Beginners guide to motorcycle clothing | How to choose your riding kit

[@phillipdale6464]

I’m a bit surprised you’ve not mentioned the ability to be seen by colour choice ! Especially for a new rider , his choices are all dark , yes it is a personal choice.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It's a good point - I totally forgot to talk about that, thanks! I think Anthony would have still gone for all black, but I should have brought up black reflective details as something to consider. Cheers! John

[@pauljshields123]

Car drivers are colour blind....

[@philip5798]

@@bennettsbikesocial It’s the most important point, your best chance of surviving an accident is not being in one in the first place. Wearing black kit isn’t cool when you are dead.

[@aboutye]

One block of colour albeit black can silhouette a rider in a bright and cluttered urban environment - then again how much of a jacket and its colour does a car driver see behind a bike with a fairing or screen with its compulsory headlight shining. A lot of "kit" nowadays has fluorescent piping for those dark nights for reflecting - so perhaps seen in the dark a bit more.

[@philip5798]

@@aboutye the colour of the helmet is probably the most important as that’s what a driver would notice first besides the bike. He didn’t buy black kit because he felt it would make him more visible to motorists. He bought it because he thought it looked cool. Anyway, not to rant. It’s his life and he lives in a free country, he can do whatever he wants.

[@cp4512]

I took my daughter to sportsbikeshop in Milton Keynes last year to buy her first set of biking kit. The SBS store were very patient with us and just as helpful and supportive as they were in your video over a few hours. Their prices were very good too…..but it didn’t stop my daughter spending all my money with Shoei and Alpinestars😞😂😂😂

[@bennettsbikesocial]

That's great to hear, thanks! John

[@siraff4461]

Honestly though its worth the money. Can't really go wrong with those and if she's new she stands a good chance of going down the road at some point so its nice to know she's got good gear on.

[@b.p.rwebber8098]

Alpine star great taste in gear and shoei helmets are pretty dammmmm good oh and they probably one of the best made ones too.

[@uiewgf]

Sophie is so amazing in this video. Informative, friendly, helpful, charismatic. This is exactly what new, or even old returning, buyers of motorcycle gear need. Though I do agree with other comments that visibility is a must, even if customers are always right in matters of taste.

[@grahamhiggins1]

There’s a lot to be said for buying the best kit you can afford, if you’re going to aim for a full A licence. Saves you having to upgrade later as so many of us did, and paying twice.

[@Juvie99]

Wish I hadve just forked out the money at the start. I bought good waterproof and summer gear (dainese) but then bit the bullet and bought rukka. I'd never look back to other gear.

[@iammikail7299]

I’m a new rider, getting my first set of gear, would you recommend one piece leathers or two piece? Mainly riding on motorways and country roads…

[@grahamhiggins1]

@@iammikail7299 always two piece Mikail, one if you mostly do track riding. Most trousers on a two piece will zip into a jacket. Dianese we are good, or RST for cheaper options.

[@baconbiketours9166]

Good on him for buying good quality gear for a 125. Protection is still important regardless of the cc. Only 2 points I would raise are all the kit is dark so poor visibility and a cheap waterproof oversuit is a must. Just because you don't plan to ride in the rain doesn't mean you won't. But, I would agree you always get great customer service from sportsbikeshop compared to the other big chains.

[@Omar-kw5ui]

Agreed. Especially the rain thing. Can count a few times a sunny day turned into a torrential down pour.

[@Fortis_1337]

Agreed, especially with the protection regardless of the bike CC 😁

[@hisride]

@@Omar-kw5ui two words: weather app!

[@Omar-kw5ui]

@@hisride yeah because the weather forecast has never been wrong 😑

[@hisride]

@@Omar-kw5ui Yeah for anything over a day in advance I dont trust it, but the morning of its almost always spot on

[@cloud9847]

My kit as a new rider that I've been building and buying for roughly 2 months now - Forma Adventure Low boots Merlin Gable in Oxblood (absolutely incredible jacket) SUMO Lee Parks Design gloves AGV K6s helmet Iron Workers Cargo pant I've spent a lot of money - way more than $500...BUT...I plan on using my gear for literal years to come and it's some of the most protective out there. My opinion on gear - watch TONS of youtube videos and learn from 'those who have been there' like I did. I've saved so much money by NOT buying crap gear that it's allowed me to afford buying quality gear. If you can't afford a hospital stay then you better be able to afford decent gear.

