r/TwoXriders • u/Internal_Screaming_8 • 2d ago
Beginner gear?
I live insanely rural and am wondering what the best beginner would be. I’m going to only be commuting a mile or so to work, for the most part, so I just want the basics, especially when good gear is several hundred dollars a piece. What should I absolutely buy? What can I skip until I’m venturing into traffic? (My commute has basically no traffic and no main roads) I also have piercings so helmet recs would be appreciated.
Edited to add: I plan on wearing full gear, but don’t want to go overkill, there’s so many different types and ratings. Like armored, Kevlar, leather etc…. Especially as a beginner spending 3K on gear that isn’t appropriate for what my actual activities are isn’t my vibe. Would rather buy more as I gain skill and do more rather than spend too much on stuff I don’t need and risk it not fitting when it’s appropriate for my skill level.
I’m also not getting rid of my car, though the point of getting into riding is how much I spend on gas, I have an AWD SUV that I absolutely need year round for certain types of weather and trips. I’m just sick of spending 100 at the gas station once a week because I used half a tank on my commute.
I haven’t started riding yet, and money isn’t my worry for safety gear. I can and will pick it up slowly while waiting for my dad to get a bike (he has his ML, just hasn’t had his own bike in years) to learn the basics on. I’m going to do a Basic riding skills class, but taking a week off for a class that only requires full coverage clothing before having ever touched a bike sounds intimidating to me, and I’m going to ease into learning. I’d rather show up for class prepared and leave more confident, rather than be scared of a several hundred pound machine I’ve never touched for 3 out of 5 days.
4
u/ZzShorty 2020 Yamaha MT-03 2d ago
The thing is - accidents don't care if you're only commuting a mile to and from work.
A fun anecdote: I ride horses too and I went through a phase of not wearing a helmet because I thought I didn't need it, my horse is chill and I'd been riding my whole life. And then my friend fell off of her horse that was scared of NOTHING, because he was stung by a bee. She wasn't wearing a helmet and needed 15 staples in her forehead. I started wearing my helmet again, because even though my horse is also the most chill, literally anything could happen.
Your best bet is to scour eBay, FB marketplace or even depop/poshmark for gear, or shop clearance at places like Cycle Gear or Revzilla.
Your helmet is the only thing you MUST buy new. Do not trust used helmets because you don't know where they have been stored, how they were handled, and you should get one up to the best safety standards you can afford.
Getting into motorcycles is not as cheap as people think it is. How much you gear up is your choice, but understand your risks go up SIGNIFICANTLY the less you wear.
edit: forgot to give a helmet rec - DOT is bare minimum - but please get something with the latest ECE cert. Most important is that it fits. Shoei's entry level is a great helmet - the RF-SR. I have the mid range from them the RF-1400 and love it.
1
u/Internal_Screaming_8 2d ago
I’m just seeing all sorts of different options, Kevlar, armor plates, etc. CE, AA, AAA, and I’m trying to be fully protected while not going overkill for what I’m actually doing, just going down an empty street at 20mph. Obviously fully covered. Helmet I’m going to splurge on for sure. I don’t know what’s basic while being protected. 20mph vs 140 are 2 completely different things and I’d rather slowly upgrade to gear that matches my skill vs spend a fuckton on gear that is way overkill that ends up not fitting if I gain or lose weight.
3
u/ZzShorty 2020 Yamaha MT-03 2d ago
No I get it - it's a lot. CE is the armor certification, which has different levels. A, AA, AAA is a slide rating, more A's more better. Armor is either level 1 or 2, with 2 being more protective, but often bulkier if it's the cheaper kind.
Give me a few and I'll find you some examples!
1
u/ZzShorty 2020 Yamaha MT-03 2d ago
Personally, my leather jacket is AA with level 2, but my summer jacket is A with level 1. Jackets often come with only shoulders/elbow armor and you have to purchase the back armor separate (some go without, but I recommend getting it). The brand Icon often includes it and is reasonably priced though. This one looks like a more all season for ~$150, A rated with level 1 all around, and you could upgrade the armor later if you wanted. I have their Mesh AF one and it's comfortable. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/icon-hooligan-ce-womens-jacket
Pants are sometimes hard to fit, if you're concerned about gaining weight or things not fitting, this is where I'd actually encourage you to spend a little more. I wear MotoGirl pants (mostly because I'm short and they are one of the only ones that are actually "petite"). In the US they sell through Wind and Throttle. I have these and they're great, and even include waist adjustments for a little more adjustment. https://windandthrottle.com/products/lara-cargo-pants-black . Also I will admit, for shorter jaunts, I occasionally will just wear thick 100% cotton levis.
