Clothing / Gear?

[latwelve]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post - I've been reading up on here all day and there is some great advice and knowledgeable folk about.

I did my CBT yesterday (first time on a bike - but I've been driving for 7 years). Found it great and even though I'd never ridden a motorbike before I felt a lot of skills transferred from mountain biking (I do a lot of downhill racing).

Anyway - totally keen to get the biking theory and DA course out the way but it'll probably have to wait until next year as I've got a ski season coming up in France.... so because of that I'm thinking of getting a Suzuki GN125 or something cheap (sub 500) as a bike to practise on when I get time in the UK before going onto a 500cc.. (if anyone else recommends other wise please let me know).

My main question however... I just bought a Weise Psycho Jacket off ebay second hand for £40 and I'm still needing to get some Trousers and Boots... I'm not sure if I should go for High Top Boots and if I should get matching trousers for the jacket so they can Zip together?... is this important?

Also need a helmet still but going to try a lot on at a local shop.

Any gear advice or websites to buy from would be appreciated

[waffles]

There are no "correct" boots to wear but you should choose footwear that provides some protection and is comfy. Some folks here ride in army boots, others in walking boots. Personally I like my Alpinestars SMX race-style ones. You need good ankle support and something tough enough not to wear through in the event of an off. You can pick up some good deals on eBay, Hein Gericke, J&S or have a look at Helmet City.

With the trews it's not vitally important to get ones that zip into your jacket but it is a good idea as it stops your jacket from riding up exposing your back if you slide down the road. Again, buy ones that fit and have some armor round the arse and knees. If the zip isn't compatible you can get new zips sewn in that will fit. Buying the same brand will eliminate that problem though.

Good luck with doing your full licence next year!
____________________
Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[latwelve]

Cheers mate, just the advice I needed

Quick Q re boots... will the ankle support be better in a taller boot (like your race style ones) or do they just offer better shin support as well?

I'm thinking it's highly likely that I'll have a scrambler next year as well so was thinking maybe I could get one boot for both bikes so maybe a mx boot - unless thats a bad idea? Maybe MX boots aren't too comfy?

[jetski]

zipping them together is also good to stop the jacket riding up when riding too, not just for coming off but to stop you getting cold breeze or rain up there. when I'm just popping to town (2miles) I don't bother but any further than that and I zip them together

[Rogerborg]

I think I've zipped my RST jacket and trousers together exactly once, and I ride in all weathers. If you're getting a gusty gap, a kidney belt is cheap and quick to throw on, and it will also mean you don't need to restrict yourself to trousers that will match with the Weise zipper - all 3 of my jackets have different zippers.

I'm happy with my goretex lined army boots (I rarely wear anything else now, on or off the bike), but they are lacking in ankle and shin protection.

If you want a general purpose boot then "courier" style might be your thing. High, but not as solid as MX boots (which I've also tried), which means they'll be more comfy off of the bike. They run expensive though, and used ones sell fast on eBay, so you'll need to be flush or lucky.

I'd get down to the local shop and try out as many as possible, it'll be a personal decision. J&S have several stores and a good selection of stock, or you might be lucky and have a surviving Hein Gericke nearby.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Islander]

I've got a pair of Spada Wave boots. They're comfy on and off the bike, warm and waterproof and have ankle and shin armour. Best of all, they weren't that expensive. IIRC I got them from Getgeared.