Which material is best for protection?

[Jantar]

Cordura is the man made stuff, alright for one crash then needs replacing

But nothing beats leathers, for ultimate protection, not waterproof so buy a waterproof suit to go over!

Leather can be made water proof when traeted with Bees wax. It will keep you dry for up to 3 hours in West Coast rain. But leather does absorb water, and to keep it water proof it must be dried slowly and re-waxed regularly.

Be prepared to spend good money on quality gear.
e.g. one piece leather suit $1000-
helmet from $500- up
waterproof boots $500
summer gloves $100
waterproof gloves $200
waterproof suit $150 (worn over leathers)
!

You can get good quality gear for much less than this.

Two piece leather suit $459. From Leather Image
helmet from $130- up
waterproof boots $220 up
summer gloves $49
waterproof gloves $99
waterproof suit $19.90 (worn over leathers) at The Warehouse.

Leather is the best choice by far, but you must be prepared to maintain it. (ie clean and wax often). Cordura, if you just want to wear and forget.

[Edbear]

Not many. But then, I've not seen many cows riding motorbikes, either.

Bling! I found some good deals going on full sets of gear advertised in the bike mags, like KR and BRM. Got artificial material myself with soft armour in the usual places. I think leather would only make me look fat...

[Jantar]

. I think leather would only make me look fat...

I don't need leather to achieve that effect.

[MattRSK]

While we are on the subject of gear, does anyone know of a really cheap one piece racing suit. Im really desperate to get one...Cheap... I am 6foot and 65kgs. Slim . Thanks from Matt

[ZeroIndex]

While we are on the subject of gear, does anyone know of a really cheap one piece racing suit. Im really desperate to get one...Cheap... I am 6foot and 65kgs. Slim . Thanks from Matt

http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/ They look very good, and once I've got my Cordura's from him, I will be saving up to get one

[ZeroIndex]

Ok, even though I'm only getting a jacket and pants 2 bins (week 1 & 3), 2.5 months and 4000km later, I don't think spending $500+ on a helmet is necessary.. I got a HJC CS-10 gloss black helmet for $120, and that is fine.. Gloves $100? go buy from QuasiEvil.. Waterproof boots $500? I got some really nice boots from LifeStyleImports, and waterproofed them myself.. $170 (including the can of waterproofing stuff..)

Very sensible. some of the figures quoted for magic gear are absurd. Noone would ever take up motorcycling if such expenditures were indeed necessary. If you intend to treat the road as a road not a racetrack, there is no need for such extravagance. Keep it for the race track.

How many cows have you seen with gravel rash

Not many. But then, I've not seen many cows riding motorbikes, either.

Gonna get my Cordura from http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/ on Thursday

And about those cows..

[Crasherfromwayback]

If you believe that your riding ability is that inadequate that you are inevitably going to crash then it is my opinion you should NOT ride a motorcycle.

Alternatively, book yourself in for riding courses.

I've just gotta believe that's a piss take....
Because...if not, you're a moron.
Let me carry on as if you're serious. (If you're not, the approriate apology will follow)
Even if the person believes they have the ability and skills of Rossi, does that mean they shouldn't dress for being taken out by Rossi's blind and mental great-great grandfather?
Get real.
Don't ever listen to people like this mate, dress like you're gonna crash.
If you don't crash great. Your gear lasts forever.
If you do...bad one, but at least you'll minimize the damage.
YOU'RE the one that needs a 'refresher' course mate.
Perhaps you don't need saftey gear sipping a latte at the local cafe?

[Ixion]

If I seriously believed that it was inevitable that I was going to crash, I would give up riding tomorrow. What you believe, will happen.

I respect the possibility of a crash , but certainly do not believe that it is inevitable.

I agree with Mr Swanny. Anyone who genuinely believes that crashing (in a bike or a car) is inevitable is a danger to themselves and to others, and should be put off the road, because the prophecy will become self fulfilling.

On the track it is probably true. On the road (which is NOT a race track) it is not true.

You are inevitably going to crash. I am not.(I possibly may, but not inevitably)

EDIT: Moreover, the debate was not whether a rider should wear NO prtotective clothing, but whether it is essential to spend $3000 plus on it. As to that question, the matter of relative speed may be considered. Sprotsbike riders belt along at 250kph. The original poster, a learner, will hopefully be less extravagant speedwise, and stick to more pedestrian speeds. Impact damages increases exponentially with speed (the LTSA keep telling us so, and that point of their propaganda is true). More impact, more "work" the gear has to do, more magic required.

So the $500 basic gear at legal speeds is probably going to be better protection than the expensive stuff at 250kph.

The learner will hopefully also keep both wheels on the road whilst riding, which will make a difference also.

[stevedee]

Mate get the mindset "I never fall off" and get some good gear, my opinion is that leather is the best but I never plan to test the theory. Ride to survive not to impress others.

spd:-)

[skidMark]

latex....and lots of lube

[Motu]

The best bit of safety gear you can get you already have - your brain.Use it,expand on it,it'll never wear out and save you from more injury than any expensive suit.

[Crasherfromwayback]

If I seriously believed that it was inevitable that I was going to crash, I would give up riding tomorrow. What you believe, will happen.

I respect the possibility of a crash , but certainly do not believe that it is inevitable.

Cool as mate, don't even bother with a helmet then.
'BELIEVE' mate.....lol...get real.
What shit advice.
I've seen so many people with the same "I'm not planning on crashing" attitude as yours.
Try and pick your nose with no meat on your fingers.

[sAsLEX]

Leather can be made water proof when traeted with Bees wax. It will keep you dry for up to 3 hours in West Coast rain. But leather does absorb water, and to keep it water proof it must be dried slowly and re-waxed regularly.

Or three holes in a rubbish bag keeps the wind and rain of your torso, and can be kept in the tiniest of places, and doesn't take hours of prep

[SwanTiger]

No it is not a pisstake, if you have the mentality that your riding is that inadequate that you're going to crash then you really shouldn't ride a motorcycle.

Shit does happen and we need to take precautions, such as safety gear. I never said otherwise.

I did not state an opinion in regards to safety/riding gear. I don't have an opinion, only preference so did not comment on that speficically.

Be careful who you call a moron.

Don't ever listen to people like this mate, dress like you're gonna crash.

[Motu]

I've crashed many times with no helmet,no gloves,wearing just jeans and sneakers,a denim jacket - I'm still here at 52 years old,I have no scares or broken bones from motorcycle accidents.I'm a ''miracle'' eh? Of course these days I have a pretty comprehensive kit and intend to keep my crashes to a minimum.Die if you want to mate - just don't drag us into it.