About to order Gear - Recommendations

Does this seem OK for gear?

Gloves: leatherup.com/p/Motorcycle-Gloves-/Mens-Black-Leather-and-Mesh-Gloves/47691.html

Jacket: leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Jackets/Mens-Black-and-Grey-Armored-Motorcycle-Cordura-Jackets/41437.html

Boots: I already have a pair of steel toed hiking boots that cover the ankles

Eyewear: I already have good eyewear as well as wanting a full faced helmet

Helmet: I have no clue on this one, any recommendations? I will be getting a cruiser, so I would rather it look more cruiser type helmet than sporty.

Pants: What is the best solution here?

Helmet - go to some local places and try them on. Different brands have different fits, whether you're talking about trueness to measurement or overall head shape. They also have different weight and balance characteristics. Ideally you want to go to a store, try a few on, and be able to wear it around the shop for an appreciable length of time. Remember, what's annoying to you while you're sitting there is going to be unbearable after a while of riding.

Those gloves might be a little hot if you live in a warm climate.

Good deal on a nice looking jacket. I have a similar one that is protective yet not as hot as leather.

Most helmets advertised as cruiser helmets are not full face. But even though I have a cruiser style bike, I still went for a full face helmet for the added protection. I bought the KBC VR-3 helmet but there are many to choose from. This is one thing you should try on before you buy. Wear it for awhile and make sure it's tight but there are no hot spots and you don't get a headache.

As far as pants go, you can opt for jeans with armor or specific motorcycle pants with armor, or even armored overpants. Some will even zipper to the back of your jacket if your jacket has a back zipper.

Good luck!

I HIGHLY recommend a full face helmet. Remember, "Dress for the slide, not the ride." Those half-helmet/brain buckets might look cool going down the road, but you won't be looking nearly as cool bandaged up after having to have facial reconstruction surgery after an accident.

Why you should wear a full-face helmet (http://jeff.dean.home.att.net/swisher.htm)

On the subject of a full-face helmet, if you are at all claustrophobic like I am, just putting on a full-face helmet may freak you out, but I can wear a modular helmet just fine.. being able to put it on without sticking my head through that little hole made all the difference.

~~Veronica

Not knocking modular helmets, but they are not Snell cert. They also don't match up to standard full face helmets by the SHARP standards. If better protection is available, you should do what you have to in order to protect yourself. Just my 2 cents.

Any recommendations on ones you like? I know I need to try some on but doenst hurt to have somewhere to start.

I have an HJC ac-12. it is very comfortable, it vents nicely. When they are open, it feels like the wind is in your face, even though the shield is closed and locked. Check newenough.com in the closeout section for some wicked good deals. I payed $119, my pic is up in the satiesfied customer section (they also give you $10 off if you fill out a happy customer thing). The entire liner of the helmet comes out, and is machine washable.

Although I love my helmet, I'm sure the HJC ac12 is not superior to all other helmets. There are many other quality brands out there. The SHARP rating system is brand new, thus they haven't tested many helmets. It is surprising to see, that many snell and dot rated helmets did so poorly. I ride a little less worried knowing my helmet has the highest crash safety rating out there. I would start by trying out the various 4 and 5 star helmets. http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/news/

just to let you know about that jacket. if you red the reviews they all mention that it runs a size small.. i disagree, it runs several sizes small 9at least in bigger sizes). Im a big guy, i live in the north. for my winter jacket i wear columbia which is also known to run small. i couldnt quite wear a 2x columbia, so i bought a 3x and its quite big on me, but up here that is nice cuz we layer alot in the winter. i ordered that jacket from leatherup in 3x using the same logic, and not even close. I reordered the 5x and i can wear it but only without the liner. Like i said i know im abig guy but all my jackets are 2x except my 3x columbia.

I like my helmet, Shoei RF-1000. More of crotch-rocket styling but it is very comfortable (no problem on 2+ hour rides) and the venting works GREAT.

Another good alternative to Shoei is Scorpion. I have never used one but I hear they have an excellent product for a much lower price.

EDIT: About the modulars, just remember one piece is stronger than two. No matter how beefy that joint is it's still a weak point.