Just got my first street bike, now I have questions!

[drift_g35]

Just got my first bike, 1983 Yamaha XJ750. I'm probably going to turn it into something between a brat style and cafe style. Ive ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but I've never ridden on the street before and I have a few questions for gear.

For a Helmet, are there any Great brands? Ive always heard Shoei was good. If I find a $300 helmet I like, am I going to find out one day that spending another $100 - $200 could have prevented me from becoming a vegetable?

For a Jacket, Will having only 1 jacket suffice for all summer and fall? I dont plan on riding in the rain or when its super cold, and Id really like a leather jacket. But I dont know if i'm going to be miserable when its 90 degrees out.

Are boots necessary?

I might be being overly cautious as I see a lot of people riding in shorts, sandals, t-shirt, and sunglasses but id rather buy a few things to protect myself.

I have about $1000 to spend on gear is that sufficient or should I plan on saving some more before I start riding?

I have already payed for and scheduled the motorcycle safety class so after that, i have $1000.

[TFOGGER]

Call me at the shop, 303-216-2400.

At about the $200 level, spending more doesn't necessarily buy more safety, but it may buy better aerodynamics, comfort, fit and finish, or cosmetics. The single most important factor for helmet safety is proper fit, everything else is secondary. Good names include Shoei, Arai, Icon, HJC, Shark, Suomi, and many others.

[Tim K]

Different helmet brands fit different shaped heads. See what fits you and forget about it.

I'm a believer in leather. It's the only thing allowed on the racetrack, and for good reason. I'll take being hot over having my nylon jacket melted into a wound any day. Heck, I wear leather pants and a back protector most days.

Picture yourself tumbling down the road at 60 mph. Low top shoes offer no ankle protection, especially when they fly off. I like boots, the lighter the better.

All the gear, all the time.

[MED]

Be safe; I sold my street bike long ago because of the poor road conditions in the metro area.

[nogaroheli]

Congrats!
My thoughts were always along the line of spend money on gear up front to avoid higher medical bills down the road- so I would go for boots as well. Don't forget gloves too. Shoei, Arai, Agv all are good helmets, but I believe every helmet with the "Dot" and "ANSI/Snell" stickers pass the regulating body's testing standards for protection so so you know whatever you get with those credentials gives at least the baseline protection. The features, comfort and customer service may not be on par with higher priced options.

[DAL357]

Be VERY careful out there. One of the reasons I stopped riding was because of how many people I saw texting while driving (most, but not all, were women); you'll get to see a lot of that from your perspective on a bike. You are smart to want to wrap yourself in the best protective gear possible.

[Neutron]

Get a helmet that fits your head. If its DOT approved it will provide adequate protection. The next area I would spend money on, would be a good jacket. Like you pointed out, you don't want to be miserable on hot days. If your miserable you won't where it and then your purchase became pointless. You can get a perforated leather jacket with a liner. That will make it breathable when its warm and warmer when it cool out. A textile jacket is going to be cheeper. If you choose this route I'd suggest getting a leather/tex hybrid. Leather in the abrasion areas nylon in the rest of the jacket. Next would be a good set of gloves. This is kind of important. You want more than a set of leather welding gloves here. Get something with knuckle protection and a good palm. As for pants a pair of carhart pants will work well. Denim holds up well. If you get a pair of pants that have 2 layers of denim you will more than double the wear through protection. When I'm not out going full tilt on my bike, I'm in carhart pants or my redhead upland game hunting pants, leather jacket, helmet, gloves and boots. If I'm out wearing out the sides of my tires, I add leather pants to that equation. Like Tim K said, All the gear all the time. Enjoy your new bike and be safe.

[BushMasterBoy]

kevlar jacket and pants.

[colorider]

Get a helmet that fits and is dot or snell certified. Or certified by both. Make sure it is comfortable. Wear it around the shop for a while. Get boots, gloves, jacket, pants. Armor in all of it and make sure it all fits correctly. Performance on Broadway is a great place to get gear and they are very helpful. Get a good multi season jacket w liners that are removeable. Riding in shorts and a shirt is nice and cozy till ya go down. Dress for the slide, not the ride. Atgatt. All the gear all the time. A simple get off can really sand away your skin and break your head. You are now a target on the road. I also prefer a hi-vis jacket. Green, orange, yellow, whatever helps you be more visible to others. It's not a fasion show, it's saving your butt.
Just my 2c.

