Motorcycle Newb Accessories

Yes, I am a motorcycle newb. That said, what are the preferred helmets, gloves, jackets, pants/chaps...?

Picked up a dual sport that is mostly an off road/dessert race bike. Intended use is riding to local mtn trails, riding trails, and going home. More interested in slow torquey than top speed highway speeds.

I have an old Shoei helmet that fits well (long oval) but not sure of longevity. This one is at least 15yrs old.

Looking for winter and summer gloves. I live in the mtns. Never know what I'll need. Mostly wear med. Sometimes lg. I have a freakish lowered thumb.

I bought a three season Tourmaster padded jacket, from another member, last year. It is nice but looking for something a little lower profile for later. Right now, the more padding the better.

Boot right now are Dr. Martin ankle high. Good leather but not much in the way of support.

Pants are open. I might have a line on used motocross type pants but looking for something for everyday (in the summer).

Bike dodads are not a priority right now. Keeping it stock. Future add-ons will be lights, mirrors and maybe a larger gas tank. Low on the priority list.

Open to suggestions.

TIA

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL59.../412870850.jpg

Gimme a call at the shop tomorrow

TFOG Wheelsports
303-216-2400


We just got the Holiday closeout catalog from one of our main suppliers, so stuff is cheap!

I would definitely get a new helmet. The EPS (fancy word for Styrofoam) inside helmets can get brittle with time and exposure to weather and temperatures. Best thing is a helmet that fits well. Whatever helmet you look at, make sure you wear it for at least 20 minutes to ensure it fits properly.

I've had real good experiences with Performance Cycle, so much so that I'll gladly pay an extra $15 - $30 for an item that I could mail order just to try and keep a brick-and-mortar business operating.

There have been studies that show a cheap helmet will protect your head just as well as a pricey one. The extra $$ for the more expensive helmet gets you comfort, light weight, noise reduction, etc. I tend towards semi-bargain priced helmets like HJC and Scorpion.

I'm on my first modular now, a Scorpion EXO 900. Very comfortable, even for 10+ hour days. LOVE the modular style, don't ever want to go back to a full face. So nice to be able to flip the chin bar up when I'm stopped at a light on a hot day, or getting gas, getting a snack without having to take the helmet off, etc.

If you haven't done so already, get a battery tender for the bike and use it. My '02 Bonneville is still on its original battery, 14 years on, because it's always on a tender.

Also when you put the battery tender SAE connector on, you can use the same connector for heated gear, which you will definitely want if you plan on riding year 'round. A Gerbing or similar heated jacket liner will change your whole perspective on cold-weather riding. A heated liner will turn a 3 season jacket into a 4 season jacket. ;)

Gloves: I have a set of heavy gauntlets for winter. They're thick so I don't get as good a "feel" on the controls. But they're warm (I also have heated grips.) Bark Busters will also protect your hands a little from wind. ETA: WHOOPS, looks like your bike has them already.

Pants: I have a set of Touratech zip-on overpants. I really like the zip-on style, makes it easy to put them on and take them off.

Boots: It's funny, that is the only type of gear I have that's not "motorcycle specific." I'm still wearing my black leather combat boots that were issued to me by the Colorado National Guard in 1999. They're a little beat up (what can I say, after we stopped wearing black boots in the Army, shining them wasn't a priority) but still intact, and comfortable even for long days. I even have a second pair that's just barely broken in. I keep thinking I'll get "motorcycle specific" boots one of these days but honestly these have lasted me 17 years and are still going strong. If they last another 3 and then I break out my second set I'll be good to go with boots until roughly 2039 . Of course, with a dirt bike, you may actually need more armored-up dirt-specific boots. Since I don't ride dirt I'll have to leave the others to recommend footgear.

I have a set of the Forma Adventure boots. Very comfy, warm, and imo, dedicated boots are a must. There's not as much protection as with some dedicated MX boots, but one can actually walk in them unlike some ski-boot like mx boots.

I recommend trying some of them on in person as their sizing is whack and I ended up going with a slightly larger size than normal to be able to bulk up on socks in winter.

A big +1 for TFOG.

He'll get you setup right for what you want, and do it about as cheap as possible for good gear.

Thanks for the ideas!

If the Shoei fits, look into another Shoei (as others have said, it's way past its service limit). Try some of the different gear on & don't cheap out, hence the old adage: Q: How much should I spend on gear? A: How much is your body worth?

Klim is very nice gear (but pricey) and is well proven in the adventure riding circles.

I have a modular HJC IS MAX II that I wear almost every day. I have been very happy with this helmet.