[repressor]

Can anyone help me decide which gear would be the best, I am a new rider and could use some advice.

Looking to spend anywhere from about $750-$1000 total, hopefully that will be enough to get some decent, safe stuff.

How are the Alpinestars jackets, should I get the steel armor with it?

Full face helmets, any types/ brands in particular that are the best?

No idea about what type of gloves are recommended, they are so many options for these things.

Anyways I live around NYC, so that gives you an idea on the climate.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[RobertNL]

It really depends on what kind of rider you are. Do you like to drive for fun or are you going to drive your motorcycle as your primary vehicle? If you are going to drive for fun there (in my opinion) a couple of things to consider.

In general Alpinestars is a good and populair brand in clothing. Personally i'd go for a alpinestars, in your case as you mentioned above, jacket. I'm got an overall (2pc) and thats just pure for my own safety. You can consider buying those special rider jeans but i don't think they work as well as a proper leather hose.

Helmet is just a matter of priorities that you got to consider. One person is 100% fan of Shoei, the other can't stop talking about his Schuberth and I'm in love with my Arai Chaser V. For racing purposes, Arai is in my opinion class leader. A little bit cheaper you find helmets like HJC and AGV, not talking about all those other brands that are there. Just go to the local dealer and fit some of the helmets. A narrow and comfortable fit is more important than just a good looking helmet t.b.h. I've chosen for a full face helmet, just because that 100% covers the idea of safety for me. A little bit more functional(expecially when you like to smoke a cigarette) are the modular/flip-up helmets. In the Netherlands the motor-police wears them too.

For gloves i'd choose the all-weather gloves. I've got Alpinestars, same story, just go to the dealer, name the budget and wear them.

Edit: If you want/have to drive in rain, I should go look for the non-leather products

Good luck.

 

[R1-Dave]

I'm an Arai guy, have been for years. So for helmets, I like Arai. This being said, any of the top brand helmets are fine. Go to a bike shop and try them on with a sales staff member.
Same goes for jackets and gloves. Try on some quality brands in styles you like and buy the best you can afford. If you take care of your gear, you can get years out of them.
Alpinestars are great but I find they are Euro fit and not the best for my body type. I still own an Alpinestars leather suit though.
Alpinestars gloves fit snug but are great.
Sidi boots all the way. Even the low-end ones are awesome.
Some decent riding pants are a good idea unless you can afford full leathers and don't mind rockin em.
Avoid cheap brands like Speed and Strenght or Icon. Some of their stuff is ok but not great.

 

[Alucard Rawg]

your budget may be a little low. buying good gear in stages is better than no gear or crappy gear that makes you feel safer than you are.
The best helmet you can. I like Shoei because they fit my head. All the brands mentioned so far are a little different in shape and a proper fit is very important. The top brands also have replacable cheek pads that come in different thicknesses. this has been said twice Ill say it again go to a local shop and try them on and ask questions.
there are some good textiles that are cheaper than leather but wont offer the same abrasion protection. I have a mesh jacket I use when its hot. A 2 peace or a jacket and pants that zipp together is a good Idea think about sliding feet first and having you jacket up around your neck

 

[TSTagent]

We use all kinds of gear here at the TST Hq.

One guy is all about his Alpinestars and refuses anything else. He wears a GMAX helmet since he only rides when the weather permits.

Me personally have a 1 piece leather suit for the track and for everyday riding I have a mesh speed and strength jacket for the Floridian heat. Gloves I own are alpinestar gp pros. I plan on picking up some alpinestar boots tomorrow. (I ride EVERYDAY)

Mr R. has an Arai Helmet and I'm not too sure what kind of leathers he wears. (He ONLY does track riding)

Our fulfillment guy has an HJC helmet and I believe some Bilt gloves, but he barely rides at the moment.

Helmet wise I started off cheap when I first started riding and now I'm buying more comfortable/fitting helmets. Right now my primary helmet is an AGV K4 Evo and I love it.

Basically like everyone else has stated, go to the store and set your budget. From then on you just have to try on what's available and then pick.

Just remember you are talking about the safety of your life in the case of an accident. Don't go cheap, if you can't afford it all at once go in steps.

Every now and then you can also come across a steal or two on craigslist.

 

[repressor]

your budget may be a little low. buying good gear in stages is better than no gear or crappy gear that makes you feel safer than you are.
The best helmet you can. I like Shoei because they fit my head. All the brands mentioned so far are a little different in shape and a proper fit is very important. The top brands also have replacable cheek pads that come in different thicknesses. this has been said twice Ill say it again go to a local shop and try them on and ask questions.
there are some good textiles that are cheaper than leather but wont offer the same abrasion protection. I have a mesh jacket I use when its hot. A 2 peace or a jacket and pants that zipp together is a good Idea think about sliding feet first and having you jacket up around your neck

What budget do you think is necessary for quality / safe gear, I am willing to spend a bit more if need be...

