Newbie - Gear Combo Opinion

[deadlion]

After much time on the sidelines I am now in the game with my first bike. While outwardly displaying extreme resistance to me owning a bike my wife was actually purchasing a bike for me in stealth.

I arrived home from work one day last week, opened the garage, and there sat a beautiful 99 Road Star (Black, BUB exhaust, saddle bags).

A buddy found a gear combo sale at Moto Leather and sent me the URL. He has not bought from them before.

See http://motoleather.com/mojachandglp.html
Thoughts on this combo for a new cruiser?

Also, if anyone knows how M licensing works in NC please advise. My question is whether I have to take a NC DMV road test if I pass the motorcycle safety course.

Thanks!

[scan]

According to this information sheet (I've linked here) your skill test (on bike test) is waived when you pass the course, but you will still need to take the written test.

http://www.msf-usa.org/Downloads/2002%2 ... ensing.pdf

You'll have to check with your DMV (Secretary of State) or whatever the guys are called in your state that pass out the licenses. Ohio is listed the same as your state on the MSF sheet, and the way we had to do ours was as follows; take the test at the DMV, get a learners permit, attend the MSF class (must have the permit first), pass the class and get a waiver card, go to the DMV and show the card and get the license.

Here's the main MSF link -

http://msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?spl=2& ... rse%20Info

Regarding the gear, it looks good and fits the cruiser style well. I notice there is no padding in the elbows, knees, shoulders, or back, and the chaps leave your "sit upon" exposed. You may slide on your rear if you were to crash and wouldn't it be ironic if you had a road burned tush after you took the time to wear all that gear. It is all a matter of choice though. There are better protective options, but they don't look very "cool" and I know the cruiser set doesn't usually like the "Power Ranger" look.

Hope this helps. Good luck. Pretty cool surprise from your wife.

[deadlion]

Thanks scanevalexec.

Excellent info and insight. Given my rookie status I should take a safer approach. I have become attached to my elbows, knees, shoulders, back, and "sit upon" so I would do well to protect them.

Thanks also for the licensing link!

[cb360]

Good for you gearing up - and please do yourself a service and take the MSF course - you will be so happy you did. My personal two cents is to take all this safety stuff very seriously AND have a great time riding your new bike. Check out Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough - it's a good read and it'll make you a better rider.

[mattwells]

+1 for proficient motorcycling.

Check NewEnough.com for deals on protective gear. That is where I got mine, and it is great.

[Mustang]

It all looks good. The jacket has a removable lining and the zippers are supposed to be heavy duty.

As for the chaps...well I'm in Florida and we don't have much of a need to wear them down here....for the week of cold weather we may have:):) But they do seem to be the same style as the ones I've seen in Hogtales and other motorcycle cruising magazines.

I'd add my vote to taking the MSF course, even if you don't have too. With those hills and curvy roads you have in NC you want to be as prepared as you possibly can.

BTW the way....excellent wife with an amzing gift for giving presents!!!! Crongrats for the bike and the missus

[NCRonB]

Also, if anyone knows how M licensing works in NC please advise. My question is whether I have to take a NC DMV road test if I pass the motorcycle safety course.

At the end of the MSF course, I received two cards: one for me to keep that says I completed the course, and another to present to the NCDMV when I went to get my M endorsement. They waive the MC road test if you have that card. I took a written (computerized, actually) test that was easy, paid the fees and that was it. Well... I had to renew my license also, so the road sign test and eye exam were done as well. Oh... and a shiny new photo! The whole thing took no more than half an hour, including waiting in line.

[Ninja Geoff]

+1 for proficient motorcycling.

Check NewEnough.com for deals on protective gear. That is where I got mine, and it is great.

+2
It helps answers some of the little things like "counter-steering, that's bull "poo poo". *read read* OOHHHHHH i get it now.".

[Skier]

Regarding the gear the original poster linked to, I would guess it's probably not bad for an entry-level getup. There are a few things that worry me, though:

First, neither the jacket not chaps have armor. Impact protection is just as important as abrasion protection.

Second, I don't seem to find a listing of safety features of either the jacket nor chaps. They don't list a minimum thickness of the leather, or if the articles of clothing are double-stitched or not. Best leather in the world doesn't mean a thing if it bursts on impact.

Third, I've never been a real big fan of chaps. I like my fanny in its current non-hurting state. I spend a lot of time in front of a computer and I'd hate for my bum to have road rash on it, if I went down!

All that said, I'll stand by what I said earlier: it's probably a decent entry-level collection of gear. Eventually you'll come to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the seperate jacket and chaps combination and possibly move to something else, like a full suit or maybe upgrade the jacket, chaps or both.

[jmillheiser]

It is possible to get Kevlar reinforced armored jeans. check out Draggin Jeans