Safety gear advice?

Steffano2002

Hi there,

I have the coming week to pick out a jacket, gloves and a helmet as I will be picking up my bike next saturday. The dealer I'm buying the bike from could potentially provide these for me at a good price but apart from the HJC Helmet he had, I wasn't mad about the gloves and the jacket he was showing me.

So first question: Are HJC helmets any good?

Apparently they're N°1 in the US but that doesn't tell me much... I don't know which helmet it was exactly (CS or CL?) but it was nice and cost "only" €165 EUR (but he'll do it for me for €150 EUR). I know Arai or Shoei are great helmets but I can't really afford one of these right now!

Question N°2: Where is the best place in Dublin to purchase a jacket and gloves? Bikeworld?

My budget for these 2 items would be around €175/200 EUR. I know it's not a lot but between buying the bike and the insurance, that's pretty much all I can afford at the moment. Would you recommend a particular jacket? The one I tried in the dealer felt very secure with elbow and back protectors and all but I didn't like the look of it as it didn't stop at the waist (if you see what I mean). I don't like jackets that go down to mid/upper leg.

What about gloves? Any good ones out there that don't cost an arm and a leg?

I know I'm also going to have to buy boots and pants but it will have to wait for now (for financial reasons).

Thank you in advance for your help!

Steffano2002

Oh and I forgot to mention locks... What would you recommend? A disc lock + hain/padlock or U-lock? Any advice much appreciated!

babybundy

Steffano2002 wrote:

Oh and I forgot to mention locks... What would you recommend? A disc lock + hain/padlock or U-lock? Any advice much appreciated!

i liked the disc lock called the grenade its silver and blue and fairly solid
personally i dont like hjc helmets wat kind of bike is it i'll assume going by your questions its small bike personally i like the nitro n311-v they are around 70 or 80 euros i havent tried it out thankfully but it seems good enough the jacket take a look at the nitro pyton32 jacket it is around 200 but its good i have both these and like them i am looking for a new pants myself i just use a good set of leather boots i got in the fca and layer them in polish to keep them water proof

Steffano2002

Thank you for your advice babybundy!

Why don't you like HJC helmets? Too heavy? Too noisy? Too expensive? Looks?

I am getting a '02 Bandit 600 and it's my first "big bike" so I need a proper helmet. The Nitro N311-V looks nice and is very cheap. But does low cost mean poor quality?

Couldn't find any info on the web for the Nitro jacket... Do you have a link by any chance?

Thanks again for your help!

a_ominous

For reasonably priced gear, Cotters near Ballymount, not far from Bike World, without question. I bought my first jacket, lid (NZi), gloves, locks there 4 years ago. Can't find a link, but there's always the telephone. I think I paid about 350 lid, gloves, jacket and locks. I didn't want to spend top dollar in case I didn't like the biking. Always found them to be very competitively priced, since then.

Simon Cotter has got a bigger shop now, and last time I was in (April), he had lots of surplus stock from I guess the UK, last season, etc. and it looked okay. Was disorganised, but they were organising it that weekend.

My second lid is a HJC. I was on a day's training with David Lyons. My NZi visor started acting up that day, becoming unclipped on one side. This was the second visor and I wasn't completely happy with the NZi.
I've had HJC lid for 2 years, even though I bought it in desparation (training, rainy day). Paid about 220 yoyos IIRC. I do wear earplugs anytime I'm going for an extended run, though not commuting to work.

Locks: I use a disk lock and a BFO chain. I have a ground anchor at house and lock bike to bicycle racks in work, if possible. I read in MCN recently an interview with a bike thief. His advice was not to leave a lock near where you park: he could pick lock or cut it and leave it cable-tied so while you think bike is secure, he comes along and cuts cable tie and takes your prized possession.


Gloves:
you will need different pairs for summer and winter, but you only need summer ones now, obviously. Summer gloves are not designed to be water proof, but provide maximum protection. Winter gloves are made to be warm and water proof (??) and tend to be bulkier, so you sacrifice some protection.

Steffano2002

Thank you once again for a very useful post a_ominous!

I'll go have a look at both Cotters (and Bikeworld) this coming week. The (summer) gloves and helmet I can get down in Wexford for a total price of €185 EUR. I think that's not too bad and I'm happy enough with the look, fit and weight of the HJC helmet. Are you happy with your HJC a_ominous? Would you recommend them?

Now, for the jacket, I didn't particularly like the one down in Wexford so I hope to find a better one in either Cotters or Bikeworld. And I'll have to pick up some locks too...

Idleater

Steffano2002 wrote:

I have the coming week to pick out a jacket, gloves and a helmet...
So first question: Are HJC helmets any good?

HJC are very good. Nitro helmets are the same as OGK helmets.

What I would recommend is going to Bikeworld and Perhaps some of the bike shops in town like Mountjoy motorcycles and some others. Planet Fun have a good range too.

When boying a helmet, the thing to remember is that the safest helmet for you is the one that fits you best. Try them on, look over your shoulders with them and see how much (or little) you can see with the different models. Name counts for a bit with helmets but go with comfort and fit above all else.

