp thing. They have updated the website since I last went. I will read with great interest. I find it how as an engineer, I find test reports interesting.

Edit: My faith in the sharp system has now grown after having read the information. Thank you for the link p.dath. I am however still a little annoyed at no figures being published, I find it odd.

[Milts]

I agree completely that a $200 helmet can be just as safe as some of the $500 ones. I wouldn't go overboard on a helmet, but check the reviews of whichever one you do buy. The links posted above are very comprehensive.

As for gear, good boots and gloves are worth the money. Don't go for the cheapest glove in the store/online; you will notice the difference. Ask yourself what conditions you'll mostly be riding in, and take that into consideration. If you can only afford one pair of gloves, perhaps buy a light(ish) weight pair and a pair of thermal undergloves rather than buying only summer gloves and freezing in winter, or winter gloves and having icky sweaty hands all summer. Same with boots, but make SURE they are waterproof and well armored. I would expect to pay a minimum of $600 for gloves, boots, jacket and pants if you want a decent set.

There is an ongoing debate on this site with codura vs leather. It seems that codura isn't as durable when you slide along the ground, but provides more comfort and waterproofing (unless you get expensive, fitted leather). Some also argue that the armor in codura can move about and will not protect you as completely in a crash. However, many people still use codura particularly for commuting + touring.

Go to a few of your local bike shops, and ask them if they can cut you a deal on a full set head-to-toe gear. You may get an even better deal if you also buy your bike through them, I don't know if you're planning to get a bike 2nd hand or new, private or shop sale... but something to think about.

You can get some very good deals on gear online but you will also to some extent get what you pay for, and cheaper gear will not last as long or protect you as well in a crash. Read reviews of any item you buy beforehand. I personally bought the jacket I use most online for $140 and while it's not bad, it probably won't last a whole lot longer and I do notice some quality issues. Same with the cheaper gloves I got. Sidenote - avoid gloves with a 'floating' thermal liner. They are a right bitch to get on and off if your hands are even slightly damp.

TLDR - go to a bike shop, get a bulk deal if you can, get the full lot. Oh and check out the threads on bluetooth bike to bike comms in the 'online trading' section if you're after something like that. The search function is your friend!

[sil3nt]

What sort of bike and what sort of riding?

Sports bike with weekend riding and trackdays - Leathers
Commuting and casual riding - Textiles

I use Textiles as i just commute and go for the odd casual ride. www.1tonne.co.nz have good affordable gear.

I plan on getting leathers for when i upgrade to a sports bike and hit the track every now and then. Leather for driving 40kph through town seems silly to me.

[ital916]

Read their web site - it's reasonably clearly stated.
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/content/sharp-testing

And I guess I have to put this question to you - why do you think your $1000 helmet is any safer? Just because it cost you more? Even though there is no test or standard that it has been subjected to where it got a better score than a $130 helmet?

I'll say it again. Most $1,000 helmets are no safer than most $130 helmets for street use.

Helmets designed for the track are quite different because of the impact speed - you you often have to accept a higher energy transfer into the brain - which the cheaper helmets designed for street use often don't suffer.



I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I 100% disagree with you. Take a read of my BLOG article on the different types of helmets, and then tell me what you think:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/entry.php/1562-Choosing-a-Motorcycle-Helmet

No I do not think it is safer because it cost me more. If you read me post again I say the cheaper helmets may be as good but usually not. This is because price is related most of the time to time spent in materials, design and testing.

For example the resons I think the shoei xr1100 helmet is a better choice than say an rjays gp2 helmet. Both of which we stock is that the xr1100 has the dual eps liner, providing better impact absorption which the rjays doesnt, the xr1100 is lighter, better designed aerodynamically etc. I also stated the more expensive helmets have better ventilation, removable and washable liners, more parts availabilty, a longer lifetimes becuase of this. Better construction quality. So I accept that a lot of money is spent on non safety added features.

What you are forgetting is comfort is an important aspect of safety, a product of greater cost is usually more comfort features. A beginner starting with a shoei I assure you will be better off in the future than with an rjays.

As for high speed, low speed impacts. I canot see the logic in an argument stating entry level helmets are not designed for or are expected to be designed for high speed impacts?

