BMF - 18th September - Question

[Doobrey]

Hi all,

My wife and I are fairly new to biking, having just passed our CBT and have purchased a Yamaha 125cc for practice.

We are planning on attending the BMF in Peterborough in a few weeks and were looking for some pointers of things to buy, or not, as the case may be.

We are after our leathers and boots.....any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Chad.

[TheShaggyDA]

First of all, take wellies with you - BMF stands for Bloody Muddy Field

Secondly, have an idea of prices before you go. Check out sites like

www.hein-gericke.com
www.rivetts.co.uk

My personal preference is for textiles, as leather isn't as waterproof. If you intend touring or commuting, it can be a pain having to stop and pull on waterproofs, whereas with textiles you're already sorted.

If you are just interested in fair weather biking, then go for leathers as although textiles have come a long way in the past few ears, nothing beats good quality cowhide for abrasive protection.

I assume you already have helmets?

Happy shopping
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Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[NickD]

As far as leathers go, if you want cheap well made 'basic' kit, take a look at the JTS stand, I still buy my 'all weathers' kit from them. Simple, black, armoured, zip together jacket and pants at very good prices, and I can personally testify as to their ability to stand up to crashes (on more than one occasion). With boots, look for the names, you'll pay a little more (although not always at the BMF) It'll be worth it. Look for the names with gloves too, at the show you will find lots of stalls selling 'generic' gloves, all looking the same but with different names....... leave them well alone. If you do see some you fancy, test them, get hold of the thumb and the little finger and give them a proper tug, they will most likely come apart at the seams (obviously the stallholder won't be impressed, at which point you point out that he's selling them as protective equipment, and mention trading standards. If you can pull them apart, how good would they be in a crash?). With all 'bargain' kit, give it a good look over, check seams, zips, materials, and make sure it fits well, don't buy the first thing you see. It's worth taking time over.
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I was only doing what it said on my licence officer....
Tear along the dotted line!

[Doobrey]

Guys,

Thanks for the replies, all suggestions are much appreciated.

We do have our helmets, which we went for middle of the range (£80), they fit really well (And look nice too ! ).

The main things we are trying to get hold of are a leather jacket and boots. I will certainly look at the JTS stand, so thanks for that.

As a guide, does anyone have a clue as to the current prices for a middle of the range leather jacket?

Thanks,

Chad.

[NickD]

No frills, well made, armored jacket......70/80 quid.
____________________
I was only doing what it said on my licence officer....
Tear along the dotted line!

[Mantzy]

If you're looking for a no-frills pair of boots that are waterproof and look like shoes when walking in them, look at Frank Thomas Aqua Pore ones, they're about £80. Not flashy but good enough.

With the onset of winter, look for waterproof gloves. Summer gloves will leave your hands freezing, especially at 8:30am commutes (though remember that if your hands sweat, your gloves will soon get a room in the house all to themselves)

As mentioned before, textiles are ideal if commuting though are not as good protection-wise as leathers. It does save you having to carry an waterproof oversuit all the time. Look for CE armour on any jacket you get and preferably one with space for back armour too, even if you don't have any - it's good to have the option for the future.

Enjoy the show, may go myself
R
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Current Bikes: 2010 Triumph Sprint ST 1050
Previous Bikes: 2002 Sachs XTC, 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R, 2004 GSX-R 600 K4, 2006 Yamaha XT660X

[Doobrey]

Guys, (And Gals!)

Thanks for all the positive responses. It looks like I am going to initially look for some leathers (If the price is right), then depending on funds (Checks pockets) get me some textiles.....

I'll let you know how I get on!

Cheers!

Chad.