5 Tips for Buying Motorcycle Gear!

[@tonywalters1894]

Textiles are the absolute best as an all year set up. A half decent set will come with ventilation gaps, with zips to open and close. Removable thermal liners in everything, and I can confirm from personal experience, they work perfectly for sliding down the road. The only damage coming from paramedics having to cut them open to get to the broken bits!

[@diegogoh1340]

Also, textiles are much cheaper, I bought £40 trousers last year with all the d3o, vents, removeable thermal liner, remove the thermal liner and you can sit it warmer weather, with the thermal liner I didn't even get cold when it was below 0 and snowing. Only gripe is they aren't casual like jeans to wear around town and they're baggy - pretty sure they made more noise than my old 50 :)

[@tommears7321]

Completely agree

[@versutiagaming9401]

Leathers do look nicer though? I prefer textiles for all the reasons you mentioned btw lol

[@flippy66]

Not all textiles are created equal. Same with all leathers. Making blanket statements about any type of gear is idiotic.

[@babybat570]

Little tip for new riders; Get boots that cover your shins. Most common injuries to newbies are tibia and fibua breaks from slow crashes (or dropping the bike on yourself). Get a long sturdy boot with crush protection.

[@Brandy._]

Thank you for the advice, I'll take a look! Would Spicys Frank Thomas be a good start of boot to look for?

[@flippy66]

Way to regurgitate what Fort 9 says 😉

[@ASPIRE1355LC]

@@flippy66 Who what, was the first on youtube???

[@user-xb4nn6ql5l]

Totally agree. Gear saved me last Thursday. Chap did an untraditional uturn from the other side of the road. I met his passenger side wing at (ahem) 30 mph. Or thereabouts. Bike stayed where it was, save the plastics which went everywhere. I went over the bonnet and landed the other side. No idea how, but nothing was broken. Bruises, especially in the fuel tank area, but of whiplash, but that’s it. I was properly geared up, and the gear did it’s job. And yes - it was a 125… By the way, J&S let you try helmets on in the shop. At least they let me on Monday…

[@ASPIRE1355LC]

Glad you are alright. Similar happened to me years ago on a 125 - broken hand bones as had soft scrambler type gloves on and broken kneecap as just had jeans on. Never again!

[@markmundy3435]

Statistically as a new rider you're almost guaranteed to have an off in your first few years. For most, that will mean a low speed spill where you misjudge slippery road conditions/grip/your capability and or getting into a situation where bailing off your bike seems like your best option. Trust the guys who know, it happens fast! One minute all is well in your world, the next second you're sliding down the road, well before you have time to say SH..! The amount of "new" riders (scooter/125 guys) I see who think its fine just to comply with the min legal requirements of just a helmet is shocking to me, and most of the time don't even bother to do it up properly and think a hoodie, jeans and trainers with NO gloves will be ok. Jump off a pushbike when you're pedalling as fast as you can and see how the works out for you, now think what that would be like at say 30mph. Now imagine what sliding down the road at that speed might feel like but your leg is trapped under a 150kg+ bike with only a pair of trainers to stop your foot and ankle getting ground away and your ungloved hand being left on the road as you slide to a stop. You'll not be walking to the toilet unaided for some time and wiping your backside with geavel rashed hands is next to impossible, but on the bright side, as your unfastened helmet probably left the party early on, you may not know its time. Your body and you are worth it, a few hundred pounds and using what you've spent in on properly can be life changing if it go's pear shaped.

[@Faunarr]

I slid down on a delivery I was doing, wasn't even going fast, tried to turn left from a stop too tightly and ended up eating shit at 10-15mph, thankfully I had elbow armour and actual protection, so I got off with a bruise near my elbow, a bruise on my thigh, and despite not wearing motorcycle boots. I was still wearing my tall magnum walking boots so even though my foot was stuck under the scooter I wasn't in any pain. I jsut picked it up. parked it on the sidewalk. And gave myself 2-3 minuites to calm down and then finished off my delivery. But until you eat shit you don't know just how slippery it is. You described it fairly accurately.

