riding gear woes

The Bilt stuff is made in Pakistan, like most of the low cost leather gear these days, not that this means any negative. I personally consider Bilt gear a "stop gap" brand, meaning if that's all you can afford to get you going, then it's better than not wearing gear at all. I did a comparison between a few of the "cheaper" brands and found that they are pretty much the same, very spartan in what they offer. Although it's still a "house" brand, the Sedici line is a step up from their Bilt line and in some cases wouldn't be a bad option. Ultimately I found a killer deal on two different pairs of leathers and went that route. I also, for giggles, bought a pair of $200 leathers from 'Top Gear Leathers' and found them to be decent leather quality but lacked the padding and protection found in the more expensive brands. Do a search for Top Gear leathers and check out the video I made. The Bilt gear is basically on Par with the TGL stuff.

 

I see quite a few cruiser/sport bike people wearing flip-flops quite a bit. This is while they are riding too, not washing the bike in the driveway. Anyway, its like the Darwin thing I guess...Seen one or two people with barefeet too. Dont wana be a thread high-jacker sooo000

 

KBC VR Laguna II Helmet - Street Motorcycle - Closeout - Motorcycle Superstore

I just bought one of these helmets for $56 shipped. I don't plan on keeping it forever, and there are many, MANY more helmets on there to fit every style and budget.

 

"I see quite a few cruiser/sport bike people wearing flip-flops quite a bit."

FL must be warm we've only got a month or so of flip flop weather.

 

It's pretty much the same here in Southern California, in fact during Christmas time we've spent time hanging on the beach or walking the Venice boardwalk! Not really a four season state. As far as flip-flop wearers, a lot of the big cruisers have the floorboards and toe-heel shifters, so flip-flops aren't difficult to shift with. One time I saw a rider and passenger wearing their swim wear while riding their HOG, tank-top, shorts and flip-flops for the guy and a bikini and flip-flops for the girl passenger. I guess it works for some people.:focus:

 

Lets not short shift the sportbike crowd. This is a fine example of NOTGATT.

http://www.classicmechanics.com/files/news/nakedcharity.jpg?1349082522

 

I can never "unsee" that... Ever!

 

I thought it uncovered the question about how many old guys ride Ducatis.

 

http://www.classicmechanics.com/files/news/nakedcharity.jpg?1349082522

Every one of those monsters always shook its head when I rode them, maybe I had too much gear on? Gives new definition of "neked bike."

I would wana wipe the seat before a ride...Cheers ; )

 

Just want to point out that the cost of a helmet+gloves+jacket+pants+boots is significantly less than one hospital bill for road rash. Much less painful, too.

As others have stated, barely-used gear for a fraction of the retail cost is the way to go.

 

Upon further consideration most of those guys seem to be wearing good boots and have good skidlids. I think the Duc is there mostly to indicate that they are not harleydoods.

 

motorcyclegear.com dude.


Awesome prices on gear. I got an officially licensed Honda mesh jacket for $30 on there before. Paid $65 for a Joe Rocket textile that I still ride in. Got a set of Joe Rocket waterproof over pants for $100, that retailed originally for $300.

 

im back to riding after 10 yrs or so, when i was younger it was shorts/tshirt/leather shoes/helmet. I got a bell helmet, icon mesh jacket, sidi boots, im not a leather pants type of guy, but i was looking at the kevlar jean/pants they sell, anybody wear? how comfortable are those? exactly how far can you slide on pavement in jeans before you are going to hospital for gravel removal?

 

I sold a Vanson Jacket recently for $200. it was perfect, except that it shrank while in the closet. that was $600+ retail Jacket! I have a nice Triumph Jacket (leather) that I wore about 8 times, that I listed for $80 & never got a call. I gotta think that there is a lot of good gear out there for BIG chunks off of retail.....the stuff just accumulates around me.....helmets, gloves..... my $.02.

 

How are you leftcoast...? Did you moved, have not seeing you around for quite sometime. Take care mate :thumbsup:

 

I can tell you I have at least 4 pairs of Kevlar pants that I use for commuting and they are pretty comfortable but you need armor underneath or you can still suffer impact injuries. As far as how long you can slide, I can't say as I have not put them to the test, but I would imagine it would depend on how fast you are going and/or how rough the pavement is. I have 3 pairs of the 'Slider' brand pants from Competition Accessories, which run ~$80 and a pair of Joe Rocket which i got on clearance for the same price as the Siders. All of then have an inner pouch for knee pads, but I prefer to use the kind that are secured with Velcro straps, as they will less likely move and will more likely be in the right position upon an impact. I also wear a pair of padded shorts underneath so my hips/thighs are protected as well. In the winter I'll wear a pair of the Bohn Armor Adventure pants instead of the fore mentioned hip/knee armor setup, as they help keep me warmer.

 

Watch Craigslist. I bought an HJC leather suit for $80 that saved my skin on the track. I've had a couple of Vanson jackets, I don't think I paid more than $150 for each of them. I'd never buy a used lid but the rest just depends on the condition. It won't cost you much with a little patience and searching. OTOH, if you shell out for new gear, $250 for Sidi boots that have lasted 8+ years and been "tested" on the road, it doesn't seem like too much of an investment given how long they last.

 

Doesn't wearing padded shorts and four pair of Kevlar pants get you mistaken for Kim Kardashian sometimes?

 

What better way to get cagers to notice me?

 

Cruising Compton now?