Riding Gear

potamus · Post by **potamus** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:33 am

I just ordered my Buddy Italia this week and am looking for some good safety gear. Any recommendations for footwear? How about summer weight jackets? Can't wait to scoot!

Elm Creek Smith · Post by **Elm Creek Smith** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:39 am

Boots. Over the ankle boots. Right now I'm using either my last pair of issue Army boots (manufactured 10/89) or my Rockport waterproof hiking boots.

I have a FIRSTGEAR mesh jacket I got from NewEnough (www.newenough.com) closeout page for around $60.00. I'm going to add the hard CE armor over the soft armor, but it's good for our non-winter weather here in Oklahoma.

ECS

Eireann · Post by **Eireann** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:40 am

I have the Olympia Airglide jacket and pants. They are a bit expensive (I received them as a gift), but are super comfortable and great in the hot weather. Also, I have found that I am able to fit both jacket and pants (sans liners) in my Givi E30 topcase, so I can leave them with the bike--a plus in my book.

potamus · Post by **potamus** » Thu May 17, 2007 1:43 am

thanks! I have hiking boots, just wasn't sure they were ok. I'll have to look for a mesh jacket....

Elm Creek Smith · Post by **Elm Creek Smith** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:49 am

Hiking boots should be just fine as long as they are sturdy. Tennis shoe type hiking boots won't do.

ECS

Eireann · Post by **Eireann** » Thu May 17, 2007 6:18 am

I also use hiking boots, and the only thing I would say is be sure to tuck in your laces! I may be a bit paranoid here, but I have awful fantasies of a loose shoelace somehow getting stuck in some quickly spinning part and wreaking havoc. Eventually, I hope to get zip boots, but for now I make sure the laces are stuffed tight in the shoe.

jgalar · Post by **jgalar** » Thu May 17, 2007 12:59 pm

One of the first things we do when we are falling is put a hand down to catch our selves. Imagine doing that at 40+mph. Get a pair of gloves.

A pair of jeans and a jean jacket is not too bad for a riding suit and doesn't cost much.

You can get cheap new and used military boots from http://www.sportsmansguide.com/

A helmet that fits and your good to go.

You don't need to spend a bunch to get protection.

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:59 pm

I've had good luck with www.motorcyclecloseouts.com on pricing and for a variety of stuff they offer. Jackets, gloves, boots...etc

Suggestion, if you are going to get a helmet (EVERYONE I know recommends it but many opt not to if their state laws are flexible) don't buy it online! Best to get it at a local motorcycle shop or even the local scoot dealer.

www.corazzo.net Are great jackets, kinda 'spensive though. I like it that they are designed by scooterists for scooterists to wear.

They have a new summer mesh Jacket coming out soon.

I signed up for the CA Motorcycle Safety Course in late June (They book up FAST round here!) Here's the "must have" protective gear for the class. Probably a good guideline for everyday wear!

IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RIDING PORTION OF THE PROGRAM, THE FOLLOWING
PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING ARE MANDATORY:

1. DOT approved helmet. (Loan helmets are available at no cost);
2. Eye protection;
3. Long pants of denim or similar weight material;
4. Long sleeved shirt or jacket;
5. Leather boots or high top shoes that cover the ankles. (No cloth footwear is allowed) and;
6. Leather or vinyl gloves that cover the hand, wrist and fingers.
(Please note that you WILL lose your place in class if you are not properly dressed)

I like Corazzo jackets designs but not ready to cough up the cash yet on them. I got a jacket from Motorcycle closeouts for it's psuedo mod look, reflective strip (for visibility at night) ventilation areas and removable linear to wear in warmer/hot weather. All parameters after reading various suggestions on this board and ModernVespa.com that appealed to me.

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/deta ... WP471-5080
I'm currently sticking with the armor that comes with the jacket but the armor is also removable if I feel I want to buy better/tougher armor. Another requirement for me and the jacket. I also wound up getting one size to small (In general get a size or even two bigger than what you wear due to clothing underneath. Some days I'll be wearing suits to work under the jacket!)

potamus · Post by **potamus** » Thu May 17, 2007 4:51 pm

Thanks for all the great info! I have most of what I need (helmet, jacket, boots, gloves), but would like to find a full face helmet. None of them fit me at the scooter shop. I ended up buying a 3/4 with a face shield, but am planning to check the motorcycle shops in town. Apparantly I have a tiny head! Now I just need my Buddy!

crashtestdummy · Post by **crashtestdummy** » Thu May 17, 2007 7:34 pm

As others have recommended, I like my 5.0 from corazzo. Pricey but life goes on. I have worn it on high 80's day, and it was pretty comfortable. I have also worn it in the morning when it was in the 40's.

potamus · Post by **potamus** » Thu May 17, 2007 8:09 pm

I want to get a Corazzo 5.0 for the Fall, but thought mesh would be better for summer weather in Tulsa - it gets pretty hot and humid here. I wish Corazzo had a mesh jacket! That would be great!

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Thu May 17, 2007 8:13 pm

They WILL have one, just not right now.

You could email them or call them and see about preordering if you are so inclined. Again I don't recall the official release date of the mesh jacket. Sorry.

Newenough.com motorcyclecloseouts.com and a few other discount sites are bound to have some mesh jackets that can get you by until the Corazzo's are ready.