[Quasievil]

Girly and I are getting our class 6's sortly and looking at our first bikes.
with the first purchase comes all the required kit (helmet Ect)

being we are both students and budget is a factor, whar kit do you suggest we get off the bat?

we know not to go cheap on the helmets (a $500 helmet is worth every cent you paid for it 1 sec before you hit the black top)

but the $100 boots, gloves $200 jackets pants ect. are they really worth the investment for people starting out or do they become more of a "i want to be a little more comfortable" item down the track?

Maybe come and see us, I can tell you all about all the stuff you need to know, Im in HamiltonI can also show you a few products including 5 star helmets, we have a bunch of gear here at good prices and also some sellout gear, should be able to sort you out well within budget.

Anytime is ok also.

[p.dath]

As for high speed, low speed impacts. I canot see the logic in an argument stating entry level helmets are not designed for or are expected to be designed for high speed impacts?

Helmets are made from different materials, and those different materials entry transfer characteristics vary with speed.

For example, plastic shell helmets tend to absorb a lot of energy because they flex but fracture more easily. So having an accident at 200km/h in a plastic shell helmet could be very bad. But at 50km/h you may be much better off than a helmet that has minimal flex at that speed.

However a fibreglass helmet is very hard, but transfers a lot more energy towards the brain. However a fibreglass helmet is not likely to fracture in a 200km/h off. However at 50km/h it will transfer far more energy towards your brain.

Yes, you still have the inner liner, but that is there to try and absorb the excess energy that the outer shell was not able to disperse. The more energy you can disperse in the outer shell the better.

[p.dath]

For example the resons I think the shoei xr1100 helmet is a better choice than say an rjays gp2 helmet. Both of which we stock is that the xr1100 has the dual eps liner, providing better impact absorption which the rjays doesnt

But how do you know the shoei offers better impact absorption? Because the brochure says so?

If you don't know the actual energy absorption of the combined package then you are taking your best guess.

I just checked, and the SHOEI web site says the xr100 is made to the SNELL 2005 standard. Did you know the SNELL 2005 standards sets the maximum energy transfer to 300g? Did you know that death occurs at 300g?
So this helmet is made to a standard that limits the impact absorption to the point that you will die.

That's great.

The SHOEI has dual EPS liners. What's the total liner thickness compared to the RJ's? Two thin liners could be worse than one thick liner. I don't know these two helmets specifications. So the SHOEI could well be better.

But the thing is you just can't tell by reading a brochure that is designed to entice you to buy the product.


That's why using an indepent comparitive test like SHARP is good. You can *compare* the helmet scores, and see how they actually compared relative to each other - as opposed to relying on advertising brochures.

[Quasievil]

But how do you know the shoei offers better impact absorption? Because the brochure says so?

If you don't know the actual energy absorption of the combined package then you are taking your best guess.

I just checked, and the SHOEI web site says the xr100 is mande to the SNELL 2005 standard. Did you know the SNELL 2005 standards sets the maximum energy transfer to 300g? Did you know that death occurs at 300g?
So this helmet is made to a standard that limits the impact absorption to the point that you will die.

That's great.

The SHOEI has dual EPS liners. What's the total liner thickness compared to the RJ's? Two thin liners could be worse than one thick liner. I don't know these two helmets specifications. So the SHOEI could well be better.

But the thing is you just can't tell by reading a brochure that is designed to entice you to buy the product.


That's why using an indepent comparitive test like SHARP is good. You can *compare* the helmet scores, and see how they actually compared relative to each other - as opposed to relying on advertising brochures.


WOW that is interesting !!
got some links to the death at 300 comment ?

[Hitcher]

Do not skimp on boots. Get boots that have really good ankle support in addition to oil-resistant soles. Save money on the Goretex if you like wet or sweaty feet, but not on fit or quality of construction.

Never ride with uncovered skin or skin covered in a fabric that will abrade in a nanosecond of coming into contact with terra firma. Despite views to the contrary, Draggin Jeans do not vaporise if one rubs one's thighs together to brusquely.

