[SeanJ]

So, I just signed up for a Rider Elements course, and I’m a bit nervous. I’m a complete noob when it comes to bikes, getting into biking later than most (33) and don’t even know where to start – I guess I’ll pick that up during the class.

Is there a major difference when it comes to gear (jackets, gloves, boots…)?

Oh, and hey, all!

[Munch]

Howdy… 1st…relax…. it’s not as hard as you think.
2nd…yes there’s all kinds of differences…fit, style, available “protection” weather proofing etc etc.
Gloves you have fingerless, gauntlet style, wrist cuts, gel padded or non… perforated (leather) or not, water proof or not…..armored…or not…… lol
Boots…. hmm…laced, zippered, slip ons, then you have riding shoes, riding boots, some that have been dubbed “Power Ranger ” style, some the old HD stereo type jobs, water proof or non…. etc etc etc.
Jackets….. Textile, leather, mixture of both… one starts with a C and if I look I will find it…..getting lazy. Armored or not, Perforated ( leather) or not, Removable liner or not… list goes on and on. Go to places like leatherup.com, Cyclegear.com and you will see more differences and style then you thought you would need…. enjoy!!!!

[zeppelinfromled]

I was a little nervous before my class too. Then I got there, started riding, and I laughed at myself a bit for being nervous. Don’t worry about it – it’ll be a blast.

As Munch said, the main differences that you’ll find in gear are differing levels of protection (mostly from the road, but also from the weather). Sacrificing protection in any one area usually gets you a gain in comfort, particularly in hot weather. For instance, my full face helmet gets pretty hot when I’m sitting in traffic, but I wear it anyway because it gives me more protection. I could opt for a half or three-quarter helmet, but I wouldn’t be happy with the protection (or lack thereof) that they offer. Sneakers are much cooler (temperature-wise) than my riding boots, but in a wreck, the sneakers would offer no protection whatsoever, and that’s if they even stayed on my feet.

Another important thing to consider when choosing gear is visibility. Bright colors, reflective piping, other reflective stuff, etc. I’m not really a bright colors type of guy, but I was able to find a jacket that is agreeable with my stylistic concerns, and is also quite visible.

My suggestion, if it’s not too late, is to wait until after the course to buy any real gear. You’ll need some gloves, but I just used some work gloves. The course provided helmets, so we didn’t have to worry about that. This is just so you can be sure that you enjoy riding a motorcycle before you invest the money.

[SeanJ]

Thanks for the suggestions. It’s not too late for your advice – the class isn’t until the end of the month. I also found out that the course does provide helmets and gloves (rental), so I will likely wait until after the weekend to start looking for gear.

The place I’ll be taking the training course looks great – and it came recommended by a friend. http://www.tntmotorcycling.com/

[Munch]

I would get the helmet and gloves first. The chances that they have one that fits is risky. Another thing to consider is if you get comfortable in your gear before arrival that’s that much more attention you can give to learning.

[gsmurfette]

If you find gear that you like, it’s comfortable, provides the protection that you want, etc. You can always add cloth reflective tape to it. I had a hell of a time finding pants. The ones that had all the reflective tape I wanted, they didn’t fit right, so I got super long ones, that have no reflective tape on them. My solution?

http://www.fabric.breflective.com/3m-scotchlite-sew-on-reflective-fabric.php

anything you want, they have it. I don’t know if they ship to Canada, but it’s worth a shot. They’ve got the cheapest prices I’ve found so far (well, stretches you dollar more).

I’m adding more reflective tape to my hi vis vest (Icon Mil Spec vest- yellow) on the back because I want some lower for on the highway and I’m laying down.

Helmet and gloves–huge! I got a pair of gloves and they don’t fit me right. The thumb isn’t long enough. It makes it go a little numb at the end. I’m waiting for the cash to get another pair, found some I like. I tried on about 6 helmets before I chose one.

As for the rider course, relax. There were some people that had never been on a bike and they did alright. As for me, I have a ninja 250, and they put me on a cruiser, needless to say, they handle VERY differently. I made it through alright though.

[SeanJ]

Thanks to the people who posted in this thread. I went through my Rider Elements course over the weekend, and passed my road test first thing Monday morning.

– Sean

[zeppelinfromled]

Awesome, congrats on the course and passing. Are you planning on getting a bike soon?

I was up in Canada over the weekend myself. The link you posted earlier said that they’re Alberta-based, but I was in Montreal.

[SeanJ]

Yeah, I’m in Alberta – so quite a distance from Montreal. Oddly enough, one of the reasons for getting the bike license was to take a road trip in the next two years, to Montreal.

I haven’t picked up a bike yet. Not sure if I should save until next year and buy then (while practicing on a friend’s bike in the meantime) or buy an older bike now in order to tool around.

[Author]

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