Buying first set of clothing
Discussion
Are there any particular reasons to choose certain types over others or is it generally just taste?
At the moment I don’t have anything really (just passed Mod 1) so thinking of new boots - something like RST Paragon (or preferably more of a normal shaped boot like a Chelsea boot shape), second hand (good condition) leather trousers probably and a leather or textile jacket.
Not really sure which way to go with it in terms of type of material and type / style
At the moment I don’t have anything really (just passed Mod 1) so thinking of new boots - something like RST Paragon (or preferably more of a normal shaped boot like a Chelsea boot shape), second hand (good condition) leather trousers probably and a leather or textile jacket.
Not really sure which way to go with it in terms of type of material and type / style
Call me old and stupid, but the last thing i thought of when i first got on a bike was ; 'what shall i wear?'. As long as it meets BS why even give a f
k? it's not a fashion contest. Steel toe caps and a pair of shorts sufficed for me on an rd400 back in the day... when bikers weren't a bunch of posing man/boys and sheep still had to worry.
k? it's not a fashion contest. Steel toe caps and a pair of shorts sufficed for me on an rd400 back in the day... when bikers weren't a bunch of posing man/boys and sheep still had to worry.tinder said:
Call me old and stupid, but the last thing i thought of when i first got on a bike was ; 'what shall i wear?'. As long as it meets BS why even give a fk? it's not a fashion contest. Steel toe caps and a pair of shorts sufficed for me on an rd400 back in the day... when bikers weren't a bunch of posing man/boys and sheep still had to worry.
I'll be back in a sec, just getting popcorn...k? it's not a fashion contest. Steel toe caps and a pair of shorts sufficed for me on an rd400 back in the day... when bikers weren't a bunch of posing man/boys and sheep still had to worry.Depending on the budget I would go for something like...
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
This is because:
1/ Both together cost just under £200 if you are a freakish size, slightly more if not.
2/ They are warm enough for winter, in the summer you can take out as many of the liners as needed to the point where it is a mesh jacket with armour.
3/ Being the same brand they should zip together.
4/ In case you don't ride an RD400 they match.
5/ If you decide to use the bike for longer trips or more of the year they are comfortable.
6/ I have something similar to the above and also one piece leathers, there seem only a few days a year when the leathers are not too cold (even with thermals) or too hot (even with just deodorant).
7/ Second hand leathers rarely end up the size they started so unless you try them on you will likely end up with ones that are too large, e.g. I bought a 38 one piece that when it arrived was nearer a 44, speaking to the bloke he used to be a 38 and had worn them as he ballooned stretching them in the process. Condition is not always a good indicator of this, the ones I bought looked perfect (hanging up).
This is all just personal opinion, the next person may say leathers. I would find a big shop and try some on to see what fits and what is comfortable.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/...
This is because:
1/ Both together cost just under £200 if you are a freakish size, slightly more if not.
2/ They are warm enough for winter, in the summer you can take out as many of the liners as needed to the point where it is a mesh jacket with armour.
3/ Being the same brand they should zip together.
4/ In case you don't ride an RD400 they match.
5/ If you decide to use the bike for longer trips or more of the year they are comfortable.
6/ I have something similar to the above and also one piece leathers, there seem only a few days a year when the leathers are not too cold (even with thermals) or too hot (even with just deodorant).
7/ Second hand leathers rarely end up the size they started so unless you try them on you will likely end up with ones that are too large, e.g. I bought a 38 one piece that when it arrived was nearer a 44, speaking to the bloke he used to be a 38 and had worn them as he ballooned stretching them in the process. Condition is not always a good indicator of this, the ones I bought looked perfect (hanging up).
This is all just personal opinion, the next person may say leathers. I would find a big shop and try some on to see what fits and what is comfortable.
Pothole said:
tinder said:
Call me old and stupid, but the last thing i thought of when i first got on a bike was ; 'what shall i wear?'. As long as it meets BS why even give a fk? it's not a fashion contest. Steel toe caps and a pair of shorts sufficed for me on an rd400 back in the day... when bikers weren't a bunch of posing man/boys and sheep still had to worry.
I'll be back in a sec, just getting popcorn...k? it's not a fashion contest. Steel toe caps and a pair of shorts sufficed for me on an rd400 back in the day... when bikers weren't a bunch of posing man/boys and sheep still had to worry.
