Hi all

As per usual for most noob questions on any forum, I'm gonna ask something that has no doubt been asked before (time for a sticky thread there admin!)

Anyway, I'm off to Fowlers in Bristol in the week to buy my first helmet and jacket (yay me!)

Anyhow, just wondered if I should be looking for any particular makes or models...or likewise, be avoiding any certain ones?

After my CBT I have limited knowledge. The instructor went through the numerous styles and materials that are used (including the numerous markings to look for to make sure it's legit).

I'd prefer a helmet that has the hinged jaw and a removable lining - just a preference

Regarding the jacket, I'm thinking non-leather but that's as far as I've thought about it - so any help again appreciated.

Sorry for asking "the same questions" again guys

Cheers


Wayne

Helmet...it´s a very important piece of protection, but unless you do silly speeds and track days i don´t think you´ll need a Shoei, Arai or any expensive brands...

I have NV700 Nitro, £99 and does the jobs perfectly...

Regarding the jacket...try everything, consider the size if you intend to wear a jumper under it or something like that, and test is in a riding position.....you´ll probably look silly inside the shop pretending you are on the bike....but if don´t do any BBBRRRRRUUMMMM sounds, you´ll be fine...

Right good move to get some bike kit !!!!
Decent boots are a must expect £40-£100 you will want anti crush soul anckle and shin protectors !

d0 SEARCH FOR MORE INFO DON'T Give up

Happy B'day Mot & Yvonne

no BRRRUUUUMMMM sounds...what's the point then! LOL

Sorry, but not getting boots (oooh, as nasty silence just fell upon the forum)

I can't afford all the kit + the bike + the insurance upfront

I bought some standard steel toe cap boots to do the CBT in but couldn't use them in the end because I literally couldn't fit my foot under the gear selecter!

I'm thinking that I can risk loosing a foot...but not my spine.

I'll get proper footwear if I enjoy riding.

Ya gotta remember that I could go out and buy a full body kit and then decide after a month I don't really like riding? - just being practicle.

I will eventually get foot gear though.

Cheers


Wayne

all helmets sold in uk are up to standard so concentrate on getting one that fits well - comfortable gloves and jacket/pants with armour - probly better not to pay more for a hump and knee sliders as they aren't essential for road riding

steel toe cap boots are not bike boots - you can get a pair of Akito boots for less than 50 squid - please reconsider

DrB your turn this time I think though Snappy has started it off.

Ricah do a reasonable 5 piece armour jacket with removable thermal lining for about £100
Just remember whatever you get is more about protection than street cred, better to be in one piece than the height of fashion. Good hunting and happy riding.

ClickMe

I bought the jacket and trousers. Reasonable price and comfy. Very good. Definitely get good boots. The bullson boots from hein gericke are only £69 and have a lot of protection again very comfortable. I have a good pair of summer and winter biking gloves also. My comute to work is about a 2 minute or less journey but I still put all this gear on You never know when your chain will break and slice your foot off or when you will be sliding across the ground on your hands/knees/back/stomach/head(circle that which applies).

If you can't afford now at least forget about the jacket and get the boots and gloves. You can ride with a grazed back but you can't without feet or badly grazed hands

You can get half decent kit on eBay, either new stuff or second hand. It might not be perfect in various ways but (when I was in your position) I'd rather have a full outfit of cordura kit than a really nice bling jacket and high ideas about getting the trousers and boots someday.

Actually, I could afford to go buy it all new from a shop, but I'm a tight wad. I probably paid about 40% of what a shop would cost, but spent a while with a needle and thread repositioning zips and knee protectors.

Might have to keep your eye out for the right 2nd hand kit, but there is loads up there. Remember, some people replace their bike every couple of years and go buy new kit the same colour. Some of the 2nd hand stuff has only been worn 3 or 4 times.
As for new, I found this stuff OK;
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/LEATHERSDIRECT_Mo...1QQftidZ2QQtZkm
but I also bought proper protectors to put in it from knox, as it comes with straightforward foam pads. I'm sure they are a lot better than nothing though!

Helmets are a different matter, what the others say about the kitemark is correct, however you need one that fits properly for it to be effective, and it needs to be comfortable or you'll really hate it.

Like has been said, you can buy the kit really cheap (it might not last as long, or be quite as effective, but it's better than nothing)

I got my Rayven Armoured jacket form eBay for £40
Armoured Kevlar gloves from eBay for £20
Armoured ankle boots (long boots don't fit me!) for £30
Helmet for £160
and just bought some armoured trousers for £49.

As and when I can afford it, I will upgrade the items for better quality ones, but they will do for now.

Listen to what has been said about boots, I was riding along at 60mph on the little SR when I realised my old boot laces had come undone, it's worrying thinking what could have happened if they had got caught in the chain!

With lids dont make the choice only on the price or name.

Go to somewhere like your main dealer etc and try on every type of lid regardless of what it costs or the make, make the decision on the feel and fit.
Thats what i did, trouble was one of the most expensive happened to be the most comfortable.

Cheers for the heads up Ian. I only just found this thread though.

Anyway, looks like the maestro is back, so no worries eh?

I bought some Armoured Ankle Boots on recommendation from my DAS instructor, £70. They have this neat little pocket thing for putting the remainder of the 4ft of laces that came with them. Though how you stick the extra in there with them done up I have not worked out. They are not practible on cruisers so will be new for a long long time to come. Currently wearing High leg Patrol boots Goretex lined, well comfy and practible.

I got a Armoured textile suit and Caberg Justimmo Lid.

My thinking was if I am going to pay good money for a Bike and Insurance then I may as well pay good money to protect myself after all the MOST important of them all is ME, if I ain't fit and well I can't pay for the rest. And nowadays my body don't bounce as well as it used to. On concrete and tarmac that is.

Buy the best you can afford, but do get boots.