First Time Gear

[JamesNT]

Before I go any further:

I'd like to thank everyone on this forum. I've been reading the many threads and have already gotten a lot of questions answered. You guys are cool. I look forward to finally getting my new bike in a few short months!

But first things first. I have to get my motorcycle license. My class is coming up fast (November 18). The class has some requirements for garment so I thought I would ask opinions here.

* Footwear. I must use leather boots that cover the entire foot. Recommendations?

* Longsleeve shirt. Yeah, I got that.

* Longsleeve coat. Got that, two. I have a nice jean jacket I can wear.

* Gloves. Must cover the hands and be leather. Ideas?

* Pants. Levi's jeans, of course.

* Riding glasses. Ideas on this one? I assume my Oakleys will not cut it.

Thank you all for your help.

JamesNT

[HDSickness]

Just bring your credit card to the local Harley dealer and one of the lovely ladies there will help you find everything you will need.

[secoleman57]

Go down to your local Harbor freight and buy a pair of cheap tinted (or clear) wrap around safety glasses you can get the gloves there also but a good pair of motorcycle gloves is recommended. You'll be doing hours of low speed clutch and throttle work, your hands will probably go numb faster with cheap gloves.

Boots should support your ankle.

[mrmetal]

I would start looking for a good leather jacket something that will last for several years.The jean jacket would work for your course. A pair of work gloves would do for now but be careful if you buy Harley gloves they are expensive and most of Harley's apparel is made in China. I had a pair of Harley gloves and they fell apart in less than one month of riding. And I have another pair of Harley gloves that are more for cold weather that have lasted pretty well. As far as boots go a good work boot will be good.

[huskerbob]

Originally Posted by JamesNT

Before I go any further:

I'd like to thank everyone on this forum. I've been reading the many threads and have already gotten a lot of questions answered. You guys are cool. I look forward to finally getting my new bike in a few short months!

But first things first. I have to get my motorcycle license. My class is coming up fast (November 18). The class has some requirements for garment so I thought I would ask opinions here.

* Footwear. I must use leather boots that cover the entire foot. Recommendations? They usually require boots that reach above the ankle

* Longsleeve shirt. Yeah, I got that.

* Longsleeve coat. Got that, two. I have a nice jean jacket I can wear.

* Gloves. Must cover the hands and be leather. Ideas? Any leather gloves will work. make sure they're not too stiff. you can find better, more expensive riding gloves once you've passed you class and have time to do more research and know more about what you want.

* Pants. Levi's jeans, of course.

* Riding glasses. Ideas on this one? I assume my Oakleys will not cut it. Don't know why your Oakleys wouldn't be fine. Your class will be a low speeds so you shouldn't have to worry about wind/air flow blurring your visions. I'd check with the people putting on the class to be sure. You don't want to show up with "unacceptable" gear.

Thank you all for your help.

JamesNT

Good luck with your class!!!

[SCHMIDTYS]

The class doesn't require helmets ???

[GotGold]

Originally Posted by SCHMIDTYS

The class doesn't require helmets ???

They probably supply them... personally I'd go out and get my own. In case you go that route, it must be a DOT approved one.

[Red_Dragon]

Don't buy too much from dealer, you may not have enough for the bike. Well, just don't go crazy there.

When I did my class, I used my long fingered cycling gloves, but you can get from Honda or Yamaha dealer at much better price. For boots I used my steel toe work boots, even new only about $60. It was November when I took class too, kinda cold, wore a flannel with t-shirt underneath. Glasses, anything that will block sun glare off pavement.

Many items will be bought along the way that are strictly for the bike, but ok to be thrifty for the class.

Good luck, it's the best class ever!

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Motorcycle.com Free App

[bkmaxvrb]

Joe Rocket makes good quality gear. I wear a jacket and gloves from them. I also have a Vansen leather jacket. Fox Creek is really good as well. Both Vansen and Fox Creek are expensive but, they will last a lifetime. I also have another pair of gloves that are called "elkskin ropers". Do a google search and you'll find em. They are also carried by Aerostitch but theirs have the faceshield squeegee thing built into the thumb and I didn't like it. The ones without are better suited for me. They are extremely good and will also last a good long time.

[RAD_Softail]

Remember...this is just for the class. You don't need to rush off and get a bunch of expensive riding gear for this class and then end up not wearing it after you pass your class.

I just wore what I had on-hand: a long sleeved denim shirt, jeans, a regular heavy long sleeved jacket with a liner and some old hiking boots I had lying around that covered the ankle. I used the helmet they provided. The only thing I bought for the class were a good set of leather gauntlet gloves. My class was in January and it was cold and foggy. Dress warm, in layers, so you can remove clothing as the day warms up.

After you pass the class, then go shopping for the gear that you really want .