Modern Buddy

I'm curious to know how much money you spent on your protective gear and what kind of protective gear you have.

I know that different folks have different ideas about what is considered necessary for protective gear, so let's try not to start a debate on that

Full-face helmet, $60 (got on sale for $40)

Mesh jacket with hard elbow/shoulder pads and soft back pad, $45

Generic fleecy leather gloves, $10

Generic hiking/mild snow boots I've had forever... probably around $75?

Ah! Not as expensive as I thought.

For my purposes, I might also want to add raingear, although my bicycle rain gear might work, although certainly only if I can wear them ON TOP of the protective scooter gear. But that might be overheating etc. Don't know yet. Have to figure out that.

Jacket - $80
Helmet - $110
Gloves - $28
Rain Suit - $50
Total - $268
Links follow.

The helmet is required by state law, so I couldn't forego that purchase. My partner has a Bilt Demon helmet from Cycle Gear, which is really nice, but they only come in black or silver (I think the price was around $70 on sale). The Bilt Demon helmet is quieter than the Hawk, but the Hawk came in yellow (high-vis wins for me here).

The jacket is nice; but the shoulder armor on the outside lends to the power ranger look... the yellow helmet, gloves and panels on the jacket don't help much, but the idea is to be seen.

The Bilt brand rain suit I bought was actually a two piece, but it was also $50, and seems nice. The large size fits over all my other gear (I'm 5' 10", 170 lbs), and seems to keep the wet out (and the wind on cooler days). Unfortunately the suit is black, with only minimal reflective piping... I might get some reflective vinyl/tape to go on the back and maybe legs.

After the first run through the rain, the Olympia gloves left black stains all over my hands which took forever to wash off... I've since bought another $30 pair of gloves from cycle gear... rain gloves, for wet weather, so that brings my total to $298 (though now they are on sale for $18).

So, considering that I bought my scoot used, I've spent about 12% of the cost of the scooter on gear, and extended the length of time it takes for my gas savings to equal the purchase price of the scoot/gear by about 3 months... All told, I think it's worthwhile. Hope this helps!

Jacket Link: http://www.leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcy ... 15592.html

Helmet Link: http://www.leatherup.com/p/Hawk-Helmets ... 31400.html

Gloves: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... loves.aspx

Rain Suit: http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/to ... web1001056

Rain Gloves:
http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/fr ... web1008351

All prices are approximate (unless noted), since some of these I bought 3 or 4 years ago and don't remember the exact price.

3/4 Helmet $70
Modular Helmet $160
Balaclava $8
Balaclava II with bib in front to fit under jacket $19 (actual price)
Mesh Jacket $40 (actual price)
Corrazzo 5.0 Jacket $170
Carrazzo (Med. weight) Jacket $25 (actual price-bought used)
Yellow rain slicker suit $7 (actual price-Harbor Freight)
Rain Suit $40 (actual price)
Mechanic gloves - summer wear $7
Half Gloves $1 - won these at a rally
Leather gloves-lined $9
Winter Bike gloves $34 (actual price)
Ski Gloves $12
Leather over gloves/mittens $5 (actual price)
Heavy over pants w/liner $25 (actual price-bought used)
Ski overall/bibs $15
Steel toe boots $20 (actual price-Walmart 2003)
Boots 2nd pair $5 (actual price-garage sale)
Boots 3rd pair fleece lined $5 (actual price-garage sale)
3 pair wool socks $10 (actual price-Christmas sale)
Reflective Vest $5 (actual price-bought used)

Great info! Everything seems quite reasonable (price-wise) in all the posts except...the shocker of that $170 jacket! I guess it's reasonable, but wow pricey

Jacket- $225
Summer mesh jacket- $85 (on sale from $150)
FF helmet & tinted visor- $210
3/4 helmet & face shield- $100
mesh gloves- $30
leather gloves- $50
winter gloves- $20

Don't take all the prices as normal. I've worked at more than one bike shop, I don't always remember the discounts I've gotten, and half this stuff I got before I ever worked at a shop.

teabow1 wrote:Great info! Everything seems quite reasonable (price-wise) in all the posts except...the shocker of that $170 jacket! I guess it's reasonable, but wow pricey

Oh man, if $170 is pricey then mine must be down right shocking

Motoport kevlar mesh jacket: $650.00

Tour Master Flex pants: $170.00

Cortech Scarab winter gloves: $85.00

Scorpion EXO-400 Helmet: $220

That's just what I'm wearing currently. This does not include the summer gloves, the several helmets I ran through till I found one I liked, or the Brand spanking new snow shield I just bought for my helmet. Quality gear is expensive but well worth it imo.

