So, I bought my first bike, what gear do I need?

Fastguy · 03-13-2009, 11:02 PM

I read through a lot of this section of the forum and see a lot of gear references. What would you guys (and girls) suggest for a a typical new rider on an older cruiser.

Gratuitous bike pic (yes, its muddy)

zed · 03-13-2009, 11:30 PM

Welcome

helmet
gloves
boots
leather jacket/mesh jacket
over pants/chaps

you don't have to spend a fortune, buy the best you can afford.

Fastguy · 03-13-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zed

Welcome

helmet
gloves
boots
leather jacket/mesh jacket
over pants/chaps

you don't have to spend a fortune, buy the best you can afford.

Ok, I have seen that referenced a lot, what's a mesh jacket?

zed · 03-13-2009, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastguy

Ok, I have seen that referenced a lot, what's a mesh jacket?

it's a textile jacket that is mesh. very breathable. this one isn't the only one out there but pretty good.

http://www.motosport.com/street/prod...=badger-street

MikeSP1 · 03-13-2009, 11:50 PM

You'll need a good fitting helmet, I'd suggest a full face. If you crash in a half-helmet, then what's gonna protect your chin from the pavement? Also a good set of riding gloves, a jacket, and over the ankle boots. In terms of protection, a leather jacket is gonna be the best, followed by textile, with mesh offering little more protection than a hoodie.

I ride both a big(ger) cruiser and a big sportbike and I ride the same gear for both around town. You will crash, I'm not trying to condemn you to anything. It's just the nature of learning how to ride, everyone on this board has crashed at some point. It's gonna happen, so be prepared for when it does.

All that aside, when you're ready get that old cruiser out be safe and most of all, have fun. Get out and meet new people.

Fastguy · 03-14-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeSP1

You'll need a good fitting helmet, I'd suggest a full face. If you crash in a half-helmet, then what's gonna protect your chin from the pavement? .

Definitely full face, my buddy laid his bike down and slid a LONG ways and the helmet burned all the way through. If it was skull cap, he's be missing half his face. As far as gloves, I have regular Simpson driving gloves but I am guessing they would burn through instantly in a crash.

Fastguy · 03-13-2009, 11:54 PM

I have a pretty nice Simpson helmet and a few HJC helmets, heavy leather jacket, and high top Timberlands I usually wear as well as leather gloves. I already got the crashing part taken care of.

Used to ride years ago, oddly enough, an 81 Maxim, and flipped it.
I didn't know if you guys suggest buying specific riding gloves and boots as opposed to general purpose gloves and boots.

Cutty72 · 03-13-2009, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastguy

I have a pretty nice Simpson helmet and a few HJC helmets, heavy leather jacket, and high top Timberlands I usually wear as well as leather gloves. I already got the crashing part taken care of.

Used to ride years ago, oddly enough, an 81 Maxim, and flipped it.
I didn't know if you guys suggest buying specific riding gloves and boots as opposed to general purpose gloves and boots.

For gloves, yes. They will give you better feel for the controls than a work type leather glove. Also, they are usually ventilated so your hands will stay cooler.

As for the boots, your timberlands will work.

MikeSP1 · 03-13-2009, 11:59 PM

For boots, it really doesn't matter, as long as they go over you ankles. For gloves, those that are designed for riding will be more comfortable to wear than regular work gloves. Riding gloves are designed with air vents to keep you hands from sweating, armor to protect your hands from the crash, and are more likely to actually stay on you hand than work gloves.

derf · 03-13-2009, 11:30 PM

Get a good fitting helmet for starters. Then a jacket, gloves, and over the ankle boots and you should be fine.

Others will say add pants to that, but unless you have the $$$ jeans will do. Just realize this, you will crash. No kidding, ask anyone it's gonna happen, and be ready for it.

Leather is better than textile, but in the end some protection is better thanno protection.

03-13-2009, 11:02 PM	#1
Fastguy Viceroy of Chewie Toys Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Milford MA Moto: 02 Victory V92 TC Posts: 20	So, I bought my first bike, what gear do I need? I read through a lot of this section of the forum and see a lot of gear references. What would you guys (and girls) suggest for a a typical new rider on an older cruiser. Gratuitous bike pic (yes, its muddy)

03-13-2009, 11:50 PM	#5
MikeSP1 Perpetual trouble Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: at the base of the Alps Moto: VTX 1300C, RC51, CBR600RR, CBR929RR Posts: 715	You'll need a good fitting helmet, I'd suggest a full face. If you crash in a half-helmet, then what's gonna protect your chin from the pavement? Also a good set of riding gloves, a jacket, and over the ankle boots. In terms of protection, a leather jacket is gonna be the best, followed by textile, with mesh offering little more protection than a hoodie. I ride both a big(ger) cruiser and a big sportbike and I ride the same gear for both around town. You will crash, I'm not trying to condemn you to anything. It's just the nature of learning how to ride, everyone on this board has crashed at some point. It's gonna happen, so be prepared for when it does. All that aside, when you're ready get that old cruiser out be safe and most of all, have fun. Get out and meet new people. __________________ "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"

03-13-2009, 11:59 PM	#9
MikeSP1 Perpetual trouble Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: at the base of the Alps Moto: VTX 1300C, RC51, CBR600RR, CBR929RR Posts: 715	For boots, it really doesn't matter, as long as they go over you ankles. For gloves, those that are designed for riding will be more comfortable to wear than regular work gloves. Riding gloves are designed with air vents to keep you hands from sweating, armor to protect your hands from the crash, and are more likely to actually stay on you hand than work gloves. __________________ "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"

03-13-2009, 11:30 PM	#10
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	Get a good fitting helmet for starters. Then a jacket, gloves, and over the ankle boots and you should be fine. Others will say add pants to that, but unless you have the $$$ jeans will do. Just realize this, you will crash. No kidding, ask anyone it's gonna happen, and be ready for it. Leather is better than textile, but in the end some protection is better thanno protection. __________________

03-13-2009, 11:30 PM	#2
zed yellow don't corner well Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kansas City, KS Moto: 06 ZX10R Posts: 1,243	Welcome helmet gloves boots leather jacket/mesh jacket over pants/chaps you don't have to spend a fortune, buy the best you can afford.

03-13-2009, 11:54 PM	#7
Fastguy Viceroy of Chewie Toys Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Milford MA Moto: 02 Victory V92 TC Posts: 20	I have a pretty nice Simpson helmet and a few HJC helmets, heavy leather jacket, and high top Timberlands I usually wear as well as leather gloves. I already got the crashing part taken care of. Used to ride years ago, oddly enough, an 81 Maxim, and flipped it. I didn't know if you guys suggest buying specific riding gloves and boots as opposed to general purpose gloves and boots.