gear, bike, riding techniques for a noob
#1
Hey do you avid bikers know of any good online biking resources. I have about a month until I take the Apex class and would like to start reading up on techniques, gear, bikes, etc.

I know with gear & bikes it comes down to what fits me and I feel comfortable on but I'd like to get pointed in the right direction at least.

it seems a lot of the bike forums i've come across are very model/brand specific and since I don't know what bike I'll end up getting those are a little too specific.

thanks
chris
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#2
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'76 911S | '14 328xi | '17 GTI | In memoriam: '08 848, '85 944

"Here, at last, is the cure for texting while driving. The millions of deaths which occur every year due to the iPhone’s ability to stream the Kim K/Ray-J video in 4G could all be avoided, every last one of them, if the government issued everyone a Seventies 911 and made sure they always left the house five minutes later than they’d wanted to. It would help if it could be made to rain as well. Full attention on the road. Guaranteed." -Jack Baruth
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#3
Apoc Wrote:http://www.dcsportbikes.net/forum/

:lol:
(09-25-2019, 03:18 PM)V1GiLaNtE Wrote: I think you need to see a mental health professional.
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#4
At least I didn't link dotcom...

Every motorcycle forum is pretty much the same anyway.
'76 911S | '14 328xi | '17 GTI | In memoriam: '08 848, '85 944

"Here, at last, is the cure for texting while driving. The millions of deaths which occur every year due to the iPhone’s ability to stream the Kim K/Ray-J video in 4G could all be avoided, every last one of them, if the government issued everyone a Seventies 911 and made sure they always left the house five minutes later than they’d wanted to. It would help if it could be made to rain as well. Full attention on the road. Guaranteed." -Jack Baruth
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#5
REED Wrote:I know with gear & bikes it comes down to what fits me and I feel comfortable on but I'd like to get pointed in the right direction at least.

coleman powersports - if you sign up for their newsletter online they'll give you a 20% discount on any one item - a great way to get a decent helmet for cheaper.

i usually try on items at colemans and check the prices online to see if i can get a better deal. most of the time there's no difference, but bigger ticket items are usually cheaper.

<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.newenough.com">www.newenough.com</a><!-- w --> -- awesome prices, good selection, great customer service, relatively quick shipping, and a great return policy

REED Wrote:it seems a lot of the bike forums i've come across are very model/brand specific and since I don't know what bike I'll end up getting those are a little too specific.

<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.dcsportbikes.net/forum">www.dcsportbikes.net/forum</a><!-- w --> - local, and although a lot of people on there are very opinionated, they're usually helpful

the .com version isn't the same, i prefer .net
'19 Golf R

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#6
Sijray21 Wrote:coleman powersports - if you sign up for their newsletter online they'll give you a 20% discount on any one item - a great way to get a decent helmet for cheaper.

Yeah I'm planning on heading to Colemans this weekend to try some stuff on and I'm going to their "new rider night" next week. But I didn't know about the discount fromthe newsletter - thats sweet thanks!

As far as jackets go - what are you opinons on the different "types" leather, perforated leather, textile, mesh. Right now I only really plan on riding when its nice out (read: not raining, no winter), so that has me leaning more towards a textile or perf. leather.

thanks for the help guys
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#7
I loved my mesh jacket in the summer. Kept me plenty safe too.

Try every helmet on... even if it isn't as flashy and sweet as you may want. I found my best fit was a Scorpion. They look like poo, are cheap, and don't have many features.
I Am Mike
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#8
REED Wrote:As far as jackets go - what are you opinons on the different "types" leather, perforated leather, textile, mesh. Right now I only really plan on riding when its nice out (read: not raining, no winter), so that has me leaning more towards a textile or perf. leather.

as far as jackets go i've worn them all and i own all three types...yeah - i know (overkill)

i really enjoy my mesh jacket on hot days, but nothing will ever feel as comfortable and secure as a leather jacket. The leather jacket i have now is a perforated leather - great for breathability when riding and not too bad even with the liner zipped in during moderately warm days. I also own a textile jacket b/c it was super cheap on newenough ($59 shipped) and i wanted to try that out as well. I find it great for quick trips around and i got it in a non-neutral color to stand out a bit more on the roads. I find the textile better for shelter against the wind over the mesh and about the same with the leather. Mesh and textiles are cheaper, but i really recommend getting a decent leather jacket. Both of my leather jackets have been Teknic since they're pretty inexpensive and the quality of leather isn't bad (although i've never tested them). Also, test the different brands to make sure sleeves are long enough. I've noticed that Joe Rocket leathers are tighter in the arms and waist, but have longer arm length when compared to alpinestars and teknic. teknics tend to have slightly shorter arm lengths for leather jackets, but appear to be standard with textile jackets.