[@douglasradowick508]

As a first time rider at 59 years of age. I agree: buy what you can afford, and,, upgrade as you're able. Don't skimp on the riding protection gear!🏍️🥰😇👍😎🇺🇸🦅 Doug

[@philatkinson1983]

I did the same yesterday, popped to their MK store. Spent a few hours getting fitted and trying on different sizes etc. I bought AGV K5-S helmet, alpinestars leather jacket, jeans, gloves and boots. Ordered all for home delivery, it's turned up today. Greet staff and great service

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Great to hear! Cheers, John

[@MrMickjbriggs]

Christ, when I started riding 33 years ago I had a hand me down helmet that didn't fit, a pair of work boots & that was it. Compared to what I wear these days I might as well have been naked. Good on him for starting out properly.

[@Alan-sn5wd]

There wasn’t as much to choose from either.

[@fuglbird]

@@Alan-sn5wd I bought my motorcycle gear 46 years ago in 1978. There was plenty to chose from back then.

[@tomsoki5738]

@@fuglbirdNo airbags, terrible armour pads, awful helmets as they hadn’t done proper studies on it yet, no high performance synthetic fibres, awful visibility, not massively relevant but still: no ABS or traction control. Basically all the options were a poor quality helmet, plain heavy leather jacket and jeans…

[@quacktac]

I've found that with a couple of exceptions, most gear shops are generally really helpful.

[@petermartin3806]

As a MT bike rider taking first steps into motorised 2 wheels, this was incredibly helpful. Watched this twice and also the vid on jeans, keep up the excellent vids Bennetts

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks so much and welcome to biking! Enjoy! Cheers, John

[@davebethell1]

Great content, hopefully this will help people narrow down the huge array of items on sale. I've wasted a lot of money on kit over the years, as a general rule buy cheap buy twice, but I don't like being suckered in by 'fashion' brands which are expensive but without great quality. Hopefully the below will help prevent someone making the same expensive mistakes I have. I struggle to get the elbow armour to stay in place, and often rolls around my arm, so having the armour close to the body works far better for me. Which is why the Knox Urban Pro / Honister is an excellent solution. Then if you want to add further abrasion resistant layers or waterproof layers over the top you can. I really rate Knox items, as they are well made and well thought out. If you buy the protective (AAA) Knox Honister, you can save money on the outer coat layer by buying a simple outdoor jacket (Berghaus, Craghoppers, etc) which will add some wind and rain protection. Overall this will be better value than buying a jacket for summer, and another for colder months. A layering system is ideal to ensure you can adapt your riding gear for all year around. I find leather is great at being protective, but doesn't work very well in our climate. Generally I ride in jeans, but will only buy Hood, as these are well made and protective. Now available in AAA. Then add waterproofs over the top if it's wet. Scott are fantastic. Recently I have realised that the helmets I have worn are too large. I know its a common mistake bikers make, so I would definitely recommend going into a store to try on. I have along oval head shape, which means the majority of helmets don't work for me. So to get the correct depth of helmet (front to back) I bought a larger size, but this just creates too much space at the sides. I ended up with an Icon for £200, which replaces my £550 Shoei, and fits snuggly around the full circumference of my head. The website Billys Crash Helmets is a great source of information regarding head shape. It helped point me in the direction of which manufacturers and models to look at. Although I do advocate paying more usually means getting better kit, helmets are a tad different. For helmets it's really important that you don't go for a specific make or style. Even a well built quality lid won't much use if it doesn't fit correctly. You will be better off in a well fitting £100 item rather than a poor fitting £700 race rep helmet. Buying protective kit is necessary. Buy the best gear you can afford, and hope you'll never need to rely on it. Safe riding everyone.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

This is brilliant, thanks so much!

[@lynxeffect84]

I'm new to bikes, are riding jeans as safe /durable as leather for the street

[@davebethell1]

@@lynxeffect84 Leather is undoubtably the best protection, which is why you can't go out on a track with anything less. However it does have its downsides. It is too hot in warm weather and isn't great in the wet. For your street riding I would say that jeans would be the best option. Much more comfortable on and off the bike, with decent protection. Personally I would only buy Hood jeans, available direct from the manufacturers (they don't use stockists). They have the highest AAA standard available and are well made. Their website has loads of information, and will probably sway you from a cheaper single layer jean from other brands.

