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Picking up a Ninja 250 to learn on in the next week or so, but I've been picking up some gear in the mean time to get myself ready. Hoping someone here can help me out with a few beginners questions.
I'm having some issue with jacket sizing. I like the Alpinestars line and went ahead and ordered one of their higher end model jackets online (wanted the GP armor because I'm paranoid like that). I'm 5'10", 135lbs, with a 37" chest and 32" waist. Ordered a 50 with upgraded back and chest armor. I just got it in the mail today (couldn't find any store around here that carried them to try on) and feel like it may be a bit small. If I reach my arms back, I can partially undo the velcro tab in the front. At rest, sleeves come to about 1.5" above wrist. Reaching forward is hard as well, and I'm unable to fully extend my arms. There is about an inch or so of extra material around my stomach and near shoulder blades. Worth going to a 52 or is this going to break in a bit?
Besides a good jacket, helmet, and pair of gloves, what else is really mandatory for a beginner? Is it worth getting a pair of riding boots / pants, or will a pair of thick jeans and hightop shoes suffice for now? Worth taking the beginners class? My plan was to learn a bit on my own and from some experienced riders, and take an intermediate class later this year or next. Any other tips or suggestions for a New England rider? Appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks.