New to riding & unsure about bike gear

**rhiannonc** · 26th April 2011, 10:46

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** · 26th April 2011, 10:54

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

**steve_t** · 26th April 2011, 10:55

Welcome to KB

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

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

**MSTRS:Me** · 26th April 2011, 10:55

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** · 26th April 2011, 13:13

$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:Me** · 26th April 2011, 13:57

Originally Posted by 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 !

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...

**Biggles08** · 26th April 2011, 19:42

Originally Posted by 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!

www.qmoto.co.nz all the way! Good gear to crash in

**wysper** · 27th April 2011, 11:32

Originally Posted by rhiannonc

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** · 27th April 2011, 12:29

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** · 27th April 2011, 12:32

Originally Posted by steve_t

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:Me** · 27th April 2011, 12:32

Originally Posted by Hitcher

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** · 27th April 2011, 14:14

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**Quasievil** · 27th April 2011, 14:27

Originally Posted by wysper

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** · 27th April 2011, 14:31

Originally Posted by superman

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