I am getting into riding witha a new 696. I have lloking for a jacket, helmet and gloves to start, and am trying to not spend a ton. I know I really dont want to skimp on the helmet, but $300 seems like a lot. Bleow i've listed a few products, if you have any experience with them or any better products that i may like let me know! thanks Oh, and i'm a pretty plain guy, getting the 696 Dark, want a matt black helmet (preferrably) and so on
thanks again
Icon Alliance SSR Rubatone Helmet ($140)
http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1973&id=8031 (http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1973&id=8031)
Icon Hooligan Stealth jacket (want leather, but $$$, may just start with textile with armor) ($165)
http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1974&id=7865 (http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1974&id=7865)
and gloves i'm not sure
shoes? boots?
i'll probably be riding in jeans so some Sidis may look rediculous, like some kid here in Mchigan skiing in jeans and a starter jacket ha ha ha
Quote from: ducatitorrey on February 11, 2009, 04:13:53 AM
I am getting into riding witha a new 696. I have lloking for a jacket, helmet and gloves to start, and am trying to not spend a ton. I know I really dont want to skimp on the helmet, but $300 seems like a lot. Bleow i've listed a few products, if you have any experience with them or any better products that i may like let me know! thanks Oh, and i'm a pretty plain guy, getting the 696 Dark, want a matt black helmet (preferrably) and so on
thanks again
Icon Alliance SSR Rubatone Helmet ($140)
http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1973&id=8031 (http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1973&id=8031)
Icon Hooligan Stealth jacket (want leather, but $$$, may just start with textile with armor) ($165)
http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1974&id=7865 (http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1974&id=7865)
and gloves i'm not sure
shoes? boots?
i'll probably be riding in jeans so some Sidis may look rediculous, like some kid here in Mchigan skiing in jeans and a starter jacket ha ha ha
Obviously the more gear the better, there is a nice balance between ease of use and protection.
With helmets it's really what fits your head shape, I had one of the last gen Aliance SS and like the new one it's heavy which will wear your neck out. I can highly suggest the scorpion's I've ditched one and i'm still around.
I've heard good things about the icon jackets, don't own any as i'm not a big fan of most icon styling.
cheap gloves I'd check out alpinestars sps, great cheap short gloves and damn near everyone carries them.
Grab some boots while your at it, any moto specific boots with ankle protection will do.
http://newenough.com/ (http://newenough.com/) good site with some pretty great cheap stuff.
Welcome to the site too
another place to find stuff http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/ (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/)
very good deal on very good helmet, have one myself, you will not be disappointed.
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/hot+deals/save+$100+or+more/shark_rsi+helmet+-+fusion+solid+-+size+md (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/hot+deals/save+$100+or+more/shark_rsi+helmet+-+fusion+solid+-+size+md)
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/hot+deals/save+$100+or+more/shark_rsi+helmet+-+hologram (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/hot+deals/save+$100+or+more/shark_rsi+helmet+-+hologram)
you can read the reveiw here.http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/shark-rsi/ (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/shark-rsi/)
If you are interested in a pair of short gloves, I have an extra pair of alpinestars SPX gloves large in black if your interested.
Im also not a fan of icons styling though i know many people who have icon gear.
Another good place for cheap gear is Iron Pony's website - good closeout deals.
When I started riding, I too was short on $. I used Joe Rocket - the Alter Ego jacket (textile, adaptable as winter jacket or mesh), and GPX armored leather gloves. Both served me really well in a crash.
when i think of icon i generally think of 19 year olds riding squixxers with a mohawk on their helmet. i say screw the brand though. shop around and see what fits. i think that's the key. my friend told me when i bought my first helmet to try everything on and buy whatever fits without any biases on brands (of course it should be a brand with a good reputation). stop by a bike shop and try some on and go from there. if icon fits, get it (but i think hjc makes their helmets?).
for gloves a* has some comfy street gloves that are fabric/leather with carbon knuckle guards and rubber digit protectors. i paid $40ish for mine since i got my gf a pair too (discount). theyre very comfy but the only problem is that theyre not good for cold weather.
but it depends on what kind of riding you do. recreational, commuting, track?
matte black = lower visibility. it's a rookie mistake to make your safety gear fashionable first. This stuff can save a life so it's worth looking into the function over the fashion. If you're going all black, I'd really strongly recommend reflective tape or bright red/yellow or white elements. Of course, you've probably heard this already in the MSF class.
If you're going to wear jeans, you might want to check out some of the armored jeans. I like Draggin Jeans a lot.
