I need a new helmet and a jacket.

Just picked up my first street bike and dont really know what's good and what's not.

I'm not trying to get bottom of the line, but cant afford a $400-$500 helmet if there's a good alternative for less.

Suggestions?

4/24/2008 9:20:54 PM

go to different dealerships.

try them all on.

order the one you like online.

profit.

4/24/2008 9:43:00 PM

Don't skimp on gear... Remember its the only thing between you and the ground or anything else you may hit.

4/24/2008 10:32:27 PM

kbc and hjc are good starter helmets, no need to go all out unless you are planning a cross country ride or something

4/24/2008 11:28:38 PM

http://www.newenough.com should have plenty of good helmets and gear for good prices...

[Edited on April 24, 2008 at 11:53 PM. Reason : .]

4/24/2008 11:52:47 PM

I had a fullmer that felt good on the cheap. I also had a Joe Rocket mesh jacket for the summer with elbow and a spine pad that was reasonable. dont wear it after dark, you will freeze. get very good gloves.

4/24/2008 11:56:46 PM

Go to Cycle Gear off of 70 south. Talk to Mike if you can, he hooked my buddy up the other week.
http://www.cyclegear.com

A Frank Thomas Jacket, two Ogio bags, a pair of alpinestar gloves, for ~$300. The jacket retails for more than he paid for everything.

Quote :

"Don't skimp on gear... Remember its the only thing between you and the ground or anything else you may hit."

Good gear will save your life.

[Edited on April 25, 2008 at 5:46 AM. Reason : quote]

4/25/2008 5:44:58 AM

Yeah, I mean I'm not trying to be cheap, just dont know if some of the pricier stuff is just "hype" and I'd be just as good with something else.

4/25/2008 8:03:29 AM

^^^^ Great place, there stuff is new.. just a lil older design
^^^ Fulmer makes a nice helmet, and on the cheap too... still dont compare with my Shoei tho

4/25/2008 8:19:47 AM

Team Powersports has a decent selection of gear as does Matison N of 540. Try on Scorpion helmets. From 150-220$ depending on which you get. Good features. Make sure your jacket has CE armor in elbow and shoulder and at least some kind of backpad. Find full leather gloves that fit well.

4/25/2008 9:08:59 AM

I really like the cortech gx air. it's a mesh jacket but has leather along the arms, elbows, shoulder, and back (the crash areas). definitely worth checking out if you dont want to cook yourself in leather this summer.

4/25/2008 9:15:28 AM

http://www.newenough.com
HJC helmets are very good for the money. You can get a nice one for like $100. If you're in NC, I'd recommend a textile jacket. I wouldn't get one of those complete mesh joe rocket deals, but an icon or something that looks all armor like would be good. Don't forget gloves. You should alot atleast $40 to gloves but expect to spend $100 for a real nice set.

4/25/2008 10:07:33 AM

Gauntlet gloves are better than normal gloves also.

4/25/2008 10:42:28 AM

Yeah, I'm in Raleigh.

I'm going to be riding to and from work a bunch in RTP, and cant decide if I want a leather jacket (for protection) while riding to work this summer.

Should I get a textile jacket for summer riding?

4/25/2008 11:03:41 AM

I'd also second team powered sports. For a dealership, they have pretty good prices on gear and accessories, just don't go there for tires. Scorpion helmets are pretty much the best bang for the buck helmets you can find. You can find them cheaper on line by 20-40 bucks or so, but go to the dealership and try them on. I was pretty impressed with the comfort level and fit for the price. As for graphics, I like mine solid black so I'm not too big on design.

4/25/2008 11:18:48 AM

^^Yeah, I would stick to textile for summer riding. Leather gets hot and sticks to you.

4/25/2008 12:39:10 PM

most riding leather jackets have liners... and the leathers I have are perferrated so they are still comfortable to wear in the spring and summer, just as much as my textile jacket.

4/25/2008 2:58:16 PM

do the perforated leather jackets still give good protection?

4/25/2008 3:09:11 PM

I'd say so, tested mine out and holds up good after two wrecks. I still use it and still in one piece. It has a small amount of rash, but that adds character.

With textiles, most of the time they aren't usable after one wreck, but with leather, usually last a while and mainly their stitchings (depending on the pattern, thread count, leather construction and durability of the thread) go out first.

4/25/2008 3:36:57 PM

if you decide to buy a used helmet just know that they should be replaced every 5 years so be sure to check the man. date.

4/25/2008 8:11:06 PM

It's best to buy a new helmet. Even getting a new KBC, Scorpion or some other cheap helmet gives you peace of mind knowing that its new and not crashed.

4/26/2008 2:47:51 AM

When I was doing a lot of research about helmets, fiberglass shells were preferred. I haven't seen any research that says otherwise since then.

I love my Scorpion EXO700-- it was by far the most comfortable, and it was one of the cheaper fiberglass shells available at the time (I know their prices have risen some). Everyone in our house has EXO700s and they seem to hold up fairly well. I got one with a shiny finish, whereas the guys got them with the matte finish. The matte finish seems to chip and scratch when dropped. Mine barely has any marks at all after 2 years. (note: cracks mentioned did not come from wrecks, and both matte helmets performed well during crashes in which they have been involved). Matte vs. shiny is more of a cosmetic and/or longevity type issue.

As for jackets, find something that fits you well. Some jackets the padding won't fit you at all (unless you're superhuman....) So, just go with something comfortable but not loose. I purchased my jacket from a local place (they're in Charlotte I believe?). I was skeptical because they weren't name brand (joe rocket, frank thomas, etc), but it was the most comfortable & seemed to have better construction than the other female jacket options at the time. It has been 2 years, and the thing has held up beautifully. It's leather, but has well placed vents so it isn't megadeath during the summer. I was surprised how well it faired my crash on the gasgas- one scratch.

4/26/2008 9:44:01 AM