[drift_g35]

Another question... Do you guys carry when riding?

[zulu01]

Get a helmet that fits your head. If its DOT approved it will provide adequate protection. The next area I would spend money on, would be a good jacket. Like you pointed out, you don't want to be miserable on hot days. If your miserable you won't where it and then your purchase became pointless. You can get a perforated leather jacket with a liner. That will make it breathable when its warm and warmer when it cool out. A textile jacket is going to be cheeper. If you choose this route I'd suggest getting a leather/tex hybrid. Leather in the abrasion areas nylon in the rest of the jacket. Next would be a good set of gloves. This is kind of important. You want more than a set of leather welding gloves here. Get something with knuckle protection and a good palm. As for pants a pair of carhart pants will work well. Denim holds up well. If you get a pair of pants that have 2 layers of denim you will more than double the wear through protection. When I'm not out going full tilt on my bike, I'm in carhart pants or my redhead upland game hunting pants, leather jacket, helmet, gloves and boots. If I'm out wearing out the sides of my tires, I add leather pants to that equation. Like Tim K said, All the gear all the time. Enjoy your new bike and be safe.

Gotta disagree with the denim comment. I read a moto mag article a while back where they tested various materials, and denim does not fair well when sliding down the road. Only Cordura or leather hold up in an unscheduled dismount.

[TFOGGER]

Another question... Do you guys carry when riding?

Yes. When I get on the bike, it usually goes in a dedicated pocket in my tank bag, then transferred back to my holster as soon as it is convenient at my destination (restroom or someplace else with relative privacy).

[glenncal1]

Another question... Do you guys carry when riding?

FWIW when I took my CCW class (7-8 years ago) the instructor said you can CCW while on the bike, like you can in your car. But when you get off you need a permit to CCW.

[68Charger]

Another question... Do you guys carry when riding?

I do carry concealed- Frequently I wind up moving my holster to my inside jacket pocket- since my usual 2 o'clock carry will dig into my hip, and this also switches to a left hand draw... I find that less awkward if trying to draw while stopping the bike (since brake is on right hand). I've also thought about having a kydex holster built into my leather jacket (riveted or stitched in place). You want a good retention holster so it won't fall out if you have to lay your bike down.


Boots- a good pair of riding boots will be safer while still being comfortable, not just if you lay it down, but you'll get rocks and debris kicked up on your ankles occasionally, too.
Jacket- I use a leather jacket generally, for really hot days I have a flow-thru jacket with kevlar pads in it (elbows, shoulders, spine)... I have maybe worn it 2 times last year- if it's hot I usually just zip down the leather jacket part way and I get airflow that way.
Gloves- don't do fingerless gloves, get real riding gloves (I get leather ones with kevlar pads as well)

I think you've gotten real good info on helmets already...

[68Charger]

Gotta disagree with the denim comment. I read a moto mag article a while back where they tested various materials, and denim does not fair well when sliding down the road. Only Cordura or leather hold up in an unscheduled dismount.

yeah, regular denim isn't so good without leathers.. but there are these: http://www.dragginjeans.com/testimonials

[TFOGGER]

FWIW when I took my CCW class (7-8 years ago) the instructor said you can CCW while on the bike, like you can in your car. But when you get off you need a permit to CCW.

Yes. A vehicle is a vehicle, as far as CCW is concerned. As soon as you step off the bike, a permit is required for concealed carry, unless you are on private property under your control, or have permission of the property owner.

[Tim K]

I carry. I typically switch from stronside OWB to a J frame in an ankle holster, but not always. My normal carry piece fits under one jacket, but not my favorite.

[drift_g35]

I have my CCW, i was just concerned about being visible as i'm riding down the road, but it sounds like everyone moves the firearm to a different location.

