Websites...

[JLad10687]

What are some good sites for street bike info and gear and stuff.

P.S. Sorry for all the posts lately, its just as I said, I dont really know much.

[speediva]

Are you looking for sites that explain the different kinds of gear and bikes or are you looking for sites that offer specs and costs for each?

We're glad you are asking questions, honest! It means you are taking our advice to heart, and trust me... that's quite a reward for us!

[JLad10687]

I want to find some websites to purchase gear and clothes for riding, some motorcycle/autotrader thing, a street bike forum, and any other sites with alot of info on riding.

[CreepingDeath94]

www.motorcycle-superstore.com has decent prices and www.helmetshop.com has good prices on helmets. Just a couple Ive used before...

[JLad10687]

Come to think of it, what equipment am I definetley going to need? I know a helmet and I'll get a jacket just because I like them anyway, but am I definetley going to need boots? and will I be ok in just riding in non baggy jeans?

[CreepingDeath94]

I like wearing a good set of steel toe boots, but I don't think youll need riding boots unless your hard core riding or racing or something. I would definitely get some gloves too though...the first thing you throw down when you go down, whether it be on a bike or just walking, is your hands. If it gets warm, they have good open finger gloves too. I always wear at least a helmet, jeans, and gloves of some kind.

[speediva]

Get a helmet that is not only DOT approved but also SNELL rated (I think they have M2005 out by now). GLOVES... and not just any gloves, get STREET, LEATHER gloves that are meant for motorcycling. Don't be afraid to spend $50+ on them... they will save your hide. Get a jacket... leather is preforable, but textile is available. I would avoid mesh as your only jacket... it is not very protective, and I only wear my mesh on days when I am not riding hard or just cruising for social events. Even that isn't the best idea, honestly. BOOTS!!! Get over-the-ankle boots that are leather. Steel-toe isn't necessary... I wore heavy duty trekking boots for the first few years I rode and they really did a great job in protecting my feet. If you want to wear jeans, I won't say anything b/c that's all I wear, but they do make "special" jeans with extra padding and reinforcements that don't look "lame". Icon has some and another company called Draggin Jeans offers them. They're a lil more expensive than regular jeans, but I wouldn't mind having a pair if they came in female styles that fit me (I'm tall).

Oh, if you want to see a HUGE amount of gear, check out http://www.ironpony.com They are just over in Ohio... the store is an old SuperK and is filled with bike gear from corner to corner. I usually go about once a year to get all the goodies I want/need for riding. Pretty good sale prices, but regular costs can get high. Also try http://www.newenough.com for gear.

[sv650s]

just check this out http://sportrider.com/ride/146_0308_ride/

[JLad10687]

Yea, I didnt think of the gloves, would I ok wearing boots like Timberland types?

[DealsGap]

Wear the amount of gear that reflects the amount of protection you want when you hit the ground. Simple as that.

Anything short of GP racing boots is shorting yourself on protection in that area. I've had 1 crash in regular civilian boots and I now have nerve damage in my ankle. Timberlands aren't going to do anything to protect your feet/ankles in the event of a crash.

Every once in a while I'll run into the guy that rolls up on his new R1 with temp tag wearing tennis shoes, blue jeans, a t-shirt, and a $50 blinged out helmet he got from poser-mart, and he'll ask me why I wear so much gear when it's 90 degrees outside. I reply simply that I'd rather sweat than bleed.

[JLad10687]

When you're actually riding, with the wind and everything, does it get that hot?

[beef_bourito]

I've heard that jeans aren't good for riding and that leather pants are alot safer. it had to do with the grip, with your leather jacket, you slide, with jeans, they grip and rip, then it's skin on road and you get a serious case of road burn, something i hear is really bad.

A question for myself, is a neck brase at all necessary? i've been wondering that for a while, i never see anyone wearing them but it seems like people should. if you hit a car and go flying, then hit your head, it bends back and breaks your neck. does anyone wear them?

One thing to think about is padding, my dad owns a textile jacket with some pads on the shoulders and elbows. he hasn't crashed in it yet but it seems pretty strong, it's heavy though so if you want something light that's not the way to go. he owns n st1100 so he doesn't do very hard riding.

I can't wait to get a bike.