Need advice on Protective gear (street cycle)

[Deathcricket]

So I just got a Yamaha FZ6R Raven

Engine Type 600cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, DOHC 16 valves
Bore x Stroke 65.5mm x 44.5mm
Compression Ratio 12.2:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel injection
Ignition Digital TCI
Transmission 6-speed; multi-plate wet clutch
Final Drive Chain
Chassis Suspension/Front Telescopic fork, 5.1-in.travel
Suspension/Rear Single shock, 5.1-in travel
Brakes/Front Hydraulic disc, 298mm
Brakes/Rear Hydraulic disc, 245mm
Tires/Front 120/70 ZR17M/C 58W
Tires/Rear 160/60 ZR17M/C 69W
Dimensions Length 83.5 in
Width 30.3 in
Height 46.7 in
Seat Height 30.9 in
Wheelbase 56.7 in
Rake (Caster Angle) 26.0�
Trail 4.1 in
Fuel Capacity 4.6 gal
Fuel Economy** 43 mpg
Wet Weight 467 lb (CA: 470)

Got my learners permit and will probably take the final in a month when I feel confident to ride it well enough. Looking to buy a full set of protective gear. Does anyone have advice on what works good for them? I've already borrowed a couple friends helmets to test and am sold on a full face one, not a fan of bugs hitting my face. I'm thinking synthetic for the rest, I'll be driving it pretty much only in the nice summer weather and it gets hella hot down here. Some black leather just doesn't appeal to me. I hear that synthetic has slightly less protection than leather but that is looking like a fair tradeoff for not being constantly hot, sweaty and miserable. But really wanted to get some opinions otherwise.

This is what I kinda had my eye on for now

http://motodirect.com/category-1/167...cle-Suits.html

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Joe Rocket Motorcycle Suits - Joe Rocket Survivor Textile Touring Motorcycle Suit


Joe Rocket Survivor Suit

• Rock Tex™ 600 outer shell
• 100% WATERPROOF
• C.E. rated protectors in shoulders, elbows and knees
• Removable spine pad with pocket for optional C.E. spine protector
• Melt resistant material on lower leg area
• Removable Insulated Full Suit Liner
• Big Air™ ventilation system patent pending
• Double layer Rock Tex™ 600 on shoulders, elbows and knees
• Sure Fit™ adjustable waist, chest, upper legs and ankles
• Elastic sleeve adjusters
• Reflective stripe

But i also really like this because it's bright and more noticeable. I keep hearing that drivers never see you and being load and obnoxious is the way to go, plus I'm a huge punisher fan and plus this has more protective pieces in it. So I'm also really liking this one...... But black leather in 90+ degree weather????

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PC-PUNISHER...item53df7cdb77

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Sell one like this
2PC PUNISHER MOTORCYCLE LEATHER RACE RACING SUIT YELLOW

And then for a helmet I kinda had my eye on the Rat on the Brain design like 2nd one down. I went and tried on a bunch of stuff at the two motorcycle stores they had here in Saint George, but the selection was very lacking and zero customer service tells me they don't want my business. I'm confident I got the right sizing though.

http://www.pitstop-paint.co.uk/pages...-%20skulls.htm


Ideas? Advice? Stuff to steer clear of? What do you think of these selections? Is there some huge factor I'm missing out being a completely new rider?

[nelsonccc]

Okay....I've owned multiple street bikes. A GSXR750 and R6, and now I've shifted to an enduro. Do not go full leathers. They are okay if you're only riding it once a week or so like on a sunday morning for a get and and go ride but anything else it's way overkill and EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I've been through the whole range of jackets, leathers, and suits as I learned all of this.

First off do not skimp on the helmet. I first purchased a cheap $100 full face HJC helmet. Seemed okay but noisy and not very good ventilation. After my first trip on my back down the road (you'll have one eventually too) I bought another helmet. This time I spent $500 and got a real nice ARAI. Way better. Quiet, comfortable, and breezy.

I would buy a nice Joe Rocket jacket. I originally had a cheaper ballistic type fabric jacket with built in pads and vents. It was okay but a little flimsy. I then bought a nice Joe Rocket leather jacket. Really nice but like $400. It felt safer and had way better pads but in the st george and vegas heat it was SUPER hot and they do not breathe at all unless moving. It was nice cause they pre-curve them. Eventually I ended up with another Joe Rocket but this once is canvas, mesh, and plastic pads. It has a real nice back pad, adjustable waist and arms and a removeable waterproof liner. I love it. It's what I wear almost every day now and strong. This jacket still looks new even though I slid down the street in it for 20 yards. The jackets ability to breath is very important as it heats up. When you're sitting at a light in 100 degree weather on a 200 degree bike it can be miserable.

Good luck and remember that you're a squid now. Be careful. I hated riding in St George since the old people literally do not see you. If you end up doing a lot of commuting in traffic I would also buy a high visibility orange vest that goes over the jacket.

[Deathcricket]

That is exactly the type of advice I was looking for. THANK YOU!!! I will search out a better helmet then and read some reviews.

