Joined
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285 Posts
Ok M. Idiot - now you're in for it. We warned you, and that deathtrap is going to be the end of you! I mean, it's a NINJA!!! Er...sorry.
Congratulations on the purchase, and welcome.
Where are you located? I would suggest finding a good retail location and seeing what fits. Helmets especially are shaped differently and the only way to know what works for you is to try them on. Having a good salesman definitely helps, but as you might imagine, not all shops/salesmen are created equal. Some big dealerships are actually pretty good, while others you don't want to go near. Also, some small retailers have a very limited selection and will try to convince you that what they have is perfect for you.
As far as safety goes, your on the right track with a full-face helmet. Just look for a DOT sticker on it (SNELL is somewhat controversial, but many have it), though any name brand lid will be "safe". Fit and comfort really are the most important things. Expensive is not necessarily better, and there are a number of really good lids at very reasonable prices. You save a lot of money by getting a solid color.
For a jacket, you want something with some padding/armor in the shoulders and elbows, and you can either have back protection built in or separately. Either leather or fabric can be fine, but make sure it's of high quality construction. For the most part, you get what you pay for.
In addition to the helmet and jacket, you want to get good gloves, sturdy boots, and consider pants as well. Regular jeans are next to useless in a crash, even at slow speed (I know...)
Congratulations on the purchase, and welcome.
Where are you located? I would suggest finding a good retail location and seeing what fits. Helmets especially are shaped differently and the only way to know what works for you is to try them on. Having a good salesman definitely helps, but as you might imagine, not all shops/salesmen are created equal. Some big dealerships are actually pretty good, while others you don't want to go near. Also, some small retailers have a very limited selection and will try to convince you that what they have is perfect for you.
As far as safety goes, your on the right track with a full-face helmet. Just look for a DOT sticker on it (SNELL is somewhat controversial, but many have it), though any name brand lid will be "safe". Fit and comfort really are the most important things. Expensive is not necessarily better, and there are a number of really good lids at very reasonable prices. You save a lot of money by getting a solid color.
For a jacket, you want something with some padding/armor in the shoulders and elbows, and you can either have back protection built in or separately. Either leather or fabric can be fine, but make sure it's of high quality construction. For the most part, you get what you pay for.
In addition to the helmet and jacket, you want to get good gloves, sturdy boots, and consider pants as well. Regular jeans are next to useless in a crash, even at slow speed (I know...)