[@garethstarkey7560]

I live in ireland and had some issues so I phone up and spoke to Sophie who was amazing and very helpful. I even got gear for my friend and wife and sportsbikeshop has been absolutely spot on.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Sophie's awesome! Cheers, John

[@erikbarkefors2441]

I live in Sweden and sold my last motorcycle 30 years ago. Now I devote myself to armchair adventure and long for a motorcycle again. Then I had full Halvarson leather gear, semi high boots and a polycarbonate helmet. The helmet was white and the leather gear was red. If I buy now, it will be laminated textile as I don't want to stop and put on or take off rain clothes on top. Color of clothes will be quite light so as not to get so hot in the sun (when it shows...). Helmet becomes integral and also here bright colors. Sun visor in a helmet seems practical and something I would appreciate when riding in Norwegian tunnels. I will probably get MX model knee and elbow pads as I know how much a hit there can hurt. On the feet it will be a pair of high boots with good protection. It is easy to bring a pair of walking shoes if I want to walk longer distances. I haven't tried different brands today but "window shopping" points towards Lindstrand Sunne gear, Alpinestars Tech 7 Dristar Enduro boots and helmet, I have to try Arai and a few more makes to see fit.

[@AndyWWW]

My budget option choices in November 2023. HJC i90 helmet in white (148) which included the pinlock as i wear spectacles, rather than the MT i thought I wanted. Armr Moto Kiso textile jacket with white stripes(65), Armr Moto Tottorri textile trousers(40), Oxford Spartan gloves(20) and Richa Zenith boots(72). Total 345. All waterproof because November and UK. Jacket trousers and gloves from bricks and mortar bike shops selling on ebay, everything else from SBS. Also the HJC intercom (85) and Alpine Tour earplugs (15).

[@hankaul6256]

The lady who is helping is pretty ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@HippoDrones]

This was a great video for new and more seasoned riders. Kit is often overlooked when getting started, and people spend all their funds on the bike, and have nothing left for kit. I love the SportsbikeShop, always get fantastic customer service and no pressure or upselling from the sales staff, and incredible stock. I love that there is so much choice now with the more urban styled kit, it is so much more comfortable than leather or textile, and can offer good protection while looking great too. When I started biking at 16yrs old back in 1991 buying kit wasn't an option, so I had a hand me down helmet from my dad that was from the 1960's, had a cork lining, some old firemans boots that were too big and gauntleted unlined leather gloves that were like funnels whenever it rained as the gauntlents would send all the water from the sleaves of my denim jacket into the gloves... Yet I still carried on riding! Hahaha... Thankfully nowadays, I can afford some safer kit and have leathers and textiles for different riding, but mainly wear urban stuff on tarmac, at least when it is dry out.

[@jamesstickle2120]

Another great video & nice to see Sophie again having sold her my Daytona 675se last year!!

[@davehudson2064]

The first helmet I bought I asked the salesman “ why should I should I spend £600 on a helmet when you sell others for £150?” His answer was “ How much do you value your head?” 😂 Buy most of my gear from SBS and thank goodness you ve just opened the new Preston branch. I love Boston and it s a fantastic store to visit but even I get fed up of the 7 hour round trip. My personal opinion for what it’s worth is they have the best staff and choice so for me they are number 1. PS I knocked my £500 helmet off my bike by accident at a garage. It bounced like a ping pong ball. I initially decided that it would be fine and ride with it a couple of times but in the back of my mind I was never happy. I bit the bullet and bought a new one. Just for fun I deliberately dropped the old again before I binned it. It did nt bounce at all and all the protection had gone. Lesson learned and I cringe when people drop their helmets and carry on riding with them.

[@davidbevan8374]

Excellent. I would love to see this type of content on a regular basis. Great job

[@Rickd-jh7iw]

Maybe it depends on climate, but I would have opted for a textile jacket with a removable waterproof liner, for the versatility. Leather is heavy, hot in the summer, and useless in the rain. As a beginner a good textile with removable liner is lighter, cooler on hot days, better in the rain, and can be better in the cold with the liner and a sweater underneath. Leather can offer better protection at high speeds, but for around town riding, the textile is sufficient.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

Good advice. One thing I'd say carry a cheap waterproof over jacket for the days you get caught in a downpour it'll save you from pneumonia. British weather it's a must have even in nicer months.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Good call!

[@lilynorthover8378]

And waterproof over trousers. No one likes a soggy bottom.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

@@lilynorthover8378 Haha true.

[@johnDukemaster]

So many good things covered in this film. A big thank you!