[@pandabumsplat]

Sorry if this is a bit late, but I used to work in a shoe repair shop, and we charged a hefty price for zip repairs. The reason for it being that it's the amount of work needed to get at the full zip to get it out of the shoe or boot, sometimes you have to take off the sole to get at the whole zip. So it's not just the replacement you are buying but the manhours involved to do it. It's still expensive, and a lot of people don't like doing the work, but it's not just because they don't want to

[@versutiagaming9401]

Thanks Spicy - I like how this cuts through some of the snobbery. For example, you don't have to go out and buy £2000 Alpine Star bits of kit. I imagine that they are very very safe, but it does seem you can obtain the suitable level of protection when just starting out. I think that can be encouraging to new riders, particularly when they are looking at riding as a cheaper method of transport, saving for a bigger bike and DAS, etc

[@lelouchbritannia6364]

After watching your videos since the 125cc days. Ive now had my riders license a year and upgraded to a Hondq Cb400sf (my first serious bike). Because of your videos I really feel comfortable on my bike but I've never had any riding pants so I bought my first pair of RHOK jeans in black. They are super nice, fit great and I'm super happy with them. So basically thank you so much for putting out these videos and being awesome.

[@mt09madness]

I have three jackets. Leather for winter, ridding hoodie or intermediate and a light vented textile for summer. Here in Australia, can get into the mid to high forties in summer so its bloody hot.

[@andrewmack2161]

If you know your size (worth checking at a dealer by trying stuff on) there's some decent almost unused second hand stuff available on ebay occasionally. I wouldn't trust a 2nd hand crash helmet but I did get a pair of £300+ alpine* boots for £50 and they look like they've been worn twice (maybe 3 times max). Under Kevlar jeans, Motorbike specific windproof LJs work better in the cold (there's a few gear manufacturers that sell them). Textiles are the best cold weather gear by miles (kilometres for those that use them...).

[@jimbyvids7358]

Due to covid, when trying on a helmet at J&S (other gear retailers are available) they give you a disposable balaclava to put on first... at least they do in my local store.

[@casheycodercasheycoder4823]

Yea they did that for me it was actually rlly helpful

[@analogsamurai2505]

that should have been done pre covid imo

[@superfastmonkeysim5200]

Thanks for the advice dude 🥳 at this point I’ve spent well over a grand trying and failing to get the right gear for the right season or weather. I’ve bought waterproof gloves that aren’t. A summer armoured top that keeps me warm in winter, and the list goes on. I’m getting there at least. I now have 75% of the gear that will get me through all seasons. And I don’t skimp on safety. with your advice I will for sure save money by minimising mistakes and get what I need 🥳😁

[@MiddletoM]

i had two pairs of Bull-it Jeans which are fine in dry weather but when it rains i had to put on waterproofs and when its hot your legs get hot because theres no ventilation. I recently bought textile trousers and they are so much easier and look the part. They are waterproof and have ventilation. They also have removable thermals so they are perfect all year round. I also have two jackets, 1 leather and 1 textile. the textile again is perfect all year with removable waterproof layer and thermal layer. It also has amazing ventilation. The leather one just looks better and is less baggy.

[@robinwells8879]

I was told during my CBT that fabrics will indeed protect you from abrasions but you may get 2nd/3rd degree friction burns through the material instead. I purchased some really inexpensive GearX fabrics and they are good for deep winter but hot as hell in milder conditions even with removed quilted inners. Kevlar jeans and an armoured hoodie is just about cool enough for me in summertime but I feel vulnerable.

[@maycrotch8576]

I love your tidbits very much, always have found them useful.🙂🙂🙂

[@alij0n3s]

A video recommending brands and the best places to buy would be cool

[@spicy110]

Brands depends on your budget spend more get more most of the time and as to where to get it, in your local bike store as you really need to try stuff on for fit, just don't be that person who tries it on in the store and then buys online.

[@philhunt9297]

Tip 6 Don't take reviews from KZbin uploaders who only give positive reviews or review a product as the best ever then 3 months later reviews a similar product as the best ever These KZbinrs get freebies or discounts so long as their reviews are positive whereas Spicy will review a product only on the proviso that he can review the product his way which includes negativity/issues.

