SportBike Newbie Gear Questions

[MotoXkid]

So I'm new to streetbikes and had a few questions about gear.

Do most sportbike riders who wear full two-piece gear generally wear regular street clothes underneath?

What size pants should I get if I am planning on wearing street clothes underneath? 1 size larger than street clothes? two?

I'm looking on eBay for gear to save some money, and am most interested in the AlpineStars gear. I bought an AlpineStars street jacket on eBay that is very well protected and fits perfectly.

Additionally and probably most importantly, how can one truly tell if a helmet fits correctly? What are the signs to look for?

Any help appreciated!

Thanks,

Chris

[RayOSV]

Welcome to SBN!!

It's almost impossible to wear street clothes under leathers. Textile (solid or mesh) is easier. Pants that are made to wear over street clothes usually come in correct sizes, but find a shop to try stuff on before buying if you can. Alternately find an online store with a good return policy.

The shell shape varies among helmet models - even among models from the same manufacturer. There really is no substitute for trying on a helmet before buying. Once you find a helmet that fits snuggly on your head, fasten the chin strap and grab the chin bar. If you try to move the chin bar up and down plus side to side, the helmet shouldn't move on your head. Your scalp may move a bit, but the helmet should not slip on your head. You should not be able to stick your finger between your head and the padding. The cheek pads will likely feel tight and squish your cheeks. This is one area of helmet padding that will break in with use.

Leave a helmet that passes these tests on your head for about 15 minutes checking for tight spots. If it doesn't hurt, it's likely not too tight. If you feel tight spots or see red marks on your forehead when you take the helmet off, it's not the right shape. Some people suggest trying on helmets first with the cheek pads removed if they come out. That way you can fit the top of your head first without the distraction of tight cheek pads. Many helmets come with different thickness cheek pads (extra $$) for a more custom fit. Most new riders get a first helmet that's too loose rather than too tight.

There are many Cycle Gear shops in SOCAL where you can try on various types of gear and helmets.

[MotoXkid]

Thanks for the heads up, it's much appreciated. So no pants under leathers generally? Not the answer I expected, but it is understandable. It's a pain to wear pants under motocross gear as well.

[RayOSV]

I wear long-legged and long-sleeve mainly polyester underwear under my leathers even in summer. Different weights for different temperatures. I usually get mine at REI, but Under Armor makes some great stuff as well. In the heat the idea is to wick the sweat away from your skin. It keeps you cooler and makes it easier to get the leathers off.

[WDPsellout]

I wish the sweat was wicked better off my back when wearing my Knox Contour. Gets really swampy under there after a ride.

[MotoXkid]

So for commuting or whatnot, you would want to have a backpack with street clothes obviously.

Thanks for the information guys, this helps me pick out what to get.

Chris

[RayOSV]

Given a choice, I wouldn't wear a backpack while riding. Way too uncomfortable. Bungee net it to the rear seat or something if you must carry a backpack.

[MotoXkid]

OK, makes more sense that way. I have been trying to watch the riders I see on the roads around here to see what is most popular and very few have backpacks now that I think about it.

[Penthos]

Whenever I wear leather's I wear Under Armour Heat Gear underneath...helps for putting on and taking off the clothes too. There are several "under suit" or base layers available...

[FoxDavis]

Us a tank bag for the street clothes. That is the best solution if you have to bring other clothes. If the event of a fall off you won't kill yourself wearing a backpack. Better to sweat then not have the right riding gear.

[MotoXkid]

Yeah I agree with that. I've always worn FULL gear when dirt riding, I just don't take any chances. I've had a few spills, but (knock on wood), no injuries.

It's not worth my life, you know?

Thanks!

Chris