Have I made some newbie mistakes?

[bosslady]

Went stupid this week and spent a fair bit (by my standards anyway) of cash money on bike gear. In my defence I did the best I could, I didn't have any friends to ask for help or advice, read descriptions with a passion and checked sizing over and over again... but I'm worried I've bought the wrong kind of stuff, panicking about the boots in particular cause the descrip says mx? Anyway thoughts appreciated, don't think I'll get the gear for another 2 or 3 weeks:

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-S-MX-5-Black/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-S-MX-5-Black-0001

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-Sigma-Drystar-Jacket/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-Sigma-Drystar-Jacket-0003

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-ST-5-Drystar-Pant/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-ST-5-Drystar-Pant-0002

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-SP-8-Women-Glove/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-SP-8-Women-Glove-0001

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/HJC-CS-14-Lola-Helmet/SubProducts/HJC-CS-14-Lola-Helmet-0001

[Madness]

Those boots aren't motocross boots. You've bought good gear, I just hope you've allowed for GST & stuff when it arrives at Customs.

[bosslady]

Those boots aren't motocross boots. You've bought good gear, I just hope you've allowed for GST & stuff when it arrives at Customs.

Thank freaking goodness, I felt like a tard asking but better safe than sorry. I've put aside a couple hundy in case I get stung, fingers crossed!

[BigAl]

All good stuff there, interesting why you decided to buy off shore when there is some good buys in dealers if you shop around.

[xXGIBBOXx]

Smx boots are nice , waterproof and feel good on and not too heavy ( would wear mine all day if i could ) they are lightier on than my steel caps

[bosslady]

All good stuff there, interesting why you decided to buy off shore when there is some good buys in dealers if you shop around.

Have been reading and it seemed to be the done thing. Also compared their pricing to pricing I've found on nz retailers and seemed quite cheaper. Boots for example... $213 give or take a bit for tax, shipping etc on that website, $460 or so in NZ..

Edited to add... also I don't have a heap of time to shop around inbetween long working hours and kids etc! :)

[bosslady]

Smx boots are nice , waterproof and feel good on and not too heavy ( would wear mine all day if i could ) they are lightier on than my steel caps

Sounds promising, my own steel caps are pretty light anyway though! ;)

[FJRider]

You will have the answer to your question when the gear arrives. <_<

And it ALL fits ... :sweatdrop

[carburator]

the jacket only comes with a foam protector in the back, so get a knox back protector to
go in the jacket, otherwise its all good gear and well priced..

its got CE rated in the elbows and shoulders that id change out later on

[bosslady]

You will have the answer to your question when the gear arrives. <_<

And it ALL fits ... :sweatdrop

Too right! I checked and re checked sizing, even watched YouTube videos on some of the gear and compared my height and weight to the models, fingers crossed still though!


the jacket only comes with a foam protector in the back, so get a knox back protector to
go in the jacket, otherwise its all good gear and well priced..

its got CE rated in the elbows and shoulders that id change out later on

Knox... back protector? Google is my friend I guess? What do you mean CE rated? And why would I change them?

[Tryhard]

Went stupid this week and spent a fair bit (by my standards anyway) of cash money on bike gear. In my defence I did the best I could, I didn't have any friends to ask for help or advice, read descriptions with a passion and checked sizing over and over again... but I'm worried I've bought the wrong kind of stuff, panicking about the boots in particular cause the descrip says mx? Anyway thoughts appreciated, don't think I'll get the gear for another 2 or 3 weeks:

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-S-MX-5-Black/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-S-MX-5-Black-0001

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-Sigma-Drystar-Jacket/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-Sigma-Drystar-Jacket-0003

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-ST-5-Drystar-Pant/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-ST-5-Drystar-Pant-0002

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-SP-8-Women-Glove/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-SP-8-Women-Glove-0001

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/HJC-CS-14-Lola-Helmet/SubProducts/HJC-CS-14-Lola-Helmet-0001

Nice looking gear. You should be easy to spot all pimped out on ya gn. Good choice on the boots

[bosslady]

Nice looking gear. You should be easy to spot all pimped out on ya gn. Good choice on the boots

haha yea, nice gear....... crappy learners bike lol

[Maha]

Awesome buying from a great website/company...where in NZ can you buy a Head to Toe newbie starter pack for $673.55?
Even if you are to to pay any GST (which you probably won't) you will still come out better off.
Print out your online receipt, you may at the very least be asked for that.

