Can someone look at my shopping list? [new rider + gear]

[Raider]

Okay, after doing some research and all that. Can someone help me out on this? I'm obviously new to all this and hoping to start off right...anyone else got recommendations or how does my list look

Here are the basics:
• taking MSF course this winter (dec/jan)
• looking into getting that 2008 Ninja 250R
• when I first start riding (6 month-1 year) just driving around town and to work (20 miles, 10 small city traffic + 10 backroad or 8 backroad/2 highway). Just want to get comfortable with the bike and learn what I need to learn before stepping up or doing long hauls

Helmet: Scorpion EXO 400
http://www.helmetharbor.com/Products/ProductDetails.cfm/Search/Results/ProductID/470179#

Jacket: Tourmaster Mens Intake Jacket
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Tour_Master_Mens_Intake_Jacket--601934.html

Pants: Tourmaster Caliber Black
http://www.helmetharbor.com/Products/ProductDetails.cfm/Search/Results/ProductID/461011

Gloves: Alpinestars SP-X Gloves
http://www.helmetharbor.com/Products/ProductDetails.cfm/Search/Results/ProductID/475582#

Boots: Sidi Doha Boots
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Sidi_Doha_Boots--34-SIDI-21.html

or should I look at full boots instead?

Sidi B-2 Boots
http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Sidi_B-2_Boots--34-SIDI-26.html

 

[RRR70]

IMO helmet, jacket, pants and gloves are all good choice.
Boots, not realy.
First ones-not enough protection.Second ones- are to much.They are racing boots.

+1 on MSF.

Edit.On the other hand B-2 boots probably should be fine.

 

[kross]

I was going to say hello in your intro post, but you answered most of the questions I was going to ask here, so Hi! It looks like you've got a very good plan as far as riding goes with a good first bike, the right training and a good set of gear.

If you haven't gone out and tried on helmets somewhere, I would highly recommend that. Different manufacturers have different shaped helmets, some more round, some more oval. My first helmet was too round for my oval noggin, so it pressed into my forehead pretty bad. On longer rides it got to be I'd focus on that, which took away from being able to focus on riding. I haven't worn any of the Scorpions, but as far as quality goes I've heard from people who swear by them and would put them up against more expensive helmets with no hesitation.

Jacket and pants- There are lots of deals to be had out there on close-out sites like newenough.com or motorcyclecloseouts.com, but you look like you've done some homework already, and it's really a matter of personal taste after a certain point. Same with gloves. I prefer longer, "gauntlet" style gloves (they've got padding and support around the wrists), but that's just me. Those A*s are a nice compromise between comfort and protection.

For boots, and really this applies to ANY gear you buy, get what you will consistantly wear. Most of the full-leangth race style boots won't be very comfortable to walk around in, but obviously provide better protection. If you plan on bringing tennies to change into every time you ride, it won't be a problem. Sometimes it may be a hassle to bring shoes with, so even though the Doha boots don't offer the same protection they would be a better buy if you wear them every time you ride.

Try to visit a Cycle Gear or other shop that sells a decent selection of gear and try on one of each different brand. Find the best fit, the most comfortable, then go and order it online. Keep in mind that sometimes gear can be cheaper at the store once you factor in shipping and any sales the shop may have, so don't dismiss them right away. Plus the convenience of being able to return something to an actual person should be factored in as well.

After you do all this research, shopping, spending, training, etc., don't forget the main thing is to have fun. If you have the right bike, the right training, and the right gear, you can relax a little and focus on the fun!

 

[CnDnMax]

Helmet: i have the same one(different graphics) and i have nothing bad to say about it except that it looses that nice smell after you wash it .

Jacket: have the same jacket, works great for all weather from over 100F to below 60F.

Pants: have you looked at the TourMaster Venture pants? they are cheaper and have thicker knee panels- if anyone can sum up the difference b/w the two i'd like to know also.

Gloves: look like good gloves- i'll let other people answer this one.

Boots: i would not ride with the shoes but the b-2 look like good protection.

Edit: also, get yourself a bottle of nikwax waterproofing- this stuff works great, water was beading off the mesh . also if you send me a PM ill show you how to get those venture pants for $91.69 at your door

 

[Raider]

Thanks for the help guys...
Yeah, the boots I wasn't really to sure on. I wanted protection, but not something that looks like a ski-boot. so I wasn't sure which to go with. Those 2 were the best I could find that give some safety/confort without looking over the top for daily wear. And driving to work, I'd have to keep an extra pair of shoes in a bag anyways (corporate job).

About the helmet, my first choice was the Shoei RF-1000, but then I read some long ass article that a magazine did a while back (year ago? 2 years) where they did their own independant tests, and compared what it is to get the Euro standard met, the DOT, and the Snell standard. And basically they said to get a helmet that had less G force on the head on impact, and the Scorpion (my second choice) had a better rating.

oh and btw, I'm 26 in case anyone was wondering...

 

[kross]

If you're gonna be carrying extra shoes anyway, I'd go for the B-2s. I think someone posted a review of those same boots here recently, try a search for them. With your pantleg over the boots, they wouldn't look any stranger than some of the basketball shoes out there:

 

[Raider]

that's hot
links to shoes?

i'm kidding

 

[Tackett]

Are you planning on riding in the rain? If so, make sure your gear is waterproof.

Be safe.

