Safest and Best gear for a beginner?

[Bubuuh]

Recently passed my A2 motorcycle license (I'am 22, 6'0, 17stone) and about to buy a motorcycle but a little worried about what gear i should buy. So before buying anything i thought i should ask you guys for some help and insight on what's the best gear out there for all year riding in North Wales.

While i was doing my motorcycle license in a different country where my parents are originally from (cheaper than doing it in UK) i wasn't so worried about the safety and quality of the gear so i bought a cheap Ozone motorcycle helmet, pair of leather Shima gloves and pair of Rebelhorn boots but no pants or jacket yet.. as i knew i would buy that later when i have passed. This is just temporary gear that i have now and obviously can still be used later.. except the helmet.. ill keep that for a pillion passenger as i want a new one for myself.

As for the new gear that I want to buy.. I want something that is safe but at the same time looks good and and can be used throughout the winter. My budget i would say is around 1000£ pounds for now.. but exceeding it wouldn't be a problem. If you guys could give me some help on the brands of the clothing/helmets or just tell me about what gear do you ride in summer and winter would be highly appreciated. Also what brands i should stay away from.. pro's con's..

Thanks

[Nobby the Bastard]

if you hit a wall, nothing is 'safe'
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

[alex965]

In terms of jacket and trousers - I'm sure it's not controversial to say it's a good idea to go for armoured textiles. Is the brand that important? - Others will answer that, but my cheap(ish) textile gear has survived three years of ever day use and is still fine. If it's thick and armoured, I doubt the brand is important tbh.

In terms of a helmet, again - I'm not sure brand is massively important, if it's a full-face helmet that's road legal and has straps good enough to keep it on your head if you take a tumble then it's likely enough.

I'm sure others will come along with more knowledge, but imho there's little point in spending £1000 on safety gear.
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Passed A2 licence 19th Dec '14.

[Bubuuh]

[recman]

Do you want to spend a grand on a jacket and trousers?
If so I'd say anything at that price will be superb in terms of weather protection and maybe longevity but it will do no more to protect you from an impact than Lidl gear.
If you need to look good, get what you think looks good.
The vast majority on here won't have spent anywhere near that much on a jacket and trousers, most spending around half, if that.
J&S do an Alpinestars Andes Drystar jacket for £190 which to me looks and feels great.

[bamt]

Unless it is gore-tex, then take any claims to be waterproof with a pinch of salt, regardless of how expensive it is.

Either budget for gore-tex or think about getting some waterproofs to go on top for the Welsh winter. Personally I wear a reasonable quality textile jacket (Furygan) that claims to be waterproof (but isn't in really heavy rain) with an old walking jacket on top in poor weather - the multiple layers work well and keep me warm.

Textiles are probably better for winter, and don't forget waterproof boots. My favourites are alt-berg, but there is plenty of choice. Again, take waterproof claims with a pinch of salt.

Otherwise, as long as what you buy has decent armour and is not ultra-budget you should be fine. It is worth going into shops and trying stuff on - both of my main jackets were chosen because they were the ones that fitted perfectly and I didn't want to take off, whereas others that looked nicer and I thought I'd prefer weren't quite as comfy. You're (hopefully) going to spend more time wearing them than sliding down the road in them, so make sure they fit right!

And, of course, be prepared to change your mind and buy something else when you find that what you bought doesn't quite work right for you.

[Bubuuh]

[Mark_UK]

From my limited experience (riding for about 5 months), I would say avoid any of the Frank Thomas stuff. I bought The textile FT Glasgow £140 jacket and £100 trousers about 3 months ago.
The jacket is advertised as waterproof, but is far from it. The zip that connects to the trousers has ripped off, and the inside pocket stitching has come away under normal use.
The trousers have split, and some seams are beginning to come apart.

I can thoroughly recommend the Prexport Passo boots though . These are proper waterproof, and so comfy that I don't usually take them off when I get home. Comfier than most trainers I have owned. I haven't had a spill yet so I don't know about protection, but they are very sturdy. https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/206486
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CBT passed 02/02/17, Theory passed 21/02/17, Mod 1 passed 10/07/17, Mod 2 passed 14/07/17
MT-125 03/17, FZ600 07/17

[RhynoCZ]

[Oneear]

[Bubuuh]

[arry]

[defblade]

If you're going to be riding in the rain regularly, gore-tex, full stop.