[crashdown]

More money on helmets is all about venting and aerodynamics. Venting speaks for itself, and is needed year round for cooling and/ or preventing fogging up.
Aerodynamics are important if you plan on going fast. I've had experienced poor helmets that want to jerk your head around at speed. Have been in situations where I looked behind me, and had a hard time turning back forward because of the helmet design. Getting top of the line, well reviewed, and of course expensive helmets seems to cure all issues.
I've always preferred textile jackets with the heavy duty protection built in around the elbows, spine etc... but I've never laid a bike down while wearing one, so no real idea. I like that type of jacket because they usually have zip out liners, and I could also layer a bit underneath for the cold. Make sure whatever you get fits snug, oversized will act like a sail at speed and not in a good way.
I did go down once while wearing jeans, and I can say that they were about as effective as wet tissue paper as I slid to a bloody pulp.
Towards the end of my need for speed, I preferred shorts, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes, and of course no helmet....... I am alive and have no desire to ever ride again.

[VolksDragon]

Another question... Do you guys carry when riding?

Most of the time. I typically carry my G23 or J-frame in a paddle holster at roughly 8 o'clock (lefty), or throw it in my tank bag or backpack if I'm using those.

Something to consider when carrying is that if you crash, the gun can do a lot of damage if you fall or tumble on that side of your body, as it essentially becomes an impact weapon, concentrating the force of the fall on that small area of your body. I've seen quite a few injuries to the hips, ribs and lower back because of this.

I carry anyway, as the injuries I'd suffer if I needed my gun and didn't have it scare me more than the thought of crashing (again).

[TFOGGER]

I have been riding for 28 years, and operating a motorcycle shop for 18. The kevlar reinforced jeans are definitely better than regular jeans. Next up the list would be textile riding pants with padding and hard armor, provided they fit properly and the armor stays put. Best would be leather with hard armor that fits, but most guys won't wear leather pants when the weather really gets warm.

My gear most of the time is as follows:

Helmet: I rode in Shoei for years, but my most recent one is an HJC. It fits well, and is comfortable, but I'll probably replace it after 2 years rather than my usual 3 because the cheaper materials in the interior are proving to be not as durable.

Gloves: Tourmaster, Alpinestars, FirstGear. Depends a lot on the expected weather conditions. All my gloves are at least leather palm, the winter gloves(heated) are leather throughout, as are the Alpinstars. I have a pair of mesh backed waterproof (goretex) gloves for hot weather.

Jacket: Tourmaster Transition 3 in Gawdawful™ HiViz Yellow. Longer cut, removable liner, hard armor in the shoulders and elbows, LOTS of venting for summer comfort, and relatively inexpensive.

Boots: I don't wear a motorcycle specific boot. My current boots are a pair of 9" high Tactical Innovations duty boots, which are thinsulate insulated, reasonably waterproof, and comfortable from about 15 to 95 degrees. Hard toes and shank for protection.

Pants: Firstgear Kathmandu. Removable quilted liner, waterproof/breathable, hard armor in the knees, soft armor at the hips. Comfortable from 15 to about 80 degrees, can live with it over that provided I'm moving.

Be aware that this is (yet another) equipment intensive sport, and over time, what works for you will evolve. Much like firearms in that respect. [ROFL1]

[VolksDragon]

For what it's worth, I crashed hard on my ZX10R a few years ago, rag-dolled across the road into a ditch. I was wearing an armored Icon leather jacket, full gauntlet leather gloves and Carhartt heavy-duty work pants. The leather saved my hide for sure, and the Carhartt's held up admirably well, but I still had some rash. Since then, I never ride with anything but leather jacket, gloves and boots, no matter how hot it is.

Also, TFOGGER knows his shit. Been to his shop quite a few times.

[ruthabagah]

Just want to add my 10 cents to this discussion: Tfogger and Volksdragon are spot on.

I did crash hard too, a little over a year ago, and even if i had 12 broken bones, I did not suffer any road rash or drop a drop of blood (Externally at least, internal bleeding was something else....). My helmet was xrayed for a survey, and 2 of the blow would have been fatal.
Get a good leather (I can sell you one: bought new, wore it once, crashed once), glove, boots, I personally liked to wear an overpant which offered good protection in all weather, and get a good full face or hybrid helmet.

When I crashed, there were 4 guys who crashed the same week end at littleton hospital: 2 were released with 48 h, I stayed 11 days, the other guy.... His face and nose were gone (no helmet) he had tubes instead to breathe.... his right foot receive a perforation when he fell, and his ankle exploded (wearing sneakers).

