So, I bought my first bike, what gear do I need?

Fastguy · 03-13-2009, 10:02 PM

I read through a lot of this section of the forum and see a lot of gear references. What would you guys (and girls) suggest for a a typical new rider on an older cruiser.

Gratuitous bike pic (yes, its muddy)

zed · 03-13-2009, 10:30 PM

Welcome

helmet
gloves
boots
leather jacket/mesh jacket
over pants/chaps

you don't have to spend a fortune, buy the best you can afford.

derf · 03-13-2009, 10:30 PM

Get a good fitting helmet for starters. Then a jacket, gloves, and over the ankle boots and you should be fine.

Others will say add pants to that, but unless you have the $$$ jeans will do. Just realize this, you will crash. No kidding, ask anyone it's gonna happen, and be ready for it.

Leather is better than textile, but in the end some protection is better thanno protection.

Fastguy · 03-13-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zed

Welcome

helmet
gloves
boots
leather jacket/mesh jacket
over pants/chaps

you don't have to spend a fortune, buy the best you can afford.

Ok, I have seen that referenced a lot, what's a mesh jacket?

Mrs. Colleen · 03-13-2009, 10:35 PM

I ride a sportbike so I am sure my opinion on gear is different than what the cruiser guys will tell you...so instead of putting in my opinion I am just saying hi.

Although...regardless of the bike...please wear a good helmet.

zed · 03-13-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastguy

Ok, I have seen that referenced a lot, what's a mesh jacket?

it's a textile jacket that is mesh. very breathable. this one isn't the only one out there but pretty good.

http://www.motosport.com/street/prod...=badger-street

GSXRGirl · 03-13-2009, 10:46 PM

Fastguy

try this section for gear
http://www.twowheelfix.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19

MikeSP1 · 03-13-2009, 10:50 PM

You'll need a good fitting helmet, I'd suggest a full face. If you crash in a half-helmet, then what's gonna protect your chin from the pavement? Also a good set of riding gloves, a jacket, and over the ankle boots. In terms of protection, a leather jacket is gonna be the best, followed by textile, with mesh offering little more protection than a hoodie.

I ride both a big(ger) cruiser and a big sportbike and I ride the same gear for both around town. You will crash, I'm not trying to condemn you to anything. It's just the nature of learning how to ride, everyone on this board has crashed at some point. It's gonna happen, so be prepared for when it does.

All that aside, when you're ready get that old cruiser out be safe and most of all, have fun. Get out and meet new people.

GSXRGirl · 03-13-2009, 10:51 PM

Only you will know what is good for you.

I suggest helmet, jacket, gloves and boots

Fastguy · 03-13-2009, 10:54 PM

I have a pretty nice Simpson helmet and a few HJC helmets, heavy leather jacket, and high top Timberlands I usually wear as well as leather gloves. I already got the crashing part taken care of.

Used to ride years ago, oddly enough, an 81 Maxim, and flipped it.
I didn't know if you guys suggest buying specific riding gloves and boots as opposed to general purpose gloves and boots.

03-13-2009, 10:02 PM	#1
Fastguy Viceroy of Chewie Toys Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Milford MA Moto: 02 Victory V92 TC Posts: 20	So, I bought my first bike, what gear do I need? I read through a lot of this section of the forum and see a lot of gear references. What would you guys (and girls) suggest for a a typical new rider on an older cruiser. Gratuitous bike pic (yes, its muddy)

03-13-2009, 10:30 PM	#3
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	Get a good fitting helmet for starters. Then a jacket, gloves, and over the ankle boots and you should be fine. Others will say add pants to that, but unless you have the $$$ jeans will do. Just realize this, you will crash. No kidding, ask anyone it's gonna happen, and be ready for it. Leather is better than textile, but in the end some protection is better thanno protection. __________________

03-13-2009, 10:46 PM	#7
GSXRGirl . Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Florida Moto: 2003 GSXR600 Posts: 15	Fastguy try this section for gear http://www.twowheelfix.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19 Last edited by GSXRGirl; 03-13-2009 at 10:49 PM..

03-13-2009, 10:50 PM	#8
MikeSP1 Perpetual trouble Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: at the base of the Alps Moto: VTX 1300C, RC51, CBR600RR, CBR929RR Posts: 715	You'll need a good fitting helmet, I'd suggest a full face. If you crash in a half-helmet, then what's gonna protect your chin from the pavement? Also a good set of riding gloves, a jacket, and over the ankle boots. In terms of protection, a leather jacket is gonna be the best, followed by textile, with mesh offering little more protection than a hoodie. I ride both a big(ger) cruiser and a big sportbike and I ride the same gear for both around town. You will crash, I'm not trying to condemn you to anything. It's just the nature of learning how to ride, everyone on this board has crashed at some point. It's gonna happen, so be prepared for when it does. All that aside, when you're ready get that old cruiser out be safe and most of all, have fun. Get out and meet new people. __________________ "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"

03-13-2009, 10:30 PM	#2
zed yellow don't corner well Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kansas City, KS Moto: 06 ZX10R Posts: 1,243	Welcome helmet gloves boots leather jacket/mesh jacket over pants/chaps you don't have to spend a fortune, buy the best you can afford.

03-13-2009, 10:51 PM	#9
GSXRGirl . Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Florida Moto: 2003 GSXR600 Posts: 15	Only you will know what is good for you. I suggest helmet, jacket, gloves and boots

03-13-2009, 10:54 PM	#10
Fastguy Viceroy of Chewie Toys Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Milford MA Moto: 02 Victory V92 TC Posts: 20	I have a pretty nice Simpson helmet and a few HJC helmets, heavy leather jacket, and high top Timberlands I usually wear as well as leather gloves. I already got the crashing part taken care of. Used to ride years ago, oddly enough, an 81 Maxim, and flipped it. I didn't know if you guys suggest buying specific riding gloves and boots as opposed to general purpose gloves and boots.