Gear

[mdl]

Well im proud to say today I went and took the permit test and got a perfect score. Next it's time to go off and take the MSF. I do plan however now to get some of the gear i will be using later such as the boots, gloves, and possibly helmet. What kind of gear specifically do you all reccomend? I'm going with the ninja 250 for my first bike so gear that fits that style would be best. I'm not matching colors or anything like that for a first bike though.

Thanks!

[nightingale]

Congrats on getting your permit.

First, GET A HELMET! After that, you should look at a jacket, pants, gloves, and boots. You can choose leather or textile. Generally, leather will offer better protection, but will also be more expensive. Best thing to do is to go to your local shop and try gear on. Get what feels best to you and you will be happy.

[VermilionX]

as long as you get a full face helmet, then it will fit the style of the ninjette.

in my opnion, full face for sport and sporty looking bikes bikes and 3/4 helmet for cruisers is the way to go.

also, don't buy chaps if you're not a cruiser rider.

then just get yourself an armored jacket and gloves. then if you still have some money, get some motorcycle pants and boots.

http://www.newenough.com/index2.htm

http://www.parts411.com/index.cfm

http://kneedraggers.com/

those sites have good prices.

[Kal]

I disagree with you about the 3/4 helmet on cruisers Verm- full face is the only way to go. Seeing gravel sliding by under my visor made me realise just how damn pretty I really am and I'll accept any almost any amount of not looking cool to keep my face just the way it is!

[Mintbread]

I feel the same about boots.
Don't wait to buy a good pair because I know for a fact that they can be the difference between having a foot or not.

[Dragonhawk]

Well im proud to say today I went and took the permit test and got a perfect score. Next it's time to go off and take the MSF. I do plan however now to get some of the gear i will be using later such as the boots, gloves, and possibly helmet. What kind of gear specifically do you all reccomend? I'm going with the ninja 250 for my first bike so gear that fits that style would be best. I'm not matching colors or anything like that for a first bike though.

The page on my website that explains how to learn to ride has a ton of links for gear.

This is the page:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn.php

Here are some of the links to the gear...
http://www.aerostich.com
http://www.alpinestars.com
http://www.dainese.com
http://www.vansonleathers.com
http://www.joerocket.com
http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk
http://www.kushitani.com

[jstark47]

as long as you get a full face helmet, then it will fit the style of the ninjette.

in my opnion, full face for sport and sporty looking bikes bikes and 3/4 helmet for cruisers is the way to go.

also, don't buy chaps if you're not a cruiser rider.

Verm,

I get the uncomfortable feeling you make gear choices based more on looks than function. If you do, that's your bad, but I'm not comfortable with you passing out that kind of advice to newbies. Your advice about helmets is particularly bad.

I'm sorry to be so direct, but this point is too important to screw around. There is a critical difference in protection between full face and other style helmets. It's a risk management decision, looks should not figure in. If someone elects to ride with a 3/4 or half helmet (or with no helmet at all), they should be thinking very clearly about the risk, and about what they're protected against and what they've left unprotected.

Jason Gundlach's article on Timberwoof's page http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/ri ... hoice.html, or Timberwoof's own comments http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/fa ... ygear.html will provide the proper perspective.

Please lose the squidly attitude, Verm. Or at least keep it to yourself.

Regards,
Jonathan

[VermilionX]

i know there are cruiser riders who wear full face, but 99% of the time i meet cruiser guys on the road... they're wearing 3/4 helmet. it just fits the attitude of the cruiser.

the guy was asking about fitting style, so i gave him an answer about style.

but yeah, i agree wearing full face is much safer.

[Sev]

Congrats to the OP for successfully passing the MSF, great work man! Glad to see another rider out there.

As for gear, I'd suggest a fullface helmet (to start, you can change later if you want, but to be honest I doubt I'll ever switch). Armored jacket and pants, good gloves. Pretty much anything you find in a stone and mortar bike shop will be pretty good.

Make sure the gear fits well, and is comfortable enough that you'll wear it every time you ride. You can have the best jacket in the world, but it doesn't do jack "poo poo" sitting in your closet cause you don't feel comfortable.


I agree with jstark on this one Verm.

No offense, but every time I see you recomend something, it's because, "it looks cool." Not because, "it's good gear." This completely the wrong attitude.

I rode a cruiser, I wore a fullface, my uncle rides a tourer, he wears a full face. My Aunt rides a cruiser, she wears a fullface. My aunt's riding club all rides cruisers or tourers and the vast majority wear fullfaces. Why? Because they all realize there is a chance they might not stay upright through every turn, and believe that it is better to look a little odd, then be scarred for life.

[VermilionX]

like i said, i know and agree full face is safer.

again, the guy specifically asked about what style will fit the ninjette.

about recommending gear... i always say it looks cool but i also read paul's comments on newenough.

besides, the guy is getting a ninjette... i seriously doubt he will choose a 3/4 helmet for that. i threw that in in regards to what style fits diff bikes.