[SCNOOB]

Hi everyone, I'm looking to get my first set of gear and need some advice. I've chosen some pieces and would like to see if anyone has used any of them and could offer their review. Thanks in advance for your help.

Helmet - STREET & STEEL Street Gear - Phantom Solid Modular Motorcycle Helmet - Cycle Gear
Jacket - BILT Street Gear - Sport Mesh Motorcycle Jacket - Cycle Gear
Pants - BILT Street Gear - Storm Waterproof Motorcycle Overpants - Cycle Gear
Boots - BILT Street Gear - Typhoon Waterproof Leather Motorcycle Boots - Cycle Gear

 

[KURT]

I'll let others comment about some of the specific gear you mention, but as for buying a helmet... DO IT LOCAL. And shop at a helmet specialist. Not a bike dealer, or sporting goods store.

It takes real expertise, to properly fit a helmet to your noggin. And a reputable shop will not only allow you to wear it around the store for 25 to 30 minutes... they will recommend it, before you buy.

 

[SCNOOB]

@KURT - Thanks for the advice. All the gear I've listed is from Cycle Gear because they have a store close by. I'm not a fan of online shopping in general, and for something this important I plan on trying on every piece at the store before I buy.

 

[KURT]

@KURT - Thanks for the advice. All the gear I've listed is from Cycle Gear because they have a store close by. I'm not a fan of online shopping in general, and for something this important I plan on trying on every piece at the store before I buy.

Glad to hear that.

A couple other points to consider about any helmet purchase... They need to be DOT approved to pass minimum standards. And considering that a helmet should last you, two to four years, make sure the seller stocks replacement face shields and liners.

The off-brand you are considering, packs the features, but it's still an unknown. (The name may have been selected just to knock off Speed and Strength.) For that price, I'd look at the HJC IS-Max (my favorite).

 

[David]

2 things:
1) you haven't mentioned gloves. Don't treat these as an afterthought. If you come off your bike, the first thing your body will instinctually do is put your hands down to meet the pavement first. You need to try on at least a dozen different pairs to find a set tat fits you just right. On a sportbike your "attack" seating position has your wrists and palms bearing a lot of weight, so you need something that is going to be very comfortable; as well as durable (heavy protection on the palms and hard knuckle protectors on the back).
2) Helmet. you have to get the helmet that fits and that you like, but (and this is ONLY my $0.02) I'd double check on the modular/flip-up style helmets. I wear one now, but it is going to be my last one. The convenience of accessing your face is completely negated by the NOISE. Maybe it's just the brand/fit I'm wearing, but holy snap is it loud when you're moving at anything over 80km/h. I used to wear a solid full-face helmet and it was nowhere near as loud. I'm told it's all of the extra seams and small protruding parts of the helmet, to accomodate the flip-up mechanism, that are creating turbulence which is where a lot of the noise is coming from. As I said, this is going to be my last modular. I'm going back to solid.

 

[holycrosscv]

David, I agree completely about the noise factor in modular helmets. I purchased a bell on sale and found it was unusable for my ears. Recently I purchased the new Shoei modular that came out this year, _almost_ as quiet as a full face and light and comfortable. BUT you pay almost $700 for that luxury! Lol
Blessings,
--Mark

 

[SCNOOB]

@David - Thx for the info. I bought a nice pair of gloves for my MSF course, so I'm covered on that end. As far as the helmet noise is concerned, I've read a couple of other post saying the same thing about modular helmets. The good think about Cycle Gear that I've found out is that they have a 7 day return policy for all helmets. So although I like the style of the modular helmet, if I find it to be too noisy I can return it for another style within the first week no questions asked.

 

[David]

'scuse me just a momemt......

Hey Guys! Over here...come see this......

Look! *point* That one. That's the one using his head!

 

[KURT]

Lol! :thumb:

 

[SCNOOB]

Hey guys, I got all my gear earlier and I'm all set to ride. I'll be testing everything out Saturday as I've decided to ride to work (yea I know, working on a Saturday sucks). I did make a few alternative selections in my gear however. The first change was the helmet. The one I wanted (posted in the link earlier) isn't made in my size (apparently XS wasn't their target market) so I went with a Bilt modular helmet instead. The other change was with the over pants. I decided to just wear jeans. I'll post a review on my take of the gear I've chosen when I get home from work. Thanks for all the insight so far on gear selection guys.