Motorcycle Clothing and Helmets

[M4RK]

Hey,

I'm 18 and looking into buying a Honda NSR125 after taking my CBT. I'm just trying to look into some makes of helmet and clothing, and thought I'd put up a post to get some more advice.

I'm going to need:

- A helmet
- Leather jacket
- Gloves
- Maybe boots?

I'm still not sure if I'd need to wear leather trousers over jeans...you can read things in books how its very important to wear full leathers, but then you can go out and see guys in tracksuit bottoms and some even in shorts when its hot. Are leather trousers essential really?

I want to spend around £100 for a helmet, and probably £150 or less for a jacket. Golves I can pick up fairly cheap from the local Honda dealer. In terms of boots, I may go for a pair of RST touring style boots of something...just a pair that would have more support than trainers or shoes.

So far, the most suitable helmet I've found, if it fits, is a Vemar VXP Medon (Glory Black) - I'd like a helmet with an anti-scratch and anti-fog visor. Has anyone got any opions on Vemar helmets?

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/301/17269

I haven't managed to find any sports-style leather jackets that cheap...I've looked at some of the bigger makes like spidi and alpinestars and have found a lot I like, but theyre just too expensive. Can anyone else recommend a make of jacket that I could look in to?

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/411/23431 - That's the sort of style jacket I like.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Thank you!

[DidierD]

Not gonna pretend I've ever used Vemar helmets but I will help you in the jacket department

https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/product.asp?ProductID=210&ProductName=Ixon%20One%20Jacket

^ Similair style to the Spidi jackets and just as good quality.

On sale at 100 quid from infinity you can't go wrong
____________________
Bike - '98 Yamaha YZF600 Thundercat Pics

31st March 2008 - Fully converted from four wheels to 2 sets of two wheels

[Itchy]

Go for textiles maybe? , you can get an ok set for £100 ,

Or go somewhere like J&S try on the stuff there and go to Ebay to get leathers , but there is a very good set made by Buffalo ,

erm called Bushido, they are rather garish in the colour schemes but they are reputed to be excellent quality for £120 or there abouts. more $$$ does not mean better quality my Dainese suit burst at the seams in a 105mph crash, single stitched tat.

Boots check them out first try bend them downwards , if they don't bend downwards they are ok , if they do like Akito Monzas they are less protective, that said I did dig my leg into an embankment once and get away with bruises and boot a few cars with them.

Helmet usual rules - get one that fits, Shark is an excellent middle of the road brand , try before you buy though.


Leather pants are semi essential , or rather some sort of pants as a rookie mistake is often to lock the front , and alot of the time your knee hits the ground , one the the rare occassions I went out in jeans I seriously bruised my knee and the docs thought I may have a fracture , I still have the scars (well they wouldn't be scars if they vanished would they?)

I did the same thing when a car pulled out infront of me (it was go down or into the side of the car) I was wearing a cheapo pair of swift textile trousers with knee protectors , got up and was fine , no bruising no road rash no bloody knees.

YMMV
____________________
Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[Keir]

i would recomend you getting a 2 piece suit. that way you get a jacket and trousers - believe me you do not want to put your ass on the road when your doing 70mph and you can have a bit of knee down action too!
____________________
Current : '08 Yamaha FZ1s
Previous: '99 Honda CBR 600FX, 03 ZX636 B1H, 99 Fazer 600 (red), 02 GSX-R 600 K2, 00 SV650s (red), 2008 ZX10R, 97 Bandit 1200N, 04 ZX6RR K1H, 04 GSX-R 1000, 98 Fazer 600 (gold), 05 Madness 110 Pit bike, 04 CR125R, 00 SV650s (black), 06 KTM 625 SMC, 99 SRAD 600 track bike, 03 SV650, 98 Bandit 1200N, Bandit 600SY, 03 GSX-R 600 K3, 01 GSX-R 600, 01 Fazer 600 (black), VFR 400 NC30 x3, 78 Honda Dream, 00 Speedfight 50

[M4RK]

[M4RK]

[neil.]