[IdunBrokdItAgin]

If you haven't bought a bike yet then the best time to buy gear is when buying a bike from a dealer. Haggle away and negotiate a discount on a full set of cheap cordura riding gear (and other items).

Most bike dealers have a new rider deal where they sell you a learner legal bike and offer discount on a full set of gear - others dealers give you a discount card which will give you discount on any further purchases.

If not buying from a dealer then the full gear set discount (like the one at motomail) is also a good option. However, if you can always try gear on first to make sure that you have got the sizing right and it isn't uncomfortable to ride in - especially with helmets.

Ignore all the leather this and leather that - cordura is the most sensible and practical option for a new rider. Buy leathers in the future when you know exactly what you want from your gear. I personally started with a set of cordura, then added draggin jeans and have recently added a set of leathers - but this was over time.

One final bit of advice is to stay away from the too good to be true cheap no-name imports on trademe. Go with known brands (teknic, spidi, dri-rider etc are all sensibly priced brand names).

[p.dath]

WOW that is interesting !!
got some links to the death at 300 comment ?

I quote this link in my BLOG on the subject:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.html

Injuries are rated on the AIS scale. A score of 6 means death. 300g of energy to the head gives you an AIS of 6.

275g (ECE 22-05) gives you an AIS of 5 - which is survivable but can leave you with a serious head injury.

Personally, I think anything more than 200g is a bit risky, which gives an AIS of 4.

[IdunBrokdItAgin]

Link to ride forever website gives basic idea of what to look for when choosing your gear:

http://www.rideforever.co.nz/gear/choosing-the-right-gear/

Hope this helps. Lots of expense getting into riding at first but it is worth it.

[jasonzc]

1 tonne seems like a good choice.. good boots and gloves is a must. Helmet wise
i suggest HJC IS16. Good reviews all round.

best of luck!

OH.. .DONT BUY STRADA

[st00ji]

theres lots of debate about helmets, but the truth is if you try on a $200 something followed by a $700 shoei or similar, you will want the shoei.

[skinman]

You cant feel how safe or not your helmet is when riding but you will feel the shortcomings of the cheap helmet (fogging, weight, shaking at speed), the stuff I really hate about my current helmet & why I want a new one.

[pc220]

Well fuck me I wish I had an unlimited budget like some of you lot seem to have. Yes the $700 Shoei is better than a $150 HJC, Yes a $1500 two piece leather suit is better than $120 a piece textiles. But come on, this thread was started by a noob that just wants to buy a bike and some gear and ride.
My advice to a complete novice. Go for those $500-$600 packages on offer at some stores.It will get you out on the road in realative safety. Then in time you will get a feel for what you want out of your gear and be able to make those big ticket purchases with confidence.

[hellokitty]

a cool thing I noticed at Motomail, is the frame that you can sit on (and pretend you are on a bike) which gives a good idea how the gear fits while in a riding position - makes it obvious where the gaps will be in your pants etc.

[st00ji]

Well fuck me I wish I had an unlimited budget like some of you lot seem to have. Yes the $700 Shoei is better than a $150 HJC, Yes a $1500 two piece leather suit is better than $120 a piece textiles. But come on, this thread was started by a noob that just wants to buy a bike and some gear and ride.
My advice to a complete novice. Go for those $500-$600 packages on offer at some stores.It will get you out on the road in realative safety. Then in time you will get a feel for what you want out of your gear and be able to make those big ticket purchases with confidence.

i certainly dont have an unlimited budget. i made the cheap choices when i first started riding, and im regretting it now as i upgrade most of my stuff to better (and more expensive) options. i had no idea how much of a difference it would make, having had no experience on a bike i figured most anything would do. (same kind of approach to buying my regular clothes, hah)

though your point about getting a feel for what you want is a valid one

[hellokitty]

I wish I had an unlimited budget to spend as well...........
but, when I was learning to ride, I jumped on the back of my Dad's bike so he could show me some stuff, we were doing 80km on an open road and I suddenly thought oh crap! There I was wearing a pair of jeans and a hoodie - yes I had gloves and a helmet, but if I came off, I would lose a lot of skin.
I have full sleeve tattoos that took years to complete and when you add the $$ up it works out to be thousands of dollars. Apart from hurting really bad, I would lose all that effort and money spent on tattoos - so to me, a jacket worth $800 plus with thick leather and full armour is well worth the money - yeah I couldn't afford it but I used the credit card - and I came off at slow speed once and it saved me from a lot of pain and mess.

just my humble opinion :mellow:

[Jonno.]