Steffano2002 wrote:

Question N°2: Where is the best place in Dublin to purchase a jacket and gloves? Bikeworld?
My budget for these 2 items would be around €175/200 EUR.

I don't like jackets that go down to mid/upper leg.
What about gloves? Any good ones out there that don't cost an arm and a leg?

Bikeworld have a good selection of "textile" jackets. I got a nice Lookwell one in there when I was starting out. I have since moved up to leathers which I find more comfortable.

Steffano2002 wrote:

I know I'm also going to have to buy boots and pants but it will have to wait for now (for financial reasons).

Boots are also quite important. So I would recommend getting them as soon as you can. I got a great pair of Oxtar goretex boots 2.5years ago and they are still perfect. Not a leak and no cold toes in winter. Bought them in that bike shop in Harolds X (cant remember the name).

If you were interested, the bike show in the NEC in Birmingham in October is a good time to pick up some bargains. I drove last year but you can do it via aeroplane as a day trip.

L.

Jamesobrady

You cant really go wrong with the akito range of jackets.... the cobra range is popular.....I think prices are circa 200euro though.


You haven't metioned boots or armoured pants either..... if you cant afford them right now definately budget for getting some in the near future....I've seen a mates knee cap recently from a 10mph lowside, it wasn't pretty.......

Steffano2002

Jamesobrady wrote:

You cant really go wrong with the akito range of jackets.... the cobra range is popular.....I think prices are circa 200euro though.

Thank you for the info Jamesobrady!

Jamesobrady wrote:

You haven't metioned boots or armoured pants either..... if you cant afford them right now definately budget for getting some in the near future....I've seen a mates knee cap recently from a 10mph lowside, it wasn't pretty.......

Can't afford them right now but I intend to get them ASAP!

Steffano2002

nereid wrote:

HJC are very good. Nitro helmets are the same as OGK helmets.

What I would recommend is going to Bikeworld and Perhaps some of the bike shops in town like Mountjoy motorcycles and some others. Planet Fun have a good range too.

When buying a helmet, the thing to remember is that the safest helmet for you is the one that fits you best. Try them on, look over your shoulders with them and see how much (or little) you can see with the different models. Name counts for a bit with helmets but go with comfort and fit above all else.

Thanks for your post nereid!

The HJC helmet I tried fit really well I thought. When I shook my head vigorously from side to side it didn't move much (if at all) yet it didn't feel tight. In fact it was really confortable! I think I'll just get this one then...

nereid wrote:

Bikeworld have a good selection of "textile" jackets. I got a nice Lookwell one in there when I was starting out. I have since moved up to leathers which I find more comfortable.

I'll be going there this coming week so I'll check out their collection. Worse come worse there's always that jacket I tried in Wexford...

nereid wrote:

Boots are also quite important. So I would recommend getting them as soon as you can. I got a great pair of Oxtar goretex boots 2.5years ago and they are still perfect. Not a leak and no cold toes in winter. Bought them in that bike shop in Harolds X (cant remember the name).

I'll definitely be getting boots ASAP but my Caterpillars are going to have to do for now I'm afraid...

nereid wrote:

If you were interested, the bike show in the NEC in Birmingham in October is a good time to pick up some bargains. I drove last year but you can do it via aeroplane as a day trip.

Would love to go but I don't think I'll be able to afford it with all that crazy money I'm spending on the bike/gear/insurance...

BTW, isn't there a similar bike show in the RDS every year? When is that usually on?

Idleater

Steffano2002 wrote:

BTW, isn't there a similar bike show in the RDS every year? When is that usually on?

Yeah, its on around March I think.

The way I got the bike gear, like yourself I spread it over a few months.

first was the helmet, jacket and gloves.

Then the trousers. Then the boots.

Now, I am staggering all the replacements over 6/12mth intervals. Jacket, Trousers, Helmet.

To be honest, it is an expensive start to biking, and compared to a car the costs are quite high. However, as you will find out, the benifets and freedom more than make up for it.

L.

subway

ive one of them nitro helmets.
not bad at all.

i just wear a pair of steel toe boots and jeans.
never done me wrond, but then i dont fall off

anyway,
was out in bike world at the weekend,
for such a huge store the selection is ****e.
2 or 3 brands, not much range in either type of jacket or style.
seem fairly over priced too.
wouldnt waste my time going back at all.

best thing to do, imo, is find a jacket online that you like the look of,
then find a dealer locally who stocks it.
thats im gonna do...

Steffano2002

nereid wrote:

The way I got the bike gear, like yourself I spread it over a few months.

first was the helmet, jacket and gloves.

Exactly what I'm doing!

nereid wrote:

To be honest, it is an expensive start to biking, and compared to a car the costs are quite high. However, as you will find out, the benifets and freedom more than make up for it.

I hope you're right! 'm sh!tting myself I am... But looking forward to it none the less!

Steffano2002

subway wrote:

Anyway,
was out in bike world at the weekend, for such a huge store the selection is ****e.
2 or 3 brands, not much range in either type of jacket or style.
seem fairly over priced too. Wouldnt waste my time going back at all.