Steel toe caps and shorts? Strong look, 8/10.
tinder said:
Call me old and stupid, but the last thing i thought of when i first got on a bike was ; 'what shall i wear?'. As long as it meets BS why even give a fk? it's not a fashion contest. Steel toe caps and a pair of shorts sufficed for me on an rd400 back in the day... when bikers weren't a bunch of posing man/boys and sheep still had to worry.
But wearing steel toe cap boots on a bike is really stupid and the mark of someone with severe learning difficulties. Why would anyone do that?k? it's not a fashion contest. Steel toe caps and a pair of shorts sufficed for me on an rd400 back in the day... when bikers weren't a bunch of posing man/boys and sheep still had to worry.Back in t'day it used to be whatever hand me downs you got given. Looking back there's stuff I wouldn't wear to keep the rain off!
I tend to go for either old leather jacket (with a bit of back protection built in) and Hood Jeans, or some old textiles I have. Never wear full leathers, primarily because when I bought mine I was 3 stone lighter and could fit into them!
Definitely agree on calf boots, if a car's going to bit your side, that's where it'll be, of not want ankle boots. And I'd echo never buy a second hand helmet.
I tend to go for either old leather jacket (with a bit of back protection built in) and Hood Jeans, or some old textiles I have. Never wear full leathers, primarily because when I bought mine I was 3 stone lighter and could fit into them!
Definitely agree on calf boots, if a car's going to bit your side, that's where it'll be, of not want ankle boots. And I'd echo never buy a second hand helmet.
Every time ive tried textile bike gear, it ends up melted on hot parts of the bike somewhere so I stick to leather jacket and jeans (with kevlar and armour)
Many bike specific leather jackets these days come with a waterproof liner which is fine for the occasional shower...same with the bike specific jeans.
No point in paying hundreds extra for the latest goretex kit if you never intend to do hours in the rain....just as a £2k airbag race suit may be overkill for commuting 2 miles each way through the city.
Boots are personal preference, but I prefer bike specific boots with reinforced parts. If you plan on using the bike to go to events at weekends where you walk about a lot, then try the boots first. Many bike boots are made for wearing on the bike (funny that) e.g.....hard plastic race boots and mx boots are not so good for an afternoon walking miles in. short boots may be fine on a summers day, but most of the time high boots are preferred for protection of ankle area. A low speed off can become life changing if you are just wearing trainers/shoes.
The good thing is that there is so much choice these days. You no longer need to wear a race suit or black leather rocker gear because you ride a bike
You can find a huge range of clothing to wear, that looks more like regular clothing (if you wish)
You tend to find particular pieces of clothing/kit that work better than others for your kind of use, usually by trial and error. So if its your first season on the bike I wouldn't go out and spend £££ to start with on brand new gear (the quality stuff is expensive). Gloves/helmet definitely buy new, but maybe try some good used boots and jacket/trousers. There is loads of choice on ebay and you can find some specialist used bike gear outlets.
When you know what works and what you like best then treat yourself to new stuff.
Many bike specific leather jackets these days come with a waterproof liner which is fine for the occasional shower...same with the bike specific jeans.
No point in paying hundreds extra for the latest goretex kit if you never intend to do hours in the rain....just as a £2k airbag race suit may be overkill for commuting 2 miles each way through the city.
Boots are personal preference, but I prefer bike specific boots with reinforced parts. If you plan on using the bike to go to events at weekends where you walk about a lot, then try the boots first. Many bike boots are made for wearing on the bike (funny that) e.g.....hard plastic race boots and mx boots are not so good for an afternoon walking miles in. short boots may be fine on a summers day, but most of the time high boots are preferred for protection of ankle area. A low speed off can become life changing if you are just wearing trainers/shoes.
The good thing is that there is so much choice these days. You no longer need to wear a race suit or black leather rocker gear because you ride a bike
You can find a huge range of clothing to wear, that looks more like regular clothing (if you wish)
You tend to find particular pieces of clothing/kit that work better than others for your kind of use, usually by trial and error. So if its your first season on the bike I wouldn't go out and spend £££ to start with on brand new gear (the quality stuff is expensive). Gloves/helmet definitely buy new, but maybe try some good used boots and jacket/trousers. There is loads of choice on ebay and you can find some specialist used bike gear outlets.
