Hi! Got my licence, looking for a bike, need gear, thoughts?

[F.]

Hi guys, I'm the newest noob, newbie, inexperienced (Insert word(s) here). I was hoping I might get a bit of advice please?

So the bare minimum I can get away with to actually go and buy a bike and ride it back is Helmet, Gloves and Jacket. Proper trousers and boots can come after.

I won't be riding in wet/bad weather, it's purely for pleasure and maybe the odd ride into work on a nice day.

So I'm looking at the below which are absolutely not cheap (Well at least the helmet is and I am going to go for a fitting). I suppose the question is, can anyone tell me if I'm missing something, need to be aware of something, or telling me where I'm going wrong, or right? I'm going to head to SportsBikeShop for a fitting once I know what I'm going for. I'm just anxious of going and dropping a load of money on some decent kit to find I screwed up!

Cheers!

Helmet choices:
This is probably going to be dictated by what fits me better, but I think the Quantic is the nicer one. Although I do really like the idea of a drop down sun visor on the Shoei

Arai RX-7V Evo - JR 65 Red = £600
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/product_images/arai-rx-7v-evo-jr-65-red.jpg

Shoei GT Air 3 - Realm TC1 = £650
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/product_images/shoei_full-face-helmet_gt-air-3_realm-tc1.jpg

Jacket:

Alpinestars Viper V3 Air Textile Jacket - Black / Red Fluo = £232
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/product_images/alpinestars_textile-jacket_viper-v3-air_black-red.jpg

[Easy-X]

A decent helmet is No.1 priority and with that something that fits properly over something that looks good.

Jacket with CE armour, yes. Decent gloves, yes. But don't skimp on boots! Trousers... probably want something with a kevlar lining in the vital areas at least.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[UncleFester]

Always have a look on Fleabay - plenty of barely worn bargains on there once you've got your sizes.

Helmet - never buy 2nd hand and do buy on fitment, not brand.
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2017 Z1000SX

[Ayrton]

Go to a shop and try helmets on, they really do all fit differently and it's good to get your hands on them to see what the build quality actually feels like.

Also I'd say to get the trousers and boots now. Your gonna be far more likely to crash when starting to learn and it's really not worth the risk. Spend a bit less on a jacket and get all the gear you need, not just some of it.

[A100man]

[F.]

Thanks chaps, some great advice! Will scour eBay to see if there's a cheaper way.

[BRUN]

once you have tried a few brands on you will find what fits your head best, some can be tweaked with different sized liners but usually only the big brands like Shoei/Arai

it can be a bit the same with gloves, you will find some brands where one of the fingers are too long/short for your hands

I don't have a drop down sun visor in my Shoei Glamster, and I wish it had one, but I make do with sunglasses

No substitute really for trying things on, get to your nearest sportsbikeshop and try things on, you can pre book to try things on in different sizes so you know they have it all in

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[stinkwheel]

Have a look at fortnine on YouTube, he's got a few videos on the subject.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Villers]

I'd go in there with no preference over which helmet. My head doesn't fit Arai as much as I'd like to have one. If you've not had helmets before then you won't know what a good fit feels like and dropping 600 quid may be a bit of a waste if it doesn't settle in for you. Your second helmet will be better! I'd spend 450 on the lid and save 150 for a pair of AAA oxford jeans.
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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS

[struan80]

I usually prefer flip up helmets. I would think most helmets sold by Sportsbikeshop with be of the required safety standard. If I could afford it I'd opt for a carbon fibre flip. Nice and light (ish).

Remorgage your house is preferable to not having at least some form of protection for your entire body.