New to riding & unsure about bike gear

[rhiannonc]

Hi all,

So I am new to riding, and am wanting to know what sort of gear is required. At the moment just riding on the back of my man's bike, but eventually will get my own.

As we are heading into winter, rain proof gear is probably more practical.

Any advice with regards to leather vs textile, best places to buy, and what the essentials are would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Str8 Jacket]

Whatever you do, do not use the search function to find that this subject has been covered a million times over......

[steve_t]

Welcome to KB :scooter:

I'm gonna recommend leathers plus a rain suit you can wear over the top.
For leathers, come see Bret here in Hamiltron. His site is www.qmoto.co.nz
He can do custom stuff and quality is top notch :niceone:

If you do decide to get textile gear, make sure it's 600D at least or genuine 'Cordura'.

Merino wool base layers are fantastic for winter.

There's been quite a few threads previously so spend a bit of time with the "search" function before you spend your hard earned.

Also, this place is a bit crazy so take everything you read with a grain of salt :shutup:

:drinkup::drinkup::drinkup:

[MSTRS]

Many, but not all, cordura suits are rainproof. One of these is probably your best bet at this stage. Along with a good helmet, decent gloves and preferably motorcycle-specific boots

[Quasievil]

$500 will get you a set off Qmoto leathers at this time, that plus a rain suit and your covered for all seasons in the safest way possible !

[MSTRS]

$500 will get you a set off Qmoto leathers at this time, that plus a rain suit and your covered for all seasons in the safest way possible !

Good deal. And he/they are right...leathers offer better overall crash protection. With a one-piece rainsuit over the top on those wet rides...:niceone:

[Biggles08]

Hi all,

So I am new to riding, and am wanting to know what sort of gear is required. At the moment just riding on the back of my man's bike, but eventually will get my own.

As we are heading into winter, rain proof gear is probably more practical.

Any advice with regards to leather vs textile, best places to buy, and what the essentials are would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

www.qmoto.co.nz (http://www.qmoto.co.nz) all the way! Good gear to crash in :woohoo:

[wysper]

Hi all,

So I am new to riding, and am wanting to know what sort of gear is required.

Ok, I am going to go a little against the grain here.
I have a full leather 2 piece suit from Q moto.
I have textiles.
I am a grumpy old bastard who doesn't ride fast - never did, never could.

I would go for textiles.
My requirements in gear are now
Comfortable
Dry
Warm/cool - depending on season
Safe

My experience with leather is it is hot in summer and cold in winter.
It is not water proof.
It may be great to crash in, I wouldn't know, haven't crashed on the road in 20+ years riding.

For me, I want to be comfortable, I don't care if I don't look like a badass biker.
If you are comfortable, warm and dry you have that much more attention to focus on your situational awareness.

So I am selling my leathers and investing in some good textiles.

Still word on the street is leather is better for when you bin then textiles.
So it is really up to you what is most important for you.

(and just to be a hypocrite - there will always be a leather jacket in my wardrobe)

[Hitcher]

Don't buy a one-piece rainsuit. I predict that at some point in a journey wearing one, you'll require a comfort stop. Even a Shewee(TM) won't help.

[superman]

I'm gonna recommend leathers plus a rain suit you can wear over the top.

Merino wool base layers are fantastic for winter.

There's been quite a few threads previously so spend a bit of time with the "search" function before you spend your hard earned.

I'm guessing you have full leathers Steve? I'm finding I'm getting a bit chilly as the non-winter Auckland winter sets in. So what did you get to fend off the wet and cold? Looking around at the moment and haven't really found anything too appetizing. But I will have a look at some merino base layers as you say.

[MSTRS]

Don't buy a one-piece rainsuit.

If you want to stay dry, you will.
The other sort of wet is a different matter...

[Quasievil]

Don't buy a one-piece rainsuit. I predict that at some point in a journey wearing one, you'll require a comfort stop. Even a Shewee(TM) won't help.

Bollocks, good ones zip down way below your fly, get a diagonal zip one also easier to get in and out off.

[Quasievil]

My experience with leather is it is hot in summer

Impossible, Textiles are Waterproofed from an inside layer Ressia or Hipora which resembles a plastic Bag, it would be impossible for that to be cooler in summer.
( Im not talking about Goretex here but normal textiles or what is often called Cordura, note Cordura is not often used authentically in textiles but it is indicated as the material used by many fraudulently very often)

If you then refer to venting, yes you get airflow to cool with these, BUT where air goes water goes (even with the ZIP shut) which negates the bennifit of the garments attributes in the first place i.e water resistance (as opposed to water proof, as they aren't)

For Warmth there are bucket loads of thermal products on the market, most Jackets also come with respectable thermal liners also, these with a good neck warmer and gloves you are as toasty as you can be on a motorcycle.

Leather with a one piece over suit will keep you dryer and safer than textiles ever will, that people is a fact.

