On the subject of gear

[SaintMichael]

After breaking my back on a dirt back in '04, I will be getting back on the horse. I have been looking at sport bikes lately and the Suzuki GSXR750 fits me really well. I dont know much about gear for the street since all my experience is on the dirt. Safety is going to be a large concern for me. Does anyone have a preference on a brand of gear, specific helmet/jacket models? Any help would be appreciated

[n10sive]

you'll get all kinds of advice on brands here. Best thing to remember is that all helmets are shaped a little different. Try on different brands (SHOEI, AGV, SUOMY etc) to see which one fits your head better. Any tight spots will cause discomfort after it's been on your head awhile. Put it on in the store and wear it around for at least 10 minutes while you continue to shop. If any discomfort then, ditch the helmet as it will feel like hell after an hour and really ruin your riding experience.

Remember as price goes up, weight goes down. A heavy cheap helmet is no good. If on a budget, try and find the best fit and weight. SHOEI and SUOMY are good helmets for my head shape.

If riding mostly in the summer, buy ventilated leathers (holes in it), or a synthetic like Kevlar. Armor in the back and joints is a good thing. Don't forget to gear up your lower body too. Check the construction. Too many seams is a bad thing (first thing to tear in a crash) and poor stitching can be bad too. Check for double/triple stitching with high strength fiber (kevlar etc).

Shoes. A good shoe will at least cover your ankles. You can go to extremes here and wear racing boots, or you could just wear a good quality street shoe that at a minimum covers the ankles.

Of course, this is just street riding. If you want to carve the twisties and ride the track, the best protection is good gear from foot to head.

Come out to LaVecchia on Tuesday night and you will see a wide selection of gear there. Should give you a good idea, and let you meet some good people at the same time!

[99 900ss duc]

Come out to LaVecchia on Tuesday night and you will see a wide selection of gear there. Should give you a good idea, and let you meet some good people at the same time!

or come out to the ssa south bike nite on monday nite if you are closer to gardnerville area.  or just do em both!!!!

[SaintMichael]

I appreciate the advice. I was also wondering the difference/preference between leather, mesh, or a combo of the two. I found a Shoei helmet that fit real nice, fat head of course. Alpinestar had a back plate with a kidney belt around it. Any special spots in town, besides the dealerships, that may have gear?

[n10sive]

Leather is definitely better in a crash than anything else, but can be uncomfortable in the summer. People tend to ditch their gear in the summer and make excuses like "it is too hot" etc. So get what you think you will be comfortable in AND WEAR. Synthetic meshes are more comfortable in the summer and will offer decent protection. Just not as good as leather.

Shopping. We like to support our local dealers, but not to the point of being ripped off either. Shop local, check fit and price (and convenience). Then check online at places like cycle gear and motorcycle superstore. For ME, if the prices are fairly close (including shipping) I will buy local. If the prices are WAY OFF, then I buy online. You mileage may vary on this one.

[SaintMichael]

I am planning on doing some window shopping and info gathering on saturday. I know the biker dealers carry gear, but are there any other locations in town to go? And i know i can call TMCC, but any ideas what i need to bring to the licensing class as far as gear?

[n10sive]

a shoe that covers your ankle, long pants, and a jacket to cover your arms...and a helmet.

There is no requirement that any of these be "motorcycle" gear. Levis and hi-top tennis shoes would be OK.

And as far as gear locally, I think Michael's has the best selection. There used to be another place on Hwy 50 in Carson but it is gone. MCW in Carson is mostly dirt gear. Slim pickings on the street stuff. Of course, if Chaps and Leather jackets with tassels is your thing, Harley dealership LOL

[bkrblood]

also dont forget to check out the classified sections on sites like these or even craigslist. you can sometimes find some really good deal on gear thats used and sometimes even almost brand new. great example is that shift racing suit on our classifieds.

[SaintMichael]

Can keep the tassles LOL. thanks all, hope to be riding with you soon. come on tax money!!!

[Team Gorgonzola]

If you're somewhat skinny and about 5'8/5'10 I have a good quality, barely used AXO 2 piece suit still in the classified.

[SaintMichael]

I will keep the CE label in mind. Being 6'2" and 250lbs is just more surface area to bang up.

[Bigcat]

Looks like we are about the same size. I am planning to go through the closet and sell some of my jackets that I rarely ever use. They are all in the XXL size range. I'll post them in the classifieds when I get a chance to take a few pictures. I know at least the Joe rocket, blue/wht perf leather and the almost new Kilimanjaro will go. More to come.

[youngster775]

I am planning on doing some window shopping and info gathering on saturday. I know the biker dealers carry gear, but are there any other locations in town to go? And i know i can call TMCC, but any ideas what i need to bring to the licensing class as far as gear?

you must wear, BOOTS that go over the ankle, no shoes allowed. a full sized jacket completely zipped while on bike, levi's, gloves (with all the fingers on them still) yes that really does happen! and a helmet, If wearing a non-full face helmet you must also bring eye protection. when is your class? I'll probally see you there.

[SaintMichael]

Looks like we are about the same size. I am planning to go through the closet and sell some of my jackets that I rarely ever use. They are all in the XXL size range. I'll post them in the classifieds when I get a chance to take a few pictures. I know at least the Joe rocket, blue/wht perf leather and the almost new Kilimanjaro will go. More to come.

Definitely let me know.

[SaintMichael]

I am planning on doing some window shopping and info gathering on saturday. I know the biker dealers carry gear, but are there any other locations in town to go? And i know i can call TMCC, but any ideas what i need to bring to the licensing class as far as gear?

you must wear, BOOTS that go over the ankle, no shoes allowed. a full sized jacket completely zipped while on bike, levi's, gloves (with all the fingers on them still) yes that really does happen! and a helmet, If wearing a non-full face helmet you must also bring eye protection. when is your class? I'll probally see you there.

No specific dates yet. Was looking at May 7th but still have to scrape together the gear