Well I signed up for Idaho's version of MSF, called Idaho Star, yesterday.

I was planning on using my helmet I use for racing my car, for the class, since its Snell and DOT approved.

I need a pair of gloves, however, and also I was thinking now would be a good time to get a jacket too.

Can anyone recommend me a good place to go look (online) for protection (not condoms) and maybe some good brands?

As for my first bike I am thinking of either a Hayabusa or GSXR 1000, just kidding!!!


Milan

 

Motorcyclesuperstore.com That's were i get mine from there tons of others with good prices. As for good brands there is alot Alpinestar, Joe Rocket, Icon, ect. Price will be determined on what you want leather mesh and which brand. Good luck with msf course

 

newenough or terrapowersports.com for jackets (call terra for the best prices.)

though i would wait and really pick up the best leather jacket for you. takes some time to find the best fit and figure out what you want, in both style and practicality.

good luck and have fun!

 

Gauntlet style gloves, I have a pair of Alpinestars SP2's and a pair of Dainese X-Knuckles.

I took everyones advice and bought a leather jacket...it's 90+ degree's out today and I just got back from a ride...I'm sweating but that might also be from nerves too because I'm still new But I definetely feel safer.

Newenough.com has really good Closeout prices, or just stop by a cycle shop and try some on...then order off Ebay lol.

Good luck with your class, it's fun if you've never ridden before (at least for me)

 

Newenough has a big closeout section, not sure if they have anything great right now. I would advise you not to try and pick up a bunch of gear for msf, really all you need is long pants, shoes that cover the ankle, long sleeved shirt, eye protection and gloves. Work gloves, etc would be fine. Its not enough for the street, but its good enough for 25 mph in the parking lot.

Unless your helemet is open faced, I wouldn't wear it at MSF just because you'll trying not fog up your visor and talking to instructors. If they have helemets I would just wear them, people will say thats gross, but I wore msf helmets and nothing bad happened to me. There likely to be open face. If you do pick up gear, make sure you pick up good stuff, people seem to get cheap gear for msf and find themselves wanting to upgrade later.

 

newenough.com for pictures and reviews.
ridersinc.com + a call for cheap prices.

 

Thanks guys, that helps a lot.

I just want to pick up gear to be safe and then later once I can brave going faster than 35mph I will buy something really nice.

I'm a big believer in do it once, do it right, but this time around I will take whatever is good enough to keep me alive.

 

in your case, i'd get a "niche" jacket and gloves. stuff you won't wear regularly, but say, when it's too hot for your regular jacket, or too cold.

I generally wear dainese leather, but come july, i wear joe rocket mesh if i'm not doing any aggressive riding (aka around town) and i'm really glad i have it for running errands or commuting (5 miles).

gloves aren't as big a deal since gauntlets are just as easy to put on as short gloves.

 

I would take the class before you buy anything. There were 2 people in my group who bought helmets and gloves and then were told that riding is "not recommended for them" when they failed. Just wait until after you pass the test.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GSpeedR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would take the class before you buy anything. There were 2 people in my group who bought helmets and gloves and then were told that riding is "not recommended for them" when they failed. Just wait until after you pass the test. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree with you on that one as well. As far as jackets, you'll really have to try it on. I find it pointless to buy online only to find out that the size you think you are is actually different than the size you ordered, vise versa. It may sound stupid, but when you're buying a jacket, you want it to be more tight than loose and comfortable when you're riding. I actually asked the sales rep if I can wear it and sit on my bike. I went to try on 3 different jackets (all the same brand and size) and sitting on my bike before finding the one that was right FOR ME.

Don't worry about the gear for your MSF. They provide all that for you.

 

When I bought my jacket, the parts guy actually had me try on several different ones and sit on the bike (it was still on the floor). He wanted to sell me a First Gear because he could give me a better deal, but the cut on the Joe Rocket ended up being better for me. You definitely don't want your riding jacket to fit like you'd want a casual jacket to fit... first, you'll be sitting down and leaning over, second, you want it to fit snugly so that it doesn't move around if you fall off... if it gets pulled up or the padding moves, it won't be protecting you.

As far as brands, most everything is good. The bigger names are Dainese, Joe Rocket, Alpinestars, and Icon to an extent, but First Gear, Fieldsheer, and others will protect you just as well, and are better in some cases.

 

I would wait till after the class to get all your gear. My class was loaded with "not recommended to ride" people and lucky for them, none of them had purchased gear. One guy had actually purchased full gear, and a ninja 250, which he used in the class, and failed. He wasn't bad, i'm sure he'll turn out fine. I digress.

I like the idea of buying niche gear for the class. When i took it i had purchased a used Dainese tt-72 textile jacket (for cold weather pretty much) and nearly died of heat stroke during the class, but it's been a really nice go to jacket for cold/rainy weather. After the class i celebrated my graduation by purchasing all the gear i wanted.
I was also taking the class with a shitty tk-9 helmet that came with my bike.

 

before you purchase any riding gear online be sure to go to your local shop first to try on jackets and gloves. riding gear is fitted and a size 52 by one manufacturer might run smaller or larger on another.

since it's summer i like to ride using a summer mesh in the day and a perforated leather jacket at night. the perforated leather jacket is fine to ride during the day if your not stopping much and if it has a removable liner you can use it during the winter also.

be sure to buy the spinal protector if your jacket doesn't include one.

 

I say go and buy from Cycle Gear because they are all over the place, can order in sizes for you, if you don't like it, you don't have to buy it. Plus someone mentioned that they have a 20% off coupon on the back of the DMV study pamphlet.

 

cycle gear is a great shop and i'm the one that mentioned 20% discount for them. the only problem i've run into with them is that they don't tend to carry a lot of arai and dainese products. the tend to lean more towards shoei and alpinestar.

also, that discount was found in a California DMV study guide. I'm not sure if they have it in other states. That discount is only good on your first purchase. If you already registered with them they won't give the discount.