[Titanium1.8]

I have a few questions.
(1) Where to buy new gear in US (or are there comparable places here. Bayside Perf?)
(2) AlphineStar consider quite good? I was planning on just getting one brand.
(3) The bikes at ChopShop generally pretty okay?

I have gotten my Class 6 by riding those honda rebels over 1 week. I am quite scared to die by riding so please help me. :)

I am looking at the following 'buy' items:
Shoie Helmet
AlpineStar Leather 1/2 piece suit
AlpineStar Gloves
AlpineStar Boots
Some kind of bike from ChopShop

And I will be doing only 50-110km/hr.

[g_spyder91]

I've got nothing but good things to say about Bayside Performance. Always great deals and good luagh's everytime I drop by.

Alpinestars and Shoei have great quality products, but not always for those looking to stay within a certain budget. (Not sure if you are as you didn't say)

Just make sure whatever gear you buy it fits the way it should, don't ever talk yourself into buying something that's a different size "cause it's on sale" or something, you will ultimately regret it.

Good Luck.

[CharlieH]

www.sportbiketrackgear.com

they have video reviews on almost every product they sell. it's very helpful to say the least.

[taylor192]

Definitely go into a shop and try some stuff on. I was so glad I did when buying a helmet. Shoei was nice, yet Arai fit like a glove, an exquisite velvety glove. More than I wanted to spend, yet absolutely worth it.

I bought the rest of my gear online from motorcycle-superstore.com. Ships fast and cheap/free to Point Roberts, then I drive over and get it and usually pickup other cheap stuff I've ordered from the US too. Lots of reviews, and sign up for the emails so you'll know when a sale is on.

So far I have gotten mostly lucky on sizing cause I read the reviews before buying to know if I have to buy a size up or down. For gloves I got the size wrong. Tried Alpinestars to start, fit too tight, even one size up. Now have Teknics and LOVE them.

I'm looking at Alpinestars boots next and will probably find a local shop to try them on first. I hear they fit bigger than Sidi and I have wide feet.

I have looked at ordering from Bayside online since you can return the items directly to the retail store rather than mailing back. I want to order Sartso jeans and will probably order via Bayside so I can return them easily if they don't fit well.

[Good_KarMa]

revzilla gives you zilla dollars to use towards your next purchase whereas sportbiketrackgear does not. They both offer youtube reviews on most of their products as well.

Sportbiketrackgear had a special on then A* Rc-1 ( entry level suit great for track and street riding) suit which retailed 999.99 on sale for 599.99? Most sizes and colours are sold out though.

[dink]

I've got brand new Alpine stars GP Plus gloves for sale, size medium. Never used. Asking $200. PM me

[Titanium1.8]

you guys are most helpful. bayside have an RF1100 on sale for $398 usd.

[taylor192]

newenough.com is another good site, renamed to motorcyclegear.com

Don't worry about getting the same brand. The only thing I'd want the same brand for is pants and jacket if you're planning on zipping them together. Otherwise pick the brand that is most comfortable. Alpinestars fits tight and slim in clothing and wide in boots.

[imbty]

New rider here and I don't wanna get off topic, but I just wanna say, being "scared to die on a bike" is not a good thing.

Sure, I am too, but I don't think about that when I ride. That would get me killed. Focus on the roads, lol.

Anyways, yea.. Like they said. Try it on. Try it on and sit on a bike. Coz your gear is going to be used for on a bike.

Oh, if you're wearing glasses, try to shoulder check with them on (obviously inside the helmet). When I first started, I had a hard time adjusting because my frames would block some parts of my peripheral vision.

[ziggyx]

I suggest to get pants too if you have the money, if not then jeans are alright i guess but in a really bad situation they could tear up. If you don't like the look of leather pants or textile pants maybe look into some kevlar jeans. Alpinestars has some kevlar denim. I'm planning on getting myself one for this season.

[Culverin]

I'm a beginner rider too. Ish. Still don't have a big bike yet.
It's been just over 1 year on a scooter. I'm geared up pretty good.

Bell Star
RS Taichi 824 Leather-hybrid jacket (1.3mm leather)
Held Phantoms
Alpinestar Kevlar jeans
Icon boots

People harass me of overgearing, but I think a scooter's more dangerous than a bike.
Less stable, potholes toss you around like a rag doll, no gas tank to cushion your body for sudden stops. Poor center of gravity. Slow acceleration in dangerous spots like left turns.


While we're on the subject of gear.
I really like my held phantoms, they are amazing gloves, but I'm not sure if the fit is off. The little wrist bone protector seems to restrict my hand's backwards movement. The gloves are broken in and this still feels odd to me. Is this normal?