My brother gave me great advice when I was gearing up -- "No one's ever slid down the freeway at 70mph thinking 'I should have bought cheaper gear.'"
yeah, if its black definitely make sure it has reflective elements on it. My Delmar is black but it has some SICK reflective bits IMHO. I'll get some pictures up with a flash camera to show you what it looks like.
my helmet is flat black and although that makes it less visible... i think the jacket makes up for it. plus, most car headlights cutoff before reaching the height of your helmet.
Being visible from other is great. Sometimes I feel like a clown with my bright red jacket. (black, red and white RedBull jacket) But it still got that "cool "factor. lol.... Looking cool is something I willing to trade as long as I get home to ride another day.
Oh yeah, i'm 36 hahaha
Quote from: ducatitorrey on February 11, 2009, 04:13:53 AM
I am getting into riding witha a new 696. I have lloking for a jacket, helmet and gloves to start, and am trying to not spend a ton. I know I really dont want to skimp on the helmet, but $300 seems like a lot. Bleow i've listed a few products, if you have any experience with them or any better products that i may like let me know! thanks Oh, and i'm a pretty plain guy, getting the 696 Dark, want a matt black helmet (preferrably) and so on
thanks again
Icon Alliance SSR Rubatone Helmet ($140)
http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1973&id=8031 (http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1973&id=8031)
Icon Hooligan Stealth jacket (want leather, but $$$, may just start with textile with armor) ($165)
http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1974&id=7865 (http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1974&id=7865)
and gloves i'm not sure
shoes? boots?
i'll probably be riding in jeans so some Sidis may look rediculous, like some kid here in Mchigan skiing in jeans and a starter jacket ha ha ha
A couple of thoughts:
1) I think it's a good idea to initially buy gear knowing that your tastes or your gear needs might change as you get some more experience. That's not to say that--if you can afford it--that you shouldn't go on an initial gear spree. Instead, it's prudent to buy something workable at first and then see if you want something more or different or more expensive.
2) That Icon jacket is mesh. I'd stay away from mesh. If you're going to buy a textile jacket (yes, they tend to be cheaper than leather), buy something with abrasion resistance.
3) In my opinion, a helmet is a helmet as long as it fits, is DOT approved and is a full-face. I'd avoid buying online because you can't see how it fits your head. A high priced helment doesn't really get you more protection. The additional cost is primarily for comfort and features (which are not to be discounted). The only helmets I've found that really fit my head well are a $250 Shoei and a $500 Shoei.
4) If you're going to ride in jeans (my take -- don't!), at least buy some knee guards to wear underneath or on top. Personally, I'd rather wear standard jeans with knee guards than wear draggin' jeans. Not enough impact protection in my book.
5) Buy whatever gloves fit. Personally, I'm pretty wary of those shorter BMX-style gloves because every time I crash, I see scuffing on my wrist. Shorter gloves may not provide the coverage you want. You'll probably get another pair of gloves once you've been riding for a while.
6) Wear boots. For now, they don't *need* to be moto-specific, though if you twist and break your ankle, you might regret not having moto-specific boots. Yes, it'd be *great* for you to have Sidis or something like that. And no, it's not weird to wear them under jeans. Many folks do. Also be aware that there are many moto-specific boots out there that aren't flashy, bling-bling boy-racer boots.
7) There are many good deals to be had on moto gear at places like newenough.com or the closeouts at motostrano or elsewhere. Figure out what you can afford and want to spend for a gear budget and then let us help you find stuff.
I hope that helps.
just to tack on to spidey's wisdom... the draggin' jeans are available w/CE knee and hip armor, so they're not necessarily the worst idea out there.
if I'm just punting out someplace for lunch or coffee, I'll wear the jeans. if I'm out any longer, it's my tex pants.
Quote from: teddy037.2 on February 11, 2009, 05:10:52 PM
just to tack on to spidey's wisdom... the draggin' jeans are available w/CE knee and hip armor, so they're not necessarily the worst idea out there.
Did not know that. Good info.
OP, fwiw, I just checked newenough's closeouts and they have some leather jackets with armor for less than or equal to that ICON mesh jacket you were eyeing.
Quote from: Spidey on February 11, 2009, 05:30:05 PM
Did not know that. Good info.
I was wearin' them when we showed up at your place! ;D
Thanks, yeah the only thing that draws me to Icon is that matt black helmet. We have a vinyl sticker cutter at work, i was going to do reflective on the back and sides. Maybe Ducati logo or something. Jackets i'm still unsure, gloves i'll check both of those recommendations out.
