Should a Beginner Buy Gear without a Bike?

[mgold]

A few weeks ago I bought a Textile Jacket at a Motorcycle Show, because it was a great deal. I kind of felt stupid buying the Jacket, because I don't have a bike.... yet! I also bought a helmet for the BRC, because I didn't want to use a loaned helmet.

I was wondering if other people have done this? Do you think it's wise or unwise? What gear should a beginner buy, without actually having a bike? Should a Beginner even buy Gear without a Bike?

[Johnj]

You need a helmet, buy one.

[Flesher]

I think it's the absolute a good ting to do. I mean, I wouldn't buy absolutely every piece of gear you think you may need. But gloves, helmet, jacket, boots, are all reasonable things to buy when you are planning to ride but don't have a bike yet.

[csspostal]

I bought all my gear before I got my bike. Sales lady thought it was a bit odd. But beats shelling out about a grand on top of whatever you paid for your bike in one shot.

[storysunfolding]

I say to hold off on the rest of your gear until you take your BRC. Learning more about what's out there is a great help. Also, my site gives out coupon books with up to 40% off at local shops which puts them at or below online prices and a professional will help fit you. Your site may offer the same thing!

Fit is a large part of proper protection

[mgold]

I say to hold off on the rest of your gear until you take your BRC.

Yeah! I don't understand all these people who get completely outfitted with gear. I'm more of the mentality "Buy as you need!" Out of the 24 people in the class, only 12 passed the course. One of the instructors actually called a few people out on buying gear to look cool. I guess he didn't think buying gear first was a good idea either!

[Grey Thumper]

Once I passed my BRC, I bought a helmet, a jacket, and a pair of gloves before buying my bike. Seems to be a sensible way to go about things. You wouldn't want to end up with a bike and then not be able to ride it (legally and/or safely) because you don't have the required/suggested gear.

[Flipper]

Wow Thumper, thanks for the quote credit.

[HYPERR]

Wow Thumper, thanks for the quote credit.

I just listened to your bass covers!

I love overpowering bass. It's so often muted in so many songs.

[Brackstone]

I say at least buy a helmet and gloves. That's what I started out with. Take your time trying on the helmet!! It takes close to 1/2 hour before I started feeling pain in my old helmets and just moving up a size didn't help!