[@deant6627]

I tried on many helmets, but the moment I tried the AGV K6, I instantly knew it was the one

[@ozzyg82]

I tried on loads of helmets and the only one that seemed to fit well were Shoei. I think their NXR 2 is a great all rounder and works well for glasses-wearers like me.

[@gingerelvis]

Interesting to see John's kit knowledge come together all in one video. and Sophie was great too. I've been riding 17 years now and still an interesting watch. When I started out it was all poorly fitting hand me down gear, even now my leather jacket is a second hand Richa. Happy to see the key takeaway from this for any new comers is fit fit fit!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! All the best, John

[@Krom1hell]

After loosing a patella to mountainbiking, my first kit for motorcycling was the kind the teutonic knights would have had during the day 🤣🤣. Long story short, full leathers with D3O and best boots and gloves.....Gloves are ripping apart from how much riding I do, the rest is keeping in tip top shape, so buying good quality pays off in the long run... A good helmet should be a must if you want to enjoy more the ride ... A 20-40 mph quiet helmet is going to feel like a jumbo jet engine at 120 mph ....

[@drmengawyong]

Airbag is the way to prevent serious injury armour does not

[@Krom1hell]

@@drmengawyong True, but there are no full containment airbags yet, so a bit of armor is still the next best thing.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@drmengawyong Armour will offer better protection than no armour, but yes - a properly deployed airbag can provide far greater impact protection

[@mengaw-yong2490]

@@Krom1hell correct spoke to klim they said as no one buying enough they are not developing there is a kick starter jeans now and don’t forget Honda gold wing started the airbag on petrol tank

[@girlinagale]

I really like motorcycle boots, jackets, jeans etc they fit with my idea of good looking clothes with the benefit of being very practical and protective, which is what "style" is for me.

[@PwnstarUK]

I think he looks right, that’s pretty much what I have. Might look at those trainers.

[@celticwarrior916]

Sophie is the rockstar in this video.

[@Jonathan-L]

I bought a pair of RST Tundra boots. Very comfy, priced affordably.

[@johnwaller4033]

This is brilliant as a new rider I will not feel uncomfortable asking questions and Norway questions as ask

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Join our Facebook group too if you like and ask as much as you like! facebook.com/groups/bikesocial

[@NukeRabbit]

Great video. I went to the shop in Milton Keynes to check what they have and Ingot out with an HJC i90 helmet. The guys in that shop were awesome and very professional. Few days ago I went there to check the KNOX MK 3 armoured shirt and again I was impressed by their patience and professionalism. I will definitely buy that shirt from them.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Great to hear, thanks! All the best, John

[@tracktime1196]

Bennetts bike social are really knocking it out the ball park!! some brilliant vids lately I'm impressed keep it up

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks so much! All the best, John

[@jamesgodden7620]

Great video as always. Love these kit focused videos. Been riding for nearly 20 years and in the beginning I'd just pick what (I thought) looked good and fitted my tiny budget! Nowadays knowing there's places like Sportsbikeshop and these Bikesocial vids really helps you make an informed purchase. Think I'll be visiting one of the branches in the spring to help me pick a new leather jacket ready for this year's TT! Keep the quality coming!! Love it!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks so much! All the best, John

[@colefender7003]

I live in the US and even in a place where riding is very very popular in North Carolina and we don't have any place that has this much apparel or staff that are this nice. I truly wish we did!!!!!

[@marcusgeorge1825]

One thing regarding gear and I’ll focus on the helmet for this comment. Is the safety and brand recognition. As when I first went shopping for a new lid to use both on track and road I remember picking up a cheap lid (with my soon to be team racing manager), and I said these cheaper ones pass the same tests as the more expensive ones. His reply was simple. A brand new little Hyundai also passes however if in a crash would you be comfortable driving one of those or a top spec Mercedes. Never looked back or questioned this again. The Aria brand fit him better, where the Shoei ones fitted me. However as other makes have caught up I’ve recently purchased an HJC Rapha 11 which feels as good as my other Shoei lids. Great insight for the newbies as well as seasoned riders. 👍👍

[@zyghom]

it was lovely video. I am total newbie and I closed with around 1200 as well. and that included helmet for 540.

