New Rider - Need some gear

[raitho]

Hey guys

I finally got around to doing my BHS and got my learners. Next step is getting some gear. I don't really know where to start looking.

I am based in Wellington and have budgeted about $1000 for helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves. Will this be enough? Where abouts should I look for a helmet? I've heard they are best to buy from a shop you can visit and not online as I wouldn't have a clue about what size my head is. I have heard good things about these http://www.rhok.com.au/jeans.htm as well. Anyone tried them/recommend them?

As for gloves, jackets and boots I have no idea what to look for so any help would be awesome :p

Thanks!

[mossy1200]

Go to shop and buy new helmet $400 is a good figure and gloves 70odd boots 200 and get rest on tardme

[caspernz]

Just go to a couple of bike shops and try on a few of the bits and pieces from the basic ranges.
You'll find if you're just kitting yourself out to start riding then you'll have a few bucks to spare from your $1000 budget. Get carried away though and you could blow the budget on just a fancy helmet :innocent:

Think stuff like Dririder and RST, or go for a trip to Eltham and save even more pingers at 1tonne :woohoo:

[Milts]

You have a very sensible budget, you should be fine.

Just consider what type of riding you are likely to do and buy gear accordingly, so that way you wear it!

[Ulsterkiwi]

go in to the shops and if they arent taking you seriously within 10 minutes of getting there walk out and go somewhere else.

If you dont mind travelling I can recommend where I went, ANZA in Palmy. got an excellent deal on Rev'It gear head to toe. I already had a helmet and spent $1k on textile gear.

Of all the Wellington places I went Wgtn motorcycles were the only ones who passed the 10 minute test. Some of the others barely registered I was there or gave crap service. Am sure there are loads of people who will say very differently about the others it just wasnt my experience. ANZA took a real interest and I liked the gear they offered and it ticked my boxes for need and comfort.

Pretty sure you can get sorted with that budget.

Have fun with it, it may be a while before you do this again :-)

[caseye]

Go to Welly MC, ask for Pete aka Crasherfromwayback and you'll be sorted.
BUTT don't let him give you coffee.
K.

[Kornholio]

What size strides are ya? If you about 77-80cm then I have some leather pants if you want... Armourtech, no pads or armour but good quality Moo skin... Free to you, Pm address if you keen

[Hitcher]

Gear is overrated. Ride naked. That will improve your safety awareness hugely, not to mention your visibility to other road users.

[TygerTung]

I'd just get a $150 helmet as long as it has a good sharp rating.

I'd probably just get everything else second hand off trademe. You can get near new stuff pretty cheap, especially in the winter. You could get new gloves though they arn't very expensive.

[Grizzo]

$1000 is a good budget to get the basics.

I would say get a helmet from a shop and the rest online.
Easier to get a better fit on the swede protector by trying them on.

[raitho]

Looks like I'll be heading down to Wellington MC, they were closed today so will give it another shot some time this week. Thanks for the advise. I'm a little wary buying off trademe as I have no idea how stuff is meant to fit but I'll check it out.

Thanks for the offer Kornholio :) Will flick you a PM.

[Erelyes]

New:
-Helmet (full face, fits SNUG - pinlock if you can)
-Boots (proper motorbike ones, whatever takes your fancy) unless you're lucky enough to find 2nd hand that fit. Sizes vary - one's 46 is another's 48, I've found.
-Neck snug ($10 and a world more comfortable, merino if ya can)

Used:
-Jacket / Pants (if you're an XL, get an XL)

Either:
-Gloves (get two pairs, carry spares if it's raining - they're never waterproof)

Going secondhand on the jack/pant should see you easily hit $1k. You can get a fairly unused textile jacket/pants for like $50-80 ea. Most outlay should be helmet, then boots.

That's what I did anyway.