Misc. Gear Questions After First Long Ride

[Amlethae]

So since getting my 696 (first bike) 2 years ago, I finally got out of Brooklyn/Manhattan today with a friend of mine up to the Palisades in NJ.... got to test drive a 1100s.... mmmmmm love it but that's for a different post.

So after the ride I have some general questions about my gear for anyone who has any thoughts/answers:

1) Tonight my right-foot achilles tendon is killing me!  I've got these Puma En Route Mid Ducati shoes which blatantly say they're not intended for riding, but it's what I've got.  I've thought about getting some nice protective boots like the Sidi Vortice but my wife just laughs at me about them.  But I'm wondering, is it not just about protection when it comes to proper boots but also ankle support?  That would make sense but not something I've heard anyone talk about on the forums.

2) I have a Schuberth C3 which I absolutely adore and love and treat almost better than said wife... but today it was just killing my forehead.  Hasn't been a problem in the past, but I rarely wear it for more than an hour at a time.  Does anyone know of any SAFE way to modify it to take some of that pressure off?  I know I should find a helmet that fits my head shape better, like an Arai, but like I said, I love my C3 and I don't want to chuck it.

3) My summer gloves rather suck.  They're honestly not proper riding gloves, they're the Oakley Pilot gloves with Carbon knuckles and leather palms, but they have zero padding on the palms.  I've got the Rizoma sport grips on the 696 and my throttle hand was in some serious cramping pain today due to the gloves.  Any recommendations on some nice protective gloves that will be a bit more comfortable on our rather slim grips?

I think that's about it for my questions for now.  If anyone knows of any reason I should be looking into some leather/padded pants let me know... but at the moment I don't see a need for them, I'm not even close to getting my knee down.... though if the 1100s keeps calling my name it might be a different story  [moto]

Thanks all!!   

[DucHead]

Actually, you're the one who needs to answer all those questions as they pertain mostly to fit.  Find some place like Cycle Gear with loads of choices and start trying stuff on.

I don't know whether Schuberth caters to round heads or oval heads, but you need to visit a shop that lets you wear a helmet whilst shopping.  It sounds stupid, but considering the price of a lid, its a good way to determine whether the helmet is comfortable.

As for your wrists and hands, you should try to support yourself with your abdomen and legs.  My hands only have pressure on them during hard braking.

Happy shopping!!

[mookieo2]

 I've thought about getting some nice protective boots like the Sidi Vortice but my wife just laughs at me about them.  

God forbid you dump it she`s not going to be laughing at your broken ankles. I think every newer rider goes through this unless you have some friends that you join that are ATGATT. Don`t worry about what everyone else thinks. Don`t worry about looking like a power ranger. Once you start really riding on some serious roads you`ll like the added protection of some real gear. I started with the jeans, summer gloves, Icon helmet, work boots, etc like most newbs. I rode two rides with a group and saw the need for proper gear. Get a two piece suit or a pair of pants you can zip your jacket into and some gauntlet gloves. You can get some good stuff on closeout from New Enough as well as a little DMF discount. You want to get some commuter gear like overpants with some protection too. As far as helmets you need to try them on to see. Maybe you can get some smaller pads for your current helmet. I lowsided at about 60mph  and slid about 50ft into the woods and walked away like nothing happened to me. If I wasn`t wearing proper gear I`m sure it would have been worse.

When we ride everyone has a 1 or 2 piece suit, gauntlet gloves, racing boots, helmet, and most have a real back protector ( not the one that comes in your jacket).


We`ll go on a ride as soon as you get some gear.

[ID_DUC_MON]

Gear is certainly a personal choice. You need to get what YOU feel comfortable riding in. Say you don't want to look like a Ducati power ranger? There are plenty of options out there without looking like a surfer on a bike. While not track rated or worthy, there are a few companies that make denim riding pants with built-in kevlar and padding that will make a huge difference if/when you do have have an unload. As you stated, good gloves do make a difference. Even basic black ones. I use a pair of A* 3/4 gloves. Goof wrist support and solid protection without being a full race glove. As for the helm, proper fit is paramount over style. Sorry, I know you like the graphics but the bucket that doesn't fit properly does stand a chance of not getting worn at some point due to discomfort. That said, proper nutrition and hydration make a big difference. If going on a big ride, I scarf down a banana, potassium helps the leg cramps, drop the sodas and drink good ole water. Also, because I have a bad knee, I pop a couple aspirin before the run. Now for foot gear, plain ole hiking boots would be worlds better than any shoe, clip your toe while you are under the shifter in a full lean and you will quickly learn this lesson. Like you though, I don't really like full-on race boots. Thus I wear A* stunting boots. plain black, 3/4 height, I can walk in them, and have reinforced ankle and toe protection. Not saying you have to be my twin, but just showing that there are plenty of gear options to choose from.