Hi,

Textiles can offer a similar level of safety to leathers these days and have the advantages of being waterproof and warm in the winter. Get one with a thermal liner that can be removed and you'll be fine in the summer too. The armour is equal and abrasion resistance compared to leathers can be close. With this in mind, it could be argued that your concentration will be better as you'd be more comfortable, and this would make you less likely to have an accident.

A lot of folks go for leather trousers with a textile jacket.

I'm personally very happy with my REV'IT! textile trousers and jacket, about £100 each.

Don't wear steel toe capped boots, ever! The toe cap is likely to embed itself into your foot in an accident! Best go for proper motorcycle boots with armour in the right places (shin and that bony part of your ankle that sticks out).

As for helmet, go for one that fits well above all else. Try lots out.

For extra safety consider a high visibility vest/reflective Sam Browne belt and white helmet.

Rgds,

Neil.
____________________
CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[iooi]

Had a vemar helmet, not the one in the link. But it didn't last too long. The constant removal of the visor to keep it clean broke one of the plastic retaining lugs. Now it does hold Ok, and the Mrs wears it as she don't ride that much and don't need to clean the visor as much.

If you are getting bike from a dealer then haggle a bit with them and they may throw in or discount the gear for you.

Don't buy a helmet off the net unless you have tried the same on in a shop and know its a good fit. The hassle of sending lids back and forth is not worth the saving and diffrent brands = diffrent sizes and shapes.

As to leather or textiles, what sort of riding are you going to be doing. If mainly commuting then textiles are the way forward unless you have changing rooms and fresh gear at the other end.
Leathers need to be a good fit, and if they fit nice with your work gear on underneath then when you go for a ride out in summer you are going to cook.
Remember leather is not 100% waterproof as well.
____________________
Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[gixasix]

Jeans or tracksuit bottoms don't give much protection if you do have a spill go for leather or textile trousers that will give some protection.

Jeans give way to leave skin exposed pretty quickly even in a low speed crash my mate had severe gravel rash after a 40mph spill he's still got some scars 2 years on.

Look at Hein Gericke or J&S
https://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/1/
https://secure.jandsclothing.co.uk/

Go to a bike shop and try on loads of different gear decide what you like and the size you need then look on Ebay.Loads of shops are offloading previous seasons gear cheap at the moment.If you buy from Ebay make sure you try the stuff on at a shop first sizes in bike gear vary quite a bit.

Try lots of helmets on before you decide and go for the one that fits best in your price range! Lids should be a snug fit but shouldn't cause pressure on any one part of your head.Don't buy a lid online without trying it on in a shop first

[DidierD]

[gixasix]

Yeah i get that problem too!

[steve32]

as for helmets i went to here and got one https://stores.ebay.co.uk/MINIHAHA-LIMITED
they seem quite good ones
____________________
suzuki GSX 600F katana .: ~my bike up for sale~ :.
CBT = Completed
DAS= Working on it - theory test = Passed

[M4RK]

Thanks for all your replies and messages so far...they've been really helpful. I've got so many sites and links saved to my favourites now, I'll definately be prepared for when it comes down to buying everything!

Thanks again!

[theredmenace]

Mark - I hope youve not got a jacket yet - Im looking for my stuff as well and I just got a cracker of a leather jacket for £60 . Arrived yesterday and its fantastic. RRP is £170 - and some internet sites are still selling it for that.

Be quick though m8.

https://stores.ebay.co.uk/KWFM-Motorcycle-Parts-Accessories_Leather-Jackets-Jeans_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ11QQftidZ2QQtZkm

[Benj]

thats quite impressive.....if it really is meant to be 170 haha...you know how these people claim these things!!!


anybody else got any thoughts? as i am interested in buying myself some gear!!

[M4RK]