Recommended gear for starting out?

[p.dath]

For example the resons I think the shoei xr1100 helmet is a better choice than say an rjays gp2 helmet. Both of which we stock is that the xr1100 has the dual eps liner, providing better impact absorption which the rjays doesnt

But how do you know the shoei offers better impact absorption? Because the brochure says so?

If you don't know the actual energy absorption of the combined package then you are taking your best guess.

I just checked, and the SHOEI web site says the xr100 is made to the SNELL 2005 standard. Did you know the SNELL 2005 standards sets the maximum energy transfer to 300g? Did you know that death occurs at 300g?
So this helmet is made to a standard that limits the impact absorption to the point that you will die.

That's great.

The SHOEI has dual EPS liners. What's the total liner thickness compared to the RJ's? Two thin liners could be worse than one thick liner. I don't know these two helmets specifications. So the SHOEI could well be better.

But the thing is you just can't tell by reading a brochure that is designed to entice you to buy the product.


That's why using an indepent comparitive test like SHARP is good. You can *compare* the helmet scores, and see how they actually compared relative to each other - as opposed to relying on advertising brochures.

[Quasievil]

But how do you know the shoei offers better impact absorption? Because the brochure says so?

If you don't know the actual energy absorption of the combined package then you are taking your best guess.

I just checked, and the SHOEI web site says the xr100 is mande to the SNELL 2005 standard. Did you know the SNELL 2005 standards sets the maximum energy transfer to 300g? Did you know that death occurs at 300g?
So this helmet is made to a standard that limits the impact absorption to the point that you will die.

That's great.

The SHOEI has dual EPS liners. What's the total liner thickness compared to the RJ's? Two thin liners could be worse than one thick liner. I don't know these two helmets specifications. So the SHOEI could well be better.

But the thing is you just can't tell by reading a brochure that is designed to entice you to buy the product.


That's why using an indepent comparitive test like SHARP is good. You can *compare* the helmet scores, and see how they actually compared relative to each other - as opposed to relying on advertising brochures.

WOW that is interesting !!
got some links to the death at 300 comment ?

[Hitcher]

Do not skimp on boots. Get boots that have really good ankle support in addition to oil-resistant soles. Save money on the Goretex if you like wet or sweaty feet, but not on fit or quality of construction.

Never ride with uncovered skin or skin covered in a fabric that will abrade in a nanosecond of coming into contact with terra firma. Despite views to the contrary, Draggin Jeans do not vaporise if one rubs one's thighs together to brusquely.

[IdunBrokdItAgin]

If you haven't bought a bike yet then the best time to buy gear is when buying a bike from a dealer. Haggle away and negotiate a discount on a full set of cheap cordura riding gear (and other items).

Most bike dealers have a new rider deal where they sell you a learner legal bike and offer discount on a full set of gear - others dealers give you a discount card which will give you discount on any further purchases.

If not buying from a dealer then the full gear set discount (like the one at motomail) is also a good option. However, if you can always try gear on first to make sure that you have got the sizing right and it isn't uncomfortable to ride in - especially with helmets.

Ignore all the leather this and leather that - cordura is the most sensible and practical option for a new rider. Buy leathers in the future when you know exactly what you want from your gear. I personally started with a set of cordura, then added draggin jeans and have recently added a set of leathers - but this was over time.

One final bit of advice is to stay away from the too good to be true cheap no-name imports on trademe. Go with known brands (teknic, spidi, dri-rider etc are all sensibly priced brand names).

[p.dath]

WOW that is interesting !!
got some links to the death at 300 comment ?

I quote this link in my BLOG on the subject:
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html

Injuries are rated on the AIS scale. A score of 6 means death. 300g of energy to the head gives you an AIS of 6.

275g (ECE 22-05) gives you an AIS of 5 - which is survivable but can leave you with a serious head injury.

Personally, I think anything more than 200g is a bit risky, which gives an AIS of 4.

[IdunBrokdItAgin]

Link to ride forever website gives basic idea of what to look for when choosing your gear:

http://www.rideforever.co.nz/gear/ch...he-right-gear/

Hope this helps. Lots of expense getting into riding at first but it is worth it.