[drift_g35]

Sounds like I will be planning a trip to Golden soon to see Tfogger. Think $1000 will be enough?

[TFOGGER]

Sounds like I will be planning a trip to Golden soon to see Tfogger. Think $1000 will be enough?

Easily. If you are a lot bigger or smaller than the average rider, there may be closeout stuff from last year's catalogs available at VERY attractive prices.

[Martinjmpr]

I'm going to disagree with the group here WRT leather. Back in "the day" leather was indeed better but there has been a huge level of innovation in textile gear over the past 15 years or so. I sold my leather jacket last year and don't miss it. As a matter of fact a lot of the "leather" gear I see in the MC shops has no armor whatsoever and therefore would actually be worse in a crash than a decent textile jacket and pants since textiles generally have decent CE armor in the shoulders, elbows, back and knees.

Biggest advantage of textile IMO is that you can get it waterproof and that means that when you're riding into a storm you don't have to stop by the side of the road to put on a rain jacket, just zip up your vents and continue to ride.

I actually used to have an XJ-750. Decent bike, not super powerful and I found that on twisty mountain roads I was doing a lot of shifting down to keep my RPMs up. But it's nice and smooth and the shaft drive is low maintenance, which is good.

I have a couple of jackets, a waist-length mesh jacket for Summer (with a waterproof liner) and a 3/4 length nylon jacket for general wear. If you want to ride year 'round in CO (I do) then a heated vest is highly recommended. Another thing you might want to consider is a battery tender. Nice thing about the battery tender is you can hook up the SAE connector for the battery tender and then use it to power your heated gear, GPS, phone charger, etc. MC batteries are expensive and a battery tender is cheap insurance.

As for boots, I've been wearing my Army issued combat boots (the black leather kind, not the current, suede kind) since I started riding and they work great. Good support and good protection.

[sportbikeco]

Arai makes the best lids, no question about it.

[TFOGGER]

Arai makes the best lids, no question about it.

Assuming that their headform suits you, yes, they make one of the best helmets around. If their helmet doesn't kit your head shape, not only are they uncomfortable, they won't provide the safety of a properly fitting lid. The key here is to have someone that knows what they are doing properly fit your helmet. Most riders, left to their own devices, will choose a helmet that is 1-2 sizes too big, based on how it "feels" when they try it on for 30 seconds in a dealership. Then, when the comfort padding begins to break in, it slides around on their head, causing chafing, and doesn't provide adequate energy absorption in an impact because their head rattles around inside like a BB in a garbage can.

[drift_g35]

Assuming that their headform suits you, yes, they make one of the best helmets around. If their helmet doesn't kit your head shape, not only are they uncomfortable, they won't provide the safety of a properly fitting lid. The key here is to have someone that knows what they are doing properly fit your helmet. Most riders, left to their own devices, will choose a helmet that is 1-2 sizes too big, based on how it "feels" when they try it on for 30 seconds in a dealership. Then, when the comfort padding begins to break in, ti slides around on their head, causing chafing, and doesn't provide adequate energy absorption in an impact because their head rattles around inside like a BB in a garbage can.

I'm assuming its the same concept as dirt bike helmets.

[TFOGGER]

I'm assuming its the same concept as dirt bike helmets.

Pretty much. You want it to fit as snugly as possible without any tight spots or pressure points. Sometimes you have to take the cheek pads out to assess the proper fit around the top of the head, as the cheek pads will break in considerably.

[Wulf202]

Tell me how good textiles are when you get blindsided by a jeep and wind up wearing the tank of gas waking up next to you bike which is on fire...

Broken bones and all I ran the hell away before I became a human torch and the jacket melted to me.

My inexpensive leather jacket has armor.

I wear work boots gauntlets and a shoei or kbc helmet

[Gman]

I wear a Chevy Tahoe for protection. I had a guy in a Honda Pilot drift over 3 feet into my lane driving home the other day. Had to nail the brakes and horn to avoid an accident. Had issues with 2 other drivers on the same short trip home from work. All 3 had phones in their hands. I've seen drunks do a much better job than these drivers distracted by their phones. You guys are much braver than I.

Be safe out there!