[steve_t]

I'm guessing you have full leathers Steve? I'm finding I'm getting a bit chilly as the non-winter Auckland winter sets in. So what did you get to fend off the wet and cold? Looking around at the moment and haven't really found anything too appetizing. But I will have a look at some merino base layers as you say.

I only live around the corner from work so I don't get a chance to get cold, except for my frickin fingers. Winter gloves are next on the list :yes:

[Hitcher]

Bollocks, good ones zip down way below your fly, get a diagonal zip one also easier to get in and out off.

I've got a Revit, worn only once, that does just that. I'll post it to you.

[Maha]

My rain suit is brilliant. Just and absolute arse to get on and off while in your leathers.
Try sitting down and taking a piss (women only, Men= dump) with a rain suit and leathers on...the hardest thing ever. You are best to take it completely off and once again, thats a real bastard.
They are warm and do the job but fuck, what a mission.
My new jacket is the best ever...Revit leather/Textile ...the best of both worlds.
I also have a wool lined oil skin vest that goes over the top on the jacket, cant beat that system really, warm and dry.

[superman]

I only live around the corner from work so I don't get a chance to get cold, except for my frickin fingers. Winter gloves are next on the list :yes:

Damn the 40 minute journey! :angry:

[wysper]

Impossible

Look Quasi, this is part of the reason I almost didn't post my opinion. I didn't want to get into a fight about your product. Or a fight about cordura, it has been done to death.

I am also not looking for waterproof during summer riding. There are mesh options out there I would consider to help keep me cool that still have good abrasion resistance in the contact areas. I didn't make that clear in my original comment.

In my opinion and experience - I have never been truly warm wearing leather in the middle of winter, even with layers underneath. And given how close fitting my current Qmoto gear is there is not much room to put stuff under it.

I am not attacking you or your gear or leather. I am just stating my opinion. We all have different opinions. No need to tell me what I have found to be true for me is impossible. Because it is not. It is true for me.

[steve_t]

I'm keen to know if anyone's binned in mesh. I'm getting a perf'd leather jacket for next summer. The mesh though touted to be abrasion resistant just doesn't look like it should be. Happy to be told otherwise though.

Also mesh has err... connotations :shutup::innocent:

<img src=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KiqkO5wuUZ0/TD9xN4vXONI/AAAAAAAAB90/HuhMtQIP0XY/s320/mesh.jpg>

[Rocket]

I just bought some sweet gear from sportbiketrackgear.com

They seem to be always bustin out good sales.. here's their youtube channel , follow it for weekly specials and closeout sales. http://www.youtube.com/user/Sportbiketrackgear

[Quasievil]

Look Quasi, this is part of the reason I almost didn't post my opinion. I didn't want to get into a fight about your product. Or a fight about cordura, it has been done to death.

Settle petal no one if fighting bro:innocent:
Cordura hasnt really been done to death, if it had been the bikers would be asking those dodgy bastards to sell them genuine product, as long as they aint I will occasionally voice, and believe me there is shitloads of it being sold as Cordura when in fact it isnt.


In my opinion and experience - I have never been truly warm wearing leather in the middle of winter, even with layers underneath. And given how close fitting my current Qmoto gear is there is not much room to put stuff under it.

Dude we can all have our opinions and I have know problems you having one, who am I to say you cant eh ?
Fact id tho Textile use a plastic membrane to keep the water out, plastic bag wearing in summer will never be cooler than leather.


I am not attacking you or your gear or leather. I am just stating my opinion. We all have different opinions. No need to tell me what I have found to be true for me is impossible. Because it is not. It is true for me.

mmmm well you ride a Harley to so we will leave it at that eh :done:

[wysper]

Also mesh has err... connotations :shutup::innocent:



LOL, just certain areas have mesh, particularly on the chest (oh god, that is still going to be trouble) just to give airflow.

Man, I might as well just keep digging :facepalm:




mmmm well you ride a Harley to so we will leave it at that eh :done:

Good point... as long as I have tassels on I am fully dressed for the Harley! :scooter:

[Geeen]

Wysper, That Harley is affecting you in strange ways..............






:blink::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Hitcher]

I'm keen to know if anyone's binned in mesh

[Sticks hand up] The mesh ground to a point where I had to replace the jacket (did the damage on a Boxing Day having got the jacket for a present the day before) but all of the armour remained in place and did its job nicely, apart from the snapped right scapula. Second jacket proved invaluable on our tour to the USA and Canada, where on some days the temperatures got well into the high 40s. I've still got it, but in summer conditions here I generally prefer to wear my QMoto.

[Mom]

Don't buy a one-piece rainsuit. I predict that at some point in a journey wearing one, you'll require a comfort stop. Even a Shewee(TM) won't help.