Best thing to do, imo, is find a jacket online that you like the look of,
then find a dealer locally who stocks it. Thats im gonna do...

That's bad news... I think I'll still go have a look but I'll also start looking online... Let me know if you find any good links!

Hotblack Desiato

Steffano2002 wrote:

The HJC helmet I tried fit really well I thought. When I shook my head vigorously from side to side it didn't move much (if at all) yet it didn't feel tight. In fact it was really confortable! I think I'll just get this one then...

It shouldn't feel TOO comfortable when new, if you know what I mean.
It should feel a little bit of a firm fit, but all around and not concentrated in one particular spot. Different helmets have different shapes so you need to try them all.
The lining will compress and loosen with time, so if it's loose now it will be very loose in a few months.

subway

agree with what ninja900 says.
the helmet shell, the hard part should fit your head.
the lining should really just keep it tight to your face and stop it moving around, it also makes it more comfortable than having olid fibreglass on your head all day

put on the helmet, it should be really tight against your face, but feel perfect on the top and side of your skull, thats usually a good indication.

differnt makes use different padding set-ups so feel different at the start.

the nitor one i have a t the moment has a really long chin bar, almost to my chest when on the bike, but its very close to my face, which i like.
the old one i had, a caberg, had a narrown chin bar which i felt was too far from my face.

anyway, try a few on, se what suites you, try not to just buy the one the shop gives you, theyre usually pushing a supplier so it might not be the best helmet for you.

Steffano2002

I'm definitely getting the HJC for €150 on saturday... Otherwise I'll have no gear to get the bike back to Dublin on saturday at this rate!
That HJC felt really good and looked alright. And I can afford it!

However, if I find a better one somewhere this week for around the same price I might just buy it...

Georgey Burgess

Steffano, Go to Easons or any good newsagents and get a cpoy of RiDE magazine. They test every type of bike gear from gloves to boots, leathers, textile, to locks, ground anchors, tools tp chain lube, end cans etc.

They are not affiliated to any particular brand and give all the gear rigorous testing. They have a triangle system, a product with a white triangle is RiDE Recommended and a green triangle is 'Best Buy'. Best buy doesn't necessarily score the highest marks but does score high and is good value for money.

The current issue on the shelves has a free supplement which gives the results of all the tests they've done to date. You should deffinitely pick this up and have a look.

You would be amazed at some of the big name high cost brands that score poorly in their tests.

The Doktor

one thing for your helmet, if you know the model and the size that fits, have a look online. did that for my current helmet, and saved a few quid.

Steffano2002

Thanks for the tip Georgey Burgess! I'll pick up a copy ASAP!

@ The Doktor: doing what you suggested crossed my mind but unfortunately I need the gear for Saturday when I go down to Wexford to pick up the bike... And at €150 EUR, I think that HJC helmet is pretty good value! I'll be looking online for a lot of other stuff though!

Thanks again for all your help!

a_ominous

Steffano2002 wrote:

Are you happy with your HJC a_ominous? Would you recommend them?

I suppose I am: I've not had to put it to the test and hope never to. The model I have is FG-14 and fits well. I did also buy a Caberg with an internal dark visor but it's very tight on my ears and not much of a gap in front of my chin. I also wear glasses, so this affected my choice of lid.
The HJC lid is British Motorcycle Sport approved which means it can be used on a track. And also got TUV, which NZi lid didn't have.

I've never tried Shoei or Arai: put off by very high prices. Can't understand the reason for the high price when HJC meets seem regaulations.

Steffano2002

Right I'm definitely going for that HJC helmet then! If it turns out I don't like it I can always can another in a few months!

I don't get why Shoei or Arai are so expensive either... Perhaps it's because they are fashionable?

Thanks again a_ominous!

Idleater

Steffano2002 wrote:

I don't get why Shoei or Arai are so expensive either... Perhaps it's because they are fashionable?

It is only a guess but I would break it down as follows:

internal shell: ~100g lighter but same strength +€100
external shell: same as others + €0
paintwork: (nice) +€50
name: +€100
ventilation: +€50
internal cloth: +€20

so base helmet say = €250
nice arai = €250 + 100 + 50 + 100 +50 + 20 = €570

I have a plain shoei which I bought because it was the most comfortable helmet I tried for €280. 3 years on and it is still perfect.

L.

mullin

Got a HJC FG-14 too, got it from the bike shop in Nottingham when I was over there visiting family around Easter time, £130 sterling I think (no VAT on helmets over in the UK).......tried on several others before going for the HJC, in fact went through everything they had in the shop!! and found the HJC to be the most comfortable (even compared to the Arais, Shoei, etc.) must just have a HJC shaped head I guess!!

No problems with it at all, apart from the nose guard thing coming uncliped if you pull the helmet on too fast but that may be due to the size of my nose....

Steffano2002

Well, you know what they say about big noses Mullin! hehehehe

Just to keep you updated, I bought a Richa jacket with Richa gloves from NDM (North Dublin Motorcycles) this evening at a very good price! They were closed but they let me in as I needed them for Saturday. Really class people there! Would definitely recommend!

mullin

You been talking to my wife again!!