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?