Minimum Clothing Specs

[bugjuice]

Cash converters usually sell second hand riding gear - I'd steer clear of the helmets (who knows what internal damage has been done), but boots, gloves, jackets and leggings would be fine. If they look in good condition, they probably are.

yeah, wouldn't go buying a helmet off trademe. For one, you don't know what it's been thru (even 'new' could have damage), and you don't know if it's the right fit for yer nuggin. Prices in shops are coming down, so it pays to get something a bit more worth while. Like was said before, the price of the lid is the price that's in it..

[Marmoot]

not always
NWS

It's quite subjective, mate.
For me, partially covered is more challenging and stimulating

[Beemer]

having had my fair share of spills I find my minimum these days is daggin jeans, boots (either heavy work or sportsbike boots), leather or paddock jacket, helmet (ya think?) and gloves.

Mmn, daggin jeans - are you a shearer perchance? If so, we have a small flock in need of crutching...

I haven't got really expensive gear (apart from gloves, I LOVE gloves and I LOVE Spidi gloves!) but it is good enough to protect me in an off. I bought a Dririder jacket and some cheap (but very waterproof) Cordura pants in 2000 and they are still doing the business today. My boots were Stylmartin ones - again, not hideously expensive. Good helmet though - got that before I got the bike!

Some bike shops sell second-hand gear too - my husband got a really good pair of hardly worn boots for less than half price in Auckland once. There used to be a place in Wellington called Hunters and Collectors - that was where I got my leather jacket. They were in Upper Cuba St so may have had to move with the motorway extension, but other cities have similar places. I wouldn't dismiss Cash Converters either as they often have some nice riding gear. I can never buy it though - most of it is HUGE!

[TonyB]

Mmn, daggin jeans - are you a shearer perchance? If so, we have a small flock in need of crutching...

I wouldn't dismiss Cash Converters either as they often have some nice riding gear. I can never buy it though - most of it is HUGE!

LOL
and
have you considered that the gear may not be huge.... it could be you

As for leather pants on trademe for $20- lets not get confuzzled, that's just the minimum or current bid. If there isn't a little red flag next to the price, then the sellers reserve hasn't been met, and they won't be sold until it is.

[Pathos]

Thanks for all the replies.

I do have the money to buy some decent gear but its more for practical reasons than money. I really want some boots cause the extremities are very vunerable but I won't be able to change them at Uni. This will mean walking around all day on them, which will wear the soles a lot more than usual, pain in the ass chucking out a $200 pair of boots cause theres no rubber left.

I think some large black leather boots similar to army boots would be good, the soles would be fine for walking on daily but stop my ankles twisting off but unfortunately wont protect against a direct collision with something.

Is there any leg protection you can get to wear under your jeans? Cause that would be perfect.

My jacket is half as thick as those in shops but It will be fine for around town. I've bought some proper MC gloves and a brand new helmet so no worries there. I'm just checking that I've got the right stuff.


I don't plan to make a habit of going over the speed limit, especially not on my learners. I know that my judgement of corners needs improving and my general awareness.

[Ixion]

Thanks for all the replies.

I do have the money to buy some decent gear but its more for practical reasons than money. I really want some boots cause the extremities are very vunerable but I won't be able to change them at Uni. This will mean walking around all day on them, which will wear the soles a lot more than usual, pain in the ass chucking out a $200 pair of boots cause theres no rubber left.

I think some large black leather boots similar to army boots would be good, the soles would be fine for walking on daily but stop my ankles twisting off but unfortunately wont protect against a direct collision with something.

Is there any leg protection you can get to wear under your jeans? Cause that would be perfect.

My jacket is half as thick as those in shops but It will be fine for around town. I've bought some proper MC gloves and a brand new helmet so no worries there. I'm just checking that I've got the right stuff.


I don't plan to make a habit of going over the speed limit, especially not on my learners. I know that my judgement of corners needs improving and my general awareness.

