Got my bike today

T

Tackdriver

New member
Yamaha V Star, 1100, Silverado, so it has good accessories.
Rides like a dream.
It has aftermarket pipes which make it sound wicked!!

Guys tell me about helmets. I got a cheap one which I have to return for a larger one. But Im thinking long term maybe something with a bit better ventialtion??

Also, I have an old leather jacket, xcellent condition. It just doesnt fit anymore, and Im hoping I can sell it someplace. Any online sites for clothing that are good?

Thanks to all who replied to my posts about the bikes over the past little bit.
 
You can get some good deals on ebay (FLEE BAY as the kids call it).
I got a nice CHPD style leather jacket for $135 last summer.
or denniskirk.com.
 
I grew up riding two wheelers and still love them to this day. Don't skimp on tires, brakes, or safety gear. Oh yeah, and drive like everyone else on the road is out to kill you.

Enjoy your bike and all the miles it shows you.
 
Well lets see the pig... i mean hog.... or what ever you want to call it.

Ride it like you stole it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
No Pics? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif



You no better than that. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
A good leather Jacket is a must have item, if taken care of it will out last more than a few cheap ones.
www.foxcreekleather.com

I have their vented racing jacket, chaps, deer skin gloves and elk skin gauntlets. My bride to be has the same jacket as mine, wonderfull leather, real thick too, this is not cheap junk, my jacket weights about 7 to 8 pounds, you cant just walk in the door and throw it over the kitchen chair.

Remember a quality leather jacket costs good money, but its still cheaper than skin. That 99 dollar crap from leather up dot com wouldnt last 10 feet in a slide down the blacktop.

For summer rides in the heat I have a Firstgear mesh textile jacket, it comes with a water proof liner. The best deals on this type of stuff can be had here.
www.newenough.com
Unlike the name suggests, its new stuff just last years models, colors, over stocks etc, and good people to do buisness with too.

I have 3 helmets, 2 full faced, and one open. I gave the open one to the bride and I am going to get another for myself. The full faced ones produce some head shake for me now, and they are hot, I am looking at a Bell or Shoei for my next one, I kind of like the idea of the ones with the face shield that open and goes up under the visor. I would only use it for rain or a buggy night, but nice to have right there without having to stop and snap one on.

Dont go cheap on saftey equipment.

Ride safe, and enjoy it!
 
Helmets...Arai or Shoei. Those are the only helmet brands that will ever go on my head. Go to a reputable bike shop and get fitted for a properly fitting helmet, do not buy one because you happen to like the color scheme. It's what's inside that will protect your head. A full face helmet will provide you with protection not only from weather, bugs, dirt etc. but it will provide facial protection in case of a get off. A half helmet or 3/4 style will only protect the top, back and sides of your head. Many riders are seriously injured due to facial bone structure fractures.

I've spent over 40 years of my life on motorcycles of all kinds and sizes. I've crashed waaaay too many times to count and I've seen many times, injuries to the face that just didn't need to happen. Go full face for ulitmate protection.

Leather jackets are nice but one that is made to fit you is real nice. You should have something that will allow you extra protection in the sleeves shoulders and spinal area. There are also lots of back and chest protectors available that will limit to some degree spinal and chest injuries.

Your safety is primary and no amount of bravado can heal a ruptured spleen or a serious head injury. I have lost several friends to motorcycling over 40 years and not one of them was ever wearing anything but the minimum clothing and cheap helmets available.

I have a two sets of full two piece riding leathers, my wife has one set, each of us have leather gloves, riding boots, nylon two pieces waterproof riding gear from First Gear, extra pads, back protectors and heated clothing for cold days, you name it, both my wife and I have it.

You need to have stuff for various climates and weather changes. I ride in the sun shine, the rain including snow, yes you really can ride a motorcycle on ice.


Your choice of a motorcycle is easy, the gear is a bit more complicated. Get good stuff the first time around and don't settle on something that will just get you by for now, I can tell you, there is a ton of cheap junk out there. Do some research and get fitted properly. Just trying on a coat in the store will tell you nothing what it feels like after you have been on your bike for two hours in 100 degree weather or on a 40 degree day in blowing rain on the interstate. Cheap stuff leaks and then you get cold, when you get cold you can't concentrate on what's important.

Flip flop sandals, shorts and tank top riders are in for a real suprise when that asphalt grinder takes thier hide off. I beleive cows were put here for two reasons, one for us to enjoy a tasty steak dinner and two to give every motorcycle rider thier hide just before they go onto a bar-be-que grill /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

A little about riding with other motorcyclists. Just because someone has riden a m/c in the past does not necessarily make them a good rider. I refuse to ride with people when I don't know their ability. I'll ride a good distance behind or in front but not side by side or near another rider. Also, I never ride in a large group, that is asking for disaster. Nothing like being tangled up with a new rider that just panicked or isn't paying attention. Just something to think about is all.
 
Quote:
A good leather Jacket is a must have item, if taken care of it will out last more than a few cheap ones.
www.foxcreekleather.com



Great advice. Fox Creek makes good stuff.....not "paper-thin" clothing. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

Like was said, get the very best quality helmet that you can afford and make sure it fits properly. Shoei, Arai, and others are good. BELL is my favorite and has been for a long time. I wore BELL helmets when I raced for many years and IMO they're great quality. It still amazes me when I see riders with $300-$400 jackets and $50 helmets. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif

One thing that you didn't mention was BOOTS. I refuse to ride without them. Tons of ankle injuries could have been avoided with proper boots that are DESIGNED for riding. If nothing else, go to your local H-D dealer and look at theirs.

Ride Safe! And remember......It's a WAR out there. Automobile drivers are trying to hunt you down and kill you. It's your job to stay alive! Well...not all of them...but you get the point. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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