[@jakebrennan7685]

Textile master race here, couldn't stand the heat of leathers in summer and getting soaked when it rains. My cheapo waterproof setup used to be a £25 overcoat from Karrimor and Richa overtrousers. The jacket was shocking but the richa stuff does actually work, it's not very fashionable but kept me dry. Just upgraded to RST Paragon 6 jacket and trousers, absolutely brilliant so far for the price.

[@Mean-bj8wp]

I've just bought a belt attachment which zips to my jacket,this is cheap £13 and important as in the event of a crash my jacket won't ride up my back exposing me and keeps the draught out and the bonus is my jeans stay up. Basically it just has holes that you thread your belt through and the loops in your jeans. This means I can zip together my Bull-it jeans to my RST jacket. It will only zip to RST jackets but most the main brands have this available. I highly recommend.

[@analogsamurai2505]

buying peoples last season gear is the way for me. i picked up some £150 richa tracer boots for £35 worn twice. ebay ftw... and yes people gear is needed. i have flat kneecaps from being dragged with the bike after being knocked off. with only tracksuit bottoms on i was 16 and dumb i now have life problems with my knees. a small outlay could have stopped that. be smart ppl.

[@user-yn7ll3qz1p]

Can you do a top 5 tips video on how to find enough chane down the back of the sofa to buy a bike and gear...

[@speedbird5409]

Buy a zip off eBay for a couple quid and if you have the time try and fit new zips on yourself even if you don't succeed it's a bit of fun and you won't ruin the boot for if you do decide to send it off to be repaired!

[@mcdon2401]

My old FT boots lasted through 3 drips before I retired them, the last one being the bike landing on my leg. Figured they'd been through enough by then. Riding in Scotland requires textiles for most of the year.

[@DavidNewmanDr]

I have 2 pairs of gloves - one with vents for the summer and electrically heated gloves for the winter.

[@b1ackf0x11]

i recommend the 3 piece textile jacket and trousers outer shell - gortex - thermal layer easy to remove and wash abit pricey but well worth the money

[@WasNotWas999]

Don't forget the motorcycle trainer type shoes from a good named brand.. they are good for the summer and great for lots of walking off the bike and more comfortable than full boots...

[@spicy110]

I don't like them, from what I have seen they have no ankle protection or so little in comparison its not worth it. This can lead to your foot getting near on torn off in a crash.

[@davidg2116]

I have Merlin leather bike boots. They have outlast that helps retain heat in the cold and draw heat out when it's too warm

[@davidg2116]

For winter city commuting, would a lid with a peak help the rain. I wear glasses which fog up when the visor is down and get wet when it's up. Keeping it open a crack helps but still not great

[@spicy110]

Sadly I have not noticed a benefit in that regard.

[@muchasgracias6976]

Some great advice there, spicy!

[@scottn6667]

Spent the past couple months saving up for a bike, I bought all the gear, and then a large unexpected payment came along and now I cant afford a bike, uni has now started and as george r.r martin would say winter is coming, I think I’ve missed the boat… for now at least. Great video, love your videos.

[@CheeseTheFish]

Get a loan , that's what i did, including bike and insurance all in one go for under £100 a month

[@craiggraham2638]

Having wheels in a Uni full of pedestrians gives you god-like freedom. 😎

[@supaty4618]

Cheers for the heads up on the mrt kevlar jeans been looking for a good pair for when at work and also good budget pair to recommend to my students will have to give them a go at some point

[@scottn6667]

I’ve been looking at getting kevlar leggings and undershirt thing, they’re padded and seem like the perfect way to wear what you want on top, will I be sacrificing on safety I dont know

[@viliivanovtube]

As usual lot's of useful info at any of your videos mate. thanks for sharing! I am shocked by the amount they asked about zip replacement. I had my right BKS boot replaced for £20 and I found it eyewatering. :) Anyway won't be buying BKS again as the zip broke at their 3th ride.

[@spicy110]

I have a feeling the person I asked did not want to do it haha.

[@viliivanovtube]

@@spicy110 hahahah make sense indeed :)

[@rhonddarider6556]

Hey spicy I passed me c.b.t on 28/1/22 and your videos helped but really enjoyed doing my c.b.t but will be going to do my theory and das soon too.

