How's this gear? *newb needs some help*

[mike0r]

I'm looking to get my bike soon, but I'll be getting the gear first..

I was looking at this jacket..
Alpinestars T-Stunt Air-Flo Textile Jacket $189

http://www.newenough.com/alpinestars...acket_page.htm

but i dont know if it has armor, or where the armor is? Is it a good jacket for a good price?


These gloves..Alpinestars SP-S Gloves $62

http://www.newenough.com/alpinestars...loves_page.htm

I also need a helmet and if someone could suggest a pair of pants/shoes.. I saw a pair of sneaker-like shoes at the kawasaki dealer that had protective plates around the ankle bones.. dunno if those are good enough? Thanks!

edit:

http://www.newenough.com/joe_rocket_..._shoe_page.htm

these were the shoes I saw

this helmet as well.. would match the GS500f in yellow, pretty well..

http://www.newenough.com/hjc_cs12_vo...elmet_page.htm

[Uncle Bob]

All good choices, reputable compagnies making motorcycle specific garments.

I would be wary of the shoes though, beter protection with an over the ankle boot. Need to protect the ankle, sometimes when you put your foot down the terrain is not always level and free of dirt or debris so twisting the ankle could be a possibility also if you disembark before coming to a full stop ankle need to be supported if you don't want your feet to end up pointing backwards.

As for helmets check out the following post.

http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1572

[mike0r]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

All good choices, reputable compagnies making motorcycle specific garments.

I would be wary of the shoes though, beter protection with an over the ankle boot. Need to protect the ankle, sometimes when you put your foot down the terrain is not always level and free of dirt or debris so twisting the ankle could be a possibility also if you disembark before coming to a full stop ankle need to be supported if you don't want your feet to end up pointing backwards.

As for helmets check out the following post.

http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1572

Does that stuff seem like it would save me in a moderate crash? Money really isnt an issue, but I donit see a reason spending 3x more for flashier gear that wont protect me any better.. I was looking to spend about ~1000 on gear, so if you could suggest something maybe a little better in that range?

[Uncle Bob]

Best protection is good old competition weight leather but it's expensive, heavy and hot.

From what I've heard about lighter weight clothing is that it does do a good job of protecting you but after one fall you can pretty much count on having to replace the garment.

Even mesh jackets have protected riders well but be sure to get a good fit and leave the armour in.

[mike0r]

so a jacket like this would be a better idea?

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/36-310-752

[Uncle Bob]

Well it would definately protect better but it comes down to what use you subject it to. If you're riding in 100 degree heat a mesh jacket will give you slightly less protection than a good leather jacket but it may help you avoid heat stroke which would increase your chances of an accident.

Would rather see you with the mesh jacket than not wearing the leather because it's too hot. Of course over time you will probably collect a few jackets and choose the one that gives you the most protection according to the weather.

Sorry but there is not one do it all jacket out there yet. Heavy leather will give maximum abrasion resistance for sliding down the road but many good leather jackets depend solely on the leather for protection and don't have built in armour ( the Alpine star jacket does not come with back protector but it can be added ). Textile jackets usually have more armour, elbows, shoulders and back but are not as abrasion resistant. Textiles also come in different configurations to be either more windproof/waterproof than leather or in more breathable fabrics such as mesh.

Joe Rocket just came out with a jacket that has zip off panels that'll allow you to use it when it's colder and/or raining and then zip off the outer shell to uncover the mesh panels beneath making it the closest thing to a year round jacket available.

If maximum protection is your goal then a good leather jacket with some type of ventilation panels built or perforated leather is your best bet however if comfort is also a priority then textiles should be given serious consideration depending on the conditiond you ride in.

BTW no matter how good the jacket, usually you need to buy the matching pants for max protection, the jackets usually come with a zipper in the back that zips onto a matching zipper on the pants. Should you be sliding down the road feet first this will keep the jacket from riding up your torso and exposing skin.

[reapur]

I've got the Alpinestars jacket that you have a link to in the post (mine's the white/black combo). I love it, it's got good armour (back plating, shoulders, elbow/forearms) and works well in the heat. It's got a removeable liner just like most jackets have. Plenty of inner storage for cell phone, etc. I have a Joe Rocket leather when I'm riding at night sometimes.

Likewise, on the helmet, I have the CL-14 instead of the CS-12. The 12 is a good helmet, but I like the fit of the 14 better- it's a little bit more snug, and for another $30, it's worth it.

Hope that helps out!

reapur

[Memphis]

I currently bought a helm to match my yellow gixxer. It is a little darker yellow than a canary yellow like some. It is from KBC, its a tk-8 excaliber

http://www.kbchelmet.com/tk8_excalibur_ylw.html

Just an input. I love it and it is very comfortable. Does not bother me one bit on my 2 1/2 hour rides. Get it a bit snug b/c the coshion(sp?) material inside quickly breaks in within a week.
Awsome Helm> I give it a8 1/2 out of 10. not bad of a price got mine for $169