I dealer in town only carried HJC (i did hear they make Icon Helmets too) I'll try some one for fit, but unless they're really crazy like some i've seen on here, they remind me of some Fast and Furious car. I guess not a fan.
So from what i gather, spend the money on the helmet (one that fits well) and eventually upgrade to leather jacket (armored)
oh and boots.
thanks for your help everyone
Quote from: hyphen on February 11, 2009, 11:59:59 AM
when i think of icon i generally think of 19 year olds riding squixxers with a mohawk on their helmet. i say screw the brand though. shop around and see what fits. i think that's the key. my friend told me when i bought my first helmet to try everything on and buy whatever fits without any biases on brands (of course it should be a brand with a good reputation). stop by a bike shop and try some on and go from there. if icon fits, get it (but i think hjc makes their helmets?).
for gloves a* has some comfy street gloves that are fabric/leather with carbon knuckle guards and rubber digit protectors. i paid $40ish for mine since i got my gf a pair too (discount). theyre very comfy but the only problem is that theyre not good for cold weather.
but it depends on what kind of riding you do. recreational, commuting, track?
mainly commute, afternoon rides, shoot out to the beach, summer, winters here are cold, michigan. Riding to work a lot too.
Quote from: Spidey on February 11, 2009, 03:51:15 PM
A couple of thoughts:
1) I think it's a good idea to initially buy gear knowing that your tastes or your gear needs might change as you get some more experience. That's not to say that--if you can afford it--that you shouldn't go on an initial gear spree. Instead, it's prudent to buy something workable at first and then see if you want something more or different or more expensive.
2) That Icon jacket is mesh. I'd stay away from mesh. If you're going to buy a textile jacket (yes, they tend to be cheaper than leather), buy something with abrasion resistance.
3) In my opinion, a helmet is a helmet as long as it fits, is DOT approved and is a full-face. I'd avoid buying online because you can't see how it fits your head. A high priced helment doesn't really get you more protection. The additional cost is primarily for comfort and features (which are not to be discounted). The only helmets I've found that really fit my head well are a $250 Shoei and a $500 Shoei.
4) If you're going to ride in jeans (my take -- don't!), at least buy some knee guards to wear underneath or on top. Personally, I'd rather wear standard jeans with knee guards than wear draggin' jeans. Not enough impact protection in my book.
5) Buy whatever gloves fit. Personally, I'm pretty wary of those shorter BMX-style gloves because every time I crash, I see scuffing on my wrist. Shorter gloves may not provide the coverage you want. You'll probably get another pair of gloves once you've been riding for a while.
6) Wear boots. For now, they don't *need* to be moto-specific, though if you twist and break your ankle, you might regret not having moto-specific boots. Yes, it'd be *great* for you to have Sidis or something like that. And no, it's not weird to wear them under jeans. Many folks do. Also be aware that there are many moto-specific boots out there that aren't flashy, bling-bling boy-racer boots.
7) There are many good deals to be had on moto gear at places like newenough.com or the closeouts at motostrano or elsewhere. Figure out what you can afford and want to spend for a gear budget and then let us help you find stuff.
I hope that helps.
Perfect, thathas been the most help most. i may look for moto boots after all. I cherish my legs, i'm a skier and if i fall and can't ski anymore, i would be hella pissed.
Also, I need a place in southwest michigan to try helmets on. The local dealer has HJC and some others, not much though.
I did notice it was mesh after i posted. I'll search again, i dont need mesh for any reason. Leather will still be too $$$ i think
As far as the jeans thing, commuting, going to a store, on the way to work (work pants and dres shoes ha ha no no) just really for around town. I may consider riding pants for a trip this summer.
Thanks for your help again, if you have recommendations, feel free to PM me or reply here.
So stoked to ride this summer!
What is your budget?
New Enough has leather, armored jackets for cheap man. They've got a tourmaster for 200$. Its worth it.
They've got boots for 115$ and up.
Bought my GF an Icon Mainframe Rubatone (Matte) Black helmet last year.
I have total helmet envy.
The fit, finish, and build quality of the helmet is suprising. I was sincerely impressed.
There is a bit of "squid" stigma over the Icon gear, but i feel it is top notch.
They take protection very seriously. They even sew in a St. Christopher pendant into the inside pocket of every jacket.
I have an Icon Accelerant PERF jacket. It's perfed leather, and I am plenty cool on my aircooled (no fans blowing heat on me) monster.
