Help with first motorcycle apparel, best places to buy.

[Osros]

I searched some posts but did not really find what I wanted.

I never been on a motorcycle so when I get the Spyder it will be my first time with helmets, jackets and such. I been to a dealership a seen what they had to offer which was ok just don't know if they where my best options and prices.

Is there other stores in the North Texas area anyone can recommend or any online sites that you are happy with. What you recommend for my first helmet and jackets? Do I need the padded jackets?

I realize its a preference thing, but would like some ideas on my first setup and maybe later I will get more comfortable getting something better or stylish :doorag:

Thanks

[Raknid]

I try to support the local dealers whenever I can - though I am not familiar with TX. I have found most will deal to get in the ballpark of online store pricing. I am willing to pay a bit more for the ability to see actual product and have a local place to go to. That being said, it is sometimes hard to find dealers that have inventory to try on and feel. That being the case, I have researched on the internet. I have found Competition Accessories to be good to work with. Also, Iron Pony.

[BLUE MULE]

Don't know where you are in North Texas, but there are several locations for Cyclegear here in the Metroplex. Another good place is Motoliberty in Dallas. If you are in our area , I am also including a couple of our Spyder Ryders of North Texas site links. Our Facebook link is a good place to ask questions about local rides and get local info. Also, you can hook up with other Spyder owners. I like to buy a lot of my stuff on e-bay, but I also buy locally when I can. For a newbie, I would go to a brick and mortar and try stuff on and get a feel for the sizes and get a first hand look at what some of the different offerings are.

Kyle

http://www.cyclegear.com/

http://www.motoliberty.com/da_store.asp

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/177340962330792/

http://www.spyderrydersofnorthtexas.com/

[gnz2250]

Central Texas Powersports in Georgetown has a good selection of gear and the staff is very helpfull at selecting the right gear for your riding style.

[DocRags]

Only you can make the decision about how much protection you want to wear; we're proponents of ATGATT. You definitely need to try on different helmets and figure out what one suits you the best. Check out different helmets at a local bike shop, if you can. We like helmets with a built in sun visor, so we've had HJC and, more recently, a Vega V-comm helmet (built in communications system). It's nice to be able to try on different apparel, but our local dealer doesn't carry much in the way of clothing. We personally like armored jackets, but we've been on rides with people in short sleeves. That's just not something we do. We've purchased jackets from Competition Accessories as well as off eBay (you can find good deals on Can-Am stuff there). We have chaps for colder weather riding, although some folks we ride with wear motorcycle pants. (I've found them a little more cumbersome to walk around in and prefer the chaps). Good luck deciding what to get.

[jScotD]

as far as helmets go.. don't buy on line.. you have to try them on.. walk around the showroom for awhile and notice the pressure points.. they don't ease up with wear... you don't need a vise on your head that will give you a headache a few hrs in..

[ARtraveler]

Sorry that I cannot give you advice about local dealers. A great place to "see it all" on line is

motorcyclesuperstore.com.

I am also a proponent of buying local where possible but if I want item x and cannot find it, I will go elsewhere.

Also a proponent of ATGATT so this would be a basic list that I would suggest.

Helmet: recommend full face. Communicators, Cardo or Sena. I like Nolan helmets because they have an articulated front piece that raises up and makes access to the helmet easier.

Riding Gear: Leather or Textile? I like both. A really, really, good deal available from Alaskalealther.com Boots, chaps, and a leather jacket for $299.00. package price. Textile jackets and pants can run $700.00 and up depending what level of protection you want. In your area of the country you do not need cold weather riding gear. I like Firstgear and my 3 outfits prove it. BajaRon on our site sells Firstgear also.

Boots: traditional or european. You can get a good pair of european style waterproof for around $150. traditional (engineer style) can run from $90 and up.

Gloves--get good leather ones. I have light, medium, medium waterproof, and heavy for winter driving.

You can spend a lot of money or a little--but need to look around a bit. Good luck with your search and have fun with the new gear.

A "leather package" above will get you into business for about $800 or less for everything. Helmet, communicators, leather riding gear, boots, gloves.

[PrairieSpyder]

I have a leather jacket and a textile one. I use the textile one almost exclusively. It's tour aster and has 3 layers. In summer I use only the mesh jacket, then when it's cooler I can zip on the outer shell. In the coldest times I add in the quilted lining. I really like the flexibility.

[Spyder777]

www.leatherup.com

[asp125]

Gotta give a shoutout to Motorcyclegear.com. They are a family business in Shallowater Tx. Great selection at affordable prices. Their customer support has always been knowledgeable and responsive. I had to return a jacket (mis-sized) one time and they shipped my replacement out before I sent the old one back. http://www.motorcyclegear.com/

[Brew crew]

Being newbies ourselves, we had to invest in all the gear too so know what you are going thru! We checked out our local stores tried on various helmets to check for fit, style, etc. My first helmet was a modular Scorpion, my hubby a modular HJC. Just got the same as his a few weeks ago. We had to order his because most stores didn't carry the size he needed. My sister recommended motorcycle-superstore.com -- she has purchased from them for years. Their prices were $30+ cheaper with free shipping and no tax. We have also had no hassles from them with return either. Plus they always give you a discount coupon for your next order! I love a sale! I recently purchased my leather jacket from there too - had found it at a local store, but again, the price is why we purchased from them. I like to shop locally, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. Have purchased gloves, my first helmet, and other accessories from them.

We ended up with the modular helmet because they give you the benefit of a full face, has built in sunglasses, is easier to out on, can have the chin part up when want to (especially during hot days I found it more comfortable). I know some people say full helmets aren't necessary, but after knowing people who have had accidents and knowing how the helmet saved them I won't go without. We have also adopted the ATGATT philosophy. Have fun shopping!




"knees to the breeze!"

[crw8781]

Try to find a store in your area that only deals in motorcycle gear. There prices for the most part are cheaper than Motorcycle
dealer prices for gear.:spyder:

[jScotD]

remember.. when you buy locally .. you support your neighbors and yourself in the tax dollars that go back into to your community.. not someone elses ... loose a nickle spend a dime

[BLUE MULE]

Also, the International Motorcycle Show is in Dallas this weekend at the convention center. The will have gear vendors there for you to check out and BRP will be there with the new Spyder lineup. Would be a great place to start for a newbie. You can talk to the BRP reps personally if you need to know more about the Spyder. Also, on Saturday at 2:00, about 50 or 60 riders from DFW, Houston and parts unknown will be there for a meet and greet. Great chance to hook-up with a lot of us Spyder folk and ask some of those burning questions.

http://www.motorcycleshows.com/dallas

[Adirondack Mik]

www.foxcreekleather.com (http://www.foxcreekleaher.com). Top quality U.S. made leather goods. If your looking for light weight designer stuff they are not for you. Super fast shipping, easy returns if you pick the wrong size. Made to last a couple of lifetimes.

[currin20fan]

Right now CycleGear.com has a great 66% sale going on. Check it out. Plus they have riding boots that are waterproof.

[shelbydave]

For your first time, do find a local store to buy from. The fit of Motorcycle gear is way different than regular clothes / jackets. What we did was some research online, then went to a local store that carried the same products, and tested them out. They had a higher price tag than online, so I asked if they would price match. All I had to do was to pull up the website on my phone for them to verify the price, and they matched. I had to pay sales tax, but saved on shipping.

As someone else has said.. never buy a helmet online unless you are simply replacing yours with the same make / model. Helmet sizes vary from every manufacturer. Also the shape / style of the helmet will affect the fit.

[spyder3]

http://www.revzilla.com Very good service and return policy if you order the wrong size. Alot of videos on products also.

[bikeguy]

BlueMule mentioned the International Motorcycle show which is in Dallas this weekend. I would agree wholeheartedly. You will not only find a lot of gear there and much of it at show special prices but many very well informed sales people. I'd recommend attending and, if you do, be sure to stop at Arai helmets' display and listen to Bruce Porter explain about motorcycle helmets. I don't think anyone in the world knows more about helmets than he does.

BlueMule also recommended Motoliberty in Dallas and included a link. I agree. They are very well stocked and also have well informed sales people.

Online, BajaRon has good prices on riding gear and helmets, and ships faster than anyone. He also knows his business and is a site sponsor. Just PM him on Spyderlovers. Motorcyclegear.com in Shallowater, Texas just outside Lubbock, is a good online source as well.

Cotton

[Littlebadwolf]

Check out Ebay for sure for Can-Am stuff...I just won a bid for a set of leather pants that retail for $399 and I got them for $51.00 from Leaders Marine in Kalamazoo. Leaders has a lot for stuff for both male and female...Can't beat bargins like that.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Can-Am-Spyder-Roadster-New-OEM-Leather-Pants-Grey-Black-Large-Mens-Riding-Lg-/200841336133?vxp=mtr

[Tazzel]

I shop at my local motorcycle gear shops. Find what I like and what fits then I go home and research how much I can find it for online. Sometimes you can save 200.00 - to 300.00 on the helmet alone. Plus in most cases you dont pay tax or shipping. I few times I have printed the info out and take the info to the local dealer and ask if he can match the price. Sometimes they will and sometimes they say they cant.

[wyliec]

I may have missed it; but, our very own BajaRon is a (top notch) supporting vendor that sells riding gear, including helmets, pants, jackets, and also other products like sway bars, oil products, plug wires, etc. I have found him to be top notch (oh, I just repeated myself; but, can't say enough good things about Ron) and more than willing to help with questions.

Okay, now I can go back into hiding.

I'm sorry; post #7 also mentions Baja. My mistake.

[shelbydave]

I may have missed it; but, our very own BajaRon is a (top notch) supporting vendor that sells riding gear, including helmets, pants, jackets, and also other products like sway bars, oil products, plug wires, etc. I have found him to be top notch and more than willing to help with questions.

Okay, now I can go back into hiding.

I'm sorry; post #7 also mentions Baja. My mistake.

I think a lot has to do with the fact that the OP has never had a motorcycle, or riding gear before. I had considered BajaRon when we were looking, but I do feel we were better off with the local option, as we had to go in, try them all on, take them apart, and such. If I had more experience with different gear, I'd have no problem dealing with him, or any other online vendor. I just didn't think it was fair to go to a local store, take up their time, try their gear on, then walk out and order online. Now that I have an idea how the jackets work, and sizes run, I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him the next time.

[HedonismBot]

Big shout out to leatherup.com (http://www.leatherup.com). I bought my helmet along with my wife's. We shopped locally for sizing but bought online as their price was far more reasonable. They also provide good sizing charts.

We also bought our armored jackets there: http://www.leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Jackets/Xelement-Mens-Silver-Igniter-Tri-Tex-Fabric-and-Mesh-Motorcycle-Jacket/51270.html. My wife has the same brand in black for women. The jackets are great and include zipout liners and venting pockets. So far I'm very happy with Xelement's quality and price. Remember to buy a size or two up if you plan on layering. I wear an XL jacket and bought 2XL. It fits but could have gone with a 3XL.

I've also bought from Revzilla.com (http://www.revzilla.com) and Jafrum.com (http://www.jafrum.com). It's really important to shop around. I've found a helmet at Jafrum that was $70 more at Revzilla. For me, Revzilla has become my place to go to for detailed product information (often they have videos), but more often than not, they are the highest price.

[rcantrell52]

My wife and I purchased our gear from Moto Liberty 2 years ago at their Midnight Madness Sale. Their Midnight Madness Sale is Saturday, November 10th starting at 10AM. We purchased Olympia jackets, pants, and gloves at this sale. Moto Liberty has recently moved to the access road on the north side 635 west of Josey lane.
Reese

[Tazzel]

I think a lot has to do with the fact that the OP has never had a motorcycle, or riding gear before. I had considered BajaRon when we were looking, but I do feel we were better off with the local option, as we had to go in, try them all on, take them apart, and such. If I had more experience with different gear, I'd have no problem dealing with him, or any other online vendor. I just didn't think it was fair to go to a local store, take up their time, try their gear on, then walk out and order online. Now that I have an idea how the jackets work, and sizes run, I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him the next time.


I dont think its fair for local shops to mark everything up at least 50 %

[Littlebadwolf]

BajaRon's stuff is also very well priced and his service delivery is exceptional...

[rc51ny]

I always shop the closeouts at the online stores. I also have bought from Honda Toledo--Justin there is awesome. In any case, make sure of your sizes if you shop online--sometimes returns on closeouts can save lots of money but be a pain to return. Here's a few of my favorite spots:

www.motorcyclecloseouts.com

www.newenough.com

www.ironpony.com (my favorite online store)

[Osros]

Thanks all for the feedback! A lot of good stuff to look at. I will most certainly check out my local shops and sponsors here as we'll as the sites. I did dip in to a motorcycle place today I had no idea what was my helmet size, looks like a XL just need to try more and make sure I have a correct fit. I'm off to a good start thanks again. Oh and just like everything else the stuff I like the most is the most expensive, figures :)

[bikeguy]

Oh and just like everything else the stuff I like the most is the most expensive, figures :)

Yeah, me too. But that's because, like they say, you get what you pay for. Sometimes you can find last year's versions of top brands of riding gear at closeout prices that are half what the newer versions are selling for. I've done this a number of times. BajaRon has had some really good closeout prices on FirstGear stuff and on Arai helmets. Motorcyclegear.com has also had some good closeout sales.

I don't buy much gear from my local dealer for a couple of reasons. First, they don't have a very good stock of what I would call good quality gear. Most of their gear is cheaper stuff that I don't like. They also don't have sales people who are very knowledgable about riding gear. I'm not criticizing them for this, it's just a fact. Sometimes, they will work with me on prices although they will probably still be higher than online prices. It's worth a little more because I don't have to worry about sending the stuff back if it's not right.

But one thing that I won't do, is go in and try on gear and then order it online after I find what fits. Doing that just rubs my conscience the wrong way. So when I order wearing apparel online I'm sure to order from companies that have good return policies in case the product doesn't fit or just isn't what I expected it to be.

Cotton

[asp125]

... I did dip in to a motorcycle place today I had no idea what was my helmet size, looks like a XL just need to try more and make sure I have a correct fit.

That is one (KEY) area where a knowledgeable sales associate trained in helmet fit is invaluable. They will measure your head and know the difference between a correct but snug fit, vs an incorrect but snug fit.

[Osros]

Thanks all good stuff. I just left Moto Liberty in Dallas and the folks there where helpful and very knowledgeable. I got fitted for a Helmet turns out I'm a medium and gave me advice on helmet fitting for when I'm ready to buy. They even pointed me to a different store to try some of their Helmet brands they did not have to make sure I got the right fit and Helmet for me, which was pretty awesome.

I pretty much decided on a full face modular style Helmet, and have an idea jacket also I will go back for sure when I'm ready and also got the look al feel for all sorts of gear, so if I online shop I feel more comfortable deciding.

Moto Liberty - Thumbs up!

[ARtraveler]

Glad you got some good information and help. RE: Helmet sizing--different brands are not always the same when it comes to sizing--so try to keep that in mind. It is best to try on helmets--like you are doing--to make sure you get the size that fits you best for a particular brand.

I use Nolan helmets exclusively now because I like the way they fit and the features of the helmets. I have three full face and two modular versions. I like the fact that the whole front of the helmet opens up on the full face helmets. I have never enjoyed trying to stuff my head into the other types of full face helmets. Now that I know what size works, that allows me to shop around if I cannot find the one I want locally.

Shopping motorcycle gear can be both fun and intimidating. Enjoy your continued search and keep us posted.