New Rider - Gear?

[charlesgb34]

Hello! I'm a 21 year old college student and just started riding. I bought a 2000 Suzuki GZ 250 after taking the Motorcycle Saftey Program this past summer. It only had 1300 miles on it and the lady only wanted $600, so i just couldnt pass up that deal. I use the bike for commuting among school and work mostly.

I have a question about gear. With winter approaching, what kind of gear should I be looking to get? I'm thinking about a jacket, but for practical purposes, I think a Carhartt Jacket would better fit my needs, but i've never owned one, and dont know how they'd feel on a motorcycle. Should i just stick to leather? and if so, what should i look for in a leather jacket?

[Loonette]

Welcome aboard!

It's somewhat difficult to answer your gear question - winter means different things depending on where you live. I live in mid/Ohio, so some days it's too cold to ride, some days I'll ride with lots of warm clothing on, and some days I can get away with just my leather and a pair of legions under my jeans.

Blocking the wind becomes a huge issue in the winter. You can get away with a couple of additional light layers for warmth, especially if you're on a budget, but you'll still want a good wind-blocking layer. A balaclava for the head/neck/face is nice. Make sure if you're wearing winter riding gloves that you still have good movement in your hands for the controls. Boots that keep the wind out are comfy.

I'm not familiar with the coat that you mentioned, but if you posted this question in the "New Riders" or "Total Talk" forums, you might get more responses.

Enjoy the forums!

Cheers,
Loonette

[sharpmagna]

Yeah the cold isn't the big issue, it's the wind. If you can keep the wind off you then it goes a long way. A 3/4 jacket would probably be better for for the winter as well as the neck going higher than just a mandarin style. The neck thing isn't such a big deal if you get a balaclava. For gloves, a gauntlet style is great for keeping out the wind.

[charlesgb34]

Well, I live in Raliegh, NC. Where are good places to get that kind of stuff like balaclava and leather jackets?

[WVUChrome]

Adressing the Carhartt idea, it will keep you warm. But, it will not offer much protection. I went down wearing one while I was learning to ride on my dirtbike and ended up tearing it. Mind you this was on a dirt road. I can't imagine it holding up well on asphalt.

Any local bike dealers should have a nice selection of riding gear that you can try on.

Later,
Chrome...

[touge_dorifuto]

I would recommend the Tourmaster Flex jacket. It's a tad pricey at just under $200, but its really all the jacket you could want. It can be a mesh jacket for summer, but with its liners you can make it suitable for very cold weather. It's also armored. A pair of long johns for your legs will help a ton.

[Koss]

I would recommend the Tourmaster Flex jacket. It's a tad pricey at just under $200, but its really all the jacket you could want. It can be a mesh jacket for summer, but with its liners you can make it suitable for very cold weather. It's also armored. A pair of long johns for your legs will help a ton.

+1. I dont have this jacket, but a cheaper version... the Intake I believe its called. Its a mesh textile jacket with hard armor and impact absorbing materials. It has a removable waterproof lining, and an other lining for warmth. I just recently bought a pair of tourmaster pants also. Comes equiped with hard armor and impact material, with liners also for rain and cold. I think they are called the Caliber. Then I went with some Tour master Cold Front Carbon Gloves... since my current carbon fiber gloves by Pilot are mesh and have air vents... so they wont be good to wear for long.

Plus I ordered a Wind Jammer II... since I have no shame with wearing ugly motorcycle gear for saftey or comfort... I got it. My helmet is a HJC CL-15... and its LOUD... so hopefully it will quiet it down and keep my face warmer in the middle of the night when Im riding home from across town.
http://www.proline-sports.com/acatalog/ ... er_21.html

[mustangski]

I would go with leather myself, I wear a Carhart jacket during the winter months when I was in Pennsylvania and they are warm but they don't block the wind. I only paid $100 for my leather jacket and it works incredibly well. It is warm and blocks the wind. Also I found that wearing underarmour cold gear helps out alot. However that as well is somewhat pricey. It all depends on how much you are willing to spend, you could be fine with a leather jacket and a couple of sweatshirts.

[Social Distortion]

i totally dig my leathers and am so impressed on how my leather jacket holds up and keeps me warm.
I have cheapo leather gloves w/ flimy lining and they help lots.
If i could find a good pair of leather flexable gloves, w a nice lining and a gauntlet style, i'd be stylin!

[Wrider]

I would recommend the Tourmaster Flex jacket. It's a tad pricey at just under $200, but its really all the jacket you could want. It can be a mesh jacket for summer, but with its liners you can make it suitable for very cold weather. It's also armored. A pair of long johns for your legs will help a ton.

+2 I have it, it cost $159 at the local bike shop. So far I have used just the outer shell in weather down to 35 degrees at 60 MPH with all the vents open and been just fine. Not sure on the pants, so far I just wear jeans, but that gets cold quickly too. Another advantage, during the summer, the back padding is removable for less heat retention (that jacket can get HOT).
Wrider