[WeaponZero]

Depends on the look you’re going for. ICON makes some women’s boots that look HOT and are function and are reasonably priced. Check out the Hella and Bombshell boots

For something more functional there are a wide variety of boots out there for good prices. Check online at sportbiketrackgear.com, kneedraggers.com, motorcycle-superstore.com, and newenough.com (although newenough is really short on women’s gear)

[WeaponZero]

The Suzuki is newer and more refined. Honda has sportier handling. I took day 1 of the MSF course on a Suzuki GZ250, didn’t like it much but then I’m not a cruiser guy. Took day 2 on a dual sport that i liked MUCH better.

[WeaponZero]

That thing is puuuuuuuuuuuuurdy.

[WeaponZero]

Rear fender eliminator kits are illegal in many states. However, most of the time cops won’t bug you about it. Just an FYI though, it does give a cop another reason to pull you over and hassle you and possibly even ticket you if he feels like being a dick…

[WeaponZero]

Honestly, if storage space is a concern to you in your jacket you should be looking at touring-style jackets rather than sport-style jackets like the mesh one you’re wearing in your avatar. They have an abundance of storage but don’t offer the snug fit of sport-style jackets. A good, affordable one (probably the best one in its price bracket) is the Teknic Stinger.

[WeaponZero]

I’ve come up with my own theories on this matter that I’m going to post in a separate thread. Be on the lookout. Might be a few days from now cause its gonna be a doozy.

[WeaponZero]

Hard to say. All I can say is that my first riding jacket, which I bought new in 2007, was a Joe Rocket textile jacket and it certainly was a victim of the poor quality control I’ve heard about JR since then. The stitching was poorly done and the zippers were falling apart a few months after I bought it.

[WeaponZero]

Everyone I know who rides keeps their information along with a toolkit in the underseat storage compartment.

As far as pockets are concerned, it’s never really been a concern to me because in my eyes a good riding jacket should be snug fitting enough to where you wouldn’t want to put a significant amount of stuff in the pocket anyway. I find that I feel more confident and can ride better as a result when the jacket I’m wearing fits my body like a second skin. Makes me feel safer.

[WeaponZero]

All I can say on the matter is this: My first bike was a Suzuki SV650, a bike which makes only about half the HP of modern 600cc supersports, and in the two years I’ve owned it, I have not even come close to pushing it to the max. Anyone who thinks they NEED anything more than even half the bike that my SV650 is for their first bike is absolutely nuts.

[WeaponZero]

Suzuki DR-Z400SM. Perfect bike. Seriously.

Good luck finding Rebel 450s as they were only made for a few years back in the 80s. DR200SE is not bad. Virago 250 is still being produced but it is now called the V-Star 250. Other good bikes to consider:

Suzuki TU250X
Yamaha WR250X
Kawasaki KLX250SF
Honda CRF230M
Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Kawasaki Super Sherpa (a 250cc dual sport)
Honda Nighthawk 250 (no longer in production as of this year but should be tons on the used market)
Older pre-fairing Suzuki GS500s, like 2004 and older.

[WeaponZero]

Honestly I have very high expectations of S&S as far as quality and customer service go as they were formed by a group of people who learned what not to do the first time around and are looking for a second chance to prove they’ve learned from their mistakes. And based on my own experiences with their gear, I’d say they’ve done a great job so far.

For everyone out there who’s ever owned a Joe Rocket brand and loved the features but has been disappointed with the overall construction quality, I can promise you S&S is your brand.

[WeaponZero]

I haven’t owned a bicycle since I was 12 years old. My parents never replaced the one I had back then that got stolen. And I don’t feel that going all those years letting bicycling skills get rusty really hurts me at all TBH.

[WeaponZero]

Cycle gear’s prices are very good. being a major chain who has the luxury of buying in bulk they aren’t subject to the same kind of overhead that dealers are, so they can pass that savings onto you.

[WeaponZero]

Agreed when it comes to price. I’ve owned and worn enough helmets to know that when you go above a certain price bracket, you’re not really getting a whole lot more for your money in terms of things such as safety features or build quality. In fact I’d even go as far as to say that, based on my own personal experience, there are only three helmets in existence I’d be willing to plunk down more than $300 on.

1. ICON Airframe – Without a doubt the most comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn for my head shape. Of course it wasn’t broken in, but the quality was top notch and the ventilation was amazing.

2. Shoei RF-1100 – Another comfy helmet for my head shape and I love the “Shoei-ness” LOL if that makes sense. You can really feel it.

3. ICON Variant – Haven’t tried it on but I love the look and the features, and if it fits anything like the Airframe I’m sold.

With these three being the exceptions, you won’t ever again find me plunking down more than $300 on a helmet. In fact my next helmet, assuming it’s not one of these, will either be an ICON Alliance SSR or Shark S900.

[WeaponZero]

While it is a matter of personal choice, relating it to seatbelts in a car is a bad idea that will give you a false idea of the necessity. The reality of the matter is that people learning to drive cars still probably won’t crash said car even in the learning phase. But going down on your bike is an inevitability. And during the learning phase, it’s very likely you WILL have a low-speed minor crash. Go to a half helmet eventually sure, but at least wear a full face during the learning months.

[Author]

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