if you wanted to try on my jackets sometime i have the following:
Teknic Freestyle Textile size 44
Teknic Chicane Leather size 46 (purposely loose to allow room for my backprotector)
Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 Mesh size M

ideally i wanted the Rev'It Replica leather jacket (great fit), but i couldn't throw down the $$$.

a lot of new riders forget about good gloves and boots too, don't forget to get a good pair for each.

Mike Wrote:Try every helmet on... even if it isn't as flashy and sweet as you may want. I found my best fit was a Scorpion. They look like poo, are cheap, and don't have many features.

+1

different head shapes between brands and models within the same brand
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Previous: '99 BMW Z3 2.8L | 2019 Honda Ridgeline2010 VW GTI | 2008 CBR 600RR | 2005 Nissan Titan SE King | 2003 Honda CBR 600RR | 1998 Integra RS | 1998 Suzuki GS500e | 1999 Honda Civic Si | 1986 VW GTI 8v
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#9
Mike Wrote:I loved my mesh jacket in the summer. Kept me plenty safe too.

Try every helmet on... even if it isn't as flashy and sweet as you may want. I found my best fit was a Scorpion. They look like poo, are cheap, and don't have many features.

funny thing, that was the same for me - I tried on a bunch on Saturday and the Scorpions fit me the best too.

Anyone have an opinion on the Honda 599?

it was easily the most comfortable bike I sat on today. I still want to check out an SV650 though.

Ducati GT1000 - teh hottness
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#10
I have a 1st and 2nd gen SV in my garage if you want to sit on them.
(09-25-2019, 03:18 PM)V1GiLaNtE Wrote: I think you need to see a mental health professional.
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#11
.RJ Wrote:I have a 1st and 2nd gen SV in my garage if you want to sit on them.

Are you going to be around this weekend?

I'm off on Friday and am pretty open Saturday/Sunday
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#12
gear fitment question for you. I was told that for a jacket you shouldn't be able to gather up an inch of material at the zipper, I'm a relatively smallish guy and every jacket I have tried on seems to be too big in the chest area and even a little in the arms.

Any suggestions? Do you know of any brands that seem to run small?
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#13
just go to colemans and try the smallest shit you can find. make note of the brand and size.... and order online

ALSO you might need someone there to make sure it fits and make sure all the straps are adjusted on the jacket you are trying on.
#99 - 2000 Civic Si (Future H2 Car, Former H1 car)
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#14
Ginger is the smallest rider i know... he might know. I think he rides in Vans and Hines stuff i think.
#99 - 2000 Civic Si (Future H2 Car, Former H1 car)
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#15
I'm a biggish guy and I couldn't find a jacket that fit like that either. I wouldn't worry about it too much, I can gather at least 2 inches on the Alpinestars I currently wear (size 46 just to get sleeves that are long enough) and I'm not clear on why that's a bad thing.... :?: It's comfortable and survived a lowside just fine.

Check out Teknic if you haven't already, the Chicane jacket I had was clearly made for taller, more slender people, maybe their whole line is like that. It fit me much mo betta.
The only thing that stops a bad guy with a van is a good guy with a van
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#16
thanks for the help, I'll look into those brands, I've heard some good things about teknics.
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#17
I am very fond of my Suomy helmet. Not the cheapest but great quality, is light and fits well.
I have textile Shift jacket and a Leather shift jacket. The quality is okay.
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#18
thoughts?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/m...03606.html

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/1122036750.html

I don't know if I really want to drop the $$ for this guy

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/1141701519.html

RJ what are your thoughts on this guy?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/m...75232.html

or if I'm feeling spendy

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/1108874418.html
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#19
Channing has a Blast for sale if you're considering one of those. There's an ad in the FS section just in case you haven't seen it
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#20
hmm yeah I thought I remembered seeing one on here, I just assumed it had sold.
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