[Zantosh]

Hi Guys, Thanks for having me. I’m not yet a good rider … and I’m sure glad I found this website.

I got into motorcycles because my brother rides one, and because I’ve always wanted to have an alternative to my car. I’ve got my license, and have acquired a rather inappropriately powerful motorcycle that I’ve learned to ride properly with one unfortunate lay down.

There’s a lot I need to learn, such as how to keep my cool if I have to swerve and then actually swerve properly, also how to handle water, and how to successfully stop from a high(er) speed.

Since I didn’t buy the motorcycle due to a deep passion for it, I also don’t presently have a deep passion for riding very fast – though I’m sure you’ll agree that with familiarity comes the need to push boundaries. However I’ve been very careful about this and have been riding within my comfort zone, only on weekends, so far on rarely busy streets. This has allowed me to build up my confidence to handle the power in the bike and not let the throttle or clutch do any wheelies or anything disastrously “professional” for a rookie like me.

First things first I am in need of gear. I need to get a helmet that first as it turns out the one I bought is slightly too big. I need a cool riding jacket with armor, some good boots like what was on the front page of this website today, and some pants that won’t scratch up my butt. All in all, I’m quite frightened about my motorcycle when I’m off of it, but never frightened when I’m riding it.

It’s a great help to ride with my brother because he’s a far better rider than I am, having never had a spill (unless he has and won’t admit it), and having negotiated significantly tougher third world traffic than I would ever have to in the US.

Thanks for having me.

Z

[ranette]

Welcome to the board. I commented on your thread in the General Discussion but this quote really caught my eye, “I’m quite frightened about my motorcycle when I’m off of it, but never frightened when I’m riding it.” I had that feeling for quite a while. For the first few weeks my Ducati looked so damned huge; it scared the hell out of me every time I passed it by. But much like you I never felt intimidated by it once I was in the saddle. From my experience, a couple of hundred additional miles, ridden conservatively and successfully and that methlab protecting pitbull in your driveway will begin to look like a trusty golden retriever.

[Zantosh]

Thanks. I bought the shoe that you guys had reviewed. I’m hoping it works out. I need to get a jacket. As it turns out, the helmet I use isn’t fit for my head – it’s a big large. So I’m gonna have to go helmet shopping.

Do you have brands that you’d recommend for helmets, jackets, gloves etc.?

[ScottyJ]

Welcome to the board and the world of motorcycle riders. What part of town are you in? I’m north of Dallas in Allen. Some of the stores I occasionally visit are Cycle Gear (http://www.cyclegear.com/) on Central in Plano and Moto Liberty (http://www.motoliberty.com/) on 35 in Dallas. Some of the online vendors I’ve had good luck with are Motorcycle Superstore, Motorcycle Closeouts, New Enough, and Rude Dog (based in El Paso). I would look at their closeouts or weekly specials for good deals. Also, regarding Cycle Gear, they’re good about ordering things not in stock and then letting you see them or try them on before committing to buying them. I wanted to get some pants and they ordered multiple sizes for me to try on. I bought one pair and they put the other pair on the shelf or a hanger. Good luck!

[Zantosh]

Actually Farmer’s market. That’s where I live. I know the one on 35 and Royal that you speak of, I went there on Saturday, with that British guy who speaks really fast. He seems cool.

I’ll check out Cycle gear – I think over Thanksgiving weekend, I’ll ride up with my bro and a friend to buy me a new helmet and a armored jacket, and perhaps some jeans.

[ScottyJ]

I bought jeans with Kevlar from Cycle Gear. I found them online and then had them get them in the store for me to try. I also bought a decent mesh jacket from them for a good price. They have a really good selection of leather jackets but they ain’t cheap.

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