I have contemplated getting a mesh jacket as well, but like the protection my leather offers.
As noted, get signed up for the NewEnough emails, also sign up for emails from CycleGear.com. Both operations regularly send out mails on discounts. NewEnough has an active close out and bargain-bin section where you want get some real steals. I managed to find a 4XL known brand leather jacket that I got as a gift for a friend for $75. So it's quite possible to find good gear, even leathers for a small budget.
People have also made some references to some pants - If you haven't spotted them a number of companies make riding jeans. They vary a bit, like some don't have Armour. But most are heavier denim and have some sort of abrasion resistant material sewn into key area. If you can find ones with armour - those are preferable. Also as Spidey mentions, there's companies like Icon, A* and T-Pro that make Armour that is designed to attach to you vs going in a pant or jacket. These jeans won't be as tough as leathers, they are better than your levis and won't make you look like Boy Racer or and extra from Wild Hogs if you have to spend time wandering around off the bike.
Another bit of advice - if you're looking at item XY or Z, find out where the parent company is based. Euro manufacturers stuff tends to run small, US and UK will fit more like you'd expect. For example, any Ducati branded gear I've tried on or own (made by Dianese in Italy) I need to go up at least 1 size, some times 2 to even hope fitting into it.
Good luck on your gear hunt - if you've got any more questions folks here are (obviously) happy to help.
Thanks guys, after talking with my boss (rides a bmw) i've decided to look at shoei helmets. I also was loking at dianese, ill keep the sizing in mind. And i am signing up for those emails as i type.
Torrey
Love my Shoei. Couple years back, I'd hoped to get a HJC carbon... but they did not fit me at all - shoei like a head glove
was just at the store. Tried on shark, HJC, and Arai. Though expensive, the Arai was awesome. Too much moolah though, like $800. The shark wasn't bad either. I did not care for the HJC. Just felt not as nice, i wont say cheap, but not as nice. Oh and i did try on an Icon, the padding on the inside wasn't as nice. They did not have any Shoei helmets, i think thats where i'm at price and comfort wise. The salesman said it is similar in quality to the Arai.
thanks for everyones help today!
Just remember fitment is more important than anything-these all have to pass the same tests to be sold.
Price shouldn't matter, but $800 is pretty steep. I imagine you can find considerably cheaper. Just keep looking and don't settle-you'll have to wear it for a good long time.
Have a look at the helmet reviews on WebBikeWorld.com - they are very thorough and also comment one the head shape that each manufacturer tends to suit best. Look up their Arai review, and that might give you some ideas of helmet manuf that would have a similar internal shape.
Quote from: ducatitorrey on February 12, 2009, 03:22:48 PM
Though expensive, the Arai was awesome.
If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei generally won't. The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception. Or I may just have a fubared noggin. <retard smiley>
Quote from: Spidey on February 12, 2009, 03:59:12 PM
If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei generally won't. The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception. Or I may just have a fubared noggin. <retard smiley>
And for some reason, this popped in my head:
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m49/leha43/CartmanRetarded.jpg)
Arai Vectors on sale at BikeBandit for just over $300... less than a Shoei RF-1000
http://www.bikebandit.com/product/3217?WT.mc_id=962881 (http://www.bikebandit.com/product/3217?WT.mc_id=962881)
Quote from: JBubble on February 12, 2009, 04:06:45 PM
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m49/leha43/CartmanRetarded.jpg)
Get that helmet - get this plate:
(http://www.pajiba.com/images/timmay-license-plate.jpg)
[thumbsup]
Quote from: Spidey on February 12, 2009, 03:59:12 PM
If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei generally won't. The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception. Or I may just have a fubared noggin. <retard smiley>
+1 that's a very common experience.
arai works for me
Quote from: Spidey on February 12, 2009, 03:59:12 PM
If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei generally won't. The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception. Or I may just have a fubared noggin. <retard smiley>
Good to know, the arai felt good. I've been told the RF-100 is a nice lid
plus, i will check out webbikeoworld
I'll try both helmets
once i get one i'll have to post it on the other "lid" thread
Quote from: Spidey on February 12, 2009, 03:59:12 PM
If it helps, my personal experience has been that if an Arai fits your head well, a Shoei generally won't. The Shoei RF-1000 *may* be an exception. Or I may just have a fubared noggin. <retard smiley>
+2
arai's astral(? iirc) and the corsair fit me absolutely perfectly. and no pressure on my glasses, which was a massive factor of mine when fitting up lids
the shoei, even the 1000, had me stuck right in between sm and med. painfully tight vs. unsafely loose.
and, um, spidey... the status of yer noggin ain't news ;D
Plus the Shoei's seem to have more room up top, at the crown of the head. Smaller brained/skulled folks such as myself fit better into the Arai. Alien shaped heads (like Spidey's I guess ;D) fit better into the Shoei.
