the_Wife wants me to buy a bike (advice)

[pen25]

Anything leather is great...the thicker the better. I had a nice thick jacket and crashed with it on...saved my hide, literally. Would have taken a couple ounces of flesh off me for sure, but instead took a couple ounces off the dead cow I was wearing. The cordura jackets with armor are great too, but make sure to get one that is build for riding. You don't want to buy one that will melt onto your skin if you happen to slide on the pavement for a while. For a helmet, spend whatever amount you need to for it to be comfortable, properly fitted, and properly rated. I usually plan to pay $150-500, depending on what I want. I prefer a full face, because I like my face and would prefer to keep it if I crash. I really like the higher end HJC helmets for the cheaper end, and Shoei or Arai for the higher end.

But bottom line, get one that fits right. A loose helmet is almost useless, and one that gives you a headache or has poor ventilation ruins any enjoyment you will get from riding. Helmets are the one place you do not want to skimp on.

id also like to add. that the leather is great for right now but plan on buying something besides that leather jacket. if you buy a new jacket look to make sure it has not just elbow and upper back protection but also lower spine. and wear the helmet in the store for about 10 min as your shopping. if it is comfortable and not too hot youll most likely like it on the road.

 

[pen25]

I think I'd feel naked without a helmet. Whenever I rode when I was younger, I had to wear a helmet, so they don't bother me. It's like when I get into a car, I put on the seat belt and it feels strange when I don't.

What about like pants? If I'm riding into work, I'm going to need some kind of overpants, right? Something to keep my office-boy khakis clean! Newenough, is that the site everyone uses to buy gear like this?

newenough is a great site. do not know the dress code but you can get rider jeans that has kevlar lining. around 80 bucks. pack the khakis and change at the office. i wear the jeans. oh and gloves dont forget gloves and boots.

Five Tips for Buying Motorcycle Riding Boots - Associated Content
Riding Boots - Buyer's Guide - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine
Motorcycle Boot Buying For Newbies « Motorcycleworld360
Motorcycle Boots - webBikeWorld

and one last site Protective Gear - Ninja250Wiki

they have a ton of information for riders of all experience levels. read the faq's to the frequent discussed topics. you will learn a ton

 

[pen25]

when looking for a helmet, get a full face one... you don't want to see a picture of what those half helmets do for ya. Or a modular one, a lot of people like those. You don't have to spend a fortune to get a good helmet. Try it on before you buy. This is one thing I still like to buy from the brick and mortar stores even if it does cost more. I'm going to be spending probably in excess of a month of time in the next 2 years in the thing, I want to to fit good and be comfortable. A lot of motorcycle shops will price-match online stores... mine does.
Dennis kirk, newenough and motorcycle susperstore are both good websites for gear. Look in their clearance section, if you wear smaller sizes you're usually in luck.
Right now MCsuperstore has Joe Rocket and aplinestars stuff 74% off, might want to look into that even though it's rather picked over now.

Or for instance, I own this helmet in different graphics, and cannot speak high enough about it. It's very quiet, warm in the winter, cool in the summer and doesn't fog that easy. DOT and SNELL approved.
Icon Mainframe Hooligan Helmet - Street Bike - Men's Riding Gear - Closeout - Motorcycle Superstore
I would try to find one in a store and try it on first though.

ive been trying to find someone that has bought an icon and there are no good reviews of them. i seriously just bought the 79 buck bell helmet from walmart thinking id use it until i bought another. the thing is quiet and nice and cool as well. DO NOT BUY A USED HELMET!

 

[TXCrash]

Icon's haven't gotten good reviews. Bell's are, apparently, a pretty good helmet for the money.

Most full face helmets which are DOT "approved" (a misnomer, but a google search can say more than I..) offer approximately the same protection. What you pay for is features and sometimes - headshape. I've got a goofy shaped head, my old HJC CL-14 ($150) was getting long in the tooth. Nothing from the new HJC line fit. Nothing but the Shoei RF-1000 ($300) and Arai Corsair ($600) fit my head properly. I bought the Shoei. I've bought all my gear other than helmets online - but helmets are the one thing you at least need to SHOP for at a brick and mortar. Don't presume that if one brand's model fits another model from the same brand will too. It likely wont.

