I'm gonna ask: How much money do you have reserved for the motorcycle and how much for gear?
To be realistic, it is smart to allow between $600-$1000 for gear. Shop for your helmet first, because that is the one item that MUST fit right to do its job (see the helmet fit guideline sticky), and it can run you anywhere from $100 to $400 or more.
Buy at least your helmet from a shop, where you can actually try it on and wear it around for a while. The other stuff you will likely find better deals online, but you can't always tell about fit.
P
Where do you shop?
All props to Lion Lady, who is both a very good safety advocate and a motorcycle instructor in the greatest state in the union, but $600-$1000 seems mighty high, as well as possibly discouraging to a new rider. I've bought bikes for less, so I'll go ahead and advocate for the poverty stricken and the cheapskates.
Helmets, yeah, don't cheap out on that, but if you can figure out what size fits you, there are plenty of deals online at the places mentioned.
I have bought quite a few things on Ebay (including a helmet, but don't do that). Jackets, pants, etc. are pretty difficult to damage, mostly they get outgrown or out of style. They'll still protect just as well. Just check the sizing and don't buy the shredded ones with the bloodstains.
Craigslist has some great deals sometimes too, and the added advantage of checking stuff out before you buy (probably a good idea to have some idea what you want before you're standing around some stranger's living room dressed like Mad Max and everything).
Here's a tip-- go to one of those vintage stores where they sell overpriced bowling shirts, every college town has one, I think. They stockpile leather jackets and sometimes actual motorcycle jackets show up there. Pricey for walking around clothes, but cheap for safety gear.
Adding up my own gear-- shoei helmet, hein gericke leathers, misc. gloves and boots and such, I doubt it tops $250. I recently picked up a two-piece armored leather suit for $60. A spare Gericke jacket came from the thrift store- 6 bucks.
All I'm saying is there are ways to do this safely and cheaply, just spend some time, do some research online, check manufacturers web sites, and get the best you can afford. Style's important, but not that important, you're going to look like an astronaut anyway.
If you have questions about brands or whatever, ask them here. You'll get an earful.
Helmets, yeah, don't cheap out on that, but if you can figure out what size fits you, there are plenty of deals online at the places mentioned.
I have bought quite a few things on Ebay (including a helmet, but don't do that). Jackets, pants, etc. are pretty difficult to damage, mostly they get outgrown or out of style. They'll still protect just as well. Just check the sizing and don't buy the shredded ones with the bloodstains.
Craigslist has some great deals sometimes too, and the added advantage of checking stuff out before you buy (probably a good idea to have some idea what you want before you're standing around some stranger's living room dressed like Mad Max and everything).
Here's a tip-- go to one of those vintage stores where they sell overpriced bowling shirts, every college town has one, I think. They stockpile leather jackets and sometimes actual motorcycle jackets show up there. Pricey for walking around clothes, but cheap for safety gear.
Adding up my own gear-- shoei helmet, hein gericke leathers, misc. gloves and boots and such, I doubt it tops $250. I recently picked up a two-piece armored leather suit for $60. A spare Gericke jacket came from the thrift store- 6 bucks.
All I'm saying is there are ways to do this safely and cheaply, just spend some time, do some research online, check manufacturers web sites, and get the best you can afford. Style's important, but not that important, you're going to look like an astronaut anyway.
If you have questions about brands or whatever, ask them here. You'll get an earful.