I bought a HJC helmet locally this week, it alone cost just less than your entire spend...$549.
After querying the difference in prices between the suppliers website and the dealer $598, the supplier sold it to me for $10 less than thier website price .

[BigAl]

Awesome buying from a great website/company...where in NZ can you buy a Head to Toe newbie starter pack for $673.55?

you do realise that the prices are in pounds Mark, the total is more like $1300 + freight.

For example I've picked up pretty good boots for $100, gloves for $70 and helmets for less than $200 not that long ago, local.

Not saying it isn't cheaper to buy abroad, just I'd like to support local stores if the cost is not too disparate.

[Maha]

you do realise that the prices are in pounds Mark, the total is more like $1300 + freight.

For example I've picked up pretty good boots for $100, gloves for $70 and helmets for less than $200 not that long ago, local.

Not saying it isn't cheaper to buy abroad, just I'd like to support local stores if the cost is not too disparate.

I stand corrected, you are absolutely right.
When I buy from FC Moto its in AU$...those boots are AU$198.39.
https://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-S-MX-5-Black/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-S-MX-5-Black-0001

Total purchase price is AU$791.14.
To buy my HJC Tapetop is $AU315.96, but I was happy to support local on that this time, ordered it 3.30pm one day and it was here by 9.30am the next day...brilliant service.

[FJRider]

Too right! I checked and re checked sizing, even watched YouTube videos on some of the gear and compared my height and weight to the models, fingers crossed still though!

You are aware that imports less than NZ$400 are not subject to GST .. ?? :yawn:

So expect the IRD to have their hand out for a contribution ... :yes:

Ordering in smaller parcels could have been even cheaper ...

[allycatz]

Have been reading and it seemed to be the done thing. Also compared their pricing to pricing I've found on nz retailers and seemed quite cheaper. Boots for example... $213 give or take a bit for tax, shipping etc on that website, $460 or so in NZ..

Edited to add... also I don't have a heap of time to shop around inbetween long working hours and kids etc! :)

Totally agree, my gear is worth several thousand but have managed to pick up some real bargains over time eg...Ixion jacket on a $1 reserve through a CHCH shop, I bought for $65 instead of $599

[bosslady]

you do realise that the prices are in pounds Mark, the total is more like $1300 + freight.

For example I've picked up pretty good boots for $100, gloves for $70 and helmets for less than $200 not that long ago, local.

Not saying it isn't cheaper to buy abroad, just I'd like to support local stores if the cost is not too disparate.

everything came to justtttttt under 1k incl. shipping but minus any possible tax :)

[wasiler]

Went stupid this week and spent a fair bit (by my standards anyway) of cash money on bike gear. In my defence I did the best I could, I didn't have any friends to ask for help or advice, read descriptions with a passion and checked sizing over and over again... but I'm worried I've bought the wrong kind of stuff, panicking about the boots in particular cause the descrip says mx? Anyway thoughts appreciated, don't think I'll get the gear for another 2 or 3 weeks:

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-S-MX-5-Black/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-S-MX-5-Black-0001

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-Sigma-Drystar-Jacket/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-Sigma-Drystar-Jacket-0003

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-ST-5-Drystar-Pant/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-ST-5-Drystar-Pant-0002

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/Alpinestars-Stella-SP-8-Women-Glove/SubProducts/Alpinestars-Stella-SP-8-Women-Glove-0001

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/10207048/Products/HJC-CS-14-Lola-Helmet/SubProducts/HJC-CS-14-Lola-Helmet-0001


All of this is good quality gear for really good prices. You did good. Next time you might want to break your order up so you don't get pinged on the GST ....IF they catch it. I won't buy a helmet online unless I test fit it first. That is the most important item IMO. You seem to have bought all upper end items then you spent the minimum on the helmet. Not saying it is a bad helmet....just make sure it fits properly.

Also, don't be surprised if some of your items are not in stock. I ordered a set of leathers from them over a month ago and their website said they were in stock and it still says that to this day. They never contacted me to tell me they were not in stock. I have contacted them several times and finally got an email that said it was to ship this last week. Funny thing is, I have not received a tracking number yet. I am starting to think they just told me that so I would stop harassing them. So, don't be surprised with the wait. It is worth it though. I would have paid twice as much here in NZ. I saved over 5 or 6 hundred dollars on that one purchase.