Wearing anything less than a full face is, in my humble oppinion, foolish - if only because of the number of small rocks/ bugs I've caught with my helmet. I know how bad little rocks feel on the hands - with gloves - I don't want to think about the naked face. I've also seen plenty of trashed helmets from face first slides. Crap happens, it's foolish to presume it won't happen to you. That said, it's an individual choice to not wear a full face - I used to smoke knowing the potential consequences....

Definitely check out the tourmaster line of gear. Reasonably priced and well built. Newenough has pretty honest descriptions of gear... I've bought jackets from $70-$150 from them. Expect to pay $120-$180 for pants. Make sure whatever you buy has armor in contact points.

Furthermore, make sure whatever you ride has good tires that were recently manufactured. All have DOT codes which you can google search how to read. After 4-5 years rubber dries up, majorly reducing (namely wet) traction. My one wreck so far was partially caused by ignoring same advice....

I type too much.

 

[BierMuncher]

I road with a full face 20 years ago. Now I ride with a half shell.

99% of accident survival is avoiding the situation in the first place. With my full face I always felt disconnected from the road, traffic, weather. My peripheral vision was 50% of what it is with an open.

Everyone rides to their comfort level. For me, closed in helmets diminish my reactive capabilities.

 

[z987k]

I road with a full face 20 years ago. Now I ride with a half shell.

99% of accident survival is avoiding the situation in the first place.

But what about when you go looking for that situation?

Not that anyone here probably cares but Bell has a really nice dirt helmet on sale for about $40, DOT and SNELL, AND it's made of fiberglass instead of polycarbonate. You usually pay $300 for that quality.

 

[MMW]

99% of accident survival is avoiding the situation in the first place. With my full face I always felt disconnected from the road, traffic, weather. My peripheral vision was 50% of what it is with an open.

Everyone rides to their comfort level. For me, closed in helmets diminish my reactive capabilities.

Plus 10^6. I've highsided a bike wearing only my leather jacket, half helmet, and goggles. (Have some scars on my face to prove it too). After that, when I got back on my bike, I bought a full face helmet at SWMBO's request. I've only worn it a handful of times-- I just don't like it. I wear my 1/2 helmet exclusively.

BTW: I heartily recommend wiley x goggles if you don't have a face shield on your helmet. I wear these. They work.

 

[the_bird]

Ugh.

My wife's uncle just had a kid on a bike die in his driveway. Sounds like "Suicide By Motorcycle."

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/Motorcycle_chase_ends_tragically_20090604


Doesn't change the equation at all, it's just kind of a tragic coincidence to have this happen.

You know what's sick? Some woman called Joe up after she saw him on the news, to have him make her some signs.... and to bang him.

 

[juvinious]

According to the news report, his facebook posting made it look like he was intentionally riding into a suicide.

 

[IrregularPulse]

According to the news report, his facebook posting made it look like he was intentionally riding into a suicide.

Sad to see. Must have been some bad stuff going on for him.


Glad to see bird that this didn't put a damper on your plans. I hate to see people miss out on life because of someone else's mistakes. I think NOT doing something because it's OTHER people get hurt doing it is stupid, unless of course it's avoiding Under water boxing matches with sharks.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

BTW: I heartily recommend wiley x goggles if you don't have a face shield on your helmet. I wear these. They work.

Those look great but for those of us that need vision correction they aren't practical. I use prescription sunglasses during the day and prescription safety glasses at night. And my bike has a fairing and windshield.

 

[BierMuncher]

...
Glad to see bird that this didn't put a damper on your plans...

I thinks it's important for riders to seek out and learn about bike mishaps.

A) It instills a keen sense of sobriety regarding the risks.
B) Every mishap has the elements of cause and effect. Search out the causes and keep them in your mind when you're riding.

 

[the_bird]

Well, this was just a tragic coincidence. Seems that the kid wanted to kill himself; he could have hung himself, and I wouldn't throw away all the rope I own, you know?

Really, it's more I feel bad for this kids' family, and for Uncle Joe (who's one of the best people you could ever hope to meet) having to experience this.