[Slide Panda]

1) - Did you take any time to stretch before, during, or after your ride? If not, that might help you out some. As far as boots, protection is the name of the game. There's a lot of choices other there - Sidi has quite a large range if you're not looking for something at power ranger (or expensive) as the Vortecies  If you want something more in the old school look these might do:
http://www.aerostich.com/off-and-riding/footwear/aerostich-combat-lite-boots.html
Either way, protection and comfort (since we don't wear what isn't comfy -right?) are important. Athletic shoes are find for walking about, but your foot will not be happy if the rubber doesn't stay down.

2) Some helmets offer different cheeck pads or liner peices that allow you to adjust the fit some. Beyond that, you should no go messing with the insides. Carving out more room = removing stuff to keep your brain safe. Not a good plan.

WebBikeWorld
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmets.htm
Has a lot of info on helmets. Recent reviews include a little chart to let you see where a particular helmet lines up, re internal shape.

From their review of the S1 "Our opinion is that the internal shape of the S1 is an egg shape.  The helmet feels slightly bowed around the mid-section, and it fits very tight up around the temples, where it almost seems to turn inward, and tight at the jaw and chin area.  "
- that egg shape might explain the pinch you're feeling.

Here's a link to their recent Revview of the RF-1100 - scroll down a bit and you'll see that shape chart
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/shoei/rf-1100/

As noted - shape is the most important factor for a helmet. Besides comform, a well fitting helmet that closely matches you head shape will do the best job of distributing energy in an impact.

I'm lucky that the Shoei guys must have mapped my noddle for their forms - I wore my RF-1000 fore the better part of 12 hours one day and besides a vicious case of helmet hair I was just fine.

3) Go to a local store and try on some gloves if possible. Again, fit is important and ranges a lot of maker to maker. I can wear an A* XL, and it's a bit snug. An XXL from Rev'It won't fit me properly at all, it's just too small. At least for me, A* fit model is in line with my hand shape. Slightly big, but not freaky with longer fingers than most.

And I'll 2nd Pompettas comment on taking your weight with your core, and not being heavy on the bars. That will make a lot more difference in the long run than any amount of padding on the glove that you might find.

For your last comment - leather or armoured textile pants aren't about getting a knee down - they are about protection. Accidents are just that.. you never know when they might happen. I live in a bigish city and people are constantly doing stupid stuff like reading their news paper while driving, or fishing for their kids 'binky' and not focusing on the road. So don't correlate your (percieved) lack of speed with a lesser benefit from protective gear.

Off my soap box now...
IF you want to do some computer based window shopping - here's my suggestions:
NewEnough.com - good selection, nice detailed thoughts from their staff and lots of pictures
RevZilla.com - good selection too. Cutomer reviews, lots of photos (usually) and videos for a number of items
Kneedraggers.com - big selection, good prices, and quick shipping to me
SportBikeTrackGear.com - site is a little cluttered - but they do detailed videos for a lot of the stuff they sell.
CycleGear - big seletion good prices.

[DCXCV]

Great advice thus far.  Curious on the ankle pain issue, though.  Sounds like it is more due to either an odd (strained) riding position or lack of fitness?  I can't figure what about riding would make an achilles hurt.  A tall, stiff boot will certainly offer ankle support.

Remember: chicks dig scars, not broken bones and skin grafts 

[Slide Panda]

Great advice thus far.  Curious on the ankle pain issue, though.  Sounds like it is more due to either an odd (strained) riding position or lack of fitness?  I can't figure what about riding would make an achilles hurt.  A tall, stiff boot will certainly offer ankle support.

I'm wagering fitness and possibly foot/body position.  As noted in another post, he's not used to riding for much distance at all. Consequently, he's not accustomed to the prolonged tension on that tendon. Some more 'training' and suitable stretching before at gas stops and after should do a lot of help.

[The Bearded Duc]

Get the proper gear man. When and if you go down you'll be happy you had it. 

Safe riding!

[Amlethae]

Thank you all for the thoughts/advice. 

As far as ankle stuff goes: when I ride, I rest with the ball of my foot on the pegs and shift them forward to shift or break.  I squeeze the tank with my knees and take the stress off my arms -- I'm freely able to use my left hand while riding at speed.  I think what happened though is that I'm out of shape and didn't stretch and I didn't have supportive boots on... I think I'll be getting a pair sooner than later.

Again, thanks!  It's nice to get feedback and I totally appreciate everyone on this forum!