Wow! That jacket can buy a Chinese scooter!

I'm sure it's all well worth it. It's also probably not something I would want to invest so heavily in all at once. Over time, perhaps.

teabow1 wrote:Wow! That jacket can buy a Chinese scooter!

I'm sure it's all well worth it. It's also probably not something I would want to invest so heavily in all at once. Over time, perhaps.

lol yes it could but the difference is that it has an eight year crash warranty and it's craftsmanship isn't likley to kill me at speeds above 45mph

When I first started riding I rode in a t-shirt, jeans and a $30 half helmet. The gear came later when I realized I had 85k invested between my ears and several grand invested in my skin, best to invest in some quality gear and try to protect both

Wow! 8 years crash warranty? Does that mean that within an 8-year time frame, if you crash and the garment is destroyed, they'll provide you with a new one? That's quite something!

My first investment in motorcycle gear is a $25 pair of Converse Chuck's. Okay, this is really only for the MSF basic rider course wherey they require your ankles covered. It's not really too much of a protective gear. LOL

Overall: too much! I've made some poor gear decisions and have regretted trying to save on a few occasions rather than just investing in good gear.

I prefer to think of this as 30,000 miles of gear and a lot of lessons along the way.

My current lineup, assembled over several years:
Corazzo Tempeste: $249
Corazzo Ventata: $179
Corazzo Max: (don't recall; got it on sale)
Johnson Leathers M200 jacket: (gift from my parents about 20 years ago)
Hein Gericke gloves: $45, discontinued, on closeout
Belstaff gloves: $40, discontinued, on closeout (need new Velcro)
Two pairs Brazimoto gloves: One pair a gift, one pair bought for $20 on clearance
Bilt mild weather gloves: $20, crummy, going to replace ASAP
Belstaff jacket: $200 (needs seam repaired)
Vega Summit II modular helmet #2: $140 (replacement for crashed helmet)
Various cold weather accessories: neck/face warmer, glove liners, wool socks, etc., approx. $50 total
Converse PGS high with composite toe: $25, clearance on eBay
Four pairs of Puma RDBC boots: various prices, discontinued, deadstock bought on eBay*

Retired gear:
HJC open face helmet: $80 (crashed)
Nolan N42 3/4 helmet: $120
Vega Summit II modular helmet #1: $120 or so (crashed)
Gloves and more gloves: Seriously, as many as seven pairs of gloves that were poor quality, not protective enough or fell apart after a year or so of use. So. Yeah.
Joe Rocket Orbit jacket: $80, clearance from Newenough.com. Poor quality, crap armor.
Frank Thomas Pro Stunt Boots: $40 or so on eBay. Good, but not a great fit. Will wind up back on eBay when I get around to posting them.

*FOUR PAIRS?! I know that sounds insane, but… I got my first pair shortly after they stopped making this style and they're awesome. Great for riding and off scooter. A couple years later, when they started to get pretty scuffed and worn, I regretted not getting a backup pair, so when one showed up on eBay I got it. Now I had a rough pair and a clean pair! Then I trashed the clean pair in a crash. So I replaced them with clean pair #2. Then I saw a good deal on a similar but differently-styled pair so I snagged 'em.

teabow1 wrote:except...the shocker of that $170 jacket! I guess it's reasonable, but wow pricey

That's pretty damn cheap for a good riding jacket!

haven't spent too much, and some is not official "riding" gear although its all i use it for

assorted pairs of gloves including Joe Rocket armored - $25

Firstgear armored jacket - $29 on closeout (bad color, heavy, never wear it)

Winter jacket - $30

Boots / shoes - $60 (otherwise i ride with what i already had and sneakers)

Glove liners - $12

4 Helmets (two still in use) - $110

Warm head stuff - $20

so, thats almost $300 in stuff over 15 months or so. not bad. i buy everything on discount / closeout, however. never pay full price for anything unless i want it real bad. and i seldom do

teabow1 wrote:Ah! Not as expensive as I thought.

For my purposes, I might also want to add raingear, although my bicycle rain gear might work, although certainly only if I can wear them ON TOP of the protective scooter gear. But that might be overheating etc. Don't know yet. Have to figure out that.

You can buy rain suits that go over everything else- not sure what your current rain gear is like.

Keep in mind that everybody's gear set is different depending on their climate, whether they ride all year or not, whether they also have a cage or not, and what their commute is like.

I commute all year, though I am just a few months in to my scooter career and haven't worked out all the kinks, I am well-informed thanks to dating somebody who is. My work commute always involves and early morning or late at night, so I can't avoid the cold, and you live not so far away from me on the same coast, so you know what it's like here.

This is my gear, en toto:

Fulmer 755, $89 (I think) at the shop but it was my birthday present from Lokky
Hand-me-down summer and winter gloves... the winter gloves were not warm, the summer gloves were falling apart. After my crash in October, I ordered my own damn gloves.
Scorpion Kats for winter; $60 msrp, but I got them for $40 on eBay
and Cortech HDX for summer; $40
I also got Silk Glove Liners by Tourmaster, $14
and a Schampa Deluxe Balaclava, $25
as well as my Tucano Urbano (R-151) lap cover, $150-170
I also have a doubleweight neckwarmer that I got before I figured out I really just needed a balaclava, $12.
I have long johns that I needed, but didn't buy just for the scoot. Got them on clearance (75%, hell yeah) but I am sure each piece was originally $12 or so each... x4, 2 tops 2 bottoms.
I have a super neat Overboard Waterproof Backpack that I carry my life in... $35 on eBay.

Then I have boots that I paid $30-40 each pair (I couldn't go cheaper because I am wide-calf and there's about one store in town I can buy boots from). Again, I bought them before the scoot but it's a DAMN good thing I have them and I consider them gear now.

I want to order strap-on kneepads... $30-$50... but am not sure I will find any that fit my calves. I have to return the pair I just ordered because they don't fit.

My jacket situation is curious. My first was a Corazzo 5.0 that fit but sucked- it was $230 and I returned it to my shop. The second was a Cortech LRX that I liked but didn't fit. So I sold it, have ordered what had better damn be the right size, and am only losing shipping at this point... but... shipping finding the right size, $15. Cortech jacket in the right size- msrp at $120, purchased at $90. It's a wintry jacket, with zippable vents and a removable liner. I hope to be able to use it in both seasons- to remove the liner and use it in summer. If not, I'll be ordering a mesh jacket as well.

Prima Saddlebags, msrp $140, got them from Craigslist for $55.

Ram Mount for my GPS. Some don't give two hoots about this. I am entirely ecstatic that I ordered this and think it's the shit. It's right up there with my lap cover as one of the best things I've put on my scoot, along with the windshield. $30

Then there's a bunch of other non-wearable gear- I think you were wondering just about wearable stuff but since I'm not sure I'll list it all.
I also bought a plastic crate to go on my back rack instead of a top case- $7. Bungees of various sizes- $10. Cleaning supplies, including Plexus and Meguiar's Leather Cleaner (I have a white seat, I find this cleans it well and has a no-slip formula, unlike armor-all)... grand total on the cleaners, including towels and excluding rebates, $40

I have no clue. My name is Buddy Raton and I am a gear slut!

I have like 4 or 5 jackets, 2 sets rain gear, lots of gloves and I think 4 helmets. 3 or 4 pairs boots, shoes.

I bought a bunch of stuff when the Superstore was having a 75% off sale...I've won helmets and jackets at rallies...you just can't have too much!

Thanks everyone.

Then my next question is where to buy these things? A motorcycle shop? Some things can be bought on Amazon, but others I guess one would need to see and fit in person.

Once you have a GOOD, and I do mean good, idea of your size, you can shop bargain online for most things. A good shop will do what they can to help you figure out what size you are, and offer to order the right one for you. The downside to shopping online for a bargain is that you aren't putting money into local businesses- I did buy some stuff, mostly accessories for the scooter itself, from my dealer and have them install it, rather than ordering from an online parts store and installing myself. Even though they installed for free, they made a profit because they order the part at a dealer price, and charge me the difference.

That being said, I am TOO BROKE to keep doing that with gear- most gear is EXPENSIVE.

Sites to check out:
Revzilla
Motorcycle Superstore
Bike Bandit
LeatherUp
Iron Pony
MXMegaStore

for parts:
ScooterWorks
Scooter West
Scooter Lounge

AND OF COURSE Amazon and Ebay. Always research your gear- use the manufacturer's website for sizing info. I use the customer reviews at Motorcycle Superstore, I find them very helpful. Once you have it narrowed down to the item you want and what size you need it in, you can go type it in to google, ebay, or amazon and have fun price matching.

There is one thing I do NOT recommend doing this with your first go around- your helmet. I am having a hard enough time sizing my jacket. Holy something would have had to help me had I tried to find my first helmet without the help and advice of a shop- helmet sizing is just like clothes, it changes slightly with style and brand.

...you know this, you bike. Derp. I'm going to STFU now.

teabow1 wrote:Wow! 8 years crash warranty? Does that mean that within an 8-year time frame, if you crash and the garment is destroyed, they'll provide you with a new one? That's quite something!

My first investment in motorcycle gear is a $25 pair of Converse Chuck's. Okay, this is really only for the MSF basic rider course wherey they require your ankles covered. It's not really too much of a protective gear. LOL

Yup, if I crash in it and they can't repair it, then they replace it for free.

btw, You may want to check with the MSF instructors as I was told that I had to have over the ankle boots so chucks wouldn't have cut it

THIS IS APPROXIMATE
Scorpion Exo400 helmet $59.00
Icon gloves $49.00
Fieldsheer mesh jacket $67.00
Leather Scorpion Electra jacket $169.00
Harley Davidson boots $69.00
Legg/ knee protectors $20.00
Ski pants -don't remember
Rain gear - a$19.00 on sale

jasondavis48108 wrote: You may want to check with the MSF instructors as I was told that I had to have over the ankle boots so chucks wouldn't have cut it

Here in Pa. they will allow high top sneaks, light hiking boots but NO Chucks.......
(I got a pair of Vans Sk-8 )

In So Cal, I ride in temp ranging from 30degrees to 120. Coastal is pretty temperate but I hate being too cold or hot so I have gear for everything.

Corrazo 5.0 spring/fall - http://corazzo.net/womens-5.0-jacket $229
Max Hoody - fall and spring rain - discontinued - $129
Tempeste - winter $249 http://corazzo.net/womens-tempeste-jacket
Trench - this one is frivilous for me I only wear it in the day due reflection only being at the waist - $249 http://corazzo.net/womens-jacket-trench
Speedway Mesh - spring/summer/fall- $229 http://corazzo.net/womens-speedway-jacket
HJC IS-Max modular helmet - $179 http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... elmet.aspx
Alpine Star Stella Ice gloves - 45-60deg gloves: $70 http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... loves.aspx
some no-name mesh gloves for 60deg and above $25
corazzo winter gaunlet for 40deg or below $69 http://corazzo.net/gauntlet
corazzo velocitta - originally going to be my winter glove but not warm enough below 40deg- $60 http://corazzo.net/velocitta
jarfum rainsuit $35 http://www.jafrum.com/Motorcycle-Rain-Gear/RS5001 (mostly I just use the pants since I have waterproof coats)
Dankso Scout boot (ankle) $120 http://www.amazon.com/Dansko-Womens-Sco ... 001&sr=8-1
Frye 12R engineer $200 for tall boot http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013E ... 00_details
Sorel Snow Angel $75 for waterproof winter riding http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S6 ... hs_product

then incidentals like neck warmers and baclava

I started off with just a jacket and garden gloves. Since i was scooter -only and found that riding hot or cold or wet really impacted my driving, I collected the right gear for any condition over 2 years.

teabow1 wrote:Thanks everyone.

Then my next question is where to buy these things? A motorcycle shop? Some things can be bought on Amazon, but others I guess one would need to see and fit in person.

Leatherup.com is having a thanksgiving closeout sale on helmets, and jackets (and chaps too). You can get up to 75% off list price.

Also, they have a coupon code for an additional 10% off, use code "THANKS"

They also offer free shipping on orders over $90.

I just spent $400 for a Shoei helmet that I wanted.

Like other people in Southern California I have gear for temps from freezing to over 100. One problem is the 50 degree swing you can get on a typical day from early morning to mid afternoon so removable layers are great.

Anyway the gear is cheap compared to what you need when you race a car.

Also decide how much you want to save in medical expense if that is required.

LunaP wrote:Once you have a GOOD, and I do mean good, idea of your size, you can shop bargain online for most things. A good shop will do what they can to help you figure out what size you are, and offer to order the right one for you. The downside to shopping online for a bargain is that you aren't putting money into local businesses- I did buy some stuff, mostly accessories for the scooter itself, from my dealer and have them install it, rather than ordering from an online parts store and installing myself. Even though they installed for free, they made a profit because they order the part at a dealer price, and charge me the difference.

If I remember, you live close to what seems to be a well-known and well-stocked scooter shop. I'm a bit less lucky here though I need to check the other towns here to see what they have. It is a good idea to put money back into one's local economy.

LunaP wrote: There is one thing I do NOT recommend doing this with your first go around- your helmet. I am having a hard enough time sizing my jacket. Holy something would have had to help me had I tried to find my first helmet without the help and advice of a shop- helmet sizing is just like clothes, it changes slightly with style and brand.

...you know this, you bike. Derp. I'm going to STFU now.

I agree with you about the helmet, one of the most crucial pieces of equipment. I only hope that I can find a jacket and eventually pants that fit me well.

For regular clothing, I've had the most difficult time finding anything in store that fits me well. Eventually I found out the only place I could find fitted clothing that actually fits is Zara and Gap online.

KABarash wrote:

jasondavis48108 wrote: You may want to check with the MSF instructors as I was told that I had to have over the ankle boots so chucks wouldn't have cut it

Here in Pa. they will allow high top sneaks, light hiking boots but NO Chucks.......
(I got a pair of Vans Sk-8 )

The Chucks I have do cover the ankle. They basically said over-the-ankle shoes. But, I will check tomorrow for sure.

jijifer wrote: Dankso Scout boot (ankle) $120

Wow! Since when did Dansko make boots? I used to have two pairs of Dansko professional closed-heel clogs and one pair of open heeled clogs. I love them! My black pair are worn out, my cordovan ones have deteriorating rubber, and my open-heeled ones still work fine. And I'm male If Dansko makes boot for men, I may take a look though I'm not sure how much protection they give when you crash...

===================
Update:

I just checked Dansko's website. Yes, they make boots for men but it's not the traditional sole that they're known for. Boo!

teabow1 wrote:

jijifer wrote: Dankso Scout boot (ankle) $120

Wow! Since when did Dansko make boots? I used to have two pairs of Dansko professional closed-heel clogs and one pair of open heeled clogs. I love them! My black pair are worn out, my cordovan ones have deteriorating rubber, and my open-heeled ones still work fine. And I'm male If Dansko makes boot for me, I may take a look though I'm not sure how much protection they give when you crash...

I don't have any actual motorcycle boots. I have 2 pairs of dansko boots. Dankso men boots:

http://dansko.com/Mens/Footwear/Styles/Boots/

I don't have armor or steel in my boots as I need to be able to be comfy in them where I'm going. So I go with durable leather boots. I have a pair of suede boots but do think those would be torn up. I think the sorels may get shredded but when it's cold and wet, I love those boots.

I've been down once. I was stopped at a light and hit from behind. I had been scooting 3 months. Was on a group ride. I almost wore sandals that day because it was so hot. I, at the last minute, put on running shoes (thank goodness) as I had NO boots that that juncture. I had gloves and my Corazzo 5.0, thankfully. I was hit, dead on by someone estimated going 25 to 35mph. She flipped end over end and totaled her scooter. The impact threw me off the right side of my scooter, my scooter slid on it's side about 10ft into the intersection. Because my feet were planted I ended up on the ground sitting, on my right foot. I broke 3 toes, where they meet my foot.

what I determined is I needed a fixed sole primarily. I want my ankle covered so it's not as likely to twist. I'm pretty sure my fryes will survive a crash. Dansko will keep me from road rash anyways.

Both the Frye's and Dansko are work- ready for my office, too. Win!

thousands....yes, that's plural......I have too much gear to post.......just say the helmets alone I'm over $3k easy.

teabow1 wrote:

LunaP wrote:Once you have a GOOD, and I do mean good, idea of your size, you can shop bargain online for most things. A good shop will do what they can to help you figure out what size you are, and offer to order the right one for you. The downside to shopping online for a bargain is that you aren't putting money into local businesses- I did buy some stuff, mostly accessories for the scooter itself, from my dealer and have them install it, rather than ordering from an online parts store and installing myself. Even though they installed for free, they made a profit because they order the part at a dealer price, and charge me the difference.

If I remember, you live close to what seems to be a well-known and well-stocked scooter shop. I'm a bit less lucky here though I need to check the other towns here to see what they have. It is a good idea to put money back into one's local economy.

I do, I am lucky... but my dealer only carries a few gear brands out of many many. I went to other places around town but they were either MORE expensive (kill me), or were only interested in making a sale, not in my actual satisfaction as a customer. Sometimes you can't avoid buying online.

Gloves are easy to measure. If you aren't a plus size like me, so are jackets for the most part. You can also check Craigslist... long shot, and I wouldn't buy a helmet, but there could be somebody near you that boughta wrong size jacket and can't return it (like I did) and needs to get rid of it. You never know.

LunaP wrote:
I do, I am lucky... but my dealer only carries a few gear brands out of many many. I went to other places around town but they were either MORE expensive (kill me), or were only interested in making a sale, not in my actual satisfaction as a customer. Sometimes you can't avoid buying online.

This is very true.
I have been in the market for a full face helmet for a while now, my head however is very large (I wear a 2XL 3/4 helmet in a range that runs large to sizing) and I simply can't fit full faces past my temples. I also tried all the modulars they carried and didn't find something I was happy with so I went shopping at one of the most famous motorcycle stores in the area (very well known with the community).
They had me try a 2XL modular that barely fit. They told me it came in a 3XL and that I should order it with them. I asked if I could try it on before buying if I ordered it (standard procedure at our scooter shop) and they said that would not be possible since they'd be stuck with a very large helmet that nobody would buy and pretty much accused me that I wanted to order with them to try it to then go on the internet and get it for cheaper thus not 'supporting my local business'. I told them I'm all for supporting local shops but I wouldn't wanna be stuck with a helmet that I wasn't happy with (a very expensive one nonetheless) and that I'd go check out another shop. They got all rude with me and told me "but how does that help us?"... well buddy, you were not willing to do an order for me to try and buy if it fit so why should I feel the need to purchase from you and no-one else?
I went to the other shop and sure enough, they had the 3XL, it actually fit over my head but was deadly uncomfortable to wear and so I didn't waste my money on it.

teabow1 wrote:

KABarash wrote:

jasondavis48108 wrote: You may want to check with the MSF instructors as I was told that I had to have over the ankle boots so chucks wouldn't have cut it

Here in Pa. they will allow high top sneaks, light hiking boots but NO Chucks.......
(I got a pair of Vans Sk-8 )

The Chucks I have do cover the ankle. They basically said over-the-ankle shoes. But, I will check tomorrow for sure.

Yes Hi-top 'Chucks' do cover the ankle, I think our instructor had a story why they weren't acceptable. I showed up wearing my o_l_d(as dirt) issue Jungle combat boots (comfortable as hell) and the instructor stated that although they do cover the ankle they offer little support in the event of an accident. I was asked to wear something different the next day as well.......

KABarash wrote:

teabow1 wrote:

KABarash wrote:Here in Pa. they will allow high top sneaks, light hiking boots but NO Chucks.......
(I got a pair of Vans Sk-8 )

The Chucks I have do cover the ankle. They basically said over-the-ankle shoes. But, I will check tomorrow for sure.

Yes Hi-top 'Chucks' do cover the ankle, I think our instructor had a story why they weren't acceptable. I showed up wearing my o_l_d(as dirt) issue Jungle combat boots (comfortable as hell) and the instructor stated that although they do cover the ankle they offer little support in the event of an accident. I was asked to wear something different the next day as well.......

Now would be the time to link to the famous MB post with photos of missing toes on a ravaged foot due to a fall while wearing Chucks. But we've already had one post with gross photos this week...

KABarash wrote:

teabow1 wrote:

KABarash wrote:Here in Pa. they will allow high top sneaks, light hiking boots but NO Chucks.......
(I got a pair of Vans Sk-8 )

The Chucks I have do cover the ankle. They basically said over-the-ankle shoes. But, I will check tomorrow for sure.

Yes Hi-top 'Chucks' do cover the ankle, I think our instructor had a story why they weren't acceptable. I showed up wearing my o_l_d(as dirt) issue Jungle combat boots (comfortable as hell) and the instructor stated that although they do cover the ankle they offer little support in the event of an accident. I was asked to wear something different the next day as well.......

Yeah, Chucks don't offer much protection for twisting ankles. However, the printed requirements just said over-the-ankle. I also checked with the coordinator for the programme (not the instructor, as far as I can tell) and she said it's fine.

When I show up Friday night and they ask me to come back the next day with better shoes, I'll have to tell them no-can-do because the course lets out on Friday 10pm and the next morning at 8am is when the course starts again. There would be no time for me to buy new shoes. I specifically went out to buy over-the-ankle shoes for this course. I do have two dress boots, one of which actually will offer quite a bit of ankle protection, especially because it's lace-up past the ankle, but I'm not going to use those!

Skootz Kabootz wrote: Now would be the time to link to the famous MB post with photos of missing toes on a ravaged foot due to a fall while wearing Chucks. But we've already had one post with gross photos this week...

Haha I saw that post. As far as I can tell, there's going to be a lot of drills. After the course and I do decide now is the time to purchase my scooter, I for sure will be buying something more suitable.

I don't see much reason to purchase a pair of motorcycle shoes just for the purpose of the class unless that's what they asked. The course, as far as I can tell, is primarily drills around a parking lot so it won't be at high speed.

=======

Clunk combat boots aren't good. The printed requirements said we need something suitable for shifting gears with. They also said any full fingered gloves will do, but NOT rubber gloves. LOL. Can you imagine someone showing up with kitchen gloves?

Hiking boots and the like are fine for MSF. Also, I got my Converse PGS for $20 off eBay. (Like many Converse, they run big!)

Or if you're a size 11.5/12 I have these Frank Thomas boots FS—cheap!

Cost of my protective gear: still less than my life is worth!

OK, I'll Play:

-Vega full face Helmet: $170 (surprisingly good quality!)
-Scorpion EXO-100 half helmet: $150
-Joe Rocket "Phoenix" jacket: $230. Some have issue with the cheap end of Joe Rocket stuff, but this jacket has lasted me nearly 6 years and two wrecks. Durable and well fitting, if not a bit "sportbike" ish. It's semi-retired.
-River Road "Laughlin" fabric full armor shop jacket: On sale for $89, was $150. It's "ok", good quality... just lousy fit. Actively looking for something else
-Heavy leather cycle gloves: $25. I ride an old bike and still prefer some old fashioned gear. The thickest leather basic black glove for me is great, tons of abrasion and heat resistance and if you're going for that "vintage rider" look, these always work. Safe and stylish.
-ResponseGear "Tactical" military-style boot: $30 from Big5 Sporting goods. Cheap, heavy sole, high ankle and comfy to boot. Yeah, they're not Doc Martien or Wolverine quality but they get the job done. Waiting for the first of the year for a new pair of Wolverine boots.
-Spare set of eye glasses in the glovebox: $150
-Zip up windbreaker from Target (in a tasteful black on black houndstooth. Need to be fashionable while riding!): $35


It's a good everyday selection of gear. Still looking for the "right" jacket, although I haven't found it yet. Want a shop jacket style with VERY heavy fabric and full armor and a new Aria, but those have to wait until next semester.