Don't get a starter pack because normally they have a cheap and nasty helmet.

Have a look http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ there's several well priced 4 star helmets.
I think Shark is really underrated for their price/graphics/ratings ($200+).

But again fit is very important. Try a helmet on multiple times on different days and make sure it fits.

[pc220]

I wish I had an unlimited budget to spend as well...........
but, when I was learning to ride, I jumped on the back of my Dad's bike so he could show me some stuff, we were doing 80km on an open road and I suddenly thought oh crap! There I was wearing a pair of jeans and a hoodie - yes I had gloves and a helmet, but if I came off, I would lose a lot of skin.
I have full sleeve tattoos that took years to complete and when you add the $$ up it works out to be thousands of dollars. Apart from hurting really bad, I would lose all that effort and money spent on tattoos - so to me, a jacket worth $800 plus with thick leather and full armour is well worth the money - yeah I couldn't afford it but I used the credit card - and I came off at slow speed once and it saved me from a lot of pain and mess.

just my humble opinion :mellow:

There is no doubting the value of good gear. But if $800 was the only avaliable funds you had to purchase a full kit, how comfortable would you feel wearing only a jacket ?. I know I would prefer to be covered head to toe. Cheap gear will at least offer more protection than no gear.
I cant use my credit card, the Mrs took it off me.:shit:

[Quasievil]

There is no doubting the value of good gear. But if $800 was the only avaliable funds you had to purchase a full kit, how comfortable would you feel wearing only a jacket ?. I know I would prefer to be covered head to toe. Cheap gear will at least offer more protection than no gear.
I cant use my credit card, the Mrs took it off me.:shit:

Bro I got some samples etc here happy to help you out for some gear at low prices.

[Blinkwing]

I wish I had an unlimited budget to spend as well...........
but, when I was learning to ride, I jumped on the back of my Dad's bike so he could show me some stuff, we were doing 80km on an open road and I suddenly thought oh crap! There I was wearing a pair of jeans and a hoodie - yes I had gloves and a helmet, but if I came off, I would lose a lot of skin.
I have full sleeve tattoos that took years to complete and when you add the $$ up it works out to be thousands of dollars. Apart from hurting really bad, I would lose all that effort and money spent on tattoos - so to me, a jacket worth $800 plus with thick leather and full armour is well worth the money - yeah I couldn't afford it but I used the credit card - and I came off at slow speed once and it saved me from a lot of pain and mess.

just my humble opinion :mellow:

Just got my first tattoo done (8 hours worth) and there's no bloody way I'd want to lose all that.

[hellokitty]

There is no doubting the value of good gear. But if $800 was the only avaliable funds you had to purchase a full kit, how comfortable would you feel wearing only a jacket ?. I know I would prefer to be covered head to toe. Cheap gear will at least offer more protection than no gear.
I cant use my credit card, the Mrs took it off me.:shit:

Yes, you are right - I bought all my gear when I was rich and single and had a big limit on my credit card........
now I am married and poor...... probably because I insisted on getting the husband all the gear as well

[hellokitty]

Just got my first tattoo done (8 hours worth) and there's no bloody way I'd want to lose all that.

I have done about over 80 hours - have a full back, full sleeves, stomach and lower legs..........
:shutup: holy crap!! scary when you add it all up

[Grumpy]

Lot's of good advice here. Just remember, no matter how much you spend on a helmet, it ain't worth shit if it doesn't fit properly. Buy off someone who knows helmets and how they should fit.
Welcome to the fold my friend. Motorcycling is a wonderful thing. Enjoy.

[Genie]

It's always comes down to money doesn't it? What I buggar.

When I started I threw all caution into the wind re: money and bought Revit Gear, didnt' care about the price so much as I care about my own personal protection. Wanted to be prtoected as much as I could be though I still need to purchase a back brace thingy....