Also the alpinestar kevlar jeans are ok. But I've got 3 beefs with them.
1. They are lined, so once it warms up, I'll need something with venting.
2. Knee protection is decent, while the foam pads are really big, there is no padding on the outside of the knee. Just in the front.
3. I wish there was hip protection. I haven't been able to find any lined jeans with hip cushions.


If you guys have any advice, I would very much appreciate it!

[tegz]

Is Modern still open?

If they are, try dropping in on their location and getting one of Aaron's famous "combo deals".

He saved me a lot of $$, and is actually knowledgeable in what he sells!

[W2K]

Definitely go into a shop and try some stuff on. I was so glad I did when buying a helmet. Shoei was nice, yet Arai fit like a glove, an exquisite velvety glove. More than I wanted to spend, yet absolutely worth it.

I bought the rest of my gear online from motorcycle-superstore.com. Ships fast and cheap/free to Point Roberts, then I drive over and get it and usually pickup other cheap stuff I've ordered from the US too. Lots of reviews, and sign up for the emails so you'll know when a sale is on.

So far I have gotten mostly lucky on sizing cause I read the reviews before buying to know if I have to buy a size up or down. For gloves I got the size wrong. Tried Alpinestars to start, fit too tight, even one size up. Now have Teknics and LOVE them.

I'm looking at Alpinestars boots next and will probably find a local shop to try them on first. I hear they fit bigger than Sidi and I have wide feet.

I have looked at ordering from Bayside online since you can return the items directly to the retail store rather than mailing back. I want to order Sartso jeans and will probably order via Bayside so I can return them easily if they don't fit well.

+1 for motorcycle superstore. Good selection and price can't be beat. Sometimes it is hard to pick the right sizing. I would go to the local shops ie Carter Motorsports, richmond motorsports to see what they have and try on the sizing and just order it online. :fullofwin:

[bcrdukes]

Is Modern still open?

If they are, try dropping in on their location and getting one of Aaron's famous "combo deals".

He saved me a lot of $$, and is actually knowledgeable in what he sells!

Modern is still opened. Yup! :)

[parm104]

In all honesty, when looking at boots, I haven't found it worth it to buy them online. New Enough usually has the cheapest prices but going into a local store and spending $20 more beats having to order a product online and waiting for shipment. Not to mention, warranty can be dealt directly with the store you buy it from locally.

I've shopped at Bayside as well as Imperial Motorcycles. Bayside guys are great and know their stuff and their website filled with inventory and prices is a huge advantage over other stores. However, Imperial Motorcycle has ALWAYS beat their prices (in my case.)

As for my gear, I'm currently riding with a Shoei RF-1000 helmet, Icon Textile Jacket, and Alpinestars SMX-5 boots. I am looking to purchase this within the next few weeks:

Icon Field Armor (http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=2545)

I would also suggest saving up for this bad boy:

Motorcycle Suit (http://www.udreplicas.com/ud-products/batman-begins%E2%84%A2-motorcycle-replica-suit/)

[taylor192]

In all honesty, when looking at boots, I haven't found it worth it to buy them online. New Enough usually has the cheapest prices but going into a local store and spending $20 more beats having to order a product online and waiting for shipment. Not to mention, warranty can be dealt directly with the store you buy it from locally.

As for my gear, I'm currently riding with a Shoei RF-1000 helmet, Icon Textile Jacket, and Alpinestars SMX-5 boots.
I'm looking at the SMX-5 waterproof boots. They are $250 USD (motorcycle superstore) or $300 CND (bayside), plus I usually don't pay duty/taxes when crossing at Point Bob so that could be ~$90 savings.

If there's somewhere else local I can pick this us let me know, otherwise I'm going to order soon.

[Jermyzy]

newenough.com is another good site, renamed to motorcyclegear.com

Don't worry about getting the same brand. The only thing I'd want the same brand for is pants and jacket if you're planning on zipping them together. Otherwise pick the brand that is most comfortable. Alpinestars fits tight and slim in clothing and wide in boots.

They are a good place to buy stuff from when they have closeout sales. I bought my Sidi B2 boots for $129 and my Alpinestars SP1 gloves for $79, and a Scorpion leather jacket for $139 on closeout there.

[Glaedr]

I'm looking at the SMX-5 waterproof boots. They are $250 USD (motorcycle superstore) or $300 CND (bayside), plus I usually don't pay duty/taxes when crossing at Point Bob so that could be ~$90 savings.

If there's somewhere else local I can pick this us let me know, otherwise I'm going to order soon.

