Starting out

[Moki]

Hi all,

I am just getting into motorcycling and will hopefully be buying my first bike in the next month or so ('06 Honda XR250L).

What I need to do is get my riding gear sussed. Will mostly be using bike to commute to work daily and use off the beaten track in the weekends. Will mostly be gravel and light stuff to start off with until my confidence builds

I have had a look at the Dririder range and think I will go for the Rallycross Evo jacket with the upgrade kit and the Rallycross pants. The Rallycross gloves seem to have a good amount of protection too, although I haven't had a chance to have a proper squiz at them (only seen these on the Dririder website).

I'm seeing all these boots and helmets, but what I need to know is what to look at and what to avoid. I would prefer to have just one pair of boots that I can use for on road/off road. With regards to the helmet, should I be looking at the closed face style or the motorcross style with goggles?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

Welcome to to the wonderful world of motorcycling! I would recommend that you just go with a decent quality helmet that FITS. Try on different makes and a settle for a reputable, quality brand that fits. Don't go overboard on price, as helmets should be replaced every couple years or if it drops. There's a good range of quality lids around the $500 mark. Of course, you have to consider how much you value your gourd. Boots, Jacket, trousers, gloves - get the best quality you can afford and look for build & material quality instead of fashion. The better the quality gear you get, the better job they'll do for you and the longer they'll serve you.
Have fun and be safe!

[windboy]

"Should've spun the rear wheel up on her bumper."

Hi Si, Good on you with the new XR250, would have loved to have that as a learner bike but short legs and learning to ride on a tall bike don't mix that well.

I hear you about the auckland drivers, too busy doing all sorts of things while driving, missing what's happening on the road. I commute everyday on the bike and just about everyday I see it (a lot of nasty thoughts come to my mind, kicking doors, wing mirrors, etc.).

Anyhow, on a good note I wondered if you were keen on trying a few gravel roads I know around north and west a bit. Only 25 min from auckland central, takes about 2-3 hour and you're all done. Let us know as almost every weekend I get my fit of offroad riding, rain or shine...

later,