 

[MMW]

Those look great but for those of us that need vision correction they aren't practical. I use prescription sunglasses during the day and prescription safety glasses at night. And my bike has a fairing and windshield.

They're available with prescription lenses I wear contacts and ride without a windshield, so the air movement does funny things to my eyes when just wearing sunglasses. Clear lenses at night, smoke for the day...light and comfortable.

 

[the_bird]

"Class M," baby! Just walked down to the DMV, walked out with my permit.

What a joke that test is. Twenty-five questions; got three wrong, two of which were related to the penalties assessed on someone between the ages of 16.5 and 18 who gets a traffic violation.... I didn't read that section!

Most of the questions were like (and I'm getting the verbiage wrong, but these WERE the questions)

"Do you need to do a LOT of drugs to be too impaired to drive, or will just a little big f*ck you up?"

"When should you be concerned about a person with impaired vision?" Correct answer: WHEN THEY'RE NEAR YOUR F*CKING CAR!

Not a single question related to actually, you know... RIDING A MOTORCYCLE!

 

[Bernie Brewer]

"Class M," baby! Just walked down to the DMV, walked out with my permit.

What a joke that test is. Twenty-five questions; got three wrong, two of which were related to the penalties assessed on someone between the ages of 16.5 and 18 who gets a traffic violation.... I didn't read that section!

Most of the questions were like (and I'm getting the verbiage wrong, but these WERE the questions)

"Do you need to do a LOT of drugs to be too impaired to drive, or will just a little big f*ck you up?"

"When should you be concerned about a person with impaired vision?" Correct answer: WHEN THEY'RE NEAR YOUR F*CKING CAR!

Not a single question related to actually, you know... RIDING A MOTORCYCLE!

Too funny! It's been so long since I took my written exam I have no idea what was on it. And the practical exam was a joke back then, too. They just set up cones in the parking lot of the DMV and you had to slalom around them. Nowadays they give you a radio helmet and have you ride around town while they follow you in a van telling you what to do and assessing your ride. Much better that way.

But I know you are taking the safety course, so you won't have to do that.......

 

[Bernie Brewer]

They're available with prescription lenses I wear contacts and ride without a windshield, so the air movement does funny things to my eyes when just wearing sunglasses. Clear lenses at night, smoke for the day...light and comfortable.

Yikes! At 114 bones with plain lenses how much are they w/prescription????

 

[the_bird]

Grr. Arr.

Just found out that I can't ride in Vermont with a MA permit. Makes sense, I suppose. OUGHT to obey the laws, I suppose... the bike's in Bennington, if I buy it I'm bug Evan into riding it up to my folks, then I guess I'll either have to borrow a pickup or wait for my brother to ride it back to MA for me. I'm pretty sure he won't mind...

 

[CBBaron]

They're available with prescription lenses I wear contacts and ride without a windshield, so the air movement does funny things to my eyes when just wearing sunglasses. Clear lenses at night, smoke for the day...light and comfortable.

Prescription lenses in glasses like these are great unless you are like me and have a +9.75 prescription. You cant get any cool frames with these soda bottle lenses.

I've started wearing contacts again just so I can wear nice protective eyewear for bicycle riding and goggles for swimming.

Craig

Yes bird I am ready your thread and living vicariously through you. I'm interested in riding but not enough so to start the fight with my wife who thinks you will kill yourself the moment you straddle a motorcycle.

 

[MMW]

Yikes! At 114 bones with plain lenses how much are they w/prescription????

That's MSRP...better prices around

Prescription lenses in glasses like these are great unless you are like me and have a +9.75 prescription. You cant get any cool frames with these soda bottle lenses.

Yikes! I feel for you...I had LASIK 10 years ago or so...went from a -8.5 to nothing back to about a -2.0 now. At least I don't run into doors anymore w/o my glasses :cross:

"Class M," baby! Just walked down to the DMV, walked out with my permit.

What a joke that test is. Twenty-five questions; got three wrong, two of which were related to the penalties assessed on someone between the ages of 16.5 and 18 who gets a traffic violation.... I didn't read that section!

