One thing that I see a problem with, is people throwing out the terms "starter helmet" or "starter gear". This is just ridiculous because when you're just starting out with riding, you are actually the most vulnerable. Your choice of gear is as important as your choice of bike. When affordability becomes an issues, its really best to make sacrifices in the bike department so that you don't have to skimp on gear.
Leather is best, also, don't buy for look, buy for comfort. It should not be baggy. Your pants and your jacket need to have motorcycle specific armor in the crucial areas, and they should zip together. Your best choice is a 1-piece suit however.
There is a difference between over-the-ankle boots, and riding boots. Motorcycle specific riding boots not only provide protection for your feet, and provide stability against twisting/breaking your ankle, but are also designed for efficiency in operating your bike's controls. Sidi. Sidi. Sidi.
Always get gauntlet style gloves. Leather, armor, and ventilation are really the only differences between them. Try to get the pair with the most abundance of each. Unless you will be riding in cold weather. Then get a second pair that will eliminate the venting and keep your hands warm instead.
Your helmet needs to be DOT approved. Not just because its the law, but because it stupid to wear anything that isn't. The way it fits YOUR head is the most important factor in choosing a helmet. It needs to be TIGHT. Do not pick a helmet based off of how it looks. It may be a brand that is all wrong for your head shape. The different brands of helmets, and the different models within that brand, are all different shapes. Most people have model-specific head shapes, and you'll learn yours once you try on a large variety of helmets out there. Do not buy it too big. Most people who think they need an XL really only need a Medium. It will break in to fit your head and face with time, too.
Be sure you buy gear that you will wear. It needs to be comfortable (while ON the bike) and inspire confidence in your safety. The worst kind of gear is the stuff that you don't want to wear. Determine which scenario you'd prefer:
being a
little bit uncomfortable while not on the bike, and experience a little bit of inconvenience
-or-
being EXTREMELY uncomfortable once you get flung OFF of the bike because you thought it uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear the gear.
Finally, once you think you have all of the proper gear and are ready to ride, do this:
Suit up, and run down the sidewalk as fast as you can.
Then spread your arms and legs and take a dive. If any part of your body is in pain, or you are bleeding, you need higher quality gear in that area.
If you're considering getting on your bike to ride, no matter how far, and you wouldn't confidently
even think about doing this (without the concern of ruining your gear in mind), you are not wearing nearly enough.
Just so you get an idea of what most serious riders are looking for, here's what I wear, no matter
what the situation, and no matter
where or
how far I am going, "joy riding" included, since joy riding is what this sport is all about
:
Suomy Spec 1R -or- Spec 1R Extreme helmet
Alpinestars Race Replica 1-piece suit -or- Alpinestars TZ-1 Leather Jacket with Alpinestars Track Pants zipped together.
Alpinestars Pro-Tech Back Protector
AGV GP Pro gloves -or- AGV Exocet gloves
Sidi Vertigo Corsa boots in blue -or- Sidi Vertigo Corsa boots in white.
