Late to the party, sorry, but let me add to the groundswell of support: get a good helmet first. Any money left over, get a jacket with armor (I got a modular helmet and armored nylon jacket for ~$400 out the door).
I figure the only thing I really can't do without is my brain. Intact spinal cord and arms are a very close second.
Prioritizing gear...
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Wordherder
- Elite
- Posts: 116
- Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 3:27 am
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- My Motorcycle: Harley 2009 Superglide
- Location: Naperville, Illinois
Thanks for all the help...
I'll definitely replace the helmet first (some of you may have missed the mention of the gear I've already got). Depending on how much I've got left, I'll see what I can find for pants and just use my existing leather jacket until I can find time to get out next week and get a jacket, too.
I'll definitely replace the helmet first (some of you may have missed the mention of the gear I've already got). Depending on how much I've got left, I'll see what I can find for pants and just use my existing leather jacket until I can find time to get out next week and get a jacket, too.
When you go buy a helmet, buy what fits, not what's flashy. You may know this, but just for the record, higher price doesn't necessarily mean more safety - it just means more comfort, more options, and more luxury. I got an HJC CS12 helmet for around $100 at a local dealer; it's a good helmet, DOT approved (look for the DOT logo on the back, or Snell; regardless of price or brand, this is what matters) and while it may not be flashy or have of options and a million vents, it fits, keeps my head safe, and gets the job done.
As such, you may well be able to find a helmet under $150 - but remember, buy what fits. If the only thing that fits costs $500, then you're gonna be out 500 bucks. You might have enough money left over to get a different jacket, or anything else you were looking for.
As such, you may well be able to find a helmet under $150 - but remember, buy what fits. If the only thing that fits costs $500, then you're gonna be out 500 bucks. You might have enough money left over to get a different jacket, or anything else you were looking for.
-lunchmeat
I've got a similar setup. Cheap leather motorcycle jacket, borrowed helmet (that fits properly mind you), and work gloves and boots. Seems to work well enough at low, low speeds though.
Maybe it's time for some better stuff.
P.S.
Tropicalhotdog is obviously evil as evidenced by his signature.
And should be ashamed.
Maybe it's time for some better stuff.
P.S.
Tropicalhotdog is obviously evil as evidenced by his signature.
And should be ashamed.
“I keep two magnums in my desk drawer. One is a gun that I keep loaded. The other is a bottle and it keeps me loaded.”
-Calvin "Tracer Bullet" and Hobbes
-Calvin "Tracer Bullet" and Hobbes
Maybe I should have reported back... 
I got payed early, so I went and got a Scorpion EXO-700 and an Olympia textile 3-season jacket. Now the only bit of gear left to buy is pants. (A* SP-2 gloves and Frank Thomas boots)
That will have to wait a few days, though, since my carbs are in the process of being cleaned now (got stranded at DMV with what I suspect is a worn/gummed/otherwise screwy float valve)
Having a nice helmet that fits is SO much nicer than the borrowed helmet.
I got payed early, so I went and got a Scorpion EXO-700 and an Olympia textile 3-season jacket. Now the only bit of gear left to buy is pants. (A* SP-2 gloves and Frank Thomas boots)
That will have to wait a few days, though, since my carbs are in the process of being cleaned now (got stranded at DMV with what I suspect is a worn/gummed/otherwise screwy float valve)
Having a nice helmet that fits is SO much nicer than the borrowed helmet.