All the gear, no idea?

[justinguitar]

So I'll be buying a GS in the next week or two. Not been riding for 10 years, but doing a refresher locally, then planning the BMW training in Wales and also wanna get going with IAM asap cos I've heard re-riders like me can be hazardous and I got cats to look after

I want to make sure that I do the best to protect myself. I've bought Sidi Adventure boot and an X3 lid after seeing many recommendations for them... but I can't decide on throwing a heap of money at Rukka outfit. The Kalahari stuff is end of line and on sale so less than 1k for the whole suit...

Seems to make sense to buy the best kit I can afford to look after myself, and being a noob I guess my chances of a drop or two are high... and I can afford it. So I should right?

In my teens I dropped my bike a few times and scratched myself up pretty bad wearing jeans and a cheap leather jacket and I sure don't want that happening again.

So what am I asking? Well, maybe just looking for re-assurance than blowing money on great protective gear is good idea.

 

[flatdog]

So I'll be buying a GS in the next week or two. Not been riding for 10 years, but doing a refresher locally, then planning the BMW training in Wales and also wanna get going with IAM asap cos I've heard re-riders like me can be hazardous and I got cats to look after

I want to make sure that I do the best to protect myself. I've bought Sidi Adventure boot and an X3 lid after seeing many recommendations for them... but I can't decide on throwing a heap of money at Rukka outfit. The Kalahari stuff is end of line and on sale so less than 1k for the whole suit...

Seems to make sense to buy the best kit I can afford to look after myself, and being a noob I guess my chances of a drop or two are high... and I can afford it. So I should right?

In my teens I dropped my bike a few times and scratched myself up pretty bad wearing jeans and a cheap leather jacket and I sure don't want that happening again.

So what am I asking? Well, maybe just looking for re-assurance than blowing money on great protective gear is good idea.

If you can afford to consider Rukka stuff in your budget, then you won't be far off the mark in terms of best comfort / protection / durability. Some will have different views, but if you are already considering this level, then get kitted up and see how you feel.

 

[Adamj79]

It's your money at the end of the day, so the final choice rests with you.

All I'd say is that money spent on decent good quality gear isn't really wasted if its going to help save your skin if unfortunately you do come off. Just don't be drawn into thinking the most expensive is automatically the best. Sure Rukka gear is tip top, some of my mates bike for a living and swear by it, but other brands such as Hein gericke offer options which aren't too far behind in performance (if at all) but are that bit cheaper.

Ride magazine recently did a textile gear comparison, try and have a look at that. Maybe try some different brands on before you buy to check the fit and see if the various features suit what you're looking for.

 

[Pablo1]

Not been riding for 10 years, but doing a refresher locally, then planning the BMW training in Wales and also wanna get going with IAM asap cos I've heard re-riders like me can be hazardous and I got cats to look after
.

Very sensible and much more important than the quality of your gear, you will probably take some time finding the right gear for you personally so instead of splashing out big time have a look at HG for good value comfortable and safe gear.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Buy quality= Buy once

If you get inferior stuff you'll not be happy with it

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Hein Gerick are very good, but Rukka offers 5 years warranty with all of there clothing, they replaced my trousers (after lending me a new pair whilst mine went for repair) that were 3.5 years old and worn every day, can't see HG doing that. It was worth paying the slight extra for that alone.

I have worn Rukka for about 8 years now, still on original jacket (not leaked yet). I wouldn't put my money anywhere else for an all day comfortable, waterproof and warm 2 piece suit (lining can be taken out on warm days).

Plus if you decide after a couple of years that your not riding much, you can get good money back on ebay or here etc

 

[JWFr]

Buy quality= Buy once

If you get inferior stuff you'll not be happy with it

Agree 100%- and buy the best you can afford. I came back into biking after a 20 year gap only 3 years ago, and already discovered I don't bounce as well as I used to! Luckily good 'comfortable' armoured gear helped to avoid even a light scratch! I don't have Rukka or Hein Gericke, as they are way off my budget scale. Rather than a whole textile suit I prefer a really good pair of armoured leather trousers and a Goretex armoured textile jacket for comfort and flexibility.

There is a huge choice out there nowadays, and some good manufs as well as the well known names. Each to their own, but make sure it's comfortable, If it's comfortable it's safer 'cos your not struggling with it!

 

[justinguitar]

Thank you all for the advice, much appreciated

Went for the Kalahari set, have a 09 SE arriving in a couple of weeks so very excited, just hope the weather to improves so I can go do a refresher course before bike arrives!!

Cheers!

 

[SkyGod]

Enjoy it mate