Black bike black gear- bad idea?

[Petorius]

Hello everyone, I'm new, just bought a 94 fzr 600 as my first bike the other day. I'm trying to pick out gear, but I'm tall and skinny, and I've only been able to find medium tall sized jackets in black and grey. My bike is black and purple with just a bit of yellow, and I'm probably buying a black helmet, so I'm a little concerned about my visibility. What are your thoughts on black with black? Would it be worth it to by a yellow jacket thats slightly too short at the waste/sleeve?

[Kenn157]

Once you go black... You should get a high viz vest for night time riding.

[Rossco]

You could always buy a hi-viz slipover vest. Or if you really want to stretch your budget you could look and see what Aerostitch has to offer.

As for helmets, you may want to get a silver or white helmet. I had a black helmet and it really wasn't fun on hot days with the sun beating down on it.

But regardless of what anyone says to you, at least you wear gear (whether it's hi-viz or low-viz).

[OreoGaborio]

reflective piping.

Me personally, I have a lot of black gear, including a black helmet... but normally I wear my bright white/red helmet that stands out a little more.

While bright gear certainly does help you get noticed, you'll ALWAYS get people who say "OMG, I DIDN'T SEE YOU!" Ultimately the mush between your ears is far and above your best defense against other people on the road.

[06gixgirl]

Where are you looking for gear? but, if you are sticking with black gear, get a reflective vest for sure. & black is horrible for the heat as you might know.

oh, ya Welcome!

[butcher bergs]

My bike is black and purple with just a bit of yellow...

I have a 1 piece suit that would be perfect for you!

[Petorius]

I stopped by Duncan yesterday and Riverside today. Tracking down stuff that fits is a bit tricky, I think I'll probably end up just getting black since I found one that fits.

Butcher- PM me if you're selling it, I could be interested.

[butcher bergs]

Butcher- PM me if you're selling it, I could be interested.

It's for non-tall people.

...and those who have seen the suit I'm talking about.....well, let's just say it usually ends up with some laughter.

It's very retro.....think "Smokin' Joe" retro.

[nhbubba]

Visibility aside, black is hot as hell in weather like we had today. Ask me how I know.

Personally I've never been one to color coordinate my stuff. ... Grey seems like the ticket to me.

[Petorius]

also, 175 for insurance without theft coverage, 850 for insurance with theft. can anybody recommend a good chain/lock?

[khuygie88]

also, 175 for insurance without theft coverage, 850 for insurance with theft. can anybody recommend a good chain/lock?

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Outlet...=1002&pid=1243

Or other variations of the same chain/different lock. Not something you'd want to transport far/often (its heavy as fuck) but its strong. Also if you "register" it with them, they offer theft protection. Don't know how easy it is to get the money out of them, but this one in particular is good for up to:

US & CAN Bicycle - $4500; UK Bicycle - £2500;US & CAN Powersports - $2000

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

also, 175 for insurance without theft coverage, 850 for insurance with theft. can anybody recommend a good chain/lock?

Ive have some insane Krytonite NYC Chains and locks I might be intersted in selling (I work in Allston)

PM me your needs

[korndogg]

The most important thing is that it fits!
Most places will order you things in other colors/sizes, so if you find something that fits properly.. just ask them to order another color if you like.

As mentioned, even black jackets typically have some reflective surfaces ("piping" for example). Not noticeable indoors but the beads on the seams are often reflective.

You could always change/add your headlight setup as well.

[yucatan]

I wear a high viz vest every time I ride; just makes me feel better. The rest of my gear is black and it gets as hot as hell or what I can only assume hell is like. The high viz vest was pretty inexpensive ($50); Icon I think?