Hey, that extra pair of eyeglasses is probably the best gear tip thus far. I'll copy it. Thanks?,

AFX FX-95 Helmet = $90

Speed and Strength Hell 'n Back textile Jacket = $130 (sale)

Vega Mesh Jacket = $70 (sale)

Alpinestars mesh gloves = $25 (sale)

Bilt insulated leather gloves = $40 (sale)

Shift Fuel motorcycle shoes = $72 (sale)

Tour Master Venture mesh pants = $120 (sale)

I'm encouraged that lots of the prices listed aren't outrageous, especially when compared to some bicycle gear.

Generally how well fitted are the armoured motorcycle jackets supposed to be?

Can I wear normal office clothes and then put an armoured jacket (and presumably pants) over my office clothes?

HJC Modular Helmet: $275
Olympic Mesh Jacket: $175
Leather Gloves: $50
Extra underwear for when I scare myself: priceless

babblefish wrote: Extra underwear for when I scare myself: priceless

Nah...I'd go with Depends pull-ups... LOL

teabow1 wrote:Generally how well fitted are the armoured motorcycle jackets supposed to be?

Can I wear normal office clothes and then put an armoured jacket (and presumably pants) over my office clothes?

It needs to be snug enough that the armor doesn't shift around too much. Some jackets have armor placed so that it's covering elbows when your arms are bent, not fully extended.

There's some gear meant to wear over other clothes, but if you wear a suit, you'll probably have to stash the suit jacket in your scooter. Search for "overpants."

Start buying wrinkle-free pants, too!

Thanks, Ericalm.

So regarding the armour, where are the usual places to have them? Shoulders and elbows only? Do pants/overpants come with armour?

teabow1 wrote:Thanks, Ericalm.

So regarding the armour, where are the usual places to have them? Shoulders and elbows only? Do pants/overpants come with armour?

Jacket should have shoulder, elbow and back armour. Some cheaper jackets only have thin foam as the back pad, not CE rated. I would switch it out.

Street riding pants/overpants will have armour in the knees. Better pants will also have something at the hips, either thin padding or CE rated armour. Overpants will fit looser (hence the "over" part) and the knee armour can (and will) shift (ask me how I know). Try to get overpants that fit your legs trimly.

A lot of the armour is shaped to fit in that specific garment, while some jackets and pants will accept other manufacturers' armour. I've switched armour out of jackets and pants with Rukka armour because it's more comfortable and has met higher EN standards.

This is very helpful. Thanks! I was originally assuming that armour is built-in to clothing that is called "armoured" but from the sounds of it, these armour are removable pieces?

And thanks for the tip on the overpants thing being as snug as possible. Boy, this is going to be a little complicated. I can see now that I'm going to have to try on some gear at a local motorcycle store and probably buy some rather crap-fit gear. I don't mind buying the helmet and the topcases from the local store but I've always had a really difficult time finding fitted clothing locally. At almost 5'9" and 125lbs, my size is never easy to find in America! I usually have to shop online for well-fitted clothing.

teabow1 wrote:Thanks, Ericalm.

So regarding the armour, where are the usual places to have them? Shoulders and elbows only? Do pants/overpants come with armour?

Your most vulnerable areas are your joints and extremities. Good gear will be made of some type of abrasion-resistant material such as Cordura. The quality and efficacy of these materials varies quite a bit. "Real" Cordura is made by DuPont but there are plenty of other synthetics out there with similar qualities. The only basis of measurement without testing individual fabrics is their density, or Denier, which is sort of like thread count. Higher Denier usually means heavier, thicker and less pliable material. But due to the different compositions of the fabrics, it doesn't necessarily mean better protection.

Jackets usually have armor in elbows, shoulders and back. (Some don't have back armor). Pants, armor in knees, sometimes hips.

Where and what kind of armor they have varies. Some pants only have reinforced patches with extra Cordura or Kevlar. Others will have pockets which allow you to purchase your own armor.

What kind of armor is also important. In general, CE-approved is best. Knox is the best name brand, but others are probably as good. What you want to avoid is the foam stuff. (Even that has some possible exceptions such as the Aerostich TF pads.) Minimal protection, not worth the money.