Most of the questions were like (and I'm getting the verbiage wrong, but these WERE the questions)

"Do you need to do a LOT of drugs to be too impaired to drive, or will just a little big f*ck you up?"

"When should you be concerned about a person with impaired vision?" Correct answer: WHEN THEY'RE NEAR YOUR F*CKING CAR!

Not a single question related to actually, you know... RIDING A MOTORCYCLE!

Great! Hope all goes well in your search this weekend

 

[the_bird]

I'm cautiously optimistic my first ride will go better than this...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX4Zxsf5ic0]YouTube - First Motorcycle Ride Goes Poorly[/ame]

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Grr. Arr.

Just found out that I can't ride in Vermont with a MA permit. Makes sense, I suppose. OUGHT to obey the laws, I suppose... the bike's in Bennington, if I buy it I'm bug Evan into riding it up to my folks, then I guess I'll either have to borrow a pickup or wait for my brother to ride it back to MA for me. I'm pretty sure he won't mind...

I not sure I remember the Silverwings all that well, but I *think* it might be a bit too big for a pickup. You might try to find someone with a trailer.........

 

[the_bird]

Well, that's where fully-licensed Big Brother comes in! It's about a 45-minute drive from my folks' to my house, so I'm not going to want to do THAT before I get a little bit of road time (some of it is 55-MPH highway). I'll get it registered and insured and ask him to drive it back.

Now, there's also the Suzie here in town that I could probably get the guy to ride up to the house, so I wouldn't have to futz around. I'm wondering how much better is an '83 GL650 Silverwing versus an '81 Suzi GS550 (that's got an asking price of $650 versus $1,400?)

Now, I suspect that if the Honda's too big for a pickup, it may be a little too big for me... I'll have to see in the morn.

 

[pen25]

I'm cautiously optimistic my first ride will go better than this...

YouTube - First Motorcycle Ride Goes Poorly

LMFAO thats too funny.

 

[pen25]

Well, that's where fully-licensed Big Brother comes in! It's about a 45-minute drive from my folks' to my house, so I'm not going to want to do THAT before I get a little bit of road time (some of it is 55-MPH highway). I'll get it registered and insured and ask him to drive it back.

Now, there's also the Suzie here in town that I could probably get the guy to ride up to the house, so I wouldn't have to futz around. I'm wondering how much better is an '83 GL650 Silverwing versus an '81 Suzi GS550 (that's got an asking price of $650 versus $1,400?)

Now, I suspect that if the Honda's too big for a pickup, it may be a little too big for me... I'll have to see in the morn.

depending on the condition of either bike i will say that the gs550's were a great bike back then. parts arnt too bad if you need them. its not that the bike is too big for a pickup more like difficult to put it in and out unless your brother is used to pulling up into beds like a couple buddies of mine. but the trailer is the way to go if you need to trailer it. bring a camara and snap some pics and post em up. let us be another set of eyeballs.

 

[the_bird]

The guy with the Silverwing just called, he's got someone else coming to look at it in the afternoon after me - so unfortunately, I'm probably going to have to say "yea" or "neigh" before I get a chance to see the Suzie (which can't be until Sunday, he's unavailable tomorrow).

 

[Sean]

I'm cautiously optimistic my first ride will go better than this...

YouTube - First Motorcycle Ride Goes Poorly

I like the jazz.. The dude in grey is lucky he didn't get plowed over..

If you can drive a stick and ride a bicycle, you got the 'go' part down, you just need to practice the 'stop' part. Odd as it may seem, the stop part does take some practice.

 

[Sean]

The guy with the Silverwing just called, he's got someone else coming to look at it in the afternoon after me - so unfortunately, I'm probably going to have to say "yea" or "neigh" before I get a chance to see the Suzie (which can't be until Sunday, he's unavailable tomorrow).

From a negotiation standpoint, it seems odd he would tell you that..

 

[the_bird]

Well, he was just calling to make sure I was still coming up, so that he knew when to be around. I'm not reading any more into it than that.

 

[the_bird]

I've been watching this guy's videos, Cap'n Crash!

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzq-mljZH8Y&feature=related]YouTube - Howzit Done? The Apex Files[/ame]

Seems to be pretty good info, and interesting.