The first helmet I tried fit perfectly (joe rocket 101 series - sz L), but now I'm wondering if that shape is similar to others. Any experience there?
Bottom line you've got to try it on. Icons are DOT and Snell approved so they meet the minimum safety standard. I got a domain helmet because it fit perfectly. The bonus was how well it vented in the summer. the only helmet make I wouldn't recommend is Nolan. Fits well, nice lining but noisy as all get out and terrible venting!
I have the Alliance SSR rubatton helemt and love it. The finish makes it hard to chip and it is way easier to clean than a gloss helmet. It fits great and cools plenty. I actually love Icon gear and don't really care if the brand is associated with squids. I also have the perf and regular pursuit gloves and love them too. I think the quality of Icon is awesome along with the style. [thumbsup]
I do have some reflective stickers (ninja stars of course) on mine to help make it more visible.
+1 on Iron Pony. I live about 5 minutes away from them and love their customer service and their prices are usually pretty cheap. Can't say enough good things about New Enough though.
+1 on the Icon Pursuit gloves. My favorites.
I recently saw a pretty bad looking picture of gloves after a fall on the highway with those pursuit gloves. Made me rethink them. I still like many of icons gloves though.
I guess any glove at highway speeds is going to look pretty bad though. Se la vi. :-\
Quote from: ducatitorrey on February 17, 2009, 04:23:28 PM
I guess any glove at highway speeds is going to look pretty bad though. Se la vi. :-\
Not true. I've crashed Helds repeatedly (and I do mean repeatedly) at serious speeds and never got down to skin. Nor do I think I ever wore down a Held from a single crash. They're good for a coupla crashes. From what I've witnessed, the same is true of Helimot gloves. I've seen mixed results with Joe Rockets and Alpinestars--sometimes they're fine and other times they fail. darylbowden has a truly gruesome picture of his hand from when a pair of Tecknics blew apart. Note: this is just anecdotal, and is by no means gospel. Just my experience.
Helmut, owner of Helimot, advocates changing out gloves every two years. He may only be talking about folks who are at the track a lot and in the heat of summer, but he says the sweat from your palms deteriorates the strength of the leather so that you need to toss the gloves after a while (even if they look fine.).
Thanks, good to know :)
That's interesting to hear, Spidey. My Joe Rocket Gpx gloves were fine in a 50 mph crash, but like you said, results have varied with those and 50 is nowhere near track or highway speed.
Haven't crashed the Alpinestars yet ;D
Gonna have to look into getting a pair of Held's.
I am not a fan of Icon gear, EXCEPT, their boots. I commute wearing their Super Duty boots because they are comfortable, robust, cover the ankle, and don't look like I'm on my way to the track. They also held up to a medium speed 'get-off' where I ended up enjoying a west TN field "up close and personal"
For real rides, I'll put on some "real" boots, I have a pair A*'s, but I might compliment them with some Puma's.
As far as a Matte Black Helmet, most of the big companies make matte helmets. I had a Shoei in Matte and now I have it in metallic black.
I ended up getting a Shoei Rf-1000 in Matt Black, and the Icon Super Duty gloves. The gloves are weird, and i will be replacing them eventually. They are fine for now. Pinky is long.
Quote from: ducatitorrey on March 25, 2009, 10:06:29 AM
I ended up getting a Shoei Rf-1000 in Matt Black, and the Icon Super Duty gloves. The gloves are weird, and i will be replacing them eventually. They are fine for now. Pinky is long.
Now for a jacket and boots. I picked up a Joe Rocket textile jacket 2 years ago, and it's held up very well. also, don't discount the textile just because you live in the land of the wind chill factor. You'll be surprised how freakin' hot it gets when you're stuck in traffic in 75-80 degree air temps. The pavement reflects the heat right back onto you.
yep, looking at getting the Nero textile i think is what its called, from ducati. If not that, then maybe a cheap leather ($200)
I picked up the AGV Sport Scorpion Jacket for under 200. I really like it and the color is flat black not shiny black leather. Look around on ebay for them. It has all the armor of more expensive jackets but is much more low key. No racer boy status. Matches my helmet and gloves along with the bike perfectly.