instead of a 'newbie bike' post, how about a gear post?

[mattwells]

Well, I am a newbie, and finally found my first bike ('82 Nighthawk 450 - set me back $500 and runs, not pretty, but it runs). Now, I need to get geared out - I have a helmet (that I bought at a local store), but know little to nothing about jackets, pants, etc. What should I be looking for? Where would be a good place to look (I would rather not go back to the local shop, they were not helpful and seemed to look down on me for being there buying a helmet instead of dropping a ton of money on a Harley)?

Any input/help would be appreciated.

Also, I am looking for stuff that is VERY well vented (heat in GA is unbearable) and as inexpensive as possible.

Thanks,
Matt

[dr_bar]

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/shoponline.htm

[sapaul]

I also live in a hot country but still refuse not to gear up. Good boots and gloves are a must, spend as much as you are able on these items. If you look at leather pants you will find the fully padded jobs very expensive but you can buy non padded and then also get MX type knee pads to wear underneath. Same for the jacket, wear elbow protectors and velcro some shoulder pads in. A loy of guys will have the all or nothing attitude,"I'll just wear my jeans and T shirt until I can afford the real gear" Bad attitude. Throw yourself on the ground and see which bits hit first and then think how you are going to protect those bits. Usually it's elbows, knees, hips, ankles and hands and your chin. Even if you are not going for "designer gear" wear plastic or rubber protectors on those areas. Full face helmet is an absolute must. Don't want to sound like a nagging old women (I probably have already) but those little bits of plastic could mean the difference between a bruise and a break.

[PhilD9er]

First off, congrats on your new bike. Don't spend big bucks on a helmet, but do get a full face, imo. I have a model number here, Z1RZRP-1, a plastic helmet for 80 bucks. I got an HJC for about 120, but it scored even lower on the common impact test.

For body armor in 90 plus degree temps I highly recommend my Fieldsheer Mach 1 jacket. Mine was about 90 bucks at Brockton's, and they have an ugly green model for 60. We have flocks of wild parrots in LA, so I didn't want the green one. High school girls in their 'virginal' white prom night Hummer suv limos will choose YOU to puke on. But it is cheaper.

Wear boots.

[ronboskz650sr]

I wear Joe rocket atomic jacket, and Icon recon jeans in all but triple digit weather. I still wear the jeans, but unzip the jacket, which really reduces its protection. Both are well vented for riding well into the 90's (F). Oh, and Air force flight boots (jump boots probably would be good too) and some all leather gloves...hoping for the matching Atomic gloves for Christmas. Hjc cs10 helmet with dark optional visor.

[allawybiker]

I wear a FirstGear Mesh Tech pants, FirstGear Mesh Teck II jacket, and FirstGear mesh gloves for hot weather, the jacket is very well vented and the pants are comfortable enough to wear for hours, even at the office
Both the jacket and pants cost me about US$120 each, but well worth the investement...