[@Erelyes]

My gear and thoughts in order of importance. Helmet, LS2 arrow / Scorpion Exo R1. I've never had a Shoei fit right. HJC can be hit and miss, some do some don't, that goes for all brands really. Unfortunately never tried an Arai as I'd have to travel some distance to do so. Gloves, various Five (couple pairs), Scorpion, Macna, Revit, A*, etc. I find gloves wear quicker than other items and are where some variety helps for different weather. Scaphoid protection is almost essential. Boots, A* SMX-Plus Goretex. I am a firm believer in as much foot/leg protection as possible, short boots won't protect the bottom of your tib/fib in a crash. I wear them with everything and love them. Armor, Leatt 3DF vest. CE level 2 chest and back protection, far better than the stock 'back pad' in jackets, better than a CE2 insert too. Jacket, IXS textile and Dainese leather. Pants, IXS textile, Revit overpants. I have some riding jeans but to be honest they're not great.

[@seanbyrne2857]

Starting off like old mate in the video. I’m pretty much looking at similar kit. Tried loads of helmets but I’m settled on the HJC i100 as I wanted a modular. It also lets the chin bar flip completely to the rear and lock in. Jacket in leather will be a challenge as sizes seem to be for Bangladeshi orphans instead of middle aged spread. Definitely jeans, as I pretty much live in jeans. Boots I’ve looked at are Johnny Reb short, Dririder classic and Dririder iRide 3, which are more the casual style.

[@timothyjamieson1282]

I have the Dririder boots in brown and love them! Comfortable and free moving. They are my go to for work commute and town. Have RST Adventure X for trips away. Nolan N44 modular helmet. 3 different pairs of 5 gloves, (summer winter and normal) and don't laugh- an Akito jacket given to me -second hand- with my first bike. Still waterproof and comfortable 15 years later! Looking to upgrade soon though.

[@juanhenry0]

Since the presenter wears glasses. I would think he might mention...looking for helmets with spectacle arm channels. It makes a difference for eyeglass wearers😊

[@stevefleming4450]

Buy right.. so i spent a bit on a jacket with shoulder, elbow and back cover. Moto Jeans with hip and knee. Gloves couple of changes there to get the right fit but Kevlar knuckles and jacket just covers velcro in the wrist. Boot.. oh. Boots. RYO race boots. Comfort comfort comfort but I ride on asphalt all the time.

[@keithmayes4842]

How can you know you won't ride in the rain, start out in sunshine end up peeing down that's our weather. I think his budget is very high as well most young 125 riders I see are wearing budget gear or a helmet and a hoodie. But some really good advice here even for a mature rider with many years of riding thanks

[@richardbarton2709]

I purchased a HJC helmet very nice has all the bits and you can have extra pads that can be replaced.

[@TheCuteLittleDoggy]

I bought my bike last week... before I bought any clothing haha plus, I dont even have a license yet!! Im getting it later this month I hope. I got a Kawasaki 650 ER6-F for my 1st bike. I have had a good ride of it in my yard and I love it haha.

[@ragerider6283]

Interesting & timely vid for me. I'm getting back in to biking again this year after 13 years out so in the process of buying all new kit, most of which came from Sportsbikes shop. I've primarily gone for RST gear due to it's great balance of quality & price but did treat myself to some excellent Hood K7 AAA jeans & a Shoei NXR 2 lid.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Excellent choices, all of them! Cheers, John

[@peteratherton897]

Apart from the boots, I’d pick what he picked if I looked as cool as he did, great choices, hope he enjoys his riding

[@mattyh7060]

Another well presented video as always, when I started riding a couple of years ago my local bike shop recommended buying good quality waterproof, breathable and ventilated textile touring gear for maximum versatility, since then I've added lots of other kit (riding jeans, leathers etc) but still quite often wear what I first brought so no regrets spending a bit more initially to save in the long term. One thing I found is not to don't forget a back protector as most jackets have them as an optional extra. Plus wherever possible I shop local as getting proper advise is a small price compared to what you pay if you get it wrong.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Good call on the back protector. The RST jacket he bought does already have one. Cheers, John

[@luuxii]

Also my tip for anyone on the market for gear is to wait for the end of the season for big discounts

[@s1dew1nd3r4]

That is actually a mega rig out for the money paid, it looks cool too! good choices!

[@benj5386]

I've had nothing but positive experiences with sports bike shop Bristol. Always helpful and friendly.

[@danfn2r72]

They are a great bunch there, although some of them have started to remember my name 😂😂

[@benj5386]

@@danfn2r72 it's when they remember your sizing that you really have to worry. Luckily for my wallet, the store is a little awkward to get to after work.

