Beginner's gear help

[cheap]

I'd like to piggyback on this thread... I'm looking at the Shift Avenger jacket on STG (on sale, $110) and need a size recommendation, because I think I'm between a M and an L.

5'9" 175lbs, 33ish" waist; I'm leaning towards a large but Brian in the STG vids is 5'11" and 200lbs wearing a L. I can't exactly drive down the road to try one on in person, which I'd like to do. Thoughts?

[G21forme]

http://shop.shiftracing.com/ecomm/web/pages/sizing.html

[rg500]

only boston Area Kawi dealer i know of is Greater Boston Motorsports. I've haven't had the best experiences with them but they are the closest.

If you go to GBM Bill in the parts dept. can help you with a jacket and other gear. I have been friends with him forever and he really knows his gear.

[cheap]

http://shop.shiftracing.com/ecomm/web/pages/sizing.html

Yup, saw that - was hoping someone on here has personal experience (one manufacturer's 33 might not be even close to another)

[Sheppo]

Yup, saw that - was hoping someone on here has personal experience (one manufacturer's 33 might not be even close to another)

Not to be a prick, but this is why I buy all my gear local and set up a good customer/client relationship with them. There are NESR members that either own their on shops or work in shop's/dealerships. I go to them first.

[CBR929RE]

Next MSF class with a free spot near me isn't until later this month, so I'll probably practice a bit on my own until then.

I called up a few stores and all of them said I have the right size (50). I couldn't snap a good picture, but I'll probably stop by a shop tomorrow with it and see what they have to say. I have a feeling it's more than likely the right size and I'm just not used to the way it feels.

As for helmet, I tried on a Corsair V in a small and it felt comfortable, but snug. I'm planning on stopping by Duncan Moto tomorrow and getting their opinion. I know the RX-Q is geared more toward street than the Corsair, but I liked the increased number of vents and overall feel of it.

Picking up a pair of boots as soon as I find one that fits. Was told the Sidi Vortice is likely the most narrow boot I'll find, so I may pick up a set of those to try them. I like the Alpinestars gloves too, so I'll be on the lookout for a set of those too.

Thanks again to everyone.

Absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a Corsair on the street. although its their top of the line "racing" helmet it's a great street helmet. I actually think the higher end helmets with more venting are safer on the street because you wear them longer so heat becomes more of an issue. but both offer excellent crash protection.


The Sidi Vortice look really nice but they are race boots. The issue with most race boots is they are designed to fit over pants while most textile pants (if that's what you're thinking of going with) are designed to go over the boot. So you have to make sure you get stuff that fit together properly. also if you're gonna do any amount of walking around off the bike any race boot is gonna get uncomfortable very quickly.

[camhabib]

Absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a Corsair on the street. although its their top of the line "racing" helmet it's a great street helmet. I actually think the higher end helmets with more venting are safer on the street because you wear them longer so heat becomes more of an issue. but both offer excellent crash protection.


The Sidi Vortice look really nice but they are race boots. The issue with most race boots is they are designed to fit over pants while most textile pants (if that's what you're thinking of going with) are designed to go over the boot. So you have to make sure you get stuff that fit together properly. also if you're gonna do any amount of walking around off the bike any race boot is gonna get uncomfortable very quickly.

I was told that the Corsair V is just too loud for street use. I've also heard that this is due to the increased number of vents, and that by closing some of them, you can drastically reduce the noise. For now, I'll probably save myself a few dollars and go with the RX-Q.

Right now, my biggest issue is boots. I spent about 30 minutes trying on all the Sidi boots, and they're literally all too big. The toe box of the boot is a bit wide, but the bigger issue is the calf. I can fit a whole hand in there, even with the Vortice. Tucking pants in makes it a bit better, but they're big. The only solution I can come up with is using a little device from skiing (Booster strap) on the top of the boot to compress it in. Haven't tried it out, but it seems like it should work. How are the boots supposed to fit? Are we talking ski boot style, sneaker / work-boot style, or more relaxed?

[CBR929RE]

I was told that the Corsair V is just too loud for street use. I've also heard that this is due to the increased number of vents, and that by closing some of them, you can drastically reduce the noise. For now, I'll probably save myself a few dollars and go with the RX-Q.

Right now, my biggest issue is boots. I spent about 30 minutes trying on all the Sidi boots, and they're literally all too big. The toe box of the boot is a bit wide, but the bigger issue is the calf. I can fit a whole hand in there, even with the Vortice. Tucking pants in makes it a bit better, but they're big. The only solution I can come up with is using a little device from skiing (Booster strap) on the top of the boot to compress it in. Haven't tried it out, but it seems like it should work. How are the boots supposed to fit? Are we talking ski boot style, sneaker / work-boot style, or more relaxed?

I've been wearing a Suomy Spec 1R helmet for quite a few years now. loudest helmet on the market. I just wear ear plugs.

sounds like all the boots you tried on are race boots. the calf area is that big to fit leathers into them.
http://www.motonation.com/store/pc/v...p?idCategory=7
by the looks of them I'd say the Laguna, Canyon, Way and Sport all should fit under pants.
you can also check out other brands too. Dianese I believe makes most of their stuff to fit under pants, even their race stuff.

[camhabib]

Paid a visit to Greater Boston Motorsports today and took a look at a 2011 Ninja 250. They're selling at MSRP ($3999), with something like a ~$300 destination, registration, etc fee. They're giving 50% off a MSF class, as well as free delivery. Anything I should look out for, etc, when I go to sign?

[mojobreakfast]

So you have to pay MSRP and all the bullshit fees? Why not buy a used one? You're probably not going to hold on to it for very long.

e.g.: http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/2304576890.html

[camhabib]

So you have to pay MSRP and all the bullshit fees? Why not buy a used one? You're probably not going to hold on to it for very long.

e.g.: http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/2304576890.html

I want a newer style (2008+) bike. Best used price I can find is around $3400. For another few hundred dollars, I get a new bike in the color I want that I know hasn't been abused, with warranty, and financing.

[mojobreakfast]

Fair enough, was just curious. I'd at least call around and see if someone can do a better price. You might not get a lot knocked off of MSRP but maybe they can waive destination and any other crappy fees (setup/doc or whatever). Half off of an MSF class really only amounts to a $150 discount.

[Sheppo]

The Ninja twofiddy you won't find for under MSRP. It's a bike that will sell it's self and dealers will hold and wait for the next guy and there will be. The same for any fee's. Sorry it's how it goes on that bike.

[camhabib]

The Ninja twofiddy you won't find for under MSRP. It's a bike that will sell it's self and dealers will hold and wait for the next guy and there will be. The same for any fee's. Sorry it's how it goes on that bike.

A couple of the places I've called up are already out of their 250 stock, so I figured they're a pretty good seller.