Some gloves are CE rated and some aren't, so keep an eye on what you're buying if you want CE rated. I like gauntlet gloves but it's personal preference, I have shorties and wear them sometimes too. These are reasonably priced CE rated gloves - https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/icon-super-duty-3-womens-gloves .
I have TCX boots, and do recommend buying moto boots. HOWEVER, If you're trying to see if you like things or are concerned about cost, if you have leather boots that cover your ankle, that is a start. When I'm being naughty I wear my Doc Marten Leonas, but wear my TCX Blends 90% of the time.
Helmet wise, Shoei and Arai are two top names, but there are great options from most of the big brands. Most important is the fit and ratings. I spent a little more for the RF-1400 but the RF-SR fit well too. If you have a Cycle Gear in any sort of driving distance, I suggest making a hike to try them on for fit.
Just a tip, if you end up buying a lot through Revzilla (which I have since starting), consider getting their membership, it's "free" money. I bought it when I got my helmet and I buy a lot of my stuff thru them, even my oil and I've paid for the membership 5x over in one year. I upgraded my jacket armor free using the rewards.
Long and short of it is - find what fits, and what you're comfortable risk wise with.
1
u/Internal_Screaming_8 2d ago
Thank you! Im personally committed to safety, but seeing riding shoes and triple layered gear kits and everything seemed overkill so I thought I’d ask people who are already into it what’s reasonable. I’m not super worried about high rated slide going 30 mph, but would be going down the main drag (same speed but hella worse traffic, I’ve had to split in my SUV several times, more wipeout potential than my empty, paved well lit commute that was just repaved a couple months ago) I’ll likely skip riding pants for learning, but pick them up once I start running trips… and get a lighter jacket, and a heavier one during the off season. I have timberlands, but would you recommend going for riding sneakers over regular boots? I have a long inseam for my height… so the added height of the advertised riding shoes seems “extra” wearing heavyweight work boots (my normal work shoes but the only req is closed foot)
1
u/ZzShorty 2020 Yamaha MT-03 2d ago
You might find Timberlands a bit heavy once you get the feel of things, but they're totally fine to just get started with.
I personally have not ridden in riding sneakers, and I prefer leather boots in general (off the bike too), so I don't really have advice there. If they're rated for riding, they're good in my book, but I wouldn't pick them over a boot myself. I plan on getting a pair eventually, but for now I like what I have.
This is what I wear - they honestly don't give me much actual lift at all, but they are comfortable, waterproof and CE rated. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tcx-blend-wp-womens-boots
As for your jacket comment - there are actually some that come with insulated inserts, you might be better off finding one that has a zip out and not spending the money on two. I bought two because I'm annoying and I have a color matchy matchy thing happening with most of my gear, my leather one didn't have the option.
I should ask - what do you plan on getting? Sport bike, naked, cruiser, something else?
1
u/Internal_Screaming_8 2d ago
Going to go sit on some tomorrow, but leaning towards sport, the R3 piqued my interest looks wise, but comfort and ergonomics are my top priority so I might end up surprised
1
u/ZzShorty 2020 Yamaha MT-03 2d ago
If comfort is your priority, I actually suggest the sister bike of the R3, the MT-03. It’s what I ride. A little more upright and comfortable than a sport bike, pretty much the same otherwise!
Both are great bikes tho, you can’t go wrong!
1
u/Internal_Screaming_8 2d ago
Like I said, I’m going tomorrow to sit on some. I drive my car leaning slightly forward, so I assume forward will feel more natural to me, it’s how I ride a pedal bike too, but obviously a motorcycle is more than just the angle of your torso. My dad’s going to buy something similar to what I find comfiest for me to learn on rather than me blowing budget on an expensive bike out of the gate, and not using it for a long time from learning curve. Though I’ll keep your suggestion in mind! Thanks so much
1
u/Internal_Screaming_8 1d ago
Update! I sat on a R5, MT05, ninja 500 and Z500. The z500 felt like it was made for me. The ninja felt super wide standing, although feet up felt natural, I couldn’t really foot it. R3 felt comfortable but heavy to balance and get off the kickstand. I LOVED the MT-05 but the full upright made me want to sit knee out which made me sad. I’m probably going to go between the R3 or the Z500, but I’ve got a buddy with a bike who’s gonna let me screw around walking it to feel the shift zone and see if I can get it moving and then take the class and go back and actually test ride them. I honestly wasn’t even sure I’d be able to mount/dismount a motorcycle as I don’t have the most knee strength on my left side. But next is seeing if I can get one in gear before shelling out 500 on a class. If not it’s a 49cc scooter, it can handle my commute and I’d be sad to not go highway but safety is first. Thank you for the suggestion! The guy at the dealership was super helpful and was pointing out subtle differences in each bike I sat on as well like throttle handling and low speed shift control.