[bosslady]

All of this is good quality gear for really good prices. You did good. Next time you might want to break your order up so you don't get pinged on the GST ....IF they catch it. I won't buy a helmet online unless I test fit it first. That is the most important item IMO. You seem to have bought all upper end items then you spent the minimum on the helmet. Not saying it is a bad helmet....just make sure it fits properly.

Also, don't be surprised if some of your items are not in stock. I ordered a set of leathers from them over a month ago and their website said they were in stock and it still says that to this day. They never contacted me to tell me they were not in stock. I have contacted them several times and finally got an email that said it was to ship this last week. Funny thing is, I have not received a tracking number yet. I am starting to think they just told me that so I would stop harassing them. So, don't be surprised with the wait. It is worth it though. I would have paid twice as much here in NZ. I saved over 5 or 6 hundred dollars on that one purchase.

Wasn't trying to cheap on the helmet, just didn't understand, would have bought better if I'd understood. Only got the helmet cause I've seen lots of ppl wearing hjc and cause it's yellow. True story, women's logic eh. Same reason I bought alpinestars cause I heard/Have seen that it's popular so assumed it must be good. Hopefully I can get a better helmet eventually.... and before I REALLY need it!

[FJRider]

everything came to justtttttt under 1k incl. shipping but minus any possible tax :)

Don't forget ... import duties may be required to be paid as well ...

And only if the the stuff is in stock .... or even still being manufactured. In which case .. they'll just send the nearest to what you have ordered.

Maybe ...

[bosslady]

Don't forget ... import duties may be required to be paid as well ...

And only if the the stuff is in stock .... or even still being manufactured. In which case .. they'll just send the nearest to what you have ordered.

Maybe ...

that sucks... stay tuned I guess...

[GrayWolf]

HAVE I MADE A NEWBIE MISTAKE
]

Answer YES

you came and joined KiwiBiker :confused:

[BigAl]

Wasn't trying to cheap on the helmet, just didn't understand, would have bought better if I'd understood. Only got the helmet cause I've seen lots of ppl wearing hjc and cause it's yellow. True story, women's logic eh. Same reason I bought alpinestars cause I heard/Have seen that it's popular so assumed it must be good. Hopefully I can get a better helmet eventually.... and before I REALLY need it!

A helmets performance has nothing to do with price, fit and safety rating are the 2 factors one should concentrate on.

Check out ratings on this sitehttp://sharp.direct.gov.uk/.

[bosslady]

A helmets performance has nothing to do with price, fit and safety rating are the 2 factors one should concentrate on.

Check out ratings on this sitehttp://sharp.direct.gov.uk/.

Hey yes I saw that site albeit several days after I'd already bought it... think it had a rating of 3, so average I guess, pretty piss poor side protection.

[FJRider]

Hey yes I saw that site albeit several days after I'd already bought it... think it had a rating of 3, so average I guess, pretty piss poor side protection.

Few helmets are destroyed in an accident. Most have severe scratches or gouges ... and a few with minor scratches or less. Only posers buy on price ...

Comfort while you are wearing it is of more importance.

[catharsis]

OP: If you do end up changing your mind on any of your items then just give FC Moto a call around 10pm. They're super good about changing things up for you.
Check out my last couple of posts in the FC Moto thread.

[bosslady]

Few helmets are destroyed in an accident. Most have severe scratches or gouges ... and a few with minor scratches or less. Only posers buy on price ...

Comfort while you are wearing it is of more importance.

Can't wait to see if mine is ok then! p.s. I'm hopeless, I need all the protection I can get lol

[bosslady]

OP: If you do end up changing your mind on any of your items then just give FC Moto a call around 10pm. They're super good about changing things up for you.
Check out my last couple of posts in the FC Moto thread.

had a look, ta :yes:

[FJRider]

Can't wait to see if mine is ok then! p.s. I'm hopeless, I need all the protection I can get lol

I certainly hope your only problem with the helmet is "Helmet Hair" ... :blink: :shit: :facepalm:

[Marmoot]

red jacket, black pants, yellow helmet, pink gloves

WHAT GIVES?!?!?!?!?!