[wctriumph]

I could spend a whole day talking about this stuff but let me just say this:

Buy the best full face helmet that properly fits you. Buy the best armored jacket and pants that you can that fits you. Buy the best over the ankle boots you can that fit you. If the gear does not fit properly, it is a waste of money and could hurt you.

The second that you think you know what you are doing, you will get bit.

Never, ever let your friend ride your motorcycle, they will for sure crash it and not pay for it.

Get the best insurance that you can afford.

Everyone has an opinion. After you learn to ride your Yamaha on the street, take an advanced rider course.

I have had more than one of the Yamaha models that you are looking at. Pretty reliable if your get them properly maintenanced.

Good luck and stay safe.

[TFOGGER]

I could spend a whole day talking about this stuff but let me just say this:

Buy the best full face helmet that properly fits you. Buy the best armored jacket and pants that you can that fits you. Buy the best over the ankle boots you can that fit you. If the gear does not fit properly, it is a waste of money and could hurt you.

The second that you think you know what you are doing, you will get bit.

Never, ever let your friend ride your motorcycle, they will for sure crash it and not pay for it.

Get the best insurance that you can afford.

Everyone has an opinion. After you learn to ride your Yamaha on the street, take an advanced rider course.

I have had more than one of the Yamaha models that you are looking at. Pretty reliable if your get them properly maintenanced.

Good luck and stay safe.

Pretty much hits the nail on the head. [Awesom]

[wctriumph]

Pretty much hits the nail on the head. [Awesom]

Thanks, I've been doing this for a while now (50 years, WTF?). If you are ever up Ft. Collins way, stop in at the dealership (NorCO Euro) and say hello.

[Hound]

I always carry when riding. I prefer under arm holster instead of IWB or OWB. Congrats and welcome to the club. I love my Joe-Rocket gear for the jacket, I have enjoyed my Icon helmets but it really comes down to what fits YOUR head and then ventilation if it is a full face. If you are just starting on the street, ride in a group. It is more safe anytime and especially when new. Head-On-a-Swivel should Always be an understatment. Your 750 will lose alot of power in the mountains, this is worse at the peaks for obvious reasons. Be most careful on switchbacks at altitude. I almost dumped mine the first time in the Mnt's. I did this because the speed and power I normally would need was/is different and this is with a ZX12R. I thought I could open up and get more power and so did not have enough speed as I would have liked. Twisted the grip, nothing....... Pucker factor 10 instantly. Easily fixed with a downshift and more throttle but it could have gone the other way easily. Understand you are a target or invisible to cagers. Most times brakes are the goto option... Not on a bike on the street..... You can't take the hit, better to not be there. Never lay the bike down. Dirt bikes it makes more sense sometimes (dirt is soft), street not so much(asphalt is not... Think cheese grader). Most bikes can do loads more in a corner than you realize if they are properly maintained. This means keeping up on the air and tire depth is as much of a safety factor as the helmet.. Both are important. Take breaks, long rides can put your legs to sleep or make them sluggish. Usually try to go 5mph faster than traffic so people are not trying to pass you. Great questions on gear.... Don't be an organ donnor.

Ride safe..... These are just some of my observations, been riding since 1992.


Another question... Do you guys carry when riding?

[Hound]

Everything on his list was spot on..... Except this one. Full coverage on a bike is a waste, they will find any number of ways to not pay and charge you the price of the bike several times over in the process. The only way you would win is to wreck in the first year, this should not be a goal. Find out what full coverage will cost you, put that in a jar every month and don't count it. When/If you go down you will probably be able to buy a new bike (or eventually pay for the kids college). This does not mean don't have insurance or use a reputable company.... Just don't need full coverage.


Get the best insurance that you can afford.