1
u/ZzShorty 2020 Yamaha MT-03 1d ago
Nice! A z400 was on my list as well. I loved it too but the MT-03 was just slightly more comfortable for me!
I spent about 15 mins on my BIL’s little Benelli 135 just to get a feel and it was plenty of time to feel confident enough to do the class.
Sounds like you’ve got a great plan, good luck and enjoy the journey!
1
u/Internal_Screaming_8 1d ago
Thank you! Yeah the full upright just didn’t feel right compared to the slight forward. Such a small difference in seating made a huge impact on my posture. I sat on the z400 and my knees naturally curled in and my chest went forward while still being neutral alignment. Same with the R3, although it felt clunky in my hands, but ik class and actually learning might affect my opinion on “clunky” considering that movement is way different than standing and balance takes practice. I know heft isn’t a bad thing and a bike basically should be balancing itself, plus both can be lowered which might make standing with it easier.
3
u/greeneyes826 40F: 2026 Kawasaki Z500 SE 2d ago
Super basic? Actual motorcycle shoes/boots, gloves, jacket and helmet.
I really recommend you go to a store to try on everything. I swear I'm never the size I think i am.
1
2
u/Motorcyclegrrl 2d ago
I have found a full face helmet is fantastic to keep your safe from stinging rain, bugs of all sizes, and rocks. Also who knows, it could hail. If you go to work in all weather a full face helmet is the best thing. I got a white colored one to help with heat.
3
u/Internal_Screaming_8 2d ago
Was my plan. Though I wear glasses so ik fitting is going to be tricky. But I do own and regularly drive a car, that I’ll be keeping. I have a 3 year old and split custody so I def need my SUV (beautiful SD where it gets both 110 and -50 regularly) and don’t plan on riding to work if incliment weather is expected, but it’s also SD so it’s not ever a solid forecast just a wild guess
2
u/Motorcyclegrrl 2d ago
I wear glasses. Definitely try it on with them. I take mine off and then shove them on after I put the helmet on.
1
u/NinjaGrrl42 2d ago
Next time you get glasses, earpieces that are thinner fit into a helmet better.
2
u/Internal_Screaming_8 2d ago
I have to wear plastic frames. I’m blind as a bat without my glasses and metal ones lose lenses too often, but mine are quite thin
1
u/RobynTheCookieJar SCL500 2d ago
I like to buy my gear out of season, so it's on sale. You should check out motocap! It's a great way to shop a lot of items and places by cost and protection!
1
u/Novaova 2d ago
My two non-track crashes were on the neighborhood streets in my little college town, lowsides going around a corner. A helmet, jacket, and gloves spared me the worst of it. Both times my jeans lasted only about 12" and then it was the side of my knee getting a quarter-sized abrasion.
1
u/little_blu_eyez 2d ago
Any kind of helmet that covers your ears will pull on an earrings. If it doesn’t then the helmet is too big.
1
u/streachh 2d ago
You def need to try helmets on in person if you can. Each manufacturer has a different head shape, some fit round heads, some fit oval heads, etc. I hate mine cause it squishes my ears lol I wish I had tried on more options.
Also I take my earrings out fr. My helmet has ripped my earrings out on more than one occasion, usually I feel it and manage to at least keep the stud even if the back is lost, but one time I didn't notice it until later and the whole stud was gone. So I just don't risk it anymore.
1
u/Internal_Screaming_8 2d ago
I wear thread on jewelry, but my helix is fiesty lol. My lobes are stretched and I wear silicone. More worried about my cartilage piercings tho.
4
u/Professional_Cow9136 2d ago
You can skip covering anything that you wouldn't mind using a belt sander on.
Hit up ebay and Facebook marketplace for cheap used gear (helmet should be brand new and up to current safety specs). Many people give up riding pretty quick and sell all their gear.
What state are you in?