more gear advice wanted

[melodicly]

I would love to get that great kevlar stuff but spending a grand or more is just not feasible when I am only looking to spend $2000 on a bike (which I haven't found yet). So what other summer gear do you guys recommend? If I can keep jacket and pants under $500 I can get a top case to put it all in while I work etc. Is that a pipe dream? Why is all the gear I find black? Last thing I want to do in September is commute in New Orleans wearing black jacket and pants. :bann: I would like to hit the MSC soon so if anybody has anything they might like to sell I am 6' 145lbs on a good day. One more...boots? Any cheap ideas that will still protect me? No need to carry extra shoes, have to change etc. if they aren't going to even protect me. Thanks for all your help guys. I am now just waiting for the right KLR, DR or similar to show up in my price range and then we go ride!!!! Good things come to those who wait. Right? Boy I hope so. But wait if the good people finish last and patience is a virtue...sh.....t.....:nopity:

one more...gloves. are there cool, protective alternatives? Just trying to take the wise advice read and recieved by seemingly knowledgable individuals. Maybe I am being over-ambitious for a commuter?

[jason70360]

PM sent

[Klantz]

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/phoenix_4_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

That is a great jacket, I have it in black and for summer, you can't beat it.

[Shaq Diesel]

For commuting (hell for any type of riding) you want a jacket, good pants, good boots, and gloves, at a minimum.

A few things to remember about buying gear.

1) The cheaper you buy, the less falls you can afford to take in them. Mesh jackets are the "norm" for summer riding. Can't afford to go down in mesh too much though.

2) You want boots that protect the ankle and feet.

3) Set a budget and search off of that. Be aware that finding killer deals on Ebay is not what it used to be...

4) You've missed the "tail end" of cheap gear. You might still be able to find a few good deals if you look hard enough. Stores are now looking to stock gear for the spring rush. You're best bet for a "deal" will be to watch Ebay for people who wreck and are getting out. Granted, most of them end up selling their gear with their bike, but a few do sell it separately.

[Juice]

Brotha Dale,

I got a older Kilimanjaro jacket (Black) that is to small for me. It might be a bit on the large size but you are welcome to it if it will work for you.

http://juicebox.smugmug.com/photos/169691286_PZGvb-M.jpg

[CajunRider]

Check out Draggin Jeans... not crazy priced and with Kevlar reinforcement.

http://www.dragginjeans.net/images/productTesting/dragCar.jpg

WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eekster

[jason70360]

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/phoenix_4_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

That is a great jacket, I have it in black and for summer, you can't beat it.

This is basically the same jacket I have for sale, in solid black. It is the model before this one, no real changes just cosmetic.

I also have a leather winter jacket if Juice's is too large.

No extra boots but I do have gloves.

Check with Ted, if you can't find the thread on here somewhere, he mentioned a website that has the old name brand boots on sale to these models

http://www.newenough.com/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/tcx/matrix_gtx_ii_2_touring_motorcycle_boots.html

[jason70360]

Found it,

http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3997

Old brand name imported here was Oxtar, now called TCX I believe.

I bought the Oxtar and love them they are comfortable enough to wear as normal boots while off the bike.

I'll check the size of mine tonight as compaired to my running shoes to help you with sizing.

Here is where I got mine, cheapest on the net I found.

http://www.derbycycles.com/cgi-bin/eShop/index.cgi?cart_id=9986722.27566&pid=3490&product=Oxtar_Boots&count=1

[Shaq Diesel]

Yes, if you can find a company still trying to get rid of their Oxtar stock jump on he deal regardless of if you'll be drinking water for a few days because of it.

The background on it is "Oxtar" lost a trademark lawsuit and can no longer use that name to brand their products. So they changed to TCX and now all of the old Oxtar branded stuff is being sold pretty much near distributor cost.

It is some of the best gear around. I picked up a pair of their top race boots over the winter for a steal. These boots are some of the most comfortable boots I have ever owned (very, very close to my broken-in Combat Lites). On the track last Monday I seriously never even noticed they were on my feet. I could easily wear them as my permanent riding boot for the 600rr and the GS if I wanted to.

[melodicly]

Thanks a lot guys, a big help as usual. Right now I am thinking about the HJC flip up helmet. Should I go with a solid helmet or does it matter really?

[jason70360]

I have never rode with a flip up helmet but like the idea. However, I have read that the HJC model isn't very well made (bad crash results and VERY loud).

Some of the guys on here have some flip-ups, give it some time or start a new thread just on flip-ups and see what you get.

[Shaq Diesel]

It's a matter of safety and convenience. Flip-up helmets are safe. They are convenient for those that do not like to take their helmets on/off a lot. For low speed riding in the summer you can wear them open (not recommended by the manufacturer) for extra ventilation.

They don't crash to the same standards as a full-face helmet. I don't think there is a flip-up helmet that meets Snell certification (they all meet DOT). All, except for the high-end flip-up helmets, are louder than a full face counterpart. And they tend to be a little more expensive than a full-face equivalent.

If you don't have any issues with your full face as far as convenience and talking in it, I wouldn't bother with a flip-up. I got one because I really can't stand having my head sit in the helmet for more than a few minutes, especially during the summer, without feeling weird. I have a Shoei X-11, one of the lighter helmets on the market, as a second helmet. I "could" leave it on my head and not feel any fatigue or muscle pains. But I just grow uncomfortable with the heat build-up that occurs (doesn't help that it is black...) over a period of time. This is a personal thing for myself though. There is nothing to say that you wouldn't do just fine in a full-face under the same conditions.

[melodicly]

ventilation is exactly why I am thinking flip up especially for commuting. Who wants to be trapped in a helmet in 90 degree weather at a traffic light. I guess I could get a full face for any long distance. Thanks

[Klantz]

I have the HJC flip up model, and it is my summer helmet. I ride with a shoei x-eleven in the winter basically because I got a hell of a deal on it. I like the HJC and for what it costs, is a great helmet. It's not as quiet as others, and it's a little heavy, but for an inexpensive summer flip up that costs under $200, you can't beat it.

[dewnmoon]

ventilation is exactly why I am thinking flip up especially for commuting. Who wants to be trapped in a helmet in 90 degree weather at a traffic light. I guess I could get a full face for any long distance. Thanks

You will find that the best of the FF helmets vent far better than any of the modular (Flip face ones) with the chin bar down. (for example Shoei RF 1000 , Arai Quantum or Profile, HJC AC11, etc) You can still crack or slightly open the shield and still keep crap off your face.

The Flip ups are convenient, though a little heavier and they also won't be as quiet (wind noise w/o earplugs) either. Probably worthwhile as a secondary helmet though.

I commute daily thru traffic.

I usually use FG HT overpants over my work stuff to keep clean and dry and use one of several jackets from FirstGear, Tour Master, Alpinestar etc depending on the season