[drift_g35]

I always carry when riding. I prefer under arm holster instead of IWB or OWB. Congrats and welcome to the club. I love my Joe-Rocket gear for the jacket, I have enjoyed my Icon helmets but it really comes down to what fits YOUR head and then ventilation if it is a full face. If you are just starting on the street, ride in a group. It is more safe anytime and especially when new. Head-On-a-Swivel should Always be an understatment. Your 750 will lose alot of power in the mountains, this is worse at the peaks for obvious reasons. Be most careful on switchbacks at altitude. I almost dumped mine the first time in the Mnt's. I did this because the speed and power I normally would need was/is different and this is with a ZX12R. I thought I could open up and get more power and so did not have enough speed as I would have liked. Twisted the grip, nothing....... Pucker factor 10 instantly. Easily fixed with a downshift and more throttle but it could have gone the other way easily. Understand you are a target or invisible to cagers. Most times brakes are the goto option... Not on a bike on the street..... You can't take the hit, better to not be there. Never lay the bike down. Dirt bikes it makes more sense sometimes (dirt is soft), street not so much(asphalt is not... Think cheese grader). Most bikes can do loads more in a corner than you realize if they are properly maintained. This means keeping up on the air and tire depth is as much of a safety factor as the helmet.. Both are important. Take breaks, long rides can put your legs to sleep or make them sluggish. Usually try to go 5mph faster than traffic so people are not trying to pass you. Great questions on gear.... Don't be an organ donnor.

Ride safe..... These are just some of my observations, been riding since 1992.

We should get a AR-15.co group together to do a ride when it warms up. Id rather take criticism from someone who has been riding for 20 years, than figure it out myself.

[68Charger]

I wear a Chevy Tahoe for protection. I had a guy in a Honda Pilot drift over 3 feet into my lane driving home the other day. Had to nail the brakes and horn to avoid an accident. Had issues with 2 other drivers on the same short trip home from work. All 3 had phones in their hands. I've seen drunks do a much better job than these drivers distracted by their phones. You guys are much braver than I.

Be safe out there!

Cager....[Coffee]
You really have to keep your head on a swivel, and even if they look you directly in the eye, assume they did NOT see you... this has saved my ass many times. I've laid my bike down a couple times (it has scars on the gas tank I haven't fixed to remind me they don't clean that sand/gravel off the roads in the spring.) I've been blessed that it's always been low-speed and I've seen the bad stuff coming before I lost my escape routes.


We should get a AR-15.co group together to do a ride when it warms up. Id rather take criticism from someone who has been riding for 20 years, than figure it out myself.

Hound had some good points in there- I've heard of new riders going off a road into a guardrail or worse that could have been avoided if they would have either slowed down before going into the turn, or just leaned on it harder to finish the turn... scraping the pegs is way more preferable than leaving the road...
My first suggestion would have been to learn on a dirt bike- much more forgiving to learn on, and you'll be more accustomed to when you lose traction and not panic when it happens hitting a patch of gravel/sand... but I thought maybe that was implied with your post title saying first 'street' bike. I started on a 1976 Honda XL350 in 1987... my current bike has 62,000 miles that I put on, almost all in Colorado.

Feel free to post when & where you're going to ride (with some notice), and I'm sure some that can will join you... I know I'd be up for a ride if it fits in my schedule- since I started working from home, I don't get nearly as many miles on my bike.


ETA: A MSF course wouldn't be a bad idea- you may even get a insurance discount with it...

[Goodburbon]

I also have a tourmaster transition jacket. Good all weather jacket, with a liner, undershirt and fleece under it I've ridden down into the 20's and with no liner and the vents open, up into the 100's. Not terribly comfortable at either extreme but tolerable and versatile. Nothing beats heated gear though and it's not going to win any style contests.

I went down in December, I thought I'd figured out how to drift the corners On a gravel road going 20-30 ish. Wore holes through the sleeve of the tourmaster jacket and on the pants to the side of the pad (pads shifted) and wore holes through my cowboy boots and bruised the living hell out of my ankle. Picked up the bike and rode another 200 miles. No serious injury aside from my knee and ankle being bruised.

It can't be said enough, find what fits.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[hurley842002]

Cager....[Coffee]
ETA: A MSF course wouldn't be a bad idea- you may even get a insurance discount with it...

As someone who just took an MSF advanced course today, I couldn't agree more.

I grew up on dirt bikes racing motocross and supercross, so dirt bikes were/are like an extension of my person. With that said, I didn't know the first thing about riding on the street, and let me tell you, there are quite a few components that are different, in fact I had a hard time adjusting on some of the drills because I'm so used to two strokes in the dirt. After it was all said and done, I'm way more confident and couldn't be happier with the course, company (Iron Buffalo), and instructor (70 year old very awesome lady).

