New rider asking for your thoughts

[Guest]

Right am likey to be starting my direct access in the next 3-4 weeks and have been told i should have my own gear by then as its safer and more comfortable.

Now iv been looking round and am unsure on this first thing 2nd hand or brand new can see the benefits of both, now id rather have the brand new as they are gonna fit best and they will last longer and be more likely safer etc but the second hand ones are cheaper. Now I right it down i think i have my answer....

Now on the gear side of thing have been looking around and have found some I think are good but being a newbie would love your opinions..

HELMET: Shoei XR1100

LEATHERS: Alpinestars GP Plus 2 piece

BOOTS: Sidi Vertigo Boots

Gloves: Still unsure but have been looking at Alpinestars SP1's from memory

All in Red, White and Black

As I said all opinions welcome thats why im doing this!!

Many Thanks

Rich

[TC]

Kit Sounds great mate you've obvously thought long and hard about it.

Apart from the Colour scheme Red/White you'll look like a power ranger

[queen bodecia]

Hope that's not a second hand lid!

In fairness you can probably find decent brand new gear that's a bit less bling for the same sort of price as second hand Alpinestars. Try shops like Hein Gericke or J&S.

[Guest]

Sounds like good gear if you don't mind splashing the cash. It's not cheap stuff but if you can afford it, it's good quality so go for it.

As the previous person said, DON'T DO NOT buy a second hand helmet unless there's nothing valuable inside your head that you want to keep. All the other gear being second hand is fair enough, but if the helmet has been dropped or weekened in any way it won't give the same protection in the event of a crash

[BBTBB]

I bought the XR1100 & the Sidi Vertigo boots. Both are the dogs bollocks although in hindsight I wish I had paid extra for the Shoei with some kind of design rather than standard black. It's really comfy & comes with pinlock (a god send) as standard.

Sidi boots are gorgeous.

[Ingah]

I assume you've tried all this gear on to see if it fits you correctly, that the protectors are in exactly the right place for your body/joints, especially when sitting on a bike ("assuming the position" is important, as that's when you'll find how it rubs/rides up uncomfortably). I also assume you've tried on many helmets and taken the shop's advice regarding fit (should be along the lines of a tight fit all round without causing a headache).

It sounds like your budget isn't very restrictive either, so in the end choose quality stuff (don't get too suckered into the brands though, look at the stiching on the different garments etc as that'll be a better indicator) that fits well.

The key thing to remember is that "good gear" is no good if it doesn't fit you well. Especially leathers, expect them to give ~10%, so they should be tight and very well-fitted when bought new.

And at almost all costs, get a new helmet (and treat it like it's made of glass, they are more fragile than they look).

[Guest]

Thanks guys yeah thats all new gear all from J&S havent tried it on yet and going to Bristol next weekend helmet have tried already and came dealer recommended am of course gonna ask the sales guys opinion but from research iv done seems like god kit.....Priced through J&S loks like about £1150 but thinking i can get it for £1000 if im doing the lot then and there.....