Only thing I'll add to that is what an experienced biker friend said to me - "Get a lid that fits your head properly, there is no point getting a Shoei or Arai if it doesn't fit your head properly - it will do jack all in a crash"
Goggle me some first time Motorbike Leathers!
- Thread starter Docaroo
- Start date
Only thing I'll add to that is what an experienced biker friend said to me - "Get a lid that fits your head properly, there is no point getting a Shoei or Arai if it doesn't fit your head properly - it will do jack all in a crash"
I would recommend draggin jeans if you dont want to go the leather route, had a couple of pairs now and they are comfortable and feel secure with the kevlar lining. Saves having to get changed when i get to work. Might also be worth going to the bike show at the NEC in November to get some cheap gear.
Soldato
- Joined
- 26 Aug 2003
- Posts
- 24,291
There's a wealth of stuff, what you need depends obviously on your budget and your needs.
I've got two pairs of textile trousers, but 95% of the time I wear my Draggin' Jeans, and I've got two pairs of boots - a 'full size' set, and a pair of Puma ankle boots - the Pumas are so comfy, and while not as protective as the taller set, I do feel pretty safe in them. They're very well put together, and I can wear them all day. They were fairly expensive for what they are though, £140. I use them almost every day though so well worth it.
Up top I usually wear my Frank Thomas leather jacket, I really think it's nice for what it cost (£180), it's very nice quality for the price I paid. I intend to get a set of leather trousers too at some point, I'll go FT for them too.
On the other hand though (as it were), my FT gloves are a bit gash - had them replaced already because the cuff velcro let go of the leather it was stitched too, and they're just.. a bit cack. I get the feeling they might come off if I bin it, and I don't like that.
For around town/commuting and so on, the kit that I usually use is bang on, imo, a good compromise between safety and practicality. I can get off my bike and walk around in my kit and not feel or look stupid or uncomfortable.
I've got two pairs of textile trousers, but 95% of the time I wear my Draggin' Jeans, and I've got two pairs of boots - a 'full size' set, and a pair of Puma ankle boots - the Pumas are so comfy, and while not as protective as the taller set, I do feel pretty safe in them. They're very well put together, and I can wear them all day. They were fairly expensive for what they are though, £140. I use them almost every day though so well worth it.
Up top I usually wear my Frank Thomas leather jacket, I really think it's nice for what it cost (£180), it's very nice quality for the price I paid. I intend to get a set of leather trousers too at some point, I'll go FT for them too.
On the other hand though (as it were), my FT gloves are a bit gash - had them replaced already because the cuff velcro let go of the leather it was stitched too, and they're just.. a bit cack. I get the feeling they might come off if I bin it, and I don't like that.
For around town/commuting and so on, the kit that I usually use is bang on, imo, a good compromise between safety and practicality. I can get off my bike and walk around in my kit and not feel or look stupid or uncomfortable.
Associate
- Joined
- 18 Apr 2006
- Posts
- 1,169
- Location
- london
to be honest leathers on a 125 are a bit ott, i know youll want to be protected but id wait and splash out when you want a bigger bike, personaly this time of year id be looking at getting a two piece bmw goretex suit for commuting best to keep an eye on the bay and grab a bargin
Last edited:
Associate
- Joined
- 31 Dec 2004
- Posts
- 1,384
- Location
- Essex, UK
I ride a Piaggio B125 scooter and I wear Richa leathers, my scooter goes at 70mph I ain't taking any chances. THere is this whole mythos over wearing jeans and a jacket is fine, even cool. But its BS which I found out after coming off at 30 mph, I have nice scars on my knees and a duff shoulder to prove it.
Soldato
- Joined
- 26 Aug 2003
- Posts
- 24,291
Draggin' Jeans and a proper jacket is an excellent compromise. They're fully abrasion resistant on the arse and knees, and you can buy Knox armour for them if that's not enough to make you feel safe.
Textiles are also more than good enough for commuting, touring, general riding... Fair enough if you want to wear leathers, I don't like to wear regular jeans on the bike either - but you don't need to wear full leathers all the time, especially on a ped!
well tbh 125's easily reach over 70mph so it doesn't really matter surely?? My girlfriend works as a Radiographer in a hospital and has seen a guy come off a bike wearing normal jeans - NO THANKS!
Agree'd I don't need full leathers... however I guess the thread title is wrong to be pedantic - i'm relaly looking for Boots, Helmet, Gloves, Leather Jacket and i guess textile armoured trousers to go over jeans that I wear to work...
I will do my DAS in Spring 2008 and get a bigger bike then so hopefully the stuff I buy can last and I can use some of it on a big bike...
TBH you wouldn't get me on a bike without protection unless I was literally going a mile down the road to the shop or something...
But thanks for all the help ppl this thread is really useful for me!
Associate
- Joined
- 31 Dec 2004
- Posts
- 1,384
- Location
- Essex, UK
Thats when most accidents happen
My knees were really scrapped up and I couldn't walk properly for about 3 weeks and I have dead nerves in my knees. My right shoulder is permanently bent back slightly from the impact... at only 30mph (Dawn, slightly wet, mud from tractor on exit of corner, inexperience)... I was wearing a leather jacker (no armour) and Jeans... never again am I wearing less than leathers with armour.
Last edited:
true I guess, but I live in a village and I mean literally 1/2 mile through the village - my nearest supermarket is 10miles away so basically I'd never go on without protection is what i'm sayingThats when most accidents happen
This is exactly why I want proper protection from the first ever time I ride - I play too many sports and am too active to deal with any serious injury which could have been avoided by taking 1 minute to put on proper gear!
PS - did anyone check out the trousers i posted up there ^^^ what are they like?? any good?
Associate
- Joined
- 31 Dec 2004
- Posts
- 1,384
- Location
- Essex, UK
the strange thing is my jeans were intact it was the material that broke my skin and scratched it all up a friend has had it happen to him when wearing textiles. I had to avoid playing tennis for about a year only just gettign back in to it.