newbie question about riding gears, dont laugh!

[Korea]

Only one tip about riding gear:
Summer or no, don't go out without your gloves!
As a reflex, knee-jerk reaction, hands are the first thing you put out when you go down...
...and road rash ain't so nice.

[Jantar]

Only one tip about riding gear:
Summer or no, don't go out without your gloves!
As a reflex, knee-jerk reaction, hands are the first thing you put out when you go down...
...and road rash ain't so nice.

Damn good advice. I even go one further... NO Bare Skin at any time on a bike.

[sunhuntin]

saw a guy yesterday, not sure what he was on, a sprotbike is all i can identify it as...full face helmet, nice big protective jacket, then denim shorts and sneakers. :slap: was too far away to see if he was wearing gloves or not.
i rode without my gloves last night for the first time in months, simply cos it was late and no cars anywhere, but after seein that pic i dont think ill be doin that again in a hurry!

[rfc85]

rode without gloves back in 76 and still have the scars from the were the tarseal ripped my palms open when i hit the deck-- always wear gloves and other protective gear

[texmo]

Dont wear riding gear! didnt you know chicks dig scars?

[sunhuntin]

yeh, but do guys dig scars on chicks?

[onearmedbandit]

I for one would never leave a helmet attached to the helmet lock, not that my bike has one anyway. Heard too many stories of helmet straps being cut to get the helmet off and also people finding unwanted 'goodies' in their helmets when coming back.

Even though I can only use one arm, I still carry my helmet with me where ever i go, no matter how far or close. It's just part of being a rider. Same as having to go shopping in a 2pce suit with boots etc. Couldn't give a fuck what people think, how hot or inconvienent it is, the gear is made to protect my ass when riding and I'm sure not going to give that level of protection up just because it's too hot.

BTW, bought a 'cool suit' while I was in Japan. Anyone used one of these before? Those that don't know what I'm talking about they are a mesh style under garment worn to pull sweat away from your body on hot days (you wear them under your leathers). I used to hate going for a ride with cotton shirts on as more than likely you'd come back with a wet clammy shirt. Now I just need some hot weather to try it out. Got one for wearing under your helmet as well.

[Wolf]

BTW, bought a 'cool suit' while I was in Japan. Anyone used one of these before? Those that don't know what I'm talking about they are a mesh style under garment worn to pull sweat away from your body on hot days (you wear them under your leathers). I used to hate going for a ride with cotton shirts on as more than likely you'd come back with a wet clammy shirt. Now I just need some hot weather to try it out. Got one for wearing under your helmet as well.

Is it one of the reactive "Phase change" material suits that actually regulates your body temperature or one that just keeps your temperature more stable by getting the sweat away from your body?

Found a link for reactive fabric suits (here )that looks interesting.

Another alternative I found was GlacierTek's Cool Vest (here) but you have to "recharge" the cooling packs in cold water. The Phase change material sounds a bit more practical - if it works.

The CoolStuff garments are also long-sleeved and you can get the pants as well, as opposed to just the vest from GlacierTek.

[2much]

Stow your gloves under the seat and either use the helmet lock, or chain it to the bike, a dog choker chain and small padlock is perfect (this also avoids that problem of cut straps Onearmedbandit mentioned).

As for the GN250 vs GSX250, I've ridden both. If your only going to be commuting and covering reasonably short distances then the GN is perfect. And the GN will cost you less when you drop it (NB: i said "when" and not "if"). However, if you're planning on some decent weekend rides and a bit of knee-down action then the GSX would probably be better. I covered 12000 in a year in my GSX including trips to dorkland, the Naki and around the Coromandel.

Before anyone has a cry... I'm sure the GN is capable of this, I just think the GSX is more appropriate.

On a side note, also consider a CBR/ZXR/GSXR, etc..... bit more difficult to learn on but you won't grow out of it as quickly.... If you do cover a bit of distance you'll find the limits of the GN or GSX rather quickly.