 

[Raider]

So I went to Cycle Gear and a local Kawasaki dealership to check out stuff...
first the dealership recommended either a 06 Gixxer or an 05 Ducati Monster bike... right... kept trying to tell the guy I wanted to start off slow on a 250... no 08 Ninja's yet, not sure when they're getting delievery, but I left my number

anyways, tried on some helmets and some jackets. I'm freaking tiny man, I'm 5'10" 150lbs and the helmet size for me is small, and the Tour Master jacket above is an X-Small. that's freaking sad...

and nope, not planning on riding in the rain for a long while...

 

[kross]

Yeah, I'm sure you already know most dealerships are driven by sales and not necessarily what's best for the individual rider/customer. Did they give you the classic "you'll outgrow a 250 quick and be bored with it" pitch?

As far as your slighter stature goes, at least you won't have worry about wieghing down the 250! Way to stick to your guns on the Ninja, BTW. It's tough to resist the temptation when they start trotting out the supersports, but I think you'll be much better off with the route you're taking.

 

[Rel]

Raider,

Welcome to BARF. Great, and quite refreshing, to see someone approaching the hobby/sport/lifestyle with an open mind, and willingness to learn.

Have fun.

 

[CruiseMissile]

I'm freaking tiny man, I'm 5'10" 150lbs and the helmet size for me is small, and the Tour Master jacket above is an X-Small. that's freaking sad...

Being lightweight is not a bad thing, you just have a case of the-grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side-of-the-fence. If you want to gain weight however, I've come to the realization that push-ups, sit-ups, and squats are crucial. Eating right is mandatory.

Anywho, back to being a biker. Did you know Rossi is 5'10'' and weighs 130.

 

[CruiseMissile]

As far as your slighter stature goes, at least you won't have worry about wieghing down the 250! Way to stick to your guns on the Ninja, BTW. It's tough to resist the temptation when they start trotting out the supersports, but I think you'll be much better off with the route you're taking.

+1

The Ninja 250 is an extremely fun bike.

- It zips 0-60 under 6 seconds
- It's fun and easy to learn tight u-turns on
- It's quiet and extremely economical
- 2008's look pretty uberiffic

 

[Raider]

Did they give you the classic "you'll outgrow a 250 quick and be bored with it" pitch?

and I quote
"you'll be bored of it in 4-6 weeks then you'll want to go to something bigger. I'm just trying to be the good guy here, I don't want you to have to come back and trade it in in a couple months and me have to offer you 1/2 of what you paid for it... I'm just trying to save you money"

and I'm just standing there thinking

I test drive cars for fun, so I know all the sales pitches, i just ignore 1/2 the stuff they say at this point...

 

[CruiseMissile]

Oh, have you considered buying a used Ninja? You can get a good 05 for less than 2 large. I know the body work isn't going to be the same, but it's all about the ride and with all the money you save you could learn from a track day or two.

 

[Raider]

Being lightweight is not a bad thing, you just have a case of the-grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side-of-the-fence. If you want to gain weight however, I've come to the realization that push-ups, sit-ups, and squats are crucial. Eating right is mandatory.

Anywho, back to being a biker. Did you know Rossi is 5'10'' and weighs 130.

Honestly I got no problems with my weight. I know I'm tall and thin, it's just my metabolism is high (runs in my complete family, there are maybe 2 cousins that are over weight, rest of everyone else is thin by nature). I do eat well and try to get as much workout as I can. Honestly, right now is the most I've ever weighed, took supliments and protein and all that. I honestly just can't gain weight.

and yeah, I ran into Rossi and Pedrosa and a few others at this years MotoGP race Pedrosa freaking kills me man... THAT guy is tiny...

 

[Raider]

Oh, have you considered buying a used Ninja? You can get a good 05 for less than 2 large. I know the body work isn't going to be the same, but it's all about the ride and with all the money you save you could learn from a track day or two.

I actually have in the past, but paying the extra $1000 or so for the new bike is worth it. I mean it' going to be under $4k. I know it hasn't been dropped/abused/taken care of, and I hate to be superficial, but I like the redesign, that was one of the last straws for me to finally get a bike. I mean it's no Ducati 1098 but it's not exactly a bike that was last redesigned in the 80s either

 

[CruiseMissile]

I'm a sucker for a sweet looking bike. BUY ON BROTHA.

 

[kross]

and I quote
"you'll be bored of it in 4-6 weeks then you'll want to go to something bigger. I'm just trying to be the good guy here, I don't want you to have to come back and trade it in in a couple months and me have to offer you 1/2 of what you paid for it... I'm just trying to save you money"

and I'm just standing there thinking

I test drive cars for fun, so I know all the sales pitches, i just ignore 1/2 the stuff they say at this point...

Holy shit. Good thing new riders have buddies like that "looking out" for them. I'm glad you have the sense to take what he said with a grain of salt, unfortunately a lot of people don't. First of all, new 250R sells for what, $3500? There's a 2005 with 17,000 miles selling privately right now for $2000. Three years old and it's still not down to 1/2 it's price. Secondly, what a fucking douche that guy is.

 

[CruiseMissile]

Honestly I got no problems with my weight. I know I'm tall and thin, it's just my metabolism is high (runs in my complete family, there are maybe 2 cousins that are over weight, rest of everyone else is thin by nature). I do eat well and try to get as much workout as I can. Honestly, right now is the most I've ever weighed, took supliments and protein and all that. I honestly just can't gain weight.

and yeah, I ran into Rossi and Pedrosa and a few others at this years MotoGP race Pedrosa freaking kills me man... THAT guy is tiny...

I couldn't put on weight until I hit 25 y/o. I went from 165 to 200 in no time. Weird. Thankfully it's all muscle.

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