[@ewetho]

I could not find pants, or anything but one mesh jacket that almost fit…. Here in the USA… so ordered a bespoke Motoport suit and seriously impressed

[@DomDavies]

Bought the majority of my kit from sbs, will always highly recommend them 😄

[@skywalker7517]

Bought a lot of my riding kits from them pants gloves ,a jacket that didnt fit me well,sold it,made a profit out of it,couldn’t return it,too expensive,I live outside uk,recently bought a pair of gloves of my favorite brand revit from them,one of the best companies in the uk,fast delivery too,but sometimes the prices aren’t the best , I try to get the best gear that I can,and when they have them on sale

[@davidrochow9382]

I think a great idea for buying gear is to buy superseded stock. It's brand new but usually a lot cheaper as they want to get rid of it to make space for the latest models.

[@mrbjay5443]

That Shoei was a good choice for a helmet. Nice!

[@kensmith3665]

Hard to believe only 1000 likes in four weeks…. Great video.

[@peglegjim57]

Just a little FYI info for newer riders buying a helmet; A North American Insurance Study says that “Any colored helmet, other than black or grey, is over 20 times more visible to oncoming traffic.” If you’re wearing a black or grey helmet, you’re effectively invisible to oncoming traffic. Data doesn’t lie. That’s why I always wear a hi-vis full face helmet (HJC i91).

[@martinhughes9769]

Interesting video once again, why all black bike gear 🤔 ,little bit of colour stripe on the helmet all helps with road safety 👍,

[@kaykay8686]

Great video! Pls keep these coming. Make a series just like your choosing a new bike series.

[@Alexanderyhwong]

My breakdown: MUST HAVES 1. Helmet (required where I live) 2. Gloves YOU SHOULD GET IT: 1. Jacket with armor 2. Riding shoes NICE TO HAVE 1. Riding jeans (doubt I’ll Wear it everyday)

[@HAlanJohnson]

I think you should mention that all helmets (Bicycle or Motocycle) and Child Car seats expire several years after manufacture. So look for the manufacturing date of the helmet to make sure you get a "fresh" one.

[@LickyDischarge]

I’m jealous of people who fit the smaller shell size helmets. The big shells give a weird out of scale bobble head effect 😩

[@markharrison2484]

Any chance you guys could do a piece on riding gear for youngsters as it’s hard work finding anything? My eldest is 10 and is itching to get out on the back.

[@Jake-Rides]

I love sportsbikeshop, ive bought pretty much everything from there. Free returns and next day delivery! Great shop! My advice would be, buy cheap first and get some miles in. Watch alot of youtube videos then start buying top quality gear over time!

[@dastadota]

Great video, even for us old bikers, always learn something.

[@intipunku8281]

My kit cost about 1100 quid. Mostly bought in 2020 when prices were lower. It includes Shoei klim Alpinestars Forcefield Etc. All quality products. Level 2 armour. All bought mail order. I shop around and get some really good deals on the net. I never pay full price for any of my gear. There are lots of bargains to be had so shop around.

[@darkphotographer]

it all depend on for how long you will be riding , and what weather , and how fast , city riding in summer for less than 30min at speed 20-50kmh vs hway in winter for more than one houre at speed 90-130kmh , for most new riders i think is helmet only if riding summer in city , you start getting jacket and glows as you ride in winter or do outside city riding , in city , pants and boots come as you start riding long distance , and winter ,

[@andrewwelbourn9577]

Another brilliant video John. Really informative and something to guide new riders to. We are all different with our preferences. I wish I’d had something like this when starting, the amount of money I’ve blown on kit that I eventually found out wasn’t right is scary.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@JayyBird93]

Great video! Wish I would’ve watched it before I bought my gear. So far I have the HJC RPHA 90S, Dainese carbon 4 gloves and Knox Honister. Still need pants and boots. I also started on a 125 but it’s a Monkey!

[@sehsuan]

Hi John! I know you’re technically correct about Arai not having a drop down visor - but there is the option of the external visor called PSS or Pro Sun Shade in their catalog - I’m using one in the tropics and it’s absolutely useful here

[@vespaveloce1924]

Really good video. That’s the problem I’ve found with mail order stuff, there’s so much variety in size and fit, that I invariably have to send stuff back. I’d always recommend visiting a store if you can - get it right first time.

[@PatagoniaArg]

First Choice: Helmet =ARAI Clothes=Dainese Second choice: Helmet = Shoei Clothes = Alpinestars What I buy is first choice. In fact its the reason I am here right now. Looking for a cold weather jacket that is good.

[@ozzyg82]

I recently spent ages online struggling to find the “right” textile, waterproof jacket and