You got one life, really look after yourself as much as you can...only takes one slow speed smash and you could be left with no skin or no life!

Have fun out there and stay safe.....those roads can really hurt!

[dynamite9585]

there is alot of good advice in this thread, and thanks for it.
we are off to boyds today to get the gear, lots of good feedback on here about them. and the sales guy we spoke to was great! i'm sure we willl be well kitted by lunch time.

[st00ji]

I have done about over 80 hours - have a full back, full sleeves, stomach and lower legs..........
:shutup: holy crap!! scary when you add it all up

post up some pics i reckon! :yes:

[CHOPPA]

Shoei is the best, all the tests put up false results because otherwise Shoei would have a monopoly over the market they are that good!

Very much the same can be said about Teknic leathers and Alpinestar boots

[pc220]

there is alot of good advice in this thread, and thanks for it.
we are off to boyds today to get the gear, lots of good feedback on here about them. and the sales guy we spoke to was great! i'm sure we willl be well kitted by lunch time.

So ,fill us in how did you get on at Boyds ?

[dynamite9585]

So ,fill us in how did you get on at Boyds ?

UNDER BUDGET!!!!!!
2 full sets!
have LS2 Helmets, Leoshi jacket and pants (free pants), boots and gloves.

the lady that helped us was fantastic!!! she kept inmind our budget the whole way thru and told us what we were looking for in a good fitting peice of kit. her "eye ball sizing" was either bang on or only one size off.

the pants were free because of an apprent fault with the water proofing (doesn't work we were told) but we had them on in the rain trying to get the CBR going and came in with dry legs when we gave up an hour or 2 later, the true test will be the first wet ride.

[pc220]

UNDER BUDGET!!!!!!
2 full sets!
have LS2 Helmets, Leoshi jacket and pants (free pants), boots and gloves.

the lady that helped us was fantastic!!! she kept inmind our budget the whole way thru and told us what we were looking for in a good fitting peice of kit. her "eye ball sizing" was either bang on or only one size off.

the pants were free because of an apprent fault with the water proofing (doesn't work we were told) but we had them on in the rain trying to get the CBR going and came in with dry legs when we gave up an hour or 2 later, the true test will be the first wet ride.

Good stuff. And another thumbs up for boyds by all accounts:Punk:

[dynamite9585]

pricks are going to cost me a fortune in the long run.

FlyingGirl had a fault with her boots, one fit fine and the other wasn't right, she sait it crushed her foot, so we took them back on the way to ripco to get her some spark plugs.

while in there asked about spark plugs and they undercut repco in price, then sold her on new oil and filter (thank god! the old stuff was FILTHY).

what we expected to be a straight swap in the boots turned into another $160 (i think) on the card.

and whats worse is i have to go down there for an hour on monday while i get her bike a brake cert...... better leave the cards at home.

[pc220]

Yip good service only encourages you to part with your $$$$. Sneaky buggers.

[Metastable]

Looks like you got your gear already, so this might be a tad late... however just as an info for anyone else.

Aside from head trauma, serious injuries (ie hospital time) will generally occur from the feet up. So if you are on a budget, get a helmet that fits right, then go for the best boots, pants, then jacket last.... make sure you get gloves too. That's not just me saying my opinion, that is from previous studies related to motorcycle crashes.

As for a helmet, the major impact zone is the chin area, so pick what you want, but a full face is much safer than a beenie.

[BOMBER]

UNDER BUDGET!!!!!!
2 full sets!
have LS2 Helmets, Leoshi jacket and pants (free pants), boots and gloves.

the lady that helped us was fantastic!!! she kept inmind our budget the whole way thru and told us what we were looking for in a good fitting peice of kit. her "eye ball sizing" was either bang on or only one size off.

the pants were free because of an apprent fault with the water proofing (doesn't work we were told) but we had them on in the rain trying to get the CBR going and came in with dry legs when we gave up an hour or 2 later, the true test will be the first wet ride.

Sounds like ya brought a load of crap twice dude

[dynamite9585]

Sounds like ya brought a load of crap twice dude

i would love to get better gear, can i borrow your credit card?
didn't think so.