Yes that's a noob mistake. Every good road rider knows colour coordination is very important!

[bosslady]

I certainly hope your only problem with the helmet is "Helmet Hair" ... :blink: :shit: :facepalm:

Quite right, might not impress the hot biker boys I'm aiming to pick up ;)

[bosslady]

red jacket, black pants, yellow helmet, pink gloves

WHAT GIVES?!?!?!?!?!

Yes that's a noob mistake. Every good road rider knows colour coordination is very important!

Hahaha I may be a newbie but I am still a woman! Everything's black yo! Except thee helmet, yellow maybe help me to be seen!!

[GrayWolf]

Hahaha I may be a newbie but I am still a woman!!

Well 'bosslady' we will soon change that to a KB formed 'cynical bitch'... oh hang on, isnt that what a bosslady should be?

[bosslady]

Well 'bosslady' we will soon change that to a KB formed 'cynical bitch'... oh hang on, isnt that what a bosslady should be?

cynical? about riding in general or men? cause I got the latter down pat! anyway off topic, will update with the verdict when I get my gear... hopefully this side of Xmas!

[bosslady]

Hmm... little bit concerned.. placed my order on 26/11 and saw a big chunk of my credit card balance go, now all of a sudden it's back in my bank again and no knowledge in my statement of it having left for anything, or been put back for anything. WTFFFFF I just want my stuff!

[catharsis]

Just call them tonight and see what's up.
Use your work mobile phone like I did ;)

[bosslady]

Just call them tonight and see what's up.
Use your work mobile phone like I did ;)

Calls to the Middle East I could MAYBE get away with, Europe? No, hah

[catharsis]

One of the kids was playing with my phone!
At 11:54pm?
Yeah sure, why not?

[bosslady]

One of the kids was playing with my phone!
At 11:54pm?
Yeah sure, why not?

Hmmm blaming it on the kids, could always try that one! .... just joking. I'd have to figure out how to make international calls on my phone hmmm

[catharsis]

004924054950050

boom

[bosslady]

004924054950050

boom


don't I have to put a plus sign on the front?

[wasiler]

don't I have to put a plus sign on the front?

no plus sign is needed. I called them last week. The time difference is easy too. 12 hour difference so, when it is 8:00 (20:00) tonight, it is 8:00 , monday morning there.

Thanks Carharsis, I needed to call them too tonight and did not care to dig up how to call again. I need to call them about my leathers I order over a month ago that say they are STILL in stock on the website and was suppose to be delivered in 10-15 days only to find out they were not in stock when I called them a month later but, hey they inform me that my helmet was out of stock and would I like another helmet.... although I never ordered a helmet and thus, I contacted them by phone last week to ask where my order was and never got an answer over the phone however, I did get a response to an earlier email that my leathers were not in stock but they were to ship them last week which I have not as of yet received a tracking number....ahhhhh I feel much better now.

[bosslady]

no plus sign is needed. I called them last week. The time difference is easy too. 12 hour difference so, when it is 8:00 (20:00) tonight, it is 8:00 , monday morning there.

Thanks Carharsis, I needed to call them too tonight and did not care to dig up how to call again. I need to call them about my leathers I order over a month ago that say they are STILL in stock on the website and was suppose to be delivered in 10-15 days only to find out they were not in stock when I called them a month later but, hey they inform me that my helmet was out of stock and would I like another helmet.... although I never ordered a helmet and thus, I contacted them by phone last week to ask where my order was and never got an answer over the phone however, I did get a response to an earlier email that my leathers were not in stock but they were to ship them last week which I have not as of yet received a tracking number....ahhhhh I feel much better now.

I'll prob try and call tonight too, I have no gear so can't use my damn bike!

[bosslady]

Well it's ten..I've been on hold for 8mins 34 seconds and counting oh wait look at that they hung up on me... grrrr

[bosslady]

Right! helmet and pants are in stock but boots and gloves are not, expected to come this week or next, guess I should just wait? thoughts?

The jacket I got is the same in my link but I actually got it from riders discount cause fc moto didn't have the size and color I wanted, however they haven't bothered to respond to my email either... sigh.. I will never get on my bike at this rate hahaha

[catharsis]

What I did was order the more expensive stuff that I could wait for from FC and get my cheaper 'chuck on' waterproof commuter gear locally.
Still waiting on 2 items to come in stock.
FC....A little boy waits...........