After the head (so get a well fitting helmet that has good ventilation - again, important in the rain) the feet/ankles/shins are the next most frequency damaged part in a crash, so get some decent boots. Next up is hands, so don't skimp on gloves, either. Look for gore-tex boots and gloves, too!

Then consider your jacket and trousers. Buying booth from the same maker will usually mean they can easily be zipped together, but if you don't, some will come with the "other half" of the zip they need and you can sew it onto the other item of clothing. The zips on textiles are really more a comfort thing than definitely stopping the jacket sliding up in a crash although it should help; full zips on leathers are much stronger.

Bonded gore-tex, where the outer layer of the item is the waterproof layer is much nicer than a waterproof lining IMO as the outer layer on a textile-with-WP-lining can get seriously wet and 'orrible even if your clothes don't, and it will still be wet and damp all through at home time, too
Having said that, I have a bonded jacket and lined trousers - I don't find the legs get such a hard time of it.



I have always been a careful shopper - none of my gear was full price, mostly stuff that's just been discontinued or superseded at about half price... don't be a fashion victim!
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Honda Varadero 125cc => Suzuki Bandit 650 33bhp => 77bhp =>
BMW K1200R Sport 163bhp => Aprilia Shiver GT 750 95bhp

[el_oso]

Personally, I wouldn't both with waterproof boots, waterproof socks have been working perfectly for a year or so now.

Would highly recommend anything with Gore-Tex. Had my Hein Gericke gear for around 10years now and the jacket is still completely waterproof. The trousers which are not Gore-Tex, leak slightly in the around the genital area.

I've been thoroughly impressed with my Schuberth helmet. The quietist helmet I've ever had, and seems to be best for not getting buffeted around with the wind.
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Duke 390
Previous: '05 XR125L | '96 XJ600S Diversion |'05 Suzuki GSXR1000 | '05 Honda CBR125-R | '97 YZF 600R Thundercat | '11 Honda CBR250
Car: Jeep Wrangler 4.0L

[155mph]

[SkaDad]

Just been through this myself as a newbie and my learning is first try stuff on together - my gloves and jacket are a pain. Dont fit comfortably with jacket either over or under gloves. Secondly, simplicity is king for me. Some of the jackets had so many zips poppers and buckles, that I knew it would lead me to either avoiding wearing them or avoid biking.

[AshWebster]

if you intend to ever go on the track you might want to get some 2 piece leathers. you can wear the jacket when not hooningg it and then the full power ranger when tracking it
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Honda cg125 J reg peice of shit ---> CB650F ---> 2016 CBR600RR
Ford KA ---> 93' MR2 ---> 94'MR2 ---> 98' Subaru WRX STI Ver 3 (track car)

[RedPanda]

As above, waterproof doesn't usually mean that. However, if you also buy a thin rain jacket & trousers that'll keep the rain out when it's heavy. Spend lots on warm, waterproof gloves as it'll get f'n freezing in winter.

Also, buy neutral colours so when you want a new bike you don't have to buy a new wardrobe too. When I got my 125 I bought lots of red Alpinestars gear and it all ended up on eBay 9 months later.
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CBF125 (2013) -> CBR600F (2001) -> 'Ninja' 300 (2014)

[AshWebster]

[turningCircle]

Ignore the "look at how cool I am" brigade and buy a fluorescent vest. Good, white helmet and strong armoured gloves.

[recman]

[ZX-7R]

[Kentol750]

Don't split your budget. Helmet fit beats name on it. (Sharp site will surprise you.) Most jackets have reflective bits on them. Make sure gloves work with jacket. The best armoured gloves may not fit under or over the cuff. Textile trousers dont breathe, but, will work most of the year. Kevlar jeans are great if it's dry. Leathers (jackets and trousers) are very warm most of the year and cold in winter.
Boots, fit again, make sure they're wide enough.

Sorry to 'tef' you on this, i learnt the hard way about 'brands'.
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Some bikes.

[Ste]

[ZX-7R]