Beginning again (Genie)

**SPORK** · 9th October 2009, 09:26

I've already reintroduced myself in the infamous LOTPIHGAD group (perhaps unwisely), and been informed to head over SMC-ways. I think I'll hold out on the latter until I scrape together one of these two-wheeled contraptions I've heard so much about...

**jrandom** · 9th October 2009, 20:01

Originally Posted by MsKABC

You're going to have to do better than that to get a bite out of me.

Wasn't looking for a bite. Just pointing out that it's not hard not to crash when one limits one's motorcycling to the lowest end of the risk spectrum.

That doesn't make you a lesser individual, or anything. Of course, it does leave you somewhat unqualified to dispense riding advice, but then you weren't dispensing advice, as such, were you? Just saying that you hadn't crashed. So you're all good.

**Genie** · 22nd October 2009, 18:44

oh now i'm even more confused...i had this idea that i'd get all my gear (jacket,pants, gloves) before i bought the bike. now, my gf reckons just a jacket and get the rest later. I'm the girl that needs to know just what i'm doing and now i'm confused...i need to get this right! so what is the best way to do 'it'????????

**wickle** · 22nd October 2009, 19:01

Originally Posted by Genie

oh now i'm even more confused...i had this idea that i'd get all my gear (jacket,pants, gloves) before i bought the bike. now, my gf reckons just a jacket and get the rest later. I'm the girl that needs to know just what i'm doing and now i'm confused...i need to get this right! so what is the best way to do 'it'????????

buy good quality gear and all of it before you rIde!

**Genie** · 22nd October 2009, 21:21

Originally Posted by wickle

buy good quality gear and all of it before you rIde!

that was my plan and then...the voices of some confuse me. thanks...and i like the jacket i've picked. vain bitch!

**MSTRS:Me** · 23rd October 2009, 10:07

Wickle is right. Get the full(ish) kit now. Helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots.
Leather is best, but Cordura may be more practical for you (it's waterproof - usually).
Remember - you may think it's important to look good (it is, sort of) - but what is more important...will you look good if you come off, wearing gear that is not designed to protect your fleshy bits?

**Genie** · 23rd October 2009, 10:22

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Wickle is right. Get the full(ish) kit now. Helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots.
Leather is best, but Cordura may be more practical for you (it's waterproof - usually).
Remember - you may think it's important to look good (it is, sort of) - but what is more important...will you look good if you come off, wearing gear that is not designed to protect your fleshy bits?

yes, my thoughts were that...shouldn't listen to some people. what's the go with Kevlar?? Oh and i look good in a sack so i'm not going for the look as such more wanting to protect myself from all those nasty drivers that don't see bikes. My brother got ripped up real bad (I too once upon a time) and a friend was killed by blind drivers. I do not wish to go down either of those roads. and as I'm a mother of some adorable children i don't wish to be out of action in any way shape of form!!!! My life is very important.

**MSTRS:Me** · 23rd October 2009, 10:28

Originally Posted by Genie

yes, my thoughts were that...shouldn't listen to some people. what's the go with Kevlar?? Oh and i look good in a sack so i'm not going for the look as such more wanting to protect myself from all those nasty drivers that don't see bikes. My brother got ripped up real bad (I too once upon a time) and a friend was killed by blind drivers. I do not wish to go down either of those roads. and as I'm a mother of some adorable children i don't wish to be out of action in any way shape of form!!!! My life is very important.

You talking about Draggin jeans? I wouldn't bother...

**Genie** · 23rd October 2009, 10:30

Originally Posted by MSTRS

You talking about Draggin jeans? I wouldn't bother...

don't know....just was mentioned to me last night....off to bike shop to check out some more stuff....shopping day is tuesday!!!!

**MSTRS:Me** · 23rd October 2009, 10:37

Look for stuff that has (soft) hip and outside thigh armour, and hard knee/shin armour. Jackets need it in shoulders, elbows and back. You can feel it through the outer layer. Gloves should be a slightly loose fit, with a velcro strap to tighten around the wrist, and good to have hard outer armour over the knuckles. Boots should at least have hard plastic armour over the inner/outer ankles.

**Genie** · 23rd October 2009, 10:41

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Look for stuff that has (soft) hip and outside thigh armour, and hard knee/shin armour. Jackets need it in shoulders, elbows and back. You can feel it through the outer layer. Gloves should be a slightly loose fit, with a velcro strap to tighten around the wrist, and good to have hard outer armour over the knuckles. Boots should at least have hard plastic armour over the inner/outer ankles.

thank you...jacket has elbow, back and shoulder hard stuff...was a bit odd when i tried it on..but hey i like my elbows!!!

Hadn't thought much about gloves but yeah...very important...skin can peel off!!

was thinking of one of those belt thingys to protect ribs too.

**MSTRS:Me** · 23rd October 2009, 10:55

Originally Posted by Genie

thank you...jacket has elbow, back and shoulder hard stuff...was a bit odd when i tried it on..but hey i like my elbows!!

Good stuff.

Originally Posted by Genie

Hadn't thought much about gloves but yeah...very important...skin can peel off!!

Gloves are possibly THE most important item. Don't skimp.

Originally Posted by Genie

was thinking of one of those belt thingys to protect ribs too.

A kidney belt? Don't bother. But if you want extra back protection and a certain amount of centre mass support, get an armadillo-type back protector.

**smoky** · 28th December 2009, 08:33

Originally Posted by Genie

Hi, it's been a very long time since i owned a bike (25years) and as my children have started school and horses are out of the question...a bike is the answer. Which begs the question...where do i start?

The kind of bike you want depends on the kind of riding you want to do, and the budget you have. But getting out there will be fun.

Do you know anyone you can get on the back of a bike with, get some idea of the fun you could have, meet up with others who ride.

**R1madness** · 29th December 2009, 16:16

Cordura gear is fine. Spool (thats the brand name) Jacket and pants deals are available at the moment for $119 for the pants and $139 for the Jacket or $250 for the pair (while stocks last). Its quite good stuff for the money.

Gloves, buy good ones leather with a double wrist closure cuff (to help keep them on in a crash), teknic are on special (down from $99) for $80.

Helmet, forget the huge dollar label brands (shoei and Arai) at the moment, HJC KBC Nitro etc for half the dollars will give you a good safe comfortable helmet. ( i feel a flaming comming on...) Fit is more important than price...

Boots... but sturdy proper bike boots, feet are easily damaged in a slow crash. Oxford boots are on special...