When you know what works and what you like best then treat yourself to new stuff.
You need to understand that you do not have a free choice in clothing – you have to wear the style in keeping with your bike. Indeed I gather there’s quite a hefty fine if you get caught on a GS without textiles. The following guide should help:
Sportsbikes excl Gixxers – leathers in any colour scheme, knee sliders and calf length boots with assorted bits of plastic sticking out. This dress code mandates a Neanderthal walking style off the bike with knees bent, shoulders hunched and arms wide and dangling that is quite revered in some circles. All other clothing choices allow the user to walk like a Homo-Sapien off the bike.
Superbikes – as above, but now the colours must match the bike, and one-piece suits with stretch panels mandatory. Quasimodo-style humps also now required.
Gixxers and streetfighters – Grey hoodie, cammo combats and work boots.
BWM GS – textiles with more pockets than can you can shake a stick at – plus mandatory pockets on legs and on the back of the jacket to keep stuff in that will bugger your kidneys if you come off. Some drab green or grey ‘highlights’ are ideal; buy the helmet with the biggest peak you can find.
BMW K series – textiles again, but must be all black and without the GS-style plethora of pockets. Add sensible police-style riding boots.
CBF1000 – as BMW K series, but add high-vis tabard thingy and white helmet becomes mandatory.
Retros excl Triumph – Leather jacket, riding jeans and work boots. Full face helmets acceptable.
Triumph – as above, but open-face helmet and beard mandatory
Harley – get yourself a cut and chaps, or these leather jeans with laces down the sides and the most unfeasibly clumpy boots you can find. Open face helmet required, and beard recommended. Add various patches such as ‘loud pipes save lives’ and ‘if you can read this the b!tch fell off’.
You won’t go far wrong with these style rules.
Sportsbikes excl Gixxers – leathers in any colour scheme, knee sliders and calf length boots with assorted bits of plastic sticking out. This dress code mandates a Neanderthal walking style off the bike with knees bent, shoulders hunched and arms wide and dangling that is quite revered in some circles. All other clothing choices allow the user to walk like a Homo-Sapien off the bike.
Superbikes – as above, but now the colours must match the bike, and one-piece suits with stretch panels mandatory. Quasimodo-style humps also now required.
Gixxers and streetfighters – Grey hoodie, cammo combats and work boots.
BWM GS – textiles with more pockets than can you can shake a stick at – plus mandatory pockets on legs and on the back of the jacket to keep stuff in that will bugger your kidneys if you come off. Some drab green or grey ‘highlights’ are ideal; buy the helmet with the biggest peak you can find.
BMW K series – textiles again, but must be all black and without the GS-style plethora of pockets. Add sensible police-style riding boots.
CBF1000 – as BMW K series, but add high-vis tabard thingy and white helmet becomes mandatory.
Retros excl Triumph – Leather jacket, riding jeans and work boots. Full face helmets acceptable.
Triumph – as above, but open-face helmet and beard mandatory
Harley – get yourself a cut and chaps, or these leather jeans with laces down the sides and the most unfeasibly clumpy boots you can find. Open face helmet required, and beard recommended. Add various patches such as ‘loud pipes save lives’ and ‘if you can read this the b!tch fell off’.
You won’t go far wrong with these style rules.
I bought an Alpinestars Tech Touring textile suit for my DAS and rain/winter riding.
I've just bought some Alpinestars Jaws leathers brand new ready for summer.
I went a bit mad to be honest but I love all my kit. I ride a Street Triple which I think lends itself to a variety of styles of kit. I tend to dress to the weather, I'm not sacrificing comfort to look cool.
One thing I would recommend is two pairs of gloves; one for winter and one for summer. I tried to wear my Alpinestars (there is a theme here) SP1's last Sunday and turned back after a mile to get my warmer ones.
I've just bought some Alpinestars Jaws leathers brand new ready for summer.
I went a bit mad to be honest but I love all my kit. I ride a Street Triple which I think lends itself to a variety of styles of kit. I tend to dress to the weather, I'm not sacrificing comfort to look cool.
