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New Guy!!! Updated Now with pics!! 29/03/10 post #69 ;)

Hey all,

Just thought id drop in an make myself known,

(not to sound too much like a personal ad ha!)
Names Tom im 21 from west yorkshire WF15 and currently learning to ride full access ive passed theory last week. have CBT booked for this sat then onto Mod1 and Mod2.

ive been drooling over a brand new 650SV Sport list price just over 5k but planning to haggle for something off that. what are peoples view of this bike ? as ive heard nothing but good things ideal first bike etc but is there any thing im missing.

Next stop is gear helmet Gloves Boots Jacket etc does anyone have advice on good shops in my local area as i really know diddly and dont want to be used as a rag doll. is Arai as good as people say or is it just a good marketing? is leather better then any other material for a jacket etc.

Thanks in advance Tom.

Welcome to the Org. Some are deviants, some are lovely. Enjoy!!! :D

and others are just plan mad:geek:

'Ow do

Yes they are as good as everyone says, this is SV forum, what you expect to hear :-D

I would advise buying used for your first bike. Most people drop them in first couple of months and better to do that on a cheap bike than a shiny brand spanker.

Helmets; buy what fits you, a £500 lid will be worse in comfort, noise and protection than a £50 one if it doesn't fit you.

Gloves; really important, they have a great effect on the feel of the bike and the comfort of riding. I think halvarssons gloves are the absolute b*llocks, but they fit me well. Try some on, and so long as it doesn't have a frank thomas badge on it you should be fine!

Boots, tend to be pricey if you want fully waterproof ones. Again halvarssons are great here but if you want race styling then look at oxtar/TCX brand.

Leather vs textile is a whole other debate. Leather is certainly more protective, but nowhere near as warm and versatile.

Big question is what are you doing with bike, will you be commuting long distances or up the road, or is this a toy for Sundays and the occasional weekend trip?

Thanks all,

and in response to the above bike will be used for commuting (not high miles) along with few hours play on the weekends.

and as you are "local" are there any shops you would recomend that will help rather then just sell sell sell?

Nope. Jordans in Leeds has a big gear shop, but I wouldn't deal with them again after the debacle with their dyno 'operator'. They might be OK but I haven't dealt with that part of their business.

I'd look on eBay for secondhand kit and on here. First leathers I got were £40. Guy just sold very good condition suit here for £90.

Most important to try on gloves and lid though.

Howdoo and welcome. Nowt wrong in 2nd hand kit (but stay away from helmets) i got my leathers off ebay for 40 quid and they were only worn twice before guy gave up biking so bargains to be had there. +1 to what yorkie chris says as he is a fountain of knowledge. :)

As for your earlier question. RE Arai. Like YC said, try on all lids within your price range. Set yourself a limit and try what you can, whichever feels most comfortable, thats the one to go with. You may think, "Yeah, but I won't know what is comfortable", then simples......snug, light (if poss), no parts digging in etc. Wear one round the shop for a good few minutes, will soon know if it will give you headaches etc.

Boots, I went for Alpinestars SMX-4 WP. They were £160, which is pricey, but are comfy that you can walk around in, totally waterproof and even look a little sporty.

Leathers / Textiles.....personally, if you are looking at enjoying summer riding as well as commuting, then I would go for leathers. I wear them all year round (when I used to commute) and then just had decent waterproof trousers / jacket to wear over the top. Leathers aren't normally as warm in the winter, but this can be overcome with layers of base clothing or even tracky bottoms over the leathers with waterproofs over them.

Gloves.....aside from the helmet, in my view the most important bit of clothing. A lot of people often buy cheaper gloves etc, but I have come off in cheap gloves......never again!!!! Get yourself a decent set of goretex (if possible) fully armoured gloves.

Aside from that lot, the only other item I would recommend is a decent back protector, either forcefield or knox......as the CE slip in parts are normally not up to the standard.