I know Imperial Motorcycles sells the SMX-5 waterproof boots, I tried on a pair when I was there, but I opted for the non-waterproof SMX-5 version. Seeing as I don't wanna brave the rain just yet :)

I believe they were around $280 CAD and ordering a proper size only took about 2-3 working days to arrive.

[racerman88]

don't limit yourself to just a brand. Make sure you try everything on first before buying. Bayside is pretty good at coming close to matching online prices. SO much out there. Talk to the shop to see what they can do for you on your budget. Modern on Commercial does carry Alpinestars if you want to try some of it on.

[Titanium1.8]

Thanks for all the inputs. I looked at all the online store and the local stores, after factoring in the gas to get to blaine and the possible 12% HST that I might have to pay bringing in $1k+ worth of new stuff across, I ended up getting some of the stuff from bayside performance.

Shoei RF-1100
Alpinestars GP Plus Mens
Alpinestars S-MX 5

Now I have a question, the leather suits (one or two piece) are supposed to be skin tight, but what about the armor... you wear it on the outside? I am most interested in the reinforced spine you can buy.

:whistle:

[dogeatcookie]

^

leather suits have all armor under the leather, with the exception of knee pucks and some shoulder protection on certain suits. you should generally make sure that theres enough room inside for a spine protector (knox makes the best ones), as the foam pads that come with leather suits are pretty much useless.

[eurochevy]

Shoei , arai , suomy are the best brands to save ur head..the others are rated for the same almost but arn't that that extra level ...suomy is the best vent ur gonna have though ...on a hot summer day thats what you would want

[blackjack101]

I'm curious if its ok to buy motorcyle helmets in the states... I've heard that the helmets must be CSA approved but searched up and canada doesn't certify motorcycle helmets anymore...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_helmet

I know you have to have a helmet that has to have SNELL sticker.

But my main point is if its ok to buy a helmet from the states and use it in canada?

[impactX]

http://www.bcsportbikes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26464

[blackjack101]

sigh i gotta search more thoroughly

Thanks

[6thGear.]

OP. The owner of Chop Shop (Brad) tends to rub a lot of people the wrong way. But he's a good guy (he's a lot like Kevin from Bayside) No nonsense, no BS. If you grab a deal from him, run down there and cash in on it...don't wait. His prices are fair but he rarely budges on it though(his mentality is, if your not buying it, someone else will) His bikes have always been superb being a rebuilt bike. He has a business to protect, so he wouldn't be selling you a broken bike. He fixes or replaces every single part that is broken or damaged. Looking at Brad, he may look kinda shady, but he is far from it.



^

leather suits have all armor under the leather, with the exception of knee pucks and some shoulder protection on certain suits. you should generally make sure that theres enough room inside for a spine protector (knox makes the best ones), as the foam pads that come with leather suits are pretty much useless.

Which 1 piece race suits are these? Everyone I have come across came with pucks and hard armor shoulder pads. But you are right about the foam back pads though.


I know you have to have a helmet that has to have SNELL sticker.

But my main point is if its ok to buy a helmet from the states and use it in canada?


I think you are mistaken about the SNELL sticker, as it is the DOT sticker that has to be on the helmet.

But, to answer your question, we don't have any federal laws regarding helmets, so the government just follows the DOT regulation which is governed by the USA. Reason being is, we are too small of a market (population vs licensed riders) for manufacturers to spend millions of dollars for the Canadian government to do the required testing to slap a sticker onto helmets to be sold and worn here. This also goes for the coveted "CE-level"
regulation on safety impact gear. Just so you don't get confused, DOT is the USA governing agency that allows a certain helmet to be legal for use and SNELL is the world rating for helmets. North America abides by DOT and SNELL is not required but since a lot of the helmet manufacturers are worldwide, they also have to pass SNELL ratings, especially if they want to sell their helmets in Europe (which abide by SNELL and ECE)

You can buy the helmet from the states and use it up here, as long as the cop sitting behind you in traffic can see the DOT decal on the back of your helmet, you'll be fine.

Hope this helps

[Culverin]

fyi, some of the knox stuff and tech comes stock on other brands.
technic and rs taichi.

my rs taichi jacket has a knox back protector, but it's foam, does that make it worse? Cause the lower end model has a hard shell protector, but it's not knox.

[taylor192]

Reason being is, we are too small of a market (population vs licensed riders) for manufacturers to spend millions of dollars for the Canadian government to do the required testing to slap a sticker onto helmets to be sold and worn here.
Unfortunately BCCOM thinks otherwise. They put out a press release against helmet standards citing that without standards manufacturers will raise the bar and do better - without realizing most countries have a standard, and a bigger market than Canada, so this just won't happen.

