What type of motorcycle helmet and gear to get ? ?

Question

I'm planning on getting a motorcycle soon and is new to the game.

I am wondering what brands of helmet and clothing I should get ?

Ofcourse at the end of the day there will be a budget, however I don't plan to skimp on the protection so I can get a better bike.

At the moment I only know of Shoei and while £300 for a helmet seems steep, I'm putting aside £1,000 for all the clothing I will need.

The only requirment I have:

Leather and not textiles

Decent looks

Preferably black but I don't mind some bright colours if it helps my safety.

Answer 1

You already appear to want to be safe and that is what it is all about.Go to a motorcycle shop and try different helmets on as its not just about safety its comfort as well but like you say don't pay Penny's for any gear.Black leathers are fine as that's what i have you can always wear a ta-bard which does help you to be seen.Good luck and believe me you will enjoy.

Answer 2

You need your helmet to be safe and to be comfortable, its no use going out and buying an arai for example for up to £500 and then for it to be uncomfortable after 30 mins riding.

I suggest that you go and buy this weeks edition of Motorcycle News as it has a helmet buying guide in it.

All the helmets that were tested in the SHARP tests have been reviewed and rated. In particular look at the Nitro helmets which outperform some of the brands that have already been mentioned. The Nitro 1710 for example is a great fibreglass helmet and being too new for the SHARP test won't have a result.

As for clothing, if your going to be riding all year round then my advice is to look for textile clothing. Leather clothing to my mind is only for fair weather riding.

Don't discount some of the textile stuff as its great for everyday riding and considering the last two summers probably more applicable than leather.

Make sure everything fits in the riding position, looks funny in the shop but its better than wasting your money if the kit you buy is uncomfortable on the bike and you can't ride as far as you like because of it.

Answer 3

For a helmet I would recommend something DOT, SNELL 2005, and ECE Approved. Shark, Arai, Shoei are some well known brands.

Answer 4

Well, you are right! You don't want to go cheap on gears that can potentially save your life is a accident were to occur (knock on wood) but you are headed to the right direction if you are thinking of getting a shoei. The best brand (in my opinion) are shoei and arai. Arai is a bit more expensive but i prefer the shoei helmet over the arai. As for gears, you should get whatever you are comfortable with. I have 3 jackets. I havea  suzuki leather jacket, i have a zr1 jacket (not leather but with armor paddings) and i have a dainese armor for summer riding. Leather offers the most protection though and make sure you wear appropriate shoes. And if this is your first bike, make sure you get frame sliders just incase you drop your bike. Good luck! you're going to have so much fun!  

Answer 5

Your attitude seems good, so well done for that.

The crash helmet is of course the most important item and Shoei are an excellent brand but you must realise that certain helmets may not fit you well. I for example find Arai and AGV to be the only helmets that I am truly comfortable in, so that is the key - go and try the helmet on, don't get your heart set specifically on a brand before you try as it just may not be comfortable. 300 quid seems like a bargain compared to serious head trauma.

Why are you considering only leather? Don't write off textile as many of the modern items are in all practicality as good as leather in protection for abrasion resistance, have certified armour in them and have the added advantage of better weather protection. Look at the guys in the Dakar race for example, they all use this kind of thing and it is tough! Don't get me wrong I am not against leather, I personally have the luxury of having the choice to use either but if I was buying only one and was considering the practical element then I would go for  top quality cordura/kevlar/armour items.

Brand wise - the helmets have been mentioned but to repeat AGV, Arai, Shoei, Shark, Lazer, Suomy are amongst many out there. It is a personal thing but do not buy too cheap.

Clothing wise - SPIDI do some excellent gear in both leather and textile, which I have been using for years and am very happy with. BKS also make well reccomended leathers and will do a custom fitting for you. Dainese are perhaps the most well known brand and in general seem to do well reviewed items. It is not a bad idea to find your closest Hein Gericke shop and go see what is on offer there, as they pretty much cover the full range of price and a lot of brands too.

Answer 6

don't go cheap swing by some stores and try some things on you want to be comfortable as you ride also. aim for the things that are dot approved and you like as far as style and preferences.