[fly boy]

I could spend a whole day talking about this stuff but let me just say this:

Buy the best full face helmet that properly fits you. Buy the best armored jacket and pants that you can that fits you. Buy the best over the ankle boots you can that fit you. If the gear does not fit properly, it is a waste of money and could hurt you.

The second that you think you know what you are doing, you will get bit.

Never, ever let your friend ride your motorcycle, they will for sure crash it and not pay for it.

Get the best insurance that you can afford.

Everyone has an opinion. After you learn to ride your Yamaha on the street, take an advanced rider course.

I have had more than one of the Yamaha models that you are looking at. Pretty reliable if your get them properly maintenanced.

Good luck and stay safe.

Just to piggy-back...... If you think it's too much money think, "How much is my life worth"
Motorcycles ARE NOT dangerous, its in-experience and other people on the road. I stopped counting how many times I have almost been hit. I just stare the driver down because they don't get it. Can't get mad at people not paying attention, so ride like you are invisible.

Also, ride at YOUR PACE when with a pack. I have seen too many people go down because they were trying to keep up with an advanced (or stupid) rider.

[theGinsue]

Just got my first bike, 1983 Yamaha XJ750. I'm probably going to turn it into something between a brat style and cafe style. Ive ridden dirt bikes my whole life, but I've never ridden on the street before and I have a few questions for gear.

For a Helmet, are there any Great brands? Ive always heard Shoei was good. If I find a $300 helmet I like, am I going to find out one day that spending another $100 - $200 could have prevented me from becoming a vegetable?

For a Jacket, Will having only 1 jacket suffice for all summer and fall? I dont plan on riding in the rain or when its super cold, and Id really like a leather jacket. But I dont know if i'm going to be miserable when its 90 degrees out.

Are boots necessary?

I might be being overly cautious as I see a lot of people riding in shorts, sandals, t-shirt, and sunglasses but id rather buy a few things to protect myself.

I have about $1000 to spend on gear is that sufficient or should I plan on saving some more before I start riding?

I have already payed for and scheduled the motorcycle safety class so after that, i have $1000.

Let me offer some real life examples that may help you decide what choices to make. I think all of these things will reinforce wctriumph's comments which are 100% spot on (except, as Hound stated, the insurance thing bit me in the ass - and, get gap coverage if you owe anything on the bike).

I had ridden for over 20 years when I had my first (and last) street bike wreck. While I had an '83 Yamaha Heritge Special 750 in the garage already, I had just bought a V-Star 1100 a few months before the wreck.


Helmet: To go with the new bike I got a new Shoei full face helmet. At almost $350, it cost about twice what my previous helmet has cost. Ever hear the phrase "pay once, cry once"? I had a lucid moment in the Trauma Center and the police officer that responded to my wreck was there handing my very damaged helmet (including across the face shield & cheek which the skull helmets don't offer but they're considered "cool") to my wife and told her "This helmet saved your husbands life". I decided that if I ever rode again I would spent twice as much for a helmet if it could offer me even a minuscule increase in protection. Research & get the best helmet you can buy & make sure it covers your whole head!

Jacket: A week after my wreck the Captain I worked for wrecked his Honda 1500 (CBR?) crotch rocket doing 85mph on Hwy 67 somewhere between Woodland Park & Deckers. It was the first week of September & HOT out. He was wearing a kevlar reinforced jacket and pants with the sleeves unzipped at the wrist about 6 inches. When he wrecked he slid down the pavement on his back over 100 feet. His injuries: road rash on the exposed part of his forearms...that's all.

Boots: I had my wreck while in my Air Force blue uniform with "low quarters", not boots. My right foot peg broke off the bike after going through my shoes & embedding in my foot. Decent boots would have prevented that. 'Nuff said.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course: I attended this course after riding for 10 years (the first 3 on dirt bikes) because it was required to be allowed to ride on the Air Force base I lived on. What could they possibly teach a seasoned rider like me? CLOCKC, SIPDE, the best lane position for various situations for reaction & visibility, wrist down/knuckles up, etc. I left the course with a huge amount of new knowledge and skills that saved my life many times over the years. I wish I had taken a refresher before I got in the accident as over time I'd gotten lax in some of the skills.