Its a shame they are so hard headed (LOL maybe that's why they don't need helmets!) on this issue cause they've done so much other good for motorcycling in BC.

[Jermyzy]

^Yeah, I really don't understand why they fight the helmet issue so strongly! For that reason alone, it makes me question their values (in spite of all the other good stuff they've done)

[6thGear.]

fyi, some of the knox stuff and tech comes stock on other brands.
technic and rs taichi.

my rs taichi jacket has a knox back protector, but it's foam, does that make it worse? Cause the lower end model has a hard shell protector, but it's not knox.

Your jacket with the knox insert is a CE1. I always reccomend an actual stand alone back protector, but for people that only want an insert, I would then suggest a CE one of sorts. The insides of the 824/826 jacket is of the same as the GMX jacket, (Liner, padding, back protecter, etc) so your jacket is still a very nice model. The hard shell protector is RS Taichi's own impact gear AKA "Tough Fics". Those are not CE certified, but RS Taichi feels those protectors don't need to be CE to be safe and they say it's designed to act like a secondary outer bone (exoskeleton) Downside on the hard shell is comfort, or should I say discomfort...doesn't bend, only conforms 1 way and 1 way only VS a softer CE Knox insert that is softer but conforms for comfort.


^Yeah, I really don't understand why they fight the helmet issue so strongly! For that reason alone, it makes me question their values (in spite of all the other good stuff they've done)

Probably cause they want to keep their Beanies/Skull caps from being banned!

[Tegra_Devil]

Motorcyclist using a Cell Phone - YouTube

need sauce on helmet

[Excelsis]

lol i was trying to find the same one and looked at icon's websites but didn't find anything..

[parm104]

lol i was trying to find the same one and looked at icon's websites but didn't find anything..

That helmet looks like a dirt helmet. I also think he added a few accessories to his Halo 3 helmet to give it the spikes on the back and the iridium shield.

http://rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=3427&id=12187

[Tegra_Devil]

looks pretty sick

[Jas29]

hey, I was wondering how much I would have to spend to get some decent gear to start up ie: gloves, boots, jacket, pants, a helmet and anything else I would need. Thanks for the help sorry if this is a question

[blum2001]

I got all my stuff at Modern on commercial.

Shift Textile jacket
Shoei RF1100 hemlet
Apinestar Gloves
think it was around $600-650 for my portion, but both my gf and I bought our gear at the same time so we go a better deal. Didn't need boots as I already had alpinestars boots.

Talk to Aaron and get him to do a 'combo' deal for you.

[Jas29]

sorry for thread jacking but does $5000 seem reasonable for gear, a bike, insurance and the prs course

[Titanium1.8]

The cheapest bike you would get without dealing with super old bike is a Honda CBR 125R. 0-115km/hr.

FS: 2008 Honda CBR125R CBR 125 125cc Red with luggage case (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/mcy/2671797144.html)

[Culverin]

sorry for thread jacking but does $5000 seem reasonable for gear, a bike, insurance and the prs course

Well, it depends on what bike you get.

PRS course is fixed
Ditto with the test, and licensing fees.
I don't think you should be cheaping out on your gear. Pick what fits and what's well built and looks nice. You're not going to regret going to leathers. I'm not. I've only had 1 spill where I went down on my leather jacket, but better you've got it, than to wish you had it later.

Then insurance, and bike are truly the only things that are flexible...

[Jas29]

I will be trying to get the best gear i can not to concerned about the cost would rather be safe when i fall since i probably will seeing as how i have never ridden a motorcycle before.

Just didn't want to be surprised when i actually started looking and it being more expensive then i thought it would be.

thanks for all the help guys hopefully be ridding sometime next year

[Culverin]

I'm on 2 wheels now, but i'm on a scooter.

Here's how I'm budgeting everything.

$1100 for PRS and License and fees.
??? Insurance

Gearwise, I've probably spent about $1200 (before tax)
But I spent $450 and $200 on my jacket and gloves. Cheaped out with my pants and boots. I think you will be able to gear up properly with high end name brand gear for $1200+tax.

I think you can be $1000 easily pretty quality stuff. Modern offered me some good deals on a leather jacket around the $250 price range. And you could easily make due with $150 race gloves.

[socialenemy69]

Some of the best deals can be found on the Clearance racks. Lots of dealers have blowout sales and you can find some great stuff for over 50% off. Just show up early so you have a choice of all the sizes and colours.

