Topic: What to Buy?: Riding Equipment

[Loudpipe]

In case you didn't know, I'm a new rider, so I figure it'd be smart to buy at least a good jacket and some gloves (have my helmet picked out already...Z1R Strike).  I was browsing some online motorcycle clothing stores that carry all the big brands, and got a little overwhelmed.  I definitly want some quality clothing, but at the same time don't want to go overboard and spend $500 on a jacket I don't need.  I'm not going to be doing a whole lot of "spirited" riding on real curvey roads, but it's a possibility for once in a while.  For instance, I could get a nice leather jacket for one price, or pay more and get one with armor in it. Same deal with pants and gloves. And then each company has a whole line of stuff that I can't tell the difference in, except the price tag.  What kind of stuff do you all have experience with and know to be good, comfortable jackets/pants/gloves/etc, etc, etc.?  Are there any online stores that have particularly good prices, or are they all about the same?

[mick750F]

  You can check here... http://www.motorcyclegearreview.com/ ...for gear reviews buy the people that buy and use them, namely us...the riders. It was a help when I bought my last jacket.

   This place... http://www.newenough.com/index.htm ...has good deals on close-outs and last years models, if you can stand to be so dated.

Mike

[Loudpipe]

I don't think I can handle having last year's stuff.  It probably won't work right anymore, you know? 

Thanks for the other two links, I'll definitly check them out.  Anyone else own any stuff that they think is particularly good?

[burmashave]

I just got back into riding recently and didn't want to buy different gear for hot to cold weather.  Joe Rocket makes a nylon jacket that converts from a mesh jacket to a full jacket.  It has a removable inner liner for when it's really cold:

Joe Rocket Alter Ego

I really like it.  It takes a few minutes to zip the outer shell on, but having a mesh jacket means that I can wear protection on the hottest days.  The removable shell part can be packed along for those warm days that turn into cool nights.

[csendker]

I rolled the dice and picked up a used textile jacket with leather pads and armor for about $20 on e-buy - fits good; I use this one all the time.  Then I got a used mesh with armor and a liner for another $20 or so - fits good too & nice in the heat of the summer.  I don't think either jacket had been worn more than once or twice.  I won a real leather jacket for cheap, but it was way too small.  However, it fits the kids great, so it's their's now.  Joe Rocket armored gloves; this time new, set me back another Jackson.  I inherited two almost new full-face helmets, so I'm good from the head to the waist so far, below that I'm toast.  Well, I do wear big, heavy shoes though.

Someday when I'm rich & famous I'll buy new; but while I'm poor & obscure, I get used stuff - just like my bike.