[PhilUp]

Alpinestars SMX R boots. I guess they scream motorcycle boot, but they are very comfortable if you have a wider foot. I feel my feet and ankles are pretty well protected and I also have a good feel for shifting and braking. I found mine on clearance so the price was great.

[PhilUp]

Good decision on taking the MSF class first. I was nervous at first because I had never been on a bike before, but it will definitely pass. You will get better and more comfortable as the class goes on. For your gear, I would recommend going to a store like a cyclegear if you have them in your area and trying on different stuff so you can figure out your size for the various brands. Plus, different styles of gear will fit differently. You want to definitely try on various helmets, as the manufacturers design them for different head shapes. This link has some good info on head shapes and helmet sizing.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-faq.htm

I had to visit numerous retail stores and try on a variety of brands before I settled on the helmet that fit me. If you have to splurge on one piece of gear, splurge on the helmet that fits the best and offers up the best protection.

Good luck on the class!

[PhilUp]

I think we got opposite fits. The scorpions that I tried fit me well, while I just was not feeling the agv. I also tried on a suomy spec 1r only because it was a closeout. It felt really, really nice and much lighter than any of the other helmets I tried. Even on closeout it was higher than the exo 700, plus the scorpion was both DOT and Snell approved.

Some good deals on that link.

[PhilUp]

The new ninja 250’s look pretty damn slick in my humble opinion. If you don’t like the ninja 500, have you checked out the suzuki gs500f? I hear it’s a good starter with more power than a 250.

Some of the best advice I was given was that it is more fun to ride a slow bike fast than ride a fast bike slow.

[PhilUp]

Thanks man! I live in Mountain View but will be moving farther north soon, maybe the Redwood City – San Carlos area. I tried on a few helmets today in a couple of stores, and I am going to check if I can find them cheaper online.

[PhilUp]

I tried the shoei rf-1000 which fit real well, but it is a little expensive. I did not even try arai because of price. I am thinking of going with a scorpion either the the exo 400 or 700.

[PhilUp]

I agree that you need to get to the point where you can relax. In the beginning I was having trouble keeping my upper body relaxed and loose while keeping my lower body tight, gripping the bike with my knees.

I do agree that I wish there was time during the course for some more practice of the drills or exercises. Even though there were more experienced riders in my group, we all had our individual concerns or weak points and more practice might have been useful in ironing them out. I guess that’s what the parking lot is for though.

[PhilUp]

Hey Stumpjay,

Sounds like we got the same plan. I just passed the MSF course and after I get all my gear, I hope to get a used ninja 250 as my starter. Good luck to you!

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