I have once gone without a toilet stop, in the pouring rain, for such a long time (6 hours +) that when we eventually stopped for the night I could not pee. I had to be assisted out of my root, it had somehow fused itself to the wet codura it was covering.

Roots are all well and good, but impossible to get out of in a hurry if you have to. I am also going to recommend the plastic pants and leggings over what ever gear you can afford.

I favour textiles for warmth and wet weather protection.

[\m/]

This is why I have a 2 piece rainsuit, 1 piece rainsuits are an absolute motherfucker to get in and out of.

[Urano]

Any advice with regards to leather vs textile, best places to buy, and what the essentials are would be greatly appreciated!


halvarssons safety.
simply at this date it's the only one certified.
then you couple it with what you like best.



Whatever you do, do not use the search function to find that this subject has been covered a million times over......

point.

[wysper]

I had to be assisted out of my root

Roots are all well and good, but impossible to get out of in a hurry

KB classic comments right there Mom, well done!

[ckai]

My experience with leather is it is hot in summer and cold in winter.
It is not water proof.


Agree partly. My leather is heaps cooler in the summer than my Text. If you stop though they're both as bad as each other.

As for winter, yeah I feel slightly cooler in leather. Only very slightly.

In your defense mate, you'd look like a right too with the type of leather kit you have on your tractor. And you can easily put your chaps over top of you text pants so you don't feel completely left out :bleh:


I'm keen to know if anyone's binned in mesh. I'm getting a perf'd leather jacket for next summer. The mesh though touted to be abrasion resistant just doesn't look like it should be. Happy to be told otherwise though.

Also mesh has err... connotations :shutup::innocent:
>

Perf jackets are bloody brilliant in summer. There's no way in hell I would go any other way. It's like having air-con.

[R-Soul]

Fact id tho Textile use a plastic membrane to keep the water out, plastic bag wearing in summer will never be cooler than leather.



There is that aspect, of it being windproof, just like leather, but also leathers are just thicker (in terms of millimeters) and more thermally insulative than a thin textile. And the textile jackets have removable liners.

[Mom]

KB classic comments right there Mom, well done!

Thank you kind sir :sunny: There are a few of my comments around the place. Jafar has a real beauty in his signature :yes:

The root is a bit of a story, but no doubt one day we will meet and you can ask, though you may already know someone who knows the story.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Leather with a one piece over suit will keep you dryer and safer than textiles ever will, that people is a fact.

I think thats probably right. but its still a pain in the arse. wearing one piece leathers road riding is a pain in the arse in my experience. Fine when you're actually riding but horrible pretty much everywhere else. horrible to walk in, horrible to sit in a cafe in, usually no place to put a freakin' wallet even. Plus whenever I wear my one piece road riding, it encourages me to ride like a fuckwit.

Two piece leather suit, and two piece light rain over suit is the answer I reckon, but the essence of the gear question is compromise: how much safety or perceived safety are you prepared to compromise for convenience?

getting back to the OP's original point, whatever she buys will likely be better than what she's wearing now.

How many times have we seen (or been) fuckwits riding with full kit on, proper boots and gloves and stuff, and perched on the pillion pad is some poor girl in an ill fitting helmet (probably his "spare" one) a ski jacket, skintight jeans, no gloves and high fucking heels?

That to me is appalling.

[HenryDorsetCase]

This is why I have a 2 piece rainsuit, 1 piece rainsuits are an absolute motherfucker to get in and out of.

the only one I've ever seen that looks reasonable is http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-suits/roadcrafter/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit.html[/url] one. step one leg in, zip from ankle to shoulder, done.

not cheap but.

Ive still got in the cupboard of "stuff I may never use but dont want to throw away because it cost good money and isnt that what your dad fought in the war for" one of those Line 7 suits from the early 80's. a one piece PVC overall, with zips up the back of the shoulders. Idea was no cold front because the zip is out of the windblast.

except you have to be a freakin' contortionist to get the zips done up, and the velcro flaps in place.

and you sweat like a sweaty person in it.

[Chancebmx25]

go to cycletreads!

[mazz1972]

This is why I have a 2 piece rainsuit, 1 piece rainsuits are an absolute motherfucker to get in and out of.

My two piece wet weather stuff is not good on my cruiser because of the way the air is deflected around the windshield. Last time it rained, I put the overpants on, bike jacket over the top and then overjacket over that. Two hours later I had a toilet stop and found the rainwater had been forced up the outside of my overpants and under my bike jacket - my t shirt and the inside of my jacket was sopping wet. I would have been drier if I'd not bothered with the wet weather gear!

Not interested in a one piece suit, would take too long to get off if the need to pee was urgent! I'll just suck it up and get wet :cool:

[wysper]

Not interested in a one piece suit, would take too long to get off if the need to pee was urgent! I'll just suck it up and get wet :cool:

It is actually surprising how quickly you can get one of those suits on and off.
Especially if you get one that zips quite a long way down diagonally.