Noob alert!

Hi,

looking to get a sv imminantly, just thought id itroduce myself!
I have heard the SV is a good bike to start on, albiet a powerful one! with the free insurance etc seems like quite a good deal.

Being new to biking, has anyone got reccomendations on bike clothing, helmet, leather or textiles? i havent a clue where to start!

Regards
Ian

Hey Ian Buddy.

For gear, go to any shop and try on lots and lots of stuff. Don't give a toss if you think you're bothering the salesmen. Find something that fits and is comfortable, particularly impirtant with helmets.

There is no need to go and spend £300 on a helmet like the salesman might make you believe, £80 will suffice to buy an okay' one but you tend to get what you pay for. Most important thing is that it feels comfortable.

As for gear, well, if you plan on riding in all weathers, do consider buying GUARANTEED WATERPROOF clothing because there are a LOT of equipment out there that say they are waterproof but are not even splashproof. Hein Gerike goretex gear is good for that I hear.

Why the injury?
Welcome to th...

Welcome...


dont skimp on the clothing, as many here will testify, you may end up needing it one day.. and you will be glad you bought propper stuff....

helmets, you will be restricted on what fits your head... different manufacturers have different shaped helmets.. so you will have to go and see what fits as it were..

as for gear, well, its down to preference, I wear leather stuff now, as I had an accident while wearing my textiles.. and was lucky to have stopped sliding when I did.. so bought leathers after that, or at minimum jackets with leather around the contact areas... and it depends on if you want your stuff to be waterproof, or dont mind wearing over-waterproofs etc...

as for the SV, yup, very good bike to learn to ride on.. just watch the engine braking first time you roll off the throttle going into a corner/roundabout...

Originally Posted by skidmarx

Why the injury?

Apprenticeship nick name, cut my self on a daily basis!

Even tho i do not intend to commute until maybe next winter (build up some expericance) ive seen in get geared, a 4 season 2 piece mis-priced up for £360 goto check out it comes out as £260 ish
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/acatalog/...mbination.html

that'd cover me for all seasons i was thinking.

As for helmet, obvioulsly shoei and arai are top quality, and will last, i dont mind spending the money on a product that is 'worth it' i hear some helmets get 'sloppy' after a few years?!?

Hi Ian,

I have just spent £1000 getting new gear. So I guess your budget will have a lot to do with what you buy. I think most will say you get what you pay for however, I did come across a few things that might help.

Helmets - if you get last seasons model it will be vastly cheaper and just as good. It will have an earlier manufacturing date on it so you will need to watch the life. Shark for example have 5 years so even if its 12 months since manufacture its still going to last. Plain colours are cheaper than patterns generally but still just as good.

I bought Richa waterproof jacket and trousers with knee, arm, elbow and back protection built in I find it comfortable and haven't got wet yet. Last seasons stock will be discounted by most retailers and they will be gagging to do you a good deal this time of year. Again most will tell you to go and try it on, take heed this is the best advice. Wear what you will be wearing on the bike when you try stuff on too. No good going in jeans and t-shirt if your gonna wear a suit underneath it.

I bought Alpinestars Roamer waterproof boots, again I haven't got wet feet yet.

I bought lots of other stuff too, tank bag, abba stand, gloves, cold killers neck tube etc

That's a start anyway

HTH

Originally Posted by injury_ian

Apprenticeship nick name, cut my self on a daily basis!

Even tho i do not intend to commute until maybe next winter (build up some expericance) ive seen in get geared, a 4 season 2 piece mis-priced up for £360 goto check out it comes out as £260 ish
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/acatalog/...mbination.html

that'd cover me for all seasons i was thinking.

As for helmet, obvioulsly shoei and arai are top quality, and will last, i dont mind spending the money on a product that is 'worth it' i hear some helmets get 'sloppy' after a few years?!?

Well then just buy as much leather as your budget allows!

hello

[Biker Biggles]

G'day.
Have a look at Helmetcity.co.uk.I got a top of the range Shoei X Spirit for £300 from them.
I understand Sidi Black Rains are good all weather boots and can be got on Ebay for about £100.
You could save a fortune by buying an older used SV.

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

You could save a fortune by buying an older used SV.

When you factor in the free insurance (worth aprox. £600 to me) and all the fairings, i would have been after a post 2003 model, there really isnt much in it! only the fear that im going to drop it 5 miles down the road.

Well then just buy as much leather as your budget allows!

So. Leather is best for protection (with or without armour) but no good for keeping you dry or warm?

I did see a textile jacket with leather patches somewhere, cant remember now!

I understand MCN show is on begging of February, would that be a good-a-place as any to get cheap gear?