[@steveaga4683]

What do you think of leather boots, such as the Harley sty.e ones?

[@HaloXIIII]

For boots I've always used the alpine star j6s they aren't full traditional bike boots but they have ankle, heel and level 2 ce armour and I've come off twice in them the 2nd was a biggg slide and they did really good!

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

Well, all in our family ride a motorcycle. So our daughter, who just got her 125cc license, doesn't know anything else but to ride in full gear. She got it the moment she was able to put her feet securely on daddy's passenger footpegs. So she really knows that it can save your life when riding this dangerous thing. If you want your kid to do something - you have to do it yourself (always smiled at those parents who ride a bicycle. Kid has to wear a helmet - mum/dad do not and wonder why their kid refuses to put theirs on.).

[@MadOldBiker]

Words of wisdom mate !

[@stewstew81]

I only ride in textiles and I love my RST paragon 5

[@BigPezza]

My Dainese boots have a zip and I got them in 2017 £200 quid tho 😂 and my alpinestar off-road boots will be 10 years soon

[@clangerbasher]

I am interested in textile trousers (cargo like ) over jeans.

[@flippy66]

1. Understand CE ratings 2. Only buy CE rated things, which are rated for the speeds you'll be going at 3. Understand helmet ratings 4. Buy only helmets rated by robust methods (i.e. not DOT or Snell, for example) 5. Disregard advice from anyone who says anything about any gear based on how they think it "feels".

[@NRD1985]

You're first tip is so important - actually buy all the gear and use it. I see too many riders in too little protection.

[@JLWrangler23]

I crashed a moped going 30mph with no gear when I was younger. They had to close off a road and rush me to the nearest hospital. I’m healthy now! But yea I’m riding in FULL gear now

[@GlobalIntentions]

Can we talk about knees? I’m 35 years old.. I always wear FULL gear as not long passed my Cbt so it is still scary! Ah you just mentioned a damaged knee… I have done a lot of riding basically 2000 miles in 2 months but now my knees are stopping me from riding, I have filled it down to having to emergency stop or swerve a car pulling out no warning then suddenly coming to a stop so full weight on 1 leg, knees are on their way out but noooo I just started enjoying life 😅

[@spicy110]

Do what I do, never put your feet down. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJqUhZ2pZ7tpodE

[@rundownimposter7430]

Only gear I've skimped out on is boots can't find find size 16 so just got leather ankle boots

[@oliverbryce]

can you get textile over trousers guys? i dont want to have to carry jeans to work everyday Thanks spicy youve helped me and encouraged me to ride. mt 125 2021 and iv never looked back Thank you so much

[@BickMitchum]

Also a boot won't be 10 metres behinde you if you had an off like a trainer would....

[@jakelaughton683]

Just on observation, but that icon helmet looks like it would rip your head off if the cut on the right side got snagged in a crash. Why is that there? What benefit does it offer?

[@twowheelsquirrel]

There's a reason most motorcycle instructors wear textile 😉

[@lipsee100]

Spicy why do,nt you review Lidl/Aldi gear gear...its so cheap... The quality has gone down in the last few years ,but for certain stuff its quite good... The first textile jacket I got was from Aldi and I still use after about 9/10 years,,it leaks and quite fraid but it still stands up and it only cost me £50,I got the pants as well ,they keep you warm thats it ... REgarding mail order Helmets ,,, I bought a Schberth C4 cheap ,,,same size as my previous Scuhberth.. On receiving fitted great,,but a couple of hours into a ride OMG the pain, I had to stop many times on the way home for some relief,,,it fitts my wife perfect ,,so she wears the new lid and I,m stuck with the old... regards

[@pauls9440]

Black may be cool but it is better to add something bright, some jackets have small flashes of yellow etc which help. However I still have jackets that are dark BUT I choose to wear fluorescent green or white helmets. If light conditions are really bad such as rain at night I carry a fluorescent yellow vest. When you are out riding have a look at riders or cyclists - which ones do you notice first?

[@spicy110]

copy paste from another comment on the same lines, I did not talk about colour for a reason. Having been nearly killed by someone on a strait road when they were facing me and didn't see me, I gave up on the idea of people seeing or even looking for me and ride accordingly. Same sort of deal as why I don't have a issue with electric being quiet. Also consider I ride a bright white bike so that helps. Yes nothing wrong with hi-vis but that is a personal choice kinda thing for me.

[@pauls9440]

@@spicy110 fair enough, if you want to do a video that gets a heap of comments colour would be it ;). Wonder if you had a few flashes of colour or a bright helmet they might have seen you.... I just go by who I see best when I’m driving or riding - cyclists all in black are the worst...

[@returnofthebiker2774]

I take it that you like black?! ;) Any opinion on hi-vis gear and have you ever heard from someone that it saved their bacon?

[@spicy110]

Having been nearly killed by someone on a strait road when they were facing me and didn't see me, I gave up on the idea of people seeing or even looking for me and ride accordingly. Same sort of deal as why I don't have a issue with electric being quiet. Also consider I ride a bright white bike so that helps. Yes nothing wrong with hi-vis but that is a personal choice kinda thing for me.

[@WasNotWas999]

You could be dressed as a bright yellow, clown.. but regardless if they are not looking they won't see you

[@HondaCBCL]

@@WasNotWas999 couldn’t agree more!

[@nativeadept8708]

Hey Spicy, this might be a really dumb question but me and my mate are going to be riding soon and wondered whether wearing full leathers on a day to day basis is a good idea. What do you think?

[@spicy110]

Honestly day to day motorcycle jeans and a leather jacket is the way to go imo. Full leathers are great (I prefer 2 piece) thing is you can not really walk around in them comfortably for a long time.

[@scwertalevans7631]

Be need get some gear as many old gear ok for summer but not winter. I lear why have full gear matters was lucky as went down at 20 but it was nice lessons why pants matters. Boot save my ankle and jack save my arm but waterproof pants did nothing.

[@harveypotts9259]

It is done

[@altypeRR]

In store they seem to be fine. You just have to wear one of those disposable balaclava things. Or at least it’s that way with J&S

[@altypeRR]

Oh and on the underwear. I’m a convert this year to wearing the fast wicking stuff from Knox which feel like silk but is 100% synthetic. It keeps you cool in the summer (even in the 30 plus temps) and warm in winter. As for textiles often they can be cheaper than leather but have the benefits of being waterproof. Gore Tex costs but is worth it. But the laminated textiles are good for a fraction of the price.

[@robertmatson2119]

As always geate vid Spicy defo where your gaer people broke my anle and two brakes in my foot in a crash even when i had on some oxford road boots.

[@hectorshouse7348]

Amazing how many KZbinrs promote laced footwear for bikes…always baffles me

[@spicy110]

I assume you are not reffer to me? As I make a point of saying do not use them in this video.

[@hectorshouse7348]

@@spicy110 no of course not…I was pleased you mentioned no laces 👍

[@spicy110]

Gooooood haha 🙂👍

[@GaitesKlein]

How can I get the rhok jeans in the US?

[@spicy110]

Yes you should be able to, they have a US seller I think

[@maycrotch8576]

GJIZE!!!!!!!

[@mojomoto259]

ATGATT

[@Barisdagame]

Can we get prices like damn dude

[@spicy110]

They change so as time goes on the video would make less and less sense.

[@wesleydamianwoolfall1450]

Look good

[@harveypotts9259]

8:19 legs gets very cold

[@jackbraddell1124]

Tip one: Buy American

[@Aka.Aka.]

The American DOT certification is worthless though

[@dazpike3472]

Listen to this man , I went into a transit last Tuesday at 45mph and ran over after , had helmet , jacket and gloves on , works pants and loafers , wear all your gear all the time ! My legs have lost alot of skin , massive haematoma on my legs , if I'd of worn my bike pants I'd of walked away with just a sore leg .

[@spicy110]

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[@dazpike3472]

@@spicy110 il be fine I was extremely lucky on this occasion , nothing but my own stupid decision caused the accident. Keep up the good work

[@givenchymamajama3859]

@@dazpike3472you back to riding yet bro?

[@dazpike3472]

@@givenchymamajama3859 I am indeed , caused myself some problems from having no leg protection, hip and leg pain weekly and bad backs ( didn't have back armour at the time of crash)