One thing I would recommend is two pairs of gloves; one for winter and one for summer. I tried to wear my Alpinestars (there is a theme here) SP1's last Sunday and turned back after a mile to get my warmer ones.
tvrolet said:
You need to understand that you do not have a free choice in clothing – you have to wear the style in keeping with your bike. Indeed I gather there’s quite a hefty fine if you get caught on a GS without textiles. The following guide should help:
Sportsbikes excl Gixxers – leathers in any colour scheme, knee sliders and calf length boots with assorted bits of plastic sticking out. This dress code mandates a Neanderthal walking style off the bike with knees bent, shoulders hunched and arms wide and dangling that is quite revered in some circles. All other clothing choices allow the user to walk like a Homo-Sapien off the bike.
Superbikes – as above, but now the colours must match the bike, and one-piece suits with stretch panels mandatory. Quasimodo-style humps also now required.
Gixxers and streetfighters – Grey hoodie, cammo combats and work boots.
BWM GS – textiles with more pockets than can you can shake a stick at – plus mandatory pockets on legs and on the back of the jacket to keep stuff in that will bugger your kidneys if you come off. Some drab green or grey ‘highlights’ are ideal; buy the helmet with the biggest peak you can find.
BMW K series – textiles again, but must be all black and without the GS-style plethora of pockets. Add sensible police-style riding boots.
CBF1000 – as BMW K series, but add high-vis tabard thingy and white helmet becomes mandatory.
Retros excl Triumph – Leather jacket, riding jeans and work boots. Full face helmets acceptable.
Triumph – as above, but open-face helmet and beard mandatory
Harley – get yourself a cut and chaps, or these leather jeans with laces down the sides and the most unfeasibly clumpy boots you can find. Open face helmet required, and beard recommended. Add various patches such as ‘loud pipes save lives’ and ‘if you can read this the b!tch fell off’.
You won’t go far wrong with these style rules.
Need help , where to place the KTM Duke in the clothing list, do I need to consider the Polite vest ?Sportsbikes excl Gixxers – leathers in any colour scheme, knee sliders and calf length boots with assorted bits of plastic sticking out. This dress code mandates a Neanderthal walking style off the bike with knees bent, shoulders hunched and arms wide and dangling that is quite revered in some circles. All other clothing choices allow the user to walk like a Homo-Sapien off the bike.
Superbikes – as above, but now the colours must match the bike, and one-piece suits with stretch panels mandatory. Quasimodo-style humps also now required.
Gixxers and streetfighters – Grey hoodie, cammo combats and work boots.
BWM GS – textiles with more pockets than can you can shake a stick at – plus mandatory pockets on legs and on the back of the jacket to keep stuff in that will bugger your kidneys if you come off. Some drab green or grey ‘highlights’ are ideal; buy the helmet with the biggest peak you can find.
BMW K series – textiles again, but must be all black and without the GS-style plethora of pockets. Add sensible police-style riding boots.
CBF1000 – as BMW K series, but add high-vis tabard thingy and white helmet becomes mandatory.
Retros excl Triumph – Leather jacket, riding jeans and work boots. Full face helmets acceptable.
Triumph – as above, but open-face helmet and beard mandatory
Harley – get yourself a cut and chaps, or these leather jeans with laces down the sides and the most unfeasibly clumpy boots you can find. Open face helmet required, and beard recommended. Add various patches such as ‘loud pipes save lives’ and ‘if you can read this the b!tch fell off’.
You won’t go far wrong with these style rules.
wuckfitracing said:
tvrolet said:
You need to understand that you do not have a free choice in clothing – you have to wear the style in keeping with your bike. Indeed I gather there’s quite a hefty fine if you get caught on a GS without textiles. The following guide should help:
Sportsbikes excl Gixxers – leathers in any colour scheme, knee sliders and calf length boots with assorted bits of plastic sticking out. This dress code mandates a Neanderthal walking style off the bike with knees bent, shoulders hunched and arms wide and dangling that is quite revered in some circles. All other clothing choices allow the user to walk like a Homo-Sapien off the bike.
Superbikes – as above, but now the colours must match the bike, and one-piece suits with stretch panels mandatory. Quasimodo-style humps also now required.
Gixxers and streetfighters – Grey hoodie, cammo combats and work boots.
BWM GS – textiles with more pockets than can you can shake a stick at – plus mandatory pockets on legs and on the back of the jacket to keep stuff in that will bugger your kidneys if you come off. Some drab green or grey ‘highlights’ are ideal; buy the helmet with the biggest peak you can find.