[bosslady]

What I did was order the more expensive stuff that I could wait for from FC and get my cheaper 'chuck on' waterproof commuter gear locally.
Still waiting on 2 items to come in stock.
FC....A little boy waits...........
how long did u say you'd been waiting?

[catharsis]

I made the order on the 15th of Nov.
Just called them again just now because I got an email saying that the order had been shipped but the invoice was missing the boots and gloves. The guy said that they shipped everything they had in stock and will ship the two items as soon as they are in stock (about a week away). No extra shipping charge.

[bosslady]

I made the order on the 15th of Nov.
Just called them again just now because I got an email saying that the order had been shipped but the invoice was missing the boots and gloves. The guy said that they shipped everything they had in stock and will ship the two items as soon as they are in stock (about a week away). No extra shipping charge.

FFS, what do I need to do to get a reply to MY email? I sent them an email last night asking could they ship the helmet and the pants straight away and that if I had to, I would pay another shipping charge for when the gloves and the boots come in to get shipped to me. Guess another call tonight is in order??? Don't want to bother/piss people off but ya know.. reply to my freaken emails!

As for Riders Discount, no reply from them yet either. I see it's only about 1pm there on Monday. I'll give them the rest of the day before I start harrassing them...

[wasiler]

I made the order on the 15th of Nov.
Just called them again just now because I got an email saying that the order had been shipped but the invoice was missing the boots and gloves. The guy said that they shipped everything they had in stock and will ship the two items as soon as they are in stock (about a week away). No extra shipping charge.

Did they give you a tracking number?

[bosslady]

Maybe Riders Discount read this forum... cause they just sent me an email saying my jacket has been shipped, tee hee hee how exciting! (and no, I don't really think they read this forum)

[catharsis]

Yes they did give me a tracking number.
I will not bother emailing them again. I'm always up during the night at some point due to damn kids so calling is easier and far more effective than waiting for emails to get looked at.

[catharsis]

Mon, 03.12.2012 19:46 h Dorsten, Germany The international shipment has been processed in the parcel center of origin

:D

[bosslady]

Mon, 03.12.2012 19:46 h Dorsten, Germany The international shipment has been processed in the parcel center of origin

:D

Yayee exciting!

[bosslady]

Finally got all my stuff! :niceone:

The jacket, which came from ridersdiscount.com got stopped at customs and I got charged some hefty gst/duties fees, about $120 or so worth. Means I ended up spending about $450 landed for a jacket I can get for $400 here... oops.

Luckily, the fc-moto gear didn't get stopped, which is great cause that was worth way more and would have stung big time!!! Super happy with everything and everything fits, bar the pants which I can do up but umm... might need to lose a little weight over the next few weeks/months for them to be a bit more comfortable... lol, still totally wearable though! Gloves fine, jacket fine, boots great! Helmet fits snugly too, only thing is I'm not sure how far under my chin and how far over the back of my skull/head it's meant to go... don't know how to find that one out - any thoughts??

[Maha]

Success! You can relax and enjoy now.

[bosslady]

Success! You can relax and enjoy now.

I'm not so sure about that haha.

[wasiler]

Looks like my stuff may have missed customs too. It says it was passed along to NZpost and I contacted them. Said it would be a couple days to get down to CHCH.

As for helmet fit, try youtube. There are a bunch of them but here is one I like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8v4qzB5HLY

[bosslady]

Looks like my stuff may have missed customs too. It says it was passed along to NZpost and I contacted them. Said it would be a couple days to get down to CHCH.

As for helmet fit, try youtube. There are a bunch of them but here is one I like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8v4qzB5HLY

cheers, having a look now :)

[FJRider]

... I'm not sure how far under my chin and how far over the back of my skull/head it's meant to go... don't know how to find that one out - any thoughts??

Comfortable and snug is ok ... but the real test is after about an hours riding ... see how comfortable it is then.

[bosslady]

Comfortable and snug is ok ... but the real test is after about an hours riding ... see how comfortable it is then.

going by the video, it's super snug and well fitting in seriously every way except when you pull the chin right down, bugger man :( guess it don't fit after all?

[FJRider]

going by the video, it's super snug and well fitting in seriously every way except when you pull the chin right down, bugger man :( guess it don't fit after all?

Wear it around the lounge for a few hours ... (visor up) you will learn a lot about helmets then ...

[bosslady]

Wear it around the lounge for a few hours ... (visor up) you will learn a lot about helmets then ...

how's that?

definitely too big the more I watch... pull it down so far it would break my nose for sure. totally gutted, love the yellow n black but also love my face, I ain't got much else goin for me lol. sigh... and even that's debatable :laugh:

[wasiler]

how's that?

definitely too big the more I watch... pull it down so far it would break my nose for sure. totally gutted, love the yellow n black but also love my face, I ain't got much else goin for me lol. sigh... and even that's debatable :laugh:

Paper bags are cheap. :bleh:

Your choice, your head. Also, don't get a false sense of security that you won't get hurt even with a perfect fitting helmet. Sorry to hear about your helmet. Hope you make the right decision.

[bosslady]

Paper bags are cheap. :bleh:

Your choice, your head. Also, don't get a false sense of security that you won't get hurt even with a perfect fitting helmet. Sorry to hear about your helmet. Hope you make the right decision.

Hmm tell me more about this paper bag, does it have an invisible protect me from all cars barrier? no? worth a shot.. oh and no, I never would but thanks for your kind advice :) my poor pretty yellow helmet.. up on auction she goes I suppose!

[Digitdion]

Hmm tell me more about this paper bag, does it have an invisible protect me from all cars barrier? no? worth a shot.. oh and no, I never would but thanks for your kind advice :) my poor pretty yellow helmet.. up on auction she goes I suppose!

You will probably make a good profit oh it though. It's not all doom and gloom.

[bosslady]

You will probably make a good profit oh it though. It's not all doom and gloom.

I seen the CS14 is like $159ish on nz retailers websites, mine wasn't much less landed. Though in saying that it seems yellow aint that a popular colour so maybe the high-vis-ers will be keen. Have put it up will see how I go :)

[bosslady]

After going into a store to try some helmets today I've decided to keep it, for now. Every helmet I tried was as "bad" or way worse, didnt fit a single one as well as i thought it might no matter how little or much it cost or where it was from. There's no way in hell I'm a small in probably any helmet, definitely medium which is what I have. The fit could possibly only seriously marginally be better and yea I know what some may be thinking... that "marginally better" could be the difference between life or death. But... I'm a cautious person, this isn't my main mode of transport and it fit PERFECT in every other way except just that one (which was why I couldn't figure out what's wrong!!). Partially I'm also wondering if I'm being too particular... which I definitely can be at times! Oh well, no excuse now, out on the road this weekend I guess!

[FJRider]

After going into a store to try some helmets today ...

The good news is ... they usually get more comfortable after some regular use.

[bosslady]

The good news is ... they usually get more comfortable after some regular use.

The one I got ain't too bad comfy wise it was just some slight movement I wasn't too sure about. Looking forward to more practice now though!

[TheTengTheory]

I got my gear just under a month ago and I think I spent the most time trying out the gloves and helmet. Especially the helmet. Was originally going to get a medium Qwest ut then I tried the small and while it was quite snug at first. When I flicked my head up and down, it didn't move much. Glad I went for the small. While abit of a squeeze putting it on at first. I've had it on for two hours + and its like I don't have anything on. Im not very experienced but I can quite easily say im thoroughly impressed with my Qwest.

[bosslady]

Here's my gear!!
274843

[FJRider]

Here's my gear!!


Looks a good fit actually. Nothing looks too tight, room to loose (or gain) a kg ore two never hurts ... (especially with Christmas pud just round the corner :innocent:)

[bosslady]

Looks a good fit actually. Nothing looks too tight, room to loose (or gain) a kg ore two never hurts ... (especially with Christmas pud just round the corner :innocent:)

buddy it's the losing NOT the gaining I need to do! man I was so hot in this though and I'd taken the thermal lining out too!

[Gareth123]

buddy it's the losing NOT the gaining I need to do! man I was so hot in this though and I'd taken the thermal lining out too!

I ride all year round without my thermal lining in. I've found that in winter I can put more effective layers between me and the cold than the thermal lining in all of my jackets. Also, when your gear gets soaked through, it dries a lot faster.

[Ocean1]

I was so hot in this though and I'd taken the thermal lining out too!

Be surprised if that jacket didn't have some vents, somewhere. Start unzipping pockets until you find some that aren't pockets.

Caught with a touring jacket on in summer creeping through towns I've just unzipped the jacket almost completely, too.


I ride all year round without my thermal lining in. I've found that in winter I can put more effective layers between me and the cold than the thermal lining in all of my jackets. Also, when your gear gets soaked through, it dries a lot faster.

Me also, quicker to change, and a couple of thin thermals is more effective than the liner in most jackets I've had.

[pritch]

Bike gear gets very hot very quick if your sitting around. Once you get moving it shouldn't be a problem, especially if you open the vents.

[bosslady]

for what it cost it surely must have vents I'll have a look today. I don't really know it's features I just bought it cause it looked cool :laugh:

[Subike]

Helmet feeling a little bit looser than your wanted? Try putting a beany on under it. I use a sleeveless hoodie for riding, the hood is just at makng my helmet snug, the bonus being the hoodie is warm on my neck, and when stopped anywhere, I dont have to find a place to put that beany, neck warmer, ski mask, balaclava, or one of those other things I see riders removing at stops. When its hot, just leave it off.
And I agree with others, that you get hot when stationary in any riding gear, its desiged for riding comfort ...remember.


Oh BTW you make that riding gear look Hawt!

[Maha]

Here's my gear!!


Just an observation, but, tucking your pants into your boots?...it's ok if you're a cossack dancer...:corn:
They look better and are more weather efficient on the outside, tucking them in like that is a newbie mistake, please refrain from doing it again, looks naff...:confused:

[bosslady]

Just an observation, but, tucking your pants into your boots?...it's ok if you're a cossack dancer...:corn:
They look better and are more weather efficient on the outside, tucking them in like that is a newbie mistake, please refrain from doing it again, looks naff...:confused:
Thanks for your... thoughts... but actually they look awful over the top of the boots, they're not baggy pants so when they go over the boots they're so tight looks terrible...

edited to add I'll see if I can tighten the boots so the pants can fit over...

[bosslady]

Helmet feeling a little bit looser than your wanted? Try putting a beany on under it. I use a sleeveless hoodie for riding, the hood is just at makng my helmet snug, the bonus being the hoodie is warm on my neck, and when stopped anywhere, I dont have to find a place to put that beany, neck warmer, ski mask, balaclava, or one of those other things I see riders removing at stops. When its hot, just leave it off.
And I agree with others, that you get hot when stationary in any riding gear, its desiged for riding comfort ...remember.


Oh BTW you make that riding gear look Hawt!

I would have thought the least amount of padding in my helmet the better bar the cheeks of course. Anyway irrelevant now since I gots me a brand new helmet, hate the colour though, doesn't go with my eyes hahaha oh and thanks...

[FJRider]

Thanks for your... thoughts... but actually they look awful over the top of the boots, they're not baggy pants so when they go over the boots they're so tight looks terrible...

edited to add I'll see if I can tighten the boots so the pants can fit over...

If they go into your boots, when you find rain ... it (literally)fills your boots.

Is there not a zip or domes at the bottom of those (short) legs .. ??

[bosslady]

If they go into your boots, when you find rain ... it (literally)fills your boots.

Is there not a zip or domes at the bottom of those (short) legs .. ??

oh yes, I understand what you're saying, there's zips but now I can't remember if I had them up or down when I tried to put them over my boots. I think maybe the zips didn't come high enough and the top of the boots was so wide was hard to get the pants over em. I haven't tried again today, maybe later

[Maha]

If they go into your boots, when you find rain ... it (literally)fills your boots.

Is there not a zip or domes at the bottom of those (short) legs .. ??

Which is what I was eluding to when I said ''more weather efficient'' earlier.
All textile pants will fit over boots, only jeans and *leathers can/should/will tuck in.


*some leathers will go over boots.

[bosslady]

tried it again last night, I can get them over my boots and can only just get the Velcro strap connected to the fluffy side, can get the zips half way down, not all the way, I guess that will have to do, better than looking like a douche!

