[JES883]

Thanks in no small part to some of the posts that I've read on this forum, I took the plunge and am getting a 2K5 GSXR600.

I pick it up in a couple of weeks. I am VERY excited. Don't know how I'm gonna' stand the wait! Any advice on this???

 

[Trapper]

Did you sell your Sportster yet? Read Motorcycle riding books, read forums, magazines, go to the dealer and look at it. Have fun.

 

[JES883]

Didn't sell the sporty yet. I'll probably keep it for a while. Surprisingly, I've got LOTS of people interested in it. Co-workers, friends, cousin, sister.

I've got magazines and my eyes hurt from cruising the forums. The dealer is down in OH, so it's a bit far. I didn't think of books about riding. I'll try that. Good advice.

 

[Gixxerdale]

Congrats on the new ride! Besides reading, now you need new gear to go with the bike! You know the routine! Full face helmet, leathers, gloves, boots, tank bag, etc. So while you're waiting you got some shopping to do! :mrgreen:

 

[JES883]

So while you're waiting you got some shopping to do! :mrgreen:

I've got a full-face. HJC CL-14. It's three years old. Maybe seen 500 miles of use. Is it true that the material in some helmets deteriorate or become brittle after a period of time thus reducing their effectiveness? Should I worry?

I've got boots that I like.

I've got a jacket, but I'm in the market for a new one. I kinda like the Icon Motorhead. I tried one on and it was the best fit of a jacket I ever tried. But to be honest, I'm excited to wear a jacket that says Harley Davidson in several places while riding a Japanese sport bike (hehehe).

I do want some gloves. I'm spoiled on fingerless gloves, so I've got to find some that are relatively unencumbered.

Tank bag. I never thought of that. The only luggage that's on my current bike is a tool bag. Occasionally I bungee a bag on the back.

On with the shopping ...

 

[Gixxerdale]

I've got a full-face. HJC CL-14. It's three years old. Maybe seen 500 miles of use. Is it true that the material in some helmets deteriorate or become brittle after a period of time thus reducing their effectiveness? Should I worry?

I've got boots that I like.

I've got a jacket, but I'm in the market for a new one. I kinda like the Icon Motorhead. I tried one on and it was the best fit of a jacket I ever tried. But to be honest, I'm excited to wear a jacket that says Harley Davidson in several places while riding a Japanese sport bike (hehehe).

I do want some gloves. I'm spoiled on fingerless gloves, so I've got to find some that are relatively unencumbered.

Tank bag. I never thought of that. The only luggage that's on my current bike is a tool bag. Occasionally I bungee a bag on the back.

On with the shopping ...

I give my helmets 5 years unless they take a good hit of course and then you can usually see the spider webbing on the foam inside.

As for a jacket, keep in mind your new riding position. A cruiser jacket will be halfway up your back on a sportbike.

Gloves? I swear by Aplinestars. Lots of protection where it matters most yet soft enough to get good feed back from the bike and road.

 

[stevie c]

Don't forget protective trousers that zip to your jacket,unless you go down the one-piece route.

 

[prekarious1]

5 yrs seems to be about the average on a helmet. Got another 2 to go on the one I have now.

As far as advice goes, you already understand the right wrist factor, this will just emphasize it for ya

 

[Gixxerdale]

Right wrist, unless properly controlled, can cause large dent in back pocket! :mrgreen:

 

[chrisan]

I have an Icon Motorhead and I like it, the only problem is that it doesn't have a zipper to connect to pants.
Now I wish i bought one with a zipper, although I still like the looks of my jaket more than what I've seen so far in this price range.
Regarding quality, I had a minor fall/25-30 m/h/ and the jacked did protect me, although I feel there could have been a better shoulder padding, because my shoulder hurt for a day or two after the accident. And I could imagine this jacket being not very sufficent in a more major accident. But all and all the jacket is a great buy for the money.
Congrats on the gixxer I have the same bike /04/ and I love it.

 

[GIXXER-Mike]

Excellent choice for a bike, my friend :bluethum:!

Marvelous, simply marvelous :mrgreen: !

 

[JES883]

I have an Icon Motorhead and I like it, the only problem is that it doesn't have a zipper to connect to pants.
Now I wish i bought one with a zipper, although I still like the looks of my jaket more than what I've seen so far in this price range.
Regarding quality, I had a minor fall/25-30 m/h/ and the jacked did protect me, although I feel there could have been a better shoulder padding, because my shoulder hurt for a day or two after the accident. And I could imagine this jacket being not very sufficent in a more major accident. But all and all the jacket is a great buy for the money.
Congrats on the gixxer I have the same bike /04/ and I love it.

Thanks for the great feedback. One question about it. How is the jacket in warm weather? Warm like 80 degrees and up.

I'm thinking I might get this jacket for tooling around, and something more dedicated for serious rides.

 

[Gixxerdale]

80 degrees ? Warm ? BRRR...... :mrgreen:

 

[inspiron]

Hey - we had some scorching days last week - over 70°F! I've started my summer tan!

 

[JES883]

80 degrees ? Warm ? BRRR...... :mrgreen:

That's mighty warm. This morning on my 25-mile commute it was 38 degrees when I started out. My fingers on my left hand got cold.

It's all relative. I'm relatively sure that I wish I was riding where you are.

 

[shadygrey]

Congrats Jes! I took the plunge myself purposely on March 26th as a personal b-day gift to myself. Some call it an 05' Gsx-r 750, I just call her BeeBee.

 

[GIXXER-Mike]

Striking...simply, striking ShadyGrey! :mrgreen:

 

[JES883]

Beautiful bike shadygrey. I'm a bit jealous. Y/B is AWESOME !!!

 

[chrisan]

Ah regarding the ventilation, it's good, has 6 vents and cools nice. but you have to moove you know.
Also don't buy it too big, go to a store and try it.
I bought an M size although my previous jaket was L.

 

[Hunter]

That's mighty warm. This morning on my 25-mile commute it was 38 degrees when I started out. My fingers on my left hand got cold.

It's all relative. I'm relatively sure that I wish I was riding where you are.

We have been out riding around for about three weeks, had weather as nice as +13 "Canada". The snow was all gone. Got up this morning and we have over 1 foot of snow with more to come :evil: