So, I bought my first bike, what gear do I need?
 

I read through a lot of this section of the forum and see a lot of gear references. What would you guys (and girls) suggest for a a typical new rider on an older cruiser.

Gratuitous bike pic (yes, its muddy)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b7...y/cars/003.jpg

Welcome

helmet
gloves
boots
leather jacket/mesh jacket
over pants/chaps

you don't have to spend a fortune, buy the best you can afford.

Get a good fitting helmet for starters. Then a jacket, gloves, and over the ankle boots and you should be fine.

Others will say add pants to that, but unless you have the $$$ jeans will do. Just realize this, you will crash. No kidding, ask anyone it's gonna happen, and be ready for it.

Leather is better than textile, but in the end some protection is better thanno protection.

Ok, I have seen that referenced a lot, what's a mesh jacket?

I ride a sportbike so I am sure my opinion on gear is different than what the cruiser guys will tell you...so instead of putting in my opinion I am just saying hi. :D :welcome:

Although...regardless of the bike...please wear a good helmet. :angel:

it's a textile jacket that is mesh. very breathable. this one isn't the only one out there but pretty good.

http://www.motosport.com/street/prod...=badger-street

You'll need a good fitting helmet, I'd suggest a full face. If you crash in a half-helmet, then what's gonna protect your chin from the pavement? Also a good set of riding gloves, a jacket, and over the ankle boots. In terms of protection, a leather jacket is gonna be the best, followed by textile, with mesh offering little more protection than a hoodie.

I ride both a big(ger) cruiser and a big sportbike and I ride the same gear for both around town. You will crash, I'm not trying to condemn you to anything. It's just the nature of learning how to ride, everyone on this board has crashed at some point. It's gonna happen, so be prepared for when it does.

All that aside, when you're ready get that old cruiser out be safe and most of all, have fun. Get out and meet new people.

I have a pretty nice Simpson helmet and a few HJC helmets, heavy leather jacket, and high top Timberlands I usually wear as well as leather gloves. I already got the crashing part taken care of. :) Used to ride years ago, oddly enough, an 81 Maxim, and flipped it.
I didn't know if you guys suggest buying specific riding gloves and boots as opposed to general purpose gloves and boots.