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Old 03-13-2009, 10:02 PM   #1
Fastguy
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Default 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.

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Old 03-13-2009, 10:30 PM   #2
zed
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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.
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Old 03-13-2009, 10:31 PM   #3
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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?
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Old 03-13-2009, 10:40 PM   #4
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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
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Old 03-13-2009, 10:50 PM   #5
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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.
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Old 03-13-2009, 11:00 PM   #6
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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? .
Definitely full face, my buddy laid his bike down and slid a LONG ways and the helmet burned all the way through. If it was skull cap, he's be missing half his face. As far as gloves, I have regular Simpson driving gloves but I am guessing they would burn through instantly in a crash.
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Old 03-13-2009, 10:54 PM   #7
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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.
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Old 03-13-2009, 10:56 PM   #8
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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.
For gloves, yes. They will give you better feel for the controls than a work type leather glove. Also, they are usually ventilated so your hands will stay cooler.

As for the boots, your timberlands will work.
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Old 03-13-2009, 10:59 PM   #9
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For boots, it really doesn't matter, as long as they go over you ankles. For gloves, those that are designed for riding will be more comfortable to wear than regular work gloves. Riding gloves are designed with air vents to keep you hands from sweating, armor to protect your hands from the crash, and are more likely to actually stay on you hand than work gloves.
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Old 03-13-2009, 10:30 PM   #10
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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.
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