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JustWondering · 09-10-2007, 03:56 PM

I've read the stickies and have found them quite usefull for considering what sort of bike I should start out on. I have decided to go with the ex500. I was leaning toward starting on a smaller bike but it seems all of my buddies who ride think that is a horrible idea. But the stickies (as well as other research) have helped confirm my belief that starting on a smaller bike is a good idea.

That being said, I didn't find any stickies or good posts about what sort of gear a noobie should start off with. I also checked the gear thread and there was no easily found threads on the basics of gear. Perhaps one of you more experienced riders could either point me in the direction of a good startup guide or could make a good post that has sticky potential. I believe the 'noobie' forum is the best place to make it because I would think that the proper choice of gear is almost as important as the first choice in bikes (if not moreso).

But I have a few specific questions that might help someone develop a post. I have glanced through the gear section of this forum and most people have the whole gettup going (helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, boots, etc.) which sounds like a good idea if I were out riding for pleasure. But I will probably be using my bike to commute to and from work & school as I will use it for joyriding. Is all of this stuff neccessary just to get me the mile and a half of city driving required to get to school and work? If not, what things are necessary? I would guess a helmet at the very least but what about gloves or a jacket? If I want to wear 'normal' clothes without having to change my clothes once arriving, are jeans acceptable? Any pants? Shorts? Naked?

And what general info should I know about the various types of gear that would help me make a better informed choice in what I'll buy. Do I need a $400 helmet or is a $25 helmet that I might find at a garage sale acceptable? What should I look for in a helmet? What should I stay away from? And more importantly WHY should I look for, or stay away from, certain things?

Are gloves neccessary? Can I use those 99 cent mittens I see at the dollar store or should I find some cast iron gauntlets? Leather or chainmail?

Jackets? The pro's and con's of leather jackets versus some of the synthetic materials I see out there. Dont some jackets actually have hard material like plastic or perhaps even kevlar in them?

If I dont want a pair of raicing boots are my regular sneakers okay to commute in? What about for joyriding?

Are baggy pants out of the question? I'd look rediculous in some tight wrangler jeans where every detail of my keys shows through the material.

I'm not 'skinny' or even 'average' in weight. I'm above average with a picture perfect beer belly and some beautiful love handles. Is there gear to fit my body style?

I know I've asked a ton of questions and I dont really expect someone to have ALL of the answers. But any advice would be helpfull not only to me but to any of the other noobies who are not only curious about a first bike but also about the set of safety gear we purchase. I've found it hard to find all of this information in a central location that is not marketing a specific product. Thanks in advance!

09-10-2007, 03:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
JustWondering Supersport Racer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Conway, AR Age: 29 Posts: 121 Casino Cash: $1323 Sportbike: 2002 Suzuki SV650	A few noobie questions about GEAR. I've read the stickies and have found them quite usefull for considering what sort of bike I should start out on. I have decided to go with the ex500. I was leaning toward starting on a smaller bike but it seems all of my buddies who ride think that is a horrible idea. But the stickies (as well as other research) have helped confirm my belief that starting on a smaller bike is a good idea. That being said, I didn't find any stickies or good posts about what sort of gear a noobie should start off with. I also checked the gear thread and there was no easily found threads on the basics of gear. Perhaps one of you more experienced riders could either point me in the direction of a good startup guide or could make a good post that has sticky potential. I believe the 'noobie' forum is the best place to make it because I would think that the proper choice of gear is almost as important as the first choice in bikes (if not moreso). But I have a few specific questions that might help someone develop a post. I have glanced through the gear section of this forum and most people have the whole gettup going (helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, boots, etc.) which sounds like a good idea if I were out riding for pleasure. But I will probably be using my bike to commute to and from work & school as I will use it for joyriding. Is all of this stuff neccessary just to get me the mile and a half of city driving required to get to school and work? If not, what things are necessary? I would guess a helmet at the very least but what about gloves or a jacket? If I want to wear 'normal' clothes without having to change my clothes once arriving, are jeans acceptable? Any pants? Shorts? Naked? And what general info should I know about the various types of gear that would help me make a better informed choice in what I'll buy. Do I need a $400 helmet or is a $25 helmet that I might find at a garage sale acceptable? What should I look for in a helmet? What should I stay away from? And more importantly WHY should I look for, or stay away from, certain things? Are gloves neccessary? Can I use those 99 cent mittens I see at the dollar store or should I find some cast iron gauntlets? Leather or chainmail? Jackets? The pro's and con's of leather jackets versus some of the synthetic materials I see out there. Dont some jackets actually have hard material like plastic or perhaps even kevlar in them? If I dont want a pair of raicing boots are my regular sneakers okay to commute in? What about for joyriding? Are baggy pants out of the question? I'd look rediculous in some tight wrangler jeans where every detail of my keys shows through the material. I'm not 'skinny' or even 'average' in weight. I'm above average with a picture perfect beer belly and some beautiful love handles. Is there gear to fit my body style? I know I've asked a ton of questions and I dont really expect someone to have ALL of the answers. But any advice would be helpfull not only to me but to any of the other noobies who are not only curious about a first bike but also about the set of safety gear we purchase. I've found it hard to find all of this information in a central location that is not marketing a specific product. Thanks in advance!