[CharlieH]

or if you wait around january-ish, most online dealers will have blow out sales to clear out the inventory for next season's line up. i bought a new 1 piece last year for $1200 only to find out that a similarly priced alpinestars unit dropped from $1300 to $699 a month later. wanted to kick myself in the ass for that one /facepalm.

[stereo12]

Dec-Feb is a great time to buy, most of the 2011 stuff will be on sale as they make room for the 2012.

if Abbotsford isnt too far for you, head on to..

http://www.vancouvermotorcycleshow.ca/

you will find quite a few retailers there and you can try on a bunch of stuff too.

sit on a few bikes and get a good feel for the right type of bike for u.

lotsa chicks there too =)

[Gwilo]

Also go check out Rubber Side Down website ther are some good deals thier.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[BillyBishop]

If anyone's looking for Alpinestar deals, check this out.

Get Your Motorcycle Accessories , Motorcycle Helmets , and Motorcross GEAR at The Iron Pony! (http://www.ironpony.com/ironponydirect/ByBrandpage.asp/Brand/ALPINESTARS%20AYC)

I just bought the GP-X gloves.

[areyez]

what do you guys think of the icon alliance shakki helmet?

[gdoh]

looks and feels good i actually tried one on today while seeing some sizing and how they are supposed to fit. im actually planning on buying that helmet.

check out revzilla for the product review and other reviews as well

[areyez]

looks and feels good i actually tried one on today while seeing some sizing and how they are supposed to fit. im actually planning on buying that helmet.

check out revzilla for the product review and other reviews as well

yea i already checked out revzilla...im leaning towards this helmet aswell

[gdoh]

go to your local store and check them out in person.

[6793026]

to be honest.

I got my license 10 yrs ago, been thru 6 bikes and each bike i went thru 10k per year and I ride in rain for 364 days one year (minus 1 cause it was 6 inches of snow).

1) go to a SHOP to get it done. why? cause you need their advice for fitting. They will tell you what to buy and what NOT to buy.

a) Alpine star might be "good" but if it doesn't fit u properly, it ai'nt going work.
b) 1 piece suit ain't the best, imagine you go riding; walking in a mall in it looks extremely gay with it when your upper leathers are haning off ur waist.
c) NOT to be gay, but do you see someone driving a LAMBO with LAMBO gear?
Do you see someone riding a Tercel wearing NICE porsche clothing? same thing, if you ride a harley, you wouldn't be wearing sport bike gear. Vice versa, if you're riding a 125CC bike, try not be a poser and wear full 1 piece gear and act like a poser.
NOT saying you shouldn't and that safety ain't important, but you don't see a guy with BMX wearing lance armstrong gear... anyhoo.

2) do NOT SPEND crazy money on a helmet. it's ALL about comfort, a nicer helmet does NOT necessary provide you with "more" protection
3) I would suggest getting all your gear at ONE place? why, cause you tend to rack up bigger discounts when you deal with one guy.

[gdoh]

noob here =]

i have already 3 items from the same girl at holeshot, keeping in mind of all the different weather that we have here in vancouver and else where if i decide to travel. i have also spent some time online browsing and comparing to gain some knowledge when i go so i know a little about the gear im purchasing.

i have bought
alpinestar smx2 short boots
the joe rocket ballistic 11.0 jacket
a pair of Five leather gloves

[bcrdukes]

If anybody is interested in an inexpensive leather jacket, I have one for sale! :)

http://www.revscene.net/forums/669801-fs-like-new-rubber-side-down-leather-jacket.html

[blum2001]

I got my Shoei RF-1100 helmet, A* gloves and a shift jacket from Modern on Commercial Drive. At the time my ex and I bought everything at the same time and got some pretty good discounts. I think the guys name was Aaron, if you buy multiple things he'll do a combo deal for you.

[6793026]

^ yeah he's pretty famous.

There's a huge history of flames on Mondern. As long as you know what you're getting (gear) wise, and negotiate with him on a bundle deal

[Raid3n]

ya i think aaron is murray's son

[bcrdukes]

Aaron is indeed Murray's son.

I quite enjoy stopping by the shop once in a while to shoot the shit with Murray. That guy is quite a hoot to chat with when you get him talking about vintage British bikes. Extremely intelligent man despite the way he is perceived.

[areyez]

anyone know any local shops that sell cortech brand stuff?looking to get the cortech latigo air boots as my first pair of boots.

[Kayci]

I remember Bayside having a few pairs in store last month I was there.

[areyez]

I remember Bayside having a few pairs in store last month I was there.

thanks ill go check it out...does bayside give combo deals like modern?

[LP560]

Revzilla