Sounds like you've pretty much sussed it. You have the same issue that i have with bike boots, they're not made for walking in. Fine for the weekend rider crowd, but what I wear on the bike I have to wear all day at werk. So it needs to be "office friendly" both in appearance, and in "sit at desk, walk around" practicality and comfort. Not much bike stuff is designed for the more-than-recreational biker nowdays.

[Marmoot]

Is there any leg protection you can get to wear under your jeans?

For girls, I recommend light brown sheer stockings...
...and a garter

[Wolf]

Is there any leg protection you can get to wear under your jeans? Cause that would be perfect.

I wear my dririder leggings over my trousers - they're made to be worn ove clothing anyway. I then just peel them off and park them by my desk with the jacket and boots.

You'd probably have to put them in your pack which may be difficult with all your books - and not to great if it's been raining.

I keep shoes at the office and change out of my boots when I get there. Occasionally I've gone straight to Head Office to do something down there so have had to wander around in my boots - not even the CEO commented. (Benefits of being in IT - you can dress how you like and the bosses are scared to pull you up on your attire... It might be their machine that needs your tender minestrones tomorrow)

Once when I was up at one of our Auckland Sites the CEO turned up and invited me along to dinner with him, the Auckland Manager and a few others. As I had ridden up to Aucks I had no choice but turn up at the restaurant in full armour - sat sweltering to death in padded leggings and motorbike boots all through dinner. The CEO merely asked how the bike was running.

You may be able to carry light shoes in your pack and change into them but you're stuck with carrying the boots around unless you can organise your own secure locker.

[Waylander]

Hmm here is a thought. If you don't want to carry your gear around all day you could ask a friend who lives near the school if you could stow it and your bike at thier place during the day. Also could have more secure parking than by the bookstore. Just a thought.

[vifferman]

You have the same issue that i have with bike boots, they're not made for walking in.

Mine (StylMartin Strada) are very comfy for wearing/walking in. But they don't look like dress shoes by any stretch of the imagination.

[Lou Girardin]

Try Motocross armour under your pants. That'll give you knee and shin protection, $29.00 for a pair of Fox guards.

[XP@]

Sounds like you've pretty much sussed it. You have the same issue that i have with bike boots, they're not made for walking in. Fine for the weekend rider crowd, but what I wear on the bike I have to wear all day at werk. So it needs to be "office friendly" both in appearance, and in "sit at desk, walk around" practicality and comfort. Not much bike stuff is designed for the more-than-recreational biker nowdays.

Be proud that you are a biker, if they can't cope with the MX boots, cordura and lid you turn up in that is their problem. If your boss complains then tell them that they can pay for your hospital and loss of work costs if you have a minor accident without the bike gear.
I wear my work stuff under my bike stuff and just strip off when i get in to the office, and there is a pair of normal shoes under my desk. You just have to put up with the "Don't you get hot?" and "Arn't you freezing" from the none initiates.
Also my boots (Gaerne MX boots) are fine for walking as far as I want to walk, if i need to go further then i take the bike.

[Brett]

I have a fieldsheer cordura jacket with all the pads in it adn some pants which were branded...but i cant remember the name. I STILL dont have any boots so i wear sneakers...but i feel very vulnerable in them. I figured that my hands are the first to hit the ground, so i bought some good Spool gloves. I figured that a good HJC helmet will do untill i have more bling.
When i am nto riding, i worry heaps about being taken out, but when i am riding, i forget all about it and just have fun.

the thought of my body connecting with a post at 100kph+ is not very cool at all...worries the shit outa me.

[Pathos]

The NZ safety have some nice boots for $230 odd, but I probably wouldn't be able to change up while wearing them. I've found some cheapish MC boots for $200 but the NZ safety boots definitely look like they have more ankle support.

I'll stick will my jeans around town and probably get some proper MC trousers for the open road. Those fox guards would be good for impact protection my won't protect my ass in a slide.

I'd never buy clothes off the net, especially safety gear. I'm very picky about how clothes fit. I can walk into a shop and buy something in 5 minutes if it feels right or waste 2hrs and not find anything.

[Coldkiwi]

Wear whatever you would be happy to be in if you were about to jump out the back of a moving truck. (helps to motivate you to put on the gear I find)