I had a whole in my foot, 2 broken ribs, 2 very broken hands, and a major concussion (TBI) which still plagues my with memory and learning issues today but I reflect on another lucid moment in the Trauma Center when a trauma nurse told me most people coming to them in wrecks as bad as mine don't make it to the hospital alive. It may not make you look as cool or studly, but you may find that investing in and always using safety gear could be the best investment you've ever made. It can give you more tomorrows.

Oh, and my wreck, I was only moving at 35 mph when it occured. I failed to maintain an escape route. ETA: I miss riding, but I like breathing more & I couldn't survive another wreck.


ETAA: i just noticed that this was my 15,000th post.

[Hound]

Sounds good to me.

BTW: a little more on Joe Rocket and why I like it. First the ballistic fabric. It breaths in the summer even fully buttoned up but can take a liner that will fit in your seat box for rain/cold. Second and more importantly; I went down in mine at full speed in a corner. Where my lower back is has scrapes and a small tear at the wrist, I was fine.


We should get a AR-15.co group together to do a ride when it warms up. Id rather take criticism from someone
who has been riding for 20 years, than figure it out myself.

[colorider]

Last year coming home from camping a lady made a left hand turn into oncomming traffic. She could not see the motorcycle that was coming the other way because of my trailer. He hit the front side of her suv at about 45mph. Sounded like a bomb went off right in front of my passenger window. Which was open. You could feel the concussion in my truck. loud, scary!. We watched the rider soar over the hood and flail in the air, hit the tarmac and slide/tumble for what seemed like 100 yards. His riding gear consisted of Helmet, tennis shoes, no socks, helmet, tshirt, gloves and cargo pants.
I was first to got to him. One shoe missing, it was still where the bike was planted in front of the suv. Blew right out of the sucker. One glove missing. Didn't look for it. They were thin worthless gloves. Other glove was on his hand and had 3/4 of it missing. They had leather palms, but some sort of lycra or stretchy shit for the rest. Helmet was trashed scraped to shit. One side had a huge flat spot from skidding so much. He was coherent, pissed off, but knew to stay still. Asked me "how bad is it" I said " you look amazing for a guy who just cheated death." He said, No, my bike. I told him it is going to the recycling center. He was pissed. He was coming home from JUST picking it up from it getting fixed from a previous smack in a parking lot (bike was parked). We make some small talk and I tell him he looks fantastic considering the crash. He actually looked like he had walked through a sandblaster. The road rash was legendary. I mean,,, legendary. No squirting blood, no bones poking out, no deep cuts spewing onto the road. Just tomato red skidmarks on every part of his body.
Out of an act of god, he did not break anything. Have no idea how, but nothing broken. Bad sprains is all, and lack of skin. I got his phone number before the cops or emt people got there so I could be a first hand witness if needed or anything, . 2 weeks after I called him an asked how he was doing. He said "pretty good for looking like a mummy". Thanked me for keeping him from freeking the fuck out by making conversation and being calm and collected. Told him to buy some gear next time around. He agreed.

[dirtrulz]

One thing to think about as far as carrying while riding is where you carry. Think about what will happen during a wreck. Will that shoulder holster cause your weapon to act as a fulcrum breaking your arm or dislocating your shoulder maybe. If you carry in the small of your back. imagine falling on that with tremendous force, broken back maybe. Things you carry on your person can make a small accident a bigger problem. Many have been badly hurt by keys in their pockets. I personally carry as little as possible on my body while riding. Growing up on dirt bikes should help a lot. It will help with dealing with unforeseen issues. Hopefully you have good avoidance skilled ingrained. If you have to consciously think about how to avoid something you will be too late.

Dont obsess over people horror stories. If you honestly feel everyone is out to kill you and you could die at any moment your mind isnt going to be right when something actually happens. I know people say that every car is out to kill you. if that was true you would be dead. That doesnt mean you shouldnt be aware of your surroundings and pay attention.

Colorado can be tough for dressing. Temps can vary greatly on a ride. I wear a vented leather jacket and carry a liner with me for higher elevations. Helmet is buy whatever fits good. Boots, I wear my motocross boots if i am not planning on walking much and carry shoes in my side box. Good gloves a must. I am usually lacking in the pants department.