[FJRider]

tried it again last night, I can get them over my boots and can only just get the Velcro strap connected to the fluffy side, can get the zips half way down, not all the way, I guess that will have to do, better than looking like a douche!

Find a seamstress and get a few alterations made so they fit better, waterproofing that far down the leg (and against your boots) isn't critical.

[bosslady]

Find a seamstress and get a few alterations made so they fit better, waterproofing that far down the leg (and against your boots) isn't critical.

certainly something to consider though for sure

[FJRider]

certainly something to consider though for sure

Some Dry-cleaners do alterations.

[bosslady]

while were still on the topic of newbie mistakes and not wanting to look like a douche... should I get rid of my sissy bar?
274923

[FJRider]

while were still on the topic of newbie mistakes and not wanting to look like a douche... should I get rid of my sissy bar?


Only if you want to replace it with a pack rack. (not a bad idea to do either)

[bosslady]

Only if you want to replace it with a pack rack. (not a bad idea to do either)
what would be the purpose of me keeping it? I have the factory oneni can put back on, just not sure if the one in the pic with the padding looks stupid or not. No pack rack at this stage unless I plan to go on an adventure, lol. Bike is for fun, not transport :drinknsin

[FJRider]

what would be the purpose of me keeping it? I have the factory oneni can put back on, just not sure if the one in the pic with the padding looks stupid or not. No pack rack at this stage unless I plan to go on an adventure, lol. Bike is for fun, not transport :drinknsin

You might want to carry stuff to a mates place ... carry lunch in ... and adventures can happen when you least expect it.

They aren't expensive (second hand) and usually simple to fit.

And if YOU don't like the sissy bar ... remove it. It is YOUR bike. YOU decide.

[bosslady]

You might want to carry stuff to a mates place ... carry lunch in ... and adventures can happen when you least expect it.

They aren't expensive (second hand) and usually simple to fit.

And if YOU don't like the sissy bar ... remove it. It is YOUR bike. YOU decide.

I'll have a look on tm. are sissy bars generic, interchangeable? etc. or are they specific to my bike?

[Gareth123]

Usually bike specific. They have a certain width.

[FJRider]

I'll have a look on tm. are sissy bars generic, interchangeable? etc. or are they specific to my bike?

Probably made or modified for your GN. Is there a manufacturers name on it ... ??

For your future adventures ... ??

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/152622-Oxford-First-Time-Panniers?p=1130389597#post1130389597

[bosslady]

Probably made or modified for your GN. Is there a manufacturers name on it ... ??

For your future adventures ... ??

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/152622-Oxford-First-Time-Panniers?p=1130389597#post1130389597

thinking on it, couldn't I just get a backpack and strap it's arm straps to the sissy?

[FJRider]

thinking on it, couldn't I just get a backpack and strap it's arm straps to the sissy?

You can indeed. If you have an overnight bag and a few bungy cords ... use the pillion seat to stow stuff as well.

[bosslady]

hmmmm yes, yes

[Subike]

thinking on it, couldn't I just get a backpack and strap it's arm straps to the sissy?

yup, I have just a sisi bar on my little 250 cruiser, its perfect for mounting gear, as per pic.
bungees hold the tent and bag containing bedding on to the front of the sisi bar,, pack pack has change clothes wet weather gear etc, I use the shoulder straps around the bag and tent to hold it on. This setup has done 5 rally's, without a thing coming loose.
Bonus being you have a nice comfy back rest to lean against on those long journeys.
Makes it more comfortable and safer than my XS1100 which has just a plain flat seat , just a heap lots slower on the open road.

[bosslady]

yup, I have just a sisi bar on my little 250 cruiser, its perfect for mounting gear, as per pic.
bungees hold the tent and bag containing bedding on to the front of the sisi bar,, pack pack has change clothes wet weather gear etc, I use the shoulder straps around the bag and tent to hold it on. This setup has done 5 rally's, without a thing coming loose.
Bonus being you have a nice comfy back rest to lean against on those long journeys.
Makes it more comfortable and safer than my XS1100 which has just a plain flat seat , just a heap lots slower on the open road.

cool! no shame in some make shift setup then till funds permit otherwise!

[Digitdion]

Oh my god. ,

[bosslady]

Oh my god. ,

he/she isn't here right now, can I help you?