BMW K series – textiles again, but must be all black and without the GS-style plethora of pockets. Add sensible police-style riding boots.
CBF1000 – as BMW K series, but add high-vis tabard thingy and white helmet becomes mandatory.
Retros excl Triumph – Leather jacket, riding jeans and work boots. Full face helmets acceptable.
Triumph – as above, but open-face helmet and beard mandatory
Harley – get yourself a cut and chaps, or these leather jeans with laces down the sides and the most unfeasibly clumpy boots you can find. Open face helmet required, and beard recommended. Add various patches such as ‘loud pipes save lives’ and ‘if you can read this the b!tch fell off’.
You won’t go far wrong with these style rules.
Need help , where to place the KTM Duke in the clothing list, do I need to consider the Polite vest ?Sportsbikes excl Gixxers – leathers in any colour scheme, knee sliders and calf length boots with assorted bits of plastic sticking out. This dress code mandates a Neanderthal walking style off the bike with knees bent, shoulders hunched and arms wide and dangling that is quite revered in some circles. All other clothing choices allow the user to walk like a Homo-Sapien off the bike.
Superbikes – as above, but now the colours must match the bike, and one-piece suits with stretch panels mandatory. Quasimodo-style humps also now required.
Gixxers and streetfighters – Grey hoodie, cammo combats and work boots.
BWM GS – textiles with more pockets than can you can shake a stick at – plus mandatory pockets on legs and on the back of the jacket to keep stuff in that will bugger your kidneys if you come off. Some drab green or grey ‘highlights’ are ideal; buy the helmet with the biggest peak you can find.
BMW K series – textiles again, but must be all black and without the GS-style plethora of pockets. Add sensible police-style riding boots.
CBF1000 – as BMW K series, but add high-vis tabard thingy and white helmet becomes mandatory.
Retros excl Triumph – Leather jacket, riding jeans and work boots. Full face helmets acceptable.
Triumph – as above, but open-face helmet and beard mandatory
Harley – get yourself a cut and chaps, or these leather jeans with laces down the sides and the most unfeasibly clumpy boots you can find. Open face helmet required, and beard recommended. Add various patches such as ‘loud pipes save lives’ and ‘if you can read this the b!tch fell off’.
You won’t go far wrong with these style rules.
Brett748 said:
I bought an Alpinestars Tech Touring textile suit for my DAS and rain/winter riding.
I've just bought some Alpinestars Jaws leathers brand new ready for summer.
I went a bit mad to be honest but I love all my kit. I ride a Street Triple which I think lends itself to a variety of styles of kit. I tend to dress to the weather, I'm not sacrificing comfort to look cool.
One thing I would recommend is two pairs of gloves; one for winter and one for summer. I tried to wear my Alpinestars (there is a theme here) SP1's last Sunday and turned back after a mile to get my warmer ones.
You sound like me I’ve done exactly the same! Not had the weather to wear the leathers yet though I've just bought some Alpinestars Jaws leathers brand new ready for summer.
I went a bit mad to be honest but I love all my kit. I ride a Street Triple which I think lends itself to a variety of styles of kit. I tend to dress to the weather, I'm not sacrificing comfort to look cool.
One thing I would recommend is two pairs of gloves; one for winter and one for summer. I tried to wear my Alpinestars (there is a theme here) SP1's last Sunday and turned back after a mile to get my warmer ones.
I ended up with 3 levels of kit. Full gortex textiles for commuting and rainy days, full leathers for track days and medium warm blasts and kevlar jeans and mesh jacket for when it's really hot.
2 levels of boots and 3 of gloves. It's all about being comfortable so you can concentrate on actually riding.
2 levels of boots and 3 of gloves. It's all about being comfortable so you can concentrate on actually riding.
RST leathers are good from the outset: safer than equivalent textile, well made, look good and good value. I got an all black jacket and pant for my Street Triple for the first year and had a set of Revit waterproofs to wear over them on the wet days- they compress into tiny bags.
My RST leathers are for sale shortly (upgrading to an air vest setup). Where's the best place to sell them?
My RST leathers are for sale shortly (upgrading to an air vest setup). Where's the best place to sell them?
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