Moving to 2 Wheels

[XCRN]

So I have decided to start driving on 2 wheels. I would be very new to motorcycles and I am trying to figure out the appropriate attire I would need for a simple commute. Jackets, helmets, gloves I have figured out but I am trying to find suitable pants that do no break the bank nor my ass. I am looking for something I can wear to class and work or something that would just slip over a pair of jeans. Any other riders out there with some advise regarding pants and other gear or anything for a new rider? Maybe a good place to find the gear used?

I am looking for cheap but fun transportation for commuting so I am hunting for Honda "Twins", really have my eye set on a CM400T with 5000 miles that is including a jacket and helmet with a seized caliper (should be nothing since I already repaired 4 on my BMW) but for $900 which seems high but I really do not know. Nice that insurance is dirt cheap for me at $90 a year for it.

[bassrock234]

I'm thinking about doing the exact same thing. So I'll be following this one. I have very little experience also, maybe an hour or two riding time.

[Straight Success]

Start here!

...then here!

There are so many options. When it comes to safety, you'll end up spending a lot. For my normal commuting, I ride with probably $1500 worth of protective gear (boots/helmet/jacket/back protector/gloves). I probably have over $2500 worth of protective gear, and some of it only gets worn once a year. I also ride (normal commuting) really hard and really aggressive.

Have fun! It's an fun, but very expensive hobby/means of commuting.

Here as well, then keep going 'til you reach the end of the internet.

[XCRN]

Thanks! This should get me somewhere. I guess I can justify a credit bill in the name of safety.

[Straight Success]

Thanks! This should get me somewhere. I guess I can justify a credit bill in the name of safety.

Try to do the cash option if possible. One piece at a time. Start with a good helmet and build from there.

[XCRN]

Hopefully if I get the bike I am looking at, I will have the helmet and jackets covered. That is if when I get back on the 11th and I get the money too which is owed to me. You think 3 people would be able to lift a bike in the back of a truck?

[ol blue]

Got a lot of my stuff from dennis Kirk, they are local to me but very reasonable. I bought a speed and strength jacket for $80, it has spine armor, shoulder, and elbow armor. Also my helmet was on sale for $89 and than I ended up buying to different shields for it. Up next is a pair of jean armored pants. I just bought a ninja 500 and am getting close to 50mpg. Spent more on accessories than what I paid for the bike already though.

[XCRN]

Spent more on accessories than what I paid for the bike already though.

That seems to be true with every auto enthusiast regardless of the number of wheels. Buying clothes for your self for a bike does not seem any different than buying wheels for a car.

[XCRN]

My other concern is a helmet and prescription glasses. But from what it seems take glasses off, put helmet on, open the visor, put glasses on. But then comes the fogging issues. I have never really been able to enjoy paintball/airsoft since all I see is blur or fog.

[Accrdwgnguy]

You can buy thousands of dollars of protective gear and still be killed....I wouldn't do it for a daily commute, risk is too high, maybe weekend cruises. But that's just me, I can't even fathom getting on a bike anymore.

[H311RA151N]

$1500 spent on gear comes up fast when decent/cool helmets are $600+/- anymore.

I ride with a $75 helmet most of the time. $75 helmet for a $75 head.

[Straight Success]

You can buy thousands of dollars of protective gear and still be killed....I wouldn't do it for a daily commute, risk is too high, maybe weekend cruises. But that's just me, I can't even fathom getting on a bike anymore.

This I true, but remember, you can get killed while driving your car at 34mph in a 35mph zone with your seatbelt on. Things happen.

You must of had some sort-o'-bad experience I presume.

[Domesticated]

90 a year? That's nuts! I originally had my bike insured with an Ann Arbor address at 1500/year (1200 of it is collision) and when I just moved to Ypsilanti it went up to 2000/year. I really want to commute on my bike, but it's hard to bring myself to riding 80mph in bumper to bumper traffic for 30 miles... I have a helmet that converts from 3/4 to full face with a sunshade built into the helmet. 250 dollars.

[bassrock234]

My buddy had a helmet just like that one in your pic, I really like that style, unfortunately some dick stole his right off his bike a few days ago. I got a quote on insurance yesterday and it's around $150 a month for me through progressive for a ninja zx6.

Our cars are insured through geico now but they wanted $2233 a year.

[Accrdwgnguy]

This I true, but remember, you can get killed while driving your car at 34mph in a 35mph zone with your seatbelt on. Things happen.

You must of had some sort-o'-bad experience I presume.

friend of mine died 2 months ago while commuting to work, he had all the gear but that didn't stop a car from pulling in front of him and fracturing his spine.

Things happen yes, but you tell that to his 3 children.

I don't post this in anger, just a cautionary tale and also remember it's not the gear that'll save your ass. and be safe, most drivers are inattentive and won't see you.