[double moo]

Definitely go with pants and jacket - the one piece are nice but typically for bad weather and commuting - for short jaunts they are a pain in the ass, so you probably would skip putting it on... which is when you get hurt!. I have several pants and several jackets to use depending on the conditions. Both of my sons have the Tourmaster Flex II jackets. You can get good deals on them as the newer Flex III is out. Real nice because they can zip out the cordura and just wear the mesh in hot temps. They also have a zip in liner for those cold mornings that you choose to ride anyway.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street...le_jacket.html

My Olympia X-Moto pants have a fold down and stow stow system for ventilation, which I also like. They make a jacket also - but they are 3/4 length for touring... you will most likely be looking for waist length for a sport bike.

Get online and look at BikeBandit.com, Motorcyclesuperstore.com, Cyclegear.com, rockymountainmc.com, and a hundred others that cary gear at greatly reduced rates. Look into a cooling vest also - I use one every time it gets hot or I travel south -life saver!! Cycle gear sells these for half price occasionally.. Just soak them in water and you have a swamp cooler to ride in - I carry mine dry, if it gets too hot I hit a convenience store and buy some water to soak it in - takes 5 min or so.

http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product...est/web1001053

Also note that not all armor is equal... look for something with CE approved armor. My Joe Rocket jacket has CE armor - I believe all their stuff does.

[accadacca]

First, congrats on the bike dood.

Good advice given thus far. I have had cheaper helmets too and once you have a nice one there is no going back. I ride year round, so comfort is the biggest concern and of course protection. I bought a Shoei X-11 helmet a few years ago and it has been great. Especially in cold weather because it is vented so well and its great in hot weather too, but nothings perfect. Like double moo, I have a wide variety of gear that I use depending on conditions. Its always about good gear isn't it? Especially when you might slide down the tarmac when some idiot pulls out in front of you. Hasn't happened to me, but its only a matter of time...people pulling out yep...nap no.

I have a First Gear killimajaro jacket that I use quite a bit. Very nice. I have a Joe Rocket jacket that I use in the summer. I also have a heated jacket that I wear instead of a liner under my killimajaro in the winter. It plugs into my bike and keeps me plenty warm...usually sweating when I get to work. I also have a cooling vest that I wear under my summer jacket in the hot temps. I dip it in the sink at work before I leave and what a difference it makes. I bought my pants from Fieldsheer. They have pretty good vents and a liner for the cold temps. They slip right over my work slacks and that makes it easy.

I have 4 different types of gloves. A thick winter pair (tourmaster I think) that I have had forever. I also have a heated pair that plug into my jacket. Hardly use those... Then I have two pair of leather summer gloves. I have a pair of alpinestars boots that zip up the side and are waterproof. I hope my wife doesn't read this...

Its all about the gear dood. I have people always yack to me at work. "Did you ride...are you serious...what the frick man its raining..." Its all about good gear and you can ride in almost any condition...

My gear here at the office...

[Mtnseeker1]

Man that is a sweet ride bro.
I think you live just around the corner. I heard this really nice bike start up about 10:00 am today up around windmill.
Is that you?
North of Sagebrush by about a block.
Never heard it before in that area.

[Deathcricket]

Interesting, I do live in that area, I live in the vineyards right behind Arrowhead Elementary so that is very south of you. And i have been practicing driving it around 10:00-12ish everyday kinda in that area. I go up lava point, then across Pioneer parkway because it has some nice tight curves and hills to practice on. But I don't see any way you could have heard me, the bike is very quiet and I haven't gunned the engine and drive it very conservatively. Haven't even broken the speed limit. So probably not me. I was talking with the lady at the DMV and she said that they are getting 15 apps a day and has never seen that before. Mostly lower end bikes though that are extreme on gas mileage. Everyone must be gearing up for summer like me, haha.

Thanks again guys for the advice on gear. I bought everything online and it's being shipped right now. I pretty much went exactly with the suggestions mentioned. They still had the jacket double moo mentioned/linked in my size XL so I bought that, then found some pants also on clearance that matched the specs everyone is mentioning at another spot. On the helmet I did skimp a lot though and I didn't buy a $500 one, they had some on clearance at Pro Cycle for $69, the HJC CS-R2. I'm really wanting to try it on and maybe test drive it before I drop $500 and see if it's that huge a difference. Perhaps a trip to Vegas they might have a better selection. But for now, the cheap bastage in me won the day.

[nelsonccc]

Mtn seeker is probably stalking you. Im always careful not to bend over in his presence.

[Garbanzo]

Mtn seeker is probably stalking you. Im always careful not to bend over in his presence.

You're just mad because you do, and he refuses to hit that thing Nice bike! Not a street rider, so no advice other than, wear what you can.

[Mtnseeker1]

Mtn seeker is probably stalking you. Im always careful not to bend over in his presence.
Ya ok ROBIN.

[Deathcricket]

Ma pants are here! Thanks again for all the cool advice guys. My brother took one look at my new ride and suggested I must be going through midlife crisis.

[double moo]

Your brother looks... um, er,... like a dog. Don't let him borrow your bike... or try on your new gear.

[Deathcricket]

My dog will always pose for pics with pants. My brother? Not so much.

[Mtnseeker1]

Hey now here's to mid life living.stud: