Total Motorcycle Community Forums

So I'm stoked I just purchased my new 1980 Honda CM400E!!! I've never ridden a motorcycle before and its on the back of my friends truck ready to unload in my yard so I can get learning. I'm a 21 yr old guy with no other vehicle who got this bike because I will need a way to get around for about 6 months only. I will most likely need to sell the bike and all possible gear after this time. I have very little money, but I want to keep all my body parts intact. Please advise me on some specific questions as to gear....THANKS!

Helmet: I understand used is out of the question and plan on getting the Z1R Strike brand new for $80. Best performer in test ratings....

Bodysuit: Is this superior to jacket and pants? Okay to buy used???

Jacket/Pants: How important is this? Is it ok to buy used or no-name on ebay. When buying on ebay what are the critical components that I need to make sure are there?

Gloves: How important are these? Also okay to buy used? How would motocross/racing gloves be for my commuting needs?

Boots: How important? Okay to buy used? How about motocross/racing boots for my commuting needs? What about using military boots or work boots?

Any other tips on critical gear, ways to save money without compromising safety, cheap sources for gear, or any other help is VERY WELCOME!

THANKS AGAIN! ~ a new very respectful rider...

Good used motorcycle leather jacket and pants should be fine, make sure it's cow hide and not the sheep hide stuff often sold as nappa leather.

Gloves you must have, again I would suggest you make sure they are for motorcycling. Personally I'd get new, don't know where those other hands have been.

Motorcycle boots are best but military or work boots should be OK. Get good ankle and toe protection.

Get the stuff that fits best, and wear it every time.

Ouch!

Welcome to riding!

Helmet and gloves are an absoute necessity, especially if helmets are required in your state. Gloves are great because in a wreck usually your hands will instinctively go down first, gloves help grip the controls in wet weather, and they'll save your knuckles from hard shelled bugs.

I'll admit I don't wear my bike jacket very often except in the summer. In these cold months I usually bundle up with a regular coat. I also don't have bike pants, and up until a couple weeks ago rode in sneakers. Mainly because I don't have a job anymore and I spent a whopping $230 on my helmet.

You can get a good pair of gloves for about $30. I'd buy new just because it's not horribly expensive and they'll last longer.

For jackets and pants, go to some bike shops and try on to find what fits, then check out eBay for good deals. Very important to get a comfortable fit. Generally non-leather will be less expensive. I've been looking around for a cold weather bike jacket and eBay has some around $100 that normally sell at $150. Also try on that Z1R Strike before you buy to make sure it fits. A poorly fitting helmet is not only unsafe but it makes riding not much fun.

You can find good quality high-ankle boots that aren't specifically motorcycle boots. I bought a pair of Magnum Stealth II (cool name huh) work boots for $70. Again you could probably find them cheaper online. I never really felt boots were necessary but I needed a new pair of shoes anyway, and after seeing some pictures of a guy with his ankle busted up from a wreck I was convinced.

So pretty much try stuff on at stores, write down brands and sizes, then shop online.

Riding is addictive... I doubt you'll be able to quit after 6 months.

Sevulturus posted a link to the pic that made me buy boots.

If your going to have to sell the bike and gear in 6 months and your only getting it for trasportation, why not just buy a cheap car?

jmillheiser wrote:If your going to have to sell the bike and gear in 6 months and your only getting it for trasportation, why not just buy a cheap car?

Yeah. With insurance costs, the mental stress of LEARNING a new skill (and maybe not being so good at it) in addition to the gear, riding is going to prove far more expensive than buying an ugly but running car.

P

Before investing anything in your gear, take that 25 year old bike to a reputable shop and have it safety inspected.

There are all sorts of age issues that you may not even know to look for that can get you killed, either from outright failure while riding, or from a malfunction that puts you in the path of traffic.

If on inspection, this bike has any 'issues,' then I suggest you stop and get a car. Save learning to ride when you can afford it to be a hobby, not your sole form of transportation.

P

Jeez...what a way to discourage the guy. If you're really strapped for cash, ride a bicycle. It gets great miles per gatorade. If not, then I'd take the bike over the car anyday.

Your choice for the helmet is a great bang for the buck product. Good good choice. Gloves are a must, if you can't afford the expensive moto gloves I suggest getting Mechanix gloves from the local autoparts store. They have great grip and flexibility, but you don't get the armor that comes in moto-gloves but since you're probably going for the bare essentials who needs armor in your gloves anyway. For footwear, just go with anything over the ankle, air force ones, tims, military boots, whatever floats your boat. As for the jacket, it's not really a neccessity...unless of course you crash, then you'd wish you were wearing one once your entire torso is covered in road rash. Cowhide leather or a textile jacket would be your best bet.

Look at wearing armour under your clothes, this can work out less expensive than buying motorcycle gear that you are going to sell in six months. Elbow pads, knee and shin pads. Spend good money on helmet, boots and gloves. If not motorcycle boots, you must get boots with ankle protection. If you fall on the ground, think of where will hit first. This is where we need to protect.

jmillheiser wrote:If your going to have to sell the bike and gear in 6 months and your only getting it for trasportation, why not just buy a cheap car?

I sold my car last December and have been travelling ever since. I'm now back staying at my parents house for 2-3 months to take care of some business and regroup before I go travel for another 7 months. These 2-3 months I'm here I need a way to get around so I can do things and be earning some money. My parents live in the boondocks so a bicycle isn't practical. When I'm back I'll be goin back to college and will get a car eventually but it will help to again have some transportation right off the bat. My car insurance would cost $150/month. I would have to buy a car, register and insure it in these 2-3 months...then either sell it again before I go or take it off the insurance and let it sit for 7 months. To take it off the insurance I have to turn in my tag. $180 to get it back. So it made a lot of sense to me to buy a cheap reliable motorcycle that gets great gas mileage and learn to ride. Motorcycle insurance is not required in the state of Florida. I've always wanted to learn. Now is the time. Thanks to all of your for the help. It is invaluable.

Now some more questions...

Do motocross/racing gloves and other gear have armor and are they suitable?

You have all said definately get textile or real leather jacket/pants, I have found these with armor and without, how critical is the armor?

I skateboard so I have good quality knee and elbow pads and wrist guards, I also have shinguards from soccer...would these be worthy substitutes/additions to my protective gear?

Side note I don't give a whoot if I look ridiculous if its protecting me. And yesterday I rode around the pasture for the first time for an hour. FELT GREAT!!!!!

OH ya one other question. What's the difference between crashing highside and lowside?