Got a bike! What next?

[rustyrobot]

Woohoo - after having my learners bike licence for 20 years and not owning anything two wheeled with a motor since high school (nifty fifty yeeah), I have finally finally saved enough coin to get myself a motorbike (and a nippy little Spada it is, even if it is 22 years old!)

After clearing out the piggy bank though, I have been scouring the forums here and I'm totally bamboozled as to what I should spend the last of my pennies on. Do I get a lock? A toolkit? Insurance? A better helmet? Rain gear? Riding instruction? Better quality jacket? Honda club membership?

I'm going to be using the bike for commuting daily, weekend jaunts and well, learning to be a good rider. I have an old Nolan helmet that I have had hidden in the top of the cupboard for years, a jacket I'm borrowing off a mate and I'm going to by some new gloves today. But then what?

I have checked through the previous posts to see if I am duplicating my question but couldn't see anything similar (didn't go all the way back), and I would really appreciate your cumulative years of advice - especially from other not-quite-so-newbies who have had to make the same decision. I'm not a rich man, so - where should my hard earned money go?

[jim.cox]

What next?

Thats easy

GO RIDE

[kiwifruit]

New helmet.
Leathers.
Back protector.
Boots.
Gloves.

[Swoop]

Gear.
Insurance.
Rider training.

[slofox]

Helmets have a use by date. If yours is real old, replace it with a new one. Would be my first priority...

[howdamnhard]

If helmet older than 5 years ,get a new one. Don't have to spend top dollar,they all should meet the required standards. Cheaper ones will tend to be heavier and have less features/comfort. Nitro N750 are cheap and safe but little noisey(use earplugs). Then get some boots and pants. Leathers are better for abrasion.Can get a rain oversuit. Textiles might be easier if you commute but not as good in a prang. Once you have your gear sorted out, then insurance and training.
Get out and ride and enjoy.

[Tubbsy]

Rain gear if you already have riding gear. So much fekkin rain during winter...and spring...and most of the year.

[jim.cox]

If helmet older than 5 years ,get a new one.

Why?

[rustyrobot]

Thanks for all the awesome input already! I guess I really knew that I should replace the helmet and you have all convinced me that it is essential. The helmet I have (had) is so old that the dates have worn off and the foam inside is perishing, so it's now consigned strictly to what it has mostly been used for over the last few years - make-shift stormtrooper helmet for our boy

You think a back-protector is more important than insurance/training? Most people wear one?

[KelvinAng]

Welcome back to two-wheels

I don't have a back/spine protector but know of people who used them regularly. I do have and always wear an armoured jacket though (not quite the same level of protection as a proper back/spine protector, but does help a bit I reckon?).

Insurance would be tops in my opinion.

[CookMySock]

You think a back-protector is more important than insurance/training? Most people wear one?

No it's not, and no they don't.

You must have strong bike pants, jacket, gloves, and boots. Most, of not any of the cheaper textile gear on trademe is fine, though many purists will scream like a stuck pig at that suggestion. On a budget, you are better with all the cheap gear than only one of the expensive items. You have enough to do concentrating on riding your bike, than worrying about how much skin you will lose if you drop it at a roundabout.

Strongly suggest you also either (or both) buy a book on cornering it properly, or go find a mentor and ask them "how do I steer this thing properly at highway speeds", because all is not what it seems.

Yeah so get the gear, get a clue, and go ride the wheels off of it.


Steve

[aprilia_RS250]

Read "twist of the wrist" to learn the theory and physics! I highly recommend it. Then practice stopping quickly on both wet and dry roads, this will save you money and potentially your life. What I did is set out at 50km/h and once I pass a lamp post start breaking HARD. I managed to shave off meters by doing this many times over and over again. Do this at 100km/h speeds as well on a deserted road. You'll be horrified how much more stopping distance you cover at 100km/h, more than double when travelling at 50km/h.

Also go on those group rides they have for learner riders. They're invaluable as the pros will watch your riding and give you advice on how to better yourself. I found that invaluable.

All of this should at least make you a confident/safe rider.

[rustyrobot]

Read "twist of the wrist" to learn the theory and physics! I highly recommend it.

Thanks for that suggestion. And lo' and behold I found TOTW 1 and 2 'online' as well as the DVD (and also the american 3dvd 'Street Smarts'). OOOO-AAAARRRR - piracy!

I have a friend whose riding I trust that will be mentoring me, but looks like a good idea to do some reading/viewing aswell.

Thanks all for your support and contagious enthusiasm. Checking in with kiwiride for insurance.

[Supermac Jr]

You'll be horrified how much more stopping distance you cover .

--> remember that swerving is an option. Go to one of the Ride Right Ride Safe courses. They cover emergency braking and swerving. Get a mentor

[howdamnhard]

[

QUOTE=rustyrobot;1129669248]Thanks for all the awesome input already! I guess I really knew that I should replace the helmet and you have all convinced me that it is essential. The helmet I have (had) is so old that the dates have worn off and the foam inside is perishing, so it's now consigned strictly to what it has mostly been used for over the last few years - make-shift stormtrooper helmet for our boy

Good idea if it is perishing.

back-protecYou think a tor is more important than insurance/training? Most people wear one?

[/QUOTE]
No training is more important . Prevention is better than cure.