[jasonzc]

1 tonne seems like a good choice.. good boots and gloves is a must. Helmet wise
i suggest HJC IS16. Good reviews all round.

best of luck!

OH.. .DONT BUY STRADA

[st00ji]

theres lots of debate about helmets, but the truth is if you try on a $200 something followed by a $700 shoei or similar, you will want the shoei.

[skinman]

You cant feel how safe or not your helmet is when riding but you will feel the shortcomings of the cheap helmet (fogging, weight, shaking at speed), the stuff I really hate about my current helmet & why I want a new one.

[pc220]

Well fuck me I wish I had an unlimited budget like some of you lot seem to have. Yes the $700 Shoei is better than a $150 HJC, Yes a $1500 two piece leather suit is better than $120 a piece textiles. But come on, this thread was started by a noob that just wants to buy a bike and some gear and ride.
My advice to a complete novice. Go for those $500-$600 packages on offer at some stores.It will get you out on the road in realative safety. Then in time you will get a feel for what you want out of your gear and be able to make those big ticket purchases with confidence.

[hellokitty]

a cool thing I noticed at Motomail, is the frame that you can sit on (and pretend you are on a bike) which gives a good idea how the gear fits while in a riding position - makes it obvious where the gaps will be in your pants etc.

[st00ji]

Well fuck me I wish I had an unlimited budget like some of you lot seem to have. Yes the $700 Shoei is better than a $150 HJC, Yes a $1500 two piece leather suit is better than $120 a piece textiles. But come on, this thread was started by a noob that just wants to buy a bike and some gear and ride.
My advice to a complete novice. Go for those $500-$600 packages on offer at some stores.It will get you out on the road in realative safety. Then in time you will get a feel for what you want out of your gear and be able to make those big ticket purchases with confidence.

i certainly dont have an unlimited budget. i made the cheap choices when i first started riding, and im regretting it now as i upgrade most of my stuff to better (and more expensive) options. i had no idea how much of a difference it would make, having had no experience on a bike i figured most anything would do. (same kind of approach to buying my regular clothes, hah)

though your point about getting a feel for what you want is a valid one

[hellokitty]

I wish I had an unlimited budget to spend as well...........
but, when I was learning to ride, I jumped on the back of my Dad's bike so he could show me some stuff, we were doing 80km on an open road and I suddenly thought oh crap! There I was wearing a pair of jeans and a hoodie - yes I had gloves and a helmet, but if I came off, I would lose a lot of skin.
I have full sleeve tattoos that took years to complete and when you add the $$ up it works out to be thousands of dollars. Apart from hurting really bad, I would lose all that effort and money spent on tattoos - so to me, a jacket worth $800 plus with thick leather and full armour is well worth the money - yeah I couldn't afford it but I used the credit card - and I came off at slow speed once and it saved me from a lot of pain and mess.

just my humble opinion

[Jonno.]

Don't get a starter pack because normally they have a cheap and nasty helmet.

Have a look http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ there's several well priced 4 star helmets.
I think Shark is really underrated for their price/graphics/ratings ($200+).

But again fit is very important. Try a helmet on multiple times on different days and make sure it fits.

[pc220]

I wish I had an unlimited budget to spend as well...........
but, when I was learning to ride, I jumped on the back of my Dad's bike so he could show me some stuff, we were doing 80km on an open road and I suddenly thought oh crap! There I was wearing a pair of jeans and a hoodie - yes I had gloves and a helmet, but if I came off, I would lose a lot of skin.
I have full sleeve tattoos that took years to complete and when you add the $$ up it works out to be thousands of dollars. Apart from hurting really bad, I would lose all that effort and money spent on tattoos - so to me, a jacket worth $800 plus with thick leather and full armour is well worth the money - yeah I couldn't afford it but I used the credit card - and I came off at slow speed once and it saved me from a lot of pain and mess.

just my humble opinion

There is no doubting the value of good gear. But if $800 was the only avaliable funds you had to purchase a full kit, how comfortable would you feel wearing only a jacket ?. I know I would prefer to be covered head to toe. Cheap gear will at least offer more protection than no gear.
I cant use my credit card, the Mrs took it off me.