Advice on gear needed please... So much choice! :-/

[Bdc72]

Hi, I'm picking up my Honda Cb 500 on Saturday and need to buy all my gear. I've been looking onto lids and think that fibreglass is better than poly, but soooo much more expensive! I know they all have to pass the ece reg, but is it better to get a sharp tested and rated lid? Honda suggested a hjc IS 17 for £140 which has 5 stars. But I checked the Sharp website and found several other 5 star lids under £100? I went to ghost bikes and can buy a lid for £50. Do I need anti fog, drop down sun visor, multi shells, etc? And I,d prefer a quick release clip but most have the D rings? Any advise or tips would be most appreciated? Also on which brands to look at and to avoid. I saw Nitro, Caberg. Duchinni. And MT lids that al have 5 stars so should I aim for that?

In terms of security I have an oxford chain from my last bike, but no storage on the bike to carry it. Is there a strong thief proof lock that is smaller that I can carry under the pillion seat or in my rucksack if not to heavy? Any and advise on security at home? the bike is going into the shed till I can source a stronger security measure at home but again it's over 1k to get a bike shed. Really worried about it getting nicked when I!m out and about during work and wants to make sure I leave it secured.

Any other tips on what I'll need and recommendations will be appreciated.. Such as tank bags, gloves, clothes etc .. Leathers will have to wait till I have bought all the essential. It's an expensive hobbie hey!

THanks for any info provided,

B

[CaNsA]

As we said in chat, Sharp ratings aint all that amazing TBH.
All the ratings show is how the tested lid performs with a certain shaped mount is placed inside.

You need to find a lid that is comfy, and fits well. My 1st lid cost me £40. Fitted well and was comfy.

Grab some decent textiles, boots and gloves and you are sorted.

[Az]

In terms of helmets, you'll get the same response from most on BCF the fit of a helmet is the most important thing when buying a helmet.
A 2/5 Sharp rated helmet that fits will do a better job than a 5/5 Sharp rated helmet that doesn't fit properly (tight spots, loose etc').
Go into your local bike store, try on helmets within budget, what ever fits well, hunt for online for a cheaper price although it's best to buy in-store as you don't run the risk of your helmet being chucked around and damaged by delivery men.

As for security, Almax chains are the best chains available on the market as far as i'm aware. They're expensive and a headache to take around with you but, they're very good. Almax chain + ground anchor = win.
As for when you're on the move, a disc lock alarm should suffice.

[Rogerborg]

Apologies for the tl;dr...

SHARP is a limited test. It's the best we've got for comparison in the tested impacts though. I went for a 5* lid for my first one (Marushin Tiger, not bad) but now I don't really bother with the ratings since the range of impacts in which it will make a difference are very small.

[CaNsA]

[-Matt-]

It is sadly expensive at first - but a lot of stuff is a longterm investmnt with luggage, security, even gear if looked after (boots, gloves and helmets) are a bit more prone to need replacing though.

Helmets wise i wouldnt care much about sharp ratings, if its approved to the minimum legal standards its likely as good as any. You may pay more for lighter, quieter or slightly more equipped (pinlock insert visors etc) - but none are essential. I've used mainly budget 50 quid lids for years without problem - the main thing is make sure it fits properly, not just comfortably.

For security read through these two recent threads. Lots of info on chains, anchors, alarms etc. Oxford chains can be cut like butter
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=287675&highlight=
&
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=287876&highlight=

[pinkyfloyd]

My road use helmet is a HJC IS17 and its fantastic. A little chilly with all the venting at the top for the visor but the fit is great and the noise reduction is not half bad. My instructing helmets far superior but its flip front and 4x the price.

As said above the SHARP rating is not all its cracked up to be. What they do over in SHARP is drop helmets at various angles onto various angled posts, flat, cornered (simulating kerbs) sandpaper etc. My issue and I do use it in part of my CBT helmet talk is as follows.

The only way to really test how a helmet performs is not to drop it onto various things empty, its to throw it down the road in an accident with a head in it.

Best advice for helmets. Get to a shop and try on as many as you want. Get one that fits. I'd rather come off my bike in a 1 star helmet that fits than a 5 star one that doesnt.

Other than helmets, invest in some good gloves. The rest you can build up over time, boots, textiles and lastly leathers.
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[Rogerborg]

[Teflon-Mike]

[Bdc72]

Hi, thanks for taking time to answer my questions... Much appreciated. And for the chuckles! Cheers, B

[Clanger]

It doesn't need to be expensive. I have a friend who has ballooned in size over the last few years and she has given me some of her cast-off kit.

I now own her old lid, her old Bering paddock jacket and her old textile trousers (not that I wear them often). I have my original pair of leather jeans that I bought over 18 years ago (my weight and size are static)...still in good nick despite having been down the road (keep them good with Dubbin).

My gloves were bought at Brightona bike show for £20 about 3-4 years ago.

Every now and then I wander into biker clothing stores, and try new stuff on, but kit never fits me off the peg (I'm too lanky).

Also, lots of places sell leather jackets (there are a few second hand shops in Brighton that sell these), plus I know people who sell off things via Friday ads and ebay.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[janner_10]

Helmet from new. Neck to toe 2nd hand. Lots of new with tags quality gear on eBay, sizing is a gamble if you are an unusual shape.

Still getting use out of my RST textiles I picked up for £45 four years ago.
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