FZ6Rider

About 2 weeks ago I got FZ6 out of salvage yard that is now fixed and ready for the road. I have my permit and trying to get into IRT class but I did schedule driving test in case I don’t get into a class. I have some experience with motorcycles but it’s off road or 4wheel.

What I'm looking for now is some gear. I have purchased full face scorpion helmet in addition to two dirt bike helmets that I own. Now I’m looking for jacket, pants, gloves, and maybe boots. Can anyone suggest what I should look for? At the same time I don’t want to spend too much money. I don’t plan to ride in the wet or winter season and no track days on my mind. I have looked at some jackets but can’t decide between leather or “fabric”- will $200 buy me good jacket or cheaper will do? What about pants – what do you guys use and why?

Any input will be helpful. Thanks

Turtle

You're looking for textile. It's generally (substantially) cheaper than leather, and usually is more comfortable. A lot of the options out there will have insulated liners, and either be somewhat waterproof, or have water proof liners as well.

Hit the shops and see what they still have. You'll likely find some sales about now, as the season for the squishy riders is getting short. Try stuff on with, and without the liners.

I have Fieldsheer (and Cortech, Technic, First Gear), and it's pretty decent stuff. Also check out Joe Rocket, as many folks seem to like their gear as well, although I've never tried it.

Look for jackets/pants with the hard armor in the shoulders/elbows/knees, as opposed to the 1/8 inch foam pads. One will do great things in a crash, and the other will leave you wanting.

Good luck.

JayD1981

If you only have a few hundred and your trying to get all the gear, I would go with textile also. Most of my clothing is Tourmaster and I really like their stuff. Textile jackets and pants will usually have balistic pads in the knees, elbows, shoulders, and sometimes the back. While textile will not hold up as well as leather, it is exponentially better than a T shirt and jeans. As for gloves I would definately go with leather though.

If your not that picky on styles or colors, Newenough.com has great deals on closeout merchandise all the time. Even though normal priced merchandise has decent deals.

ScooterRash

I have a considerable amount of excess gear. If you are the proper size, I could outfit you from head to toe for pocket change compared to new. Drop me a pm if interested.

Transported

As the nice riding season is almost over, I'd recommend you invest in waterproof textile. I got a TourMaster top and bottom set for about $250 and it allows me to ride comfortably year round.

But, next spring, you're going to want to invest in leather for the summer months.

monique

Ebay, of course. then also try Jafrum.com and MotoDirect.

SV_Slut

sodapop

Textile since you do not like the real riding season, All year round that it. I have a tour master jacket and pants I bought for a total 150.00 I got it brand new at BHY. I love how versatile it is and I have worn it for three years straight and it still looks new. There is plenty out there for textile, with great brands. Since you will only ride during nice weather or summer months get the sales and close outs on ridegear.com, cyclegear.com newenough.com. One thing I have learned in getting gear is that just because it looks good does not mean it works well. Try stuff on at local shops and then order it online if it is cheaper. I have leathers also and love the protection they provide, just pretty spend y for the well made ones

FZ6Rider

Thanks for input. I will definitely be trying some on at the local shops.

I'm willing to look at some good used gear; Jacket -XXL, pants 34-36

RedVFR

Tourmaster/Cortech (same company), Joe Rocket, and Fieldsheer, are all good options that I have had good luck with. Alpinestars is also very good but a bit more expensive over all. www.newenough.com is also a very good sight in that they have a review and good pics on nearly every piece of gear they sell.

ZXWUT?

I have an XXL textile/waterproof Cortech jacket that you can have really cheap or free if you has no monies. It is much too big for me now so it just hangs up with the rest of my gear and never gets used.I also have an extra pair of XXL gloves that I don't wear for the same reason. Let me know if you're interested!

FZ6Rider

Give me more info on it. What color is it? Any chance you have a picture of it?
Thanks.

gpd323

Very generous riders on this site for sure. I just donated a MotoGP jacket to PNW Goodwill and its in good hands now.

www.newenough.com is where I have purchased most of my gear.

You can sign up on the website so they email you about current closeouts.

They have some Techic gloves and a jacket for very little $$$ currently in the closeout section.

I just picked up the FirstGear Denali jacket at Newenough for $149. Its an almost all weather jacket.

Good hunting.

evilmrroboto

I was cheap as well and just went to my local bike shop to try on stuff to get sizes then hit ebay to get the same item for way less. I've got Joe Rocket jacket and pants and they didn't cost much on ebay. I paid under $100 for my jacket and around $80 for the pants.

My jacket is the Meteor 4 (or so it says on the jacket). It has a removeable liner, plenty of vents, and stormtrooper like armor. The pants are the Ballistic ones. They have zippers all the way up the sides and knee armor. I usually don't wear pants on hot summer days, but they are nice for any kind of rain or if you like wearing shorts somewhere.

Nicegy525

The advantages of textile gear are that they are more versatile, comfortable, cheaper than leather and warmer in colder climates.

The disadvantages are that usually after one accident they need to be replaced compared to leathers having several crashes in them and still be usable. Also, textiles tend to fit loosely and can roll over and bunch up, causing the armor and other safety features to be less effective.

That being said, for your type of riding, I would stick with textiles. Look for features like external armor (icon titanium series for example) Materials like ballistic nylon, cordura and kevlar are very good. Find something that fits snug and the armor plates are difficult to roll over or move away from the intended protected area. Adjustable straps in the waist and arms can allow for a tighter fit when you arent wearing layers underneath.

For comfort look for adequate venting for hot weather, a removable liner for warmth and something waterproof (or at least very resistant)

ZXWUT?

It's a black Joe Rocket touring textile jacket. Thought it was cortech but apparently I was wrong. Anywho, I've been in crazy downpours in the thing and always stayed dry. It's also got a liner for the wintertime and does a great job. Coldest that I know I've been in with it was around 15 degrees and I wasn't hurting too bad. Let me know if you're interested.

FZ6Rider

Here is what i'm lookig at so far - Teknic Chicane Textile Jacket for $80 and pair of gloves that are also Teknic Chicane Short Glove for $21. I think this is best that Newenough has to offer right now.

What do you guys think?

I will visit local stores on the weekend to scan trough their inventory.

ZXWUT - I'm still interested in what you have. You should have a PM from me.

JayD1981

I haven't used Teknic gear but I haven't heard anything bad about them either. Looks like a pretty good deal to me. Thats less than I've paid for any of my motorcycle jackets.

I would advise not waiting too long to purchase their closeouts. They can sell out pretty quickly, especially in the most common sizes.

OOk

You get what you pay for, man.

I prefer leather because it:

A. Fits better (loose gear does not protect as well).
B. It crashes better.
C. It crashes better.

I have 2 textile jackets and one leather jacket (street). I haven't worn either textile jacket in years. I'll sweat buckets before I wear a textile jacket anymore.

But something is better than nothing! Although that Corona tank top is pretty badass.

ZXWUT?

PM sent back your way!

gpd323

My neighbor has those exact pieces, except his gloves have the gantlet, I would get ones with wrist protection BTW. Seem to be well built. Get them, then pickup the jacket from ZXWUT. You will find that over time it pays to have a few choices to choose from in regards to pants and jackets.

Be mindful that the 2 most important items to protect are your noggin and your hands. Don't scrimp.

sin808

In addition to newenough (which is where I bought 90% of my gear), check out motorcyclecloseouts.com, prices aren't quite as good as newenough, but they've got a wider selection.

incubus

Just make sure it has CE rated armor in all the right places.

Don't get icon.

FZ6Rider

After trying some jackets on and looking at different options I'm still leaning to textile type. I was trying different jackets and Cortech GX Sport Series 2 Textile Jacket has my attention right now. I can but it from newenough.com but after shipping its same as buying local.

Does anyone have this jacket? What are likes and dislikes of it?

I did look at leather, but most of them are much heavier and even more expensive. Even good looks and extra protection couldnt offset the price. Besides, I'm not looking for a race jacket.

bcj

Textile will be fine for a new rider. Unless you get ahead of yourself and try railing everywhere you go. Tex will be toast after a get-off.

I've got Firstgear and Cortech tex jackets. Happy with the fit and liners.
Firstgear tex pants. All with ce pads. FG tex jacket $119 at RMC. Cortech GX air w/leather for summer from some website $162 - worth it. FG pants - $120 - they don't unzip all the way up and are difficult to don and remove. Still up in the air about those.

UhOh

have one of their textile air mesh jackets. nice 2 liner system, big leather patches.
bought mine at local shop; ... a pretty decent way to go.

FZ6Rider

Tomorrow is the day when I will be taking my IRT class. Is there something I should know before I get there?

Thanks for you advise.


I got most of the gear already so that sholdnt be an issue.

ddonacazx12

(imho)

Always get the best gear that you can possibly buy...

Lets face it, for the cost of one broken bone (ambulance ride, etc...) you could be wearing top of the line from head to toe.

Whatever you get make sure it has CE armor at the shoulder, elbow, knee, shin ... foam for collarbones, tailbone, etc... a plus.

Get a back protector (acme makes some nice custom fitted ones that will go under your jacket / leathers / etc...and cover your chest, kidneys as well)

Buy the best stuff you can.

Best of luck.

motostunter