 

[repressor]

It really depends on what kind of rider you are. Do you like to drive for fun or are you going to drive your motorcycle as your primary vehicle? If you are going to drive for fun there (in my opinion) a couple of things to consider.

In general Alpinestars is a good and populair brand in clothing. Personally i'd go for a alpinestars, in your case as you mentioned above, jacket. I'm got an overall (2pc) and thats just pure for my own safety. You can consider buying those special rider jeans but i don't think they work as well as a proper leather hose.

Helmet is just a matter of priorities that you got to consider. One person is 100% fan of Shoei, the other can't stop talking about his Schuberth and I'm in love with my Arai Chaser V. For racing purposes, Arai is in my opinion class leader. A little bit cheaper you find helmets like HJC and AGV, not talking about all those other brands that are there. Just go to the local dealer and fit some of the helmets. A narrow and comfortable fit is more important than just a good looking helmet t.b.h. I've chosen for a full face helmet, just because that 100% covers the idea of safety for me. A little bit more functional(expecially when you like to smoke a cigarette) are the modular/flip-up helmets. In the Netherlands the motor-police wears them too.

For gloves i'd choose the all-weather gloves. I've got Alpinestars, same story, just go to the dealer, name the budget and wear them.

Edit: If you want/have to drive in rain, I should go look for the non-leather products

Good luck.

thanks for the advice!

 

[repressor]

I'm an Arai guy, have been for years. So for helmets, I like Arai. This being said, any of the top brand helmets are fine. Go to a bike shop and try them on with a sales staff member.
Same goes for jackets and gloves. Try on some quality brands in styles you like and buy the best you can afford. If you take care of your gear, you can get years out of them.
Alpinestars are great but I find they are Euro fit and not the best for my body type. I still own an Alpinestars leather suit though.
Alpinestars gloves fit snug but are great.
Sidi boots all the way. Even the low-end ones are awesome.
Some decent riding pants are a good idea unless you can afford full leathers and don't mind rockin em.
Avoid cheap brands like Speed and Strenght or Icon. Some of their stuff is ok but not great.

thanks for input mate

 

[Alucard Rawg]

That really depends a good helmet will be $300-400 and up leathers pants and jacket or 1 peace $700-1000 and up boots $100-200 and up gloves $100 and up if you go textile you will spend less but wont get the same abrasion resistance. with good deals and smart shopping your not to far off. remember you get what you pay for. I did not mention this but people often dont think about their feet over the ankle a must work boots in a pinch but most good riding boots have armor and steel aluminum or carbon as stiffeners to keep your ankle from snapping. the same with gloves look for good armor and protection.
check out this place good prices but check out all their video reviews.
http://www.revzilla.com/sportbike-gear

 

[Maverick]

I picked up a Shark S900 helmet, Joe Rocket Textile 2 layer jacket... medium to low grade gloves... and cheapo Vega riding boots for less than $800..

I feel its a good start and can upgrade piece by piece from here on out.

 

[YamahaPWR]

I picked up a Shark S900 helmet, Joe Rocket Textile 2 layer jacket... medium to low grade gloves... and cheapo Vega riding boots for less than $800..

I feel its a good start and can upgrade piece by piece from here on out.

Not bad at all. What else are you planning to get if you have decided already?

 

[Maverick]

Not bad at all. What else are you planning to get if you have decided already?

No decisions as of yet. First upgrades will certainly be the gloves and boots.... pants in time, although the jacket I bought doesnt have a pant tie-in zipper.

It all boils down to how quickly I start riding more aggressively really... couple years yet before the tracks close to me open up

 

[Maverick]

Not bad at all. What else are you planning to get if you have decided already?

No decisions as of yet... first upgrades will definitely be new gloves and boots....

How quickly current gear gets upgraded or new additions depends on how quickly I start riding more aggressively >

 

[PaulJr]

Visit a shop that has a good selection and knowledgable sales staff where you can try on and hopefully demo some gear. I know the 2 closest BMW/Triumph shops to me will gladly help. If the gear does not suit your body.....buy the best you can afford. I'm an Arai person also but some shops seem to be dropping them because of their refusal to adapt to changing markets. I still hate the shield mechanism.

 

[slipstream]

I have just ordered AGV Sport Solare jacket and AGV K4 Evo Diapason helmet. The helmet came at a great discount. Next on the list is a decent pair of boots.

 

[RobertNL]

AGV K4 is a good helmet aswell. My brother's got it and he kinda likes it aswell. I've got to admit that the looks of the K4 are good aswell, it's got kind of an agressive chin. Ofcourse looks are not the first thing to look for when you're about to pick a helmet

Only thing i'd do is put a pinlock in it. Roughly said it's second layer of air in your visor which prevents it from fogging (which is really annoying ánd dangerous).

http://www.revzilla.com/product/hjc-...ck-lens-insert

 

[slipstream]

Thanks for the suggestion Robert, will consider that once I receive the helmet.

 

[Maverick]

Not bad at all. What else are you planning to get if you have decided already?

Surely gloves and boots will be first to be upgraded... as for anything additional that is still up in the air