N00b looking for info...

[Goatboy56]

Hi everyone. First off thanks for taking time to look at this, I appreciate it. Secondly I'd like to thank in advance the users that will help me on my everlasting quest of knowledge about these amazing machines.

Anywho my name is Cameron. I come from a family of riders, so naturally ive been interested in motorcycles since I was a kid. Unfortunatly that interest is all it has been. My family quit riding before I was even born, Due to my Uncle Rex dying in an accident when he was 19. Ive always wanted to ride, and that wish has become a reality as my Uncle Roger has took me under his wing and put me on a dirt bike. I know sport bikes are as different as night and day when compared to a dirt bike. But even on thast dirt bike I feel a freedom I cant really explain. And I hope to continue feeling that feeling riding sport bikes.

I want to start small when I start riding, I dont want to get to much on my plate. I plan to be riding my bike everywhere...college, work, friends, possibly with the group that rides on main street every friday and saturday. So that is where I come to you guys and gals for help. First off I would like the scoop on protective gear...It would be appreciated if you can at least point me in the direction of some info about gear. What im really looking for is since ill be riding to work and college, possibly some gear that can be worn as everyday wear. Like more protective than jeans, but not pants i have to change when i get to my destinations. If such thing exists. And where i can find info on helmets, back protectors, gloves, riding jackets, pants, and boots.

Secondly there is a bike dealership in town that carries used sport bikes and its the only delarship that does. He has two bikes there I may be interested in. I have no riding experience other than dirt bikes. So I need to know if they are beginner friendly and if it wont be too much for me to handle. BTW I am 6 foot tall and 140 pounds, idk if that makes a difference but there it is anyway. MMMkay the bikes im looking at a 2001 Kawasaki Ninja EX500R and a 1998 Yamaha FZR-600...

All advice, tips, info is greatly, greatly appreciated. I cannot stress enough how beneficial it is to me that you guys and gals can help me.

Thanks again
-Cameron "Goatboy" Hill

[Its Sparks]

Go for the 500r, not the 600. That is all.

[Ride.]

Welcome to the site!
As far as riding gear goes, I would suggest getting a leather 2-piece suit, or a leather riding jacket in a brand (like Alpinestars) that makes leather pants that zips to them. Just change your pants when you get to work or wherever you're going. Bottom line is that "everyday" clothing is not protective gear. And even the best jeans (I hate to even say the word "draggin jeans") won't hold up to the pavement in any significant crash.

You should be able to find plenty of recommendations on good riding gear and how much you should spend on it just by searching the forum.

I think the bike you're gonna want is a Suzuki GS500 or a Kawasaki Ninja EX500. But in no situation can you go wrong starting on a Ninja 250.

[Goatboy56]

Thank you much for for the help infiniti. I do understand that everyday clothing wouldent hold up for riding but what I was wondering if there were light riding pants made of some light strong fabric that has a little armor, or extra padding that I can wear casually on or off the bike without changing from riding to normal pants...thanks again for your help....

[WhoUtink]

You could always go textile , corddura,cotex or what ever they call it. They will be thinner and lighter, but form what I have read here, they are usually a one time use kinda thing. Meaning, if you crash the gear is trashed after one incident where leather can be crashed lightly several times before needing to be replaced. I dont have pants yet, only jeans ,but I have a feeling if I go down before i get some I am going to regret it. how bout something like this http://www.newenough.com/protective_...cle_pants.html or an overpant, you can wear pants underneath http://www.newenough.com/protective_...overpants.html

[RayOSV]

Riding pants that both offer some protection and will pass as "normal" pants is a tough combination. Look into textile over-pants that offer abrasion resistance and some armor. When you get where you're going, you can pull them off and take them with you or cable lock them through the leg to the bike.

And +1 for the 500 as a first bike.

[L8 Braker]

--Take MSF
--Get gear, wear it all the time, no exceptions
--Buy used
--Start on a 500 or less

[Goatboy56]

thanks for all the help, I have a lot of stuff to read through now and I appreciate your time.

[mssdrider]

hey goatboy
first of all: welcome to SBN <===standard greeting
second: +1 on the 500
Finally: if you really feel like you need to ride in jeans, the best thing to do is buy knee protectors, dainese, icon, and alpinestar all make them and are easy to find.

Ride safe!

[Little Joe]

Check out the Cortech (Tour Master) DSX jeans. They are leather lined on the inside, and have CE approved knee armor, yet look like regular jeans.

-Joe-

[Goatboy56]

I am honored by recieveing the greeting MSS lol, and thanks for the tip Joe, ill definately look into that...and about the MSF class....what does that stand for, i think we have one around here, they teach you how to ride on the street and they take you on the street, highway, and interstate....but idk if we are thinking of the same thing....thanks again all

[RayOSV]

MSF = Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

http://www.msf-usa.org/

It's the best place to start. Classes do fill up fast in the summer in most places so plan ahead.

[groovyg]

good advice on starting on the 500. You'll be much happier. And regarding the jeans.. I believe I read somewhere that the average denim jeans will last for about 1 second of abrasion before ripping into your skin.. so go for some textile pants or leather pants.

[Goatboy56]

Where can I find some info on helmets. I know they range from $80-$600. Do they really have that big of range? Do you get what you pay for, or are $400-$500 helmets no better than $100-$200...and what do you look for in helmets?

Again everybody I appreciate you help....

Thanks again,
-Cameron "Goatboy" Hill

[Ride.]

There is a difference in helmets that meet DOT and Snell ratings, and the ones that greatly exceed these ratings. The more expensive helmets are the ones that generally exceed the minimum requirements by a greater margin.

There is a point though, in my opinion, where these ratings equal out, and any extra money that the helmet costs is because of better fit/finish, lighter weight, flashier graphics, etc.

The most important thing to consider when purchasing a helmet is how well it fits YOUR head. Each brand, and each model within that brand has an overall different shape. Where HJC and Suomy will typically fit the "round heads", Shoei will typically fit the "skinny head". The best thing to do is, disregard price, disregard brand, and disregard graphics. Try on many different models at a dealership. I'm talking probably 15 different models. Remember to try on several sizes in each model. Put aside 5 or so that fit your head the best. Should be TIGHT around the crown of your head. The biggest mistake people usually make is buying a helmet that's too big. It should be tight. It will "break in" and form to your head, and your face after wearing it a few times.

After finding several helmets that fit the best, look at the features on them, such as how easy it is to remove the shield, along with the quality of the mechanism. Can you remove the liner to wash it? Does it vent to your liking? Use a combination of features and price in the helmets that fit you best to determine how much money you want to spend and ultimately determine which model is best for you.

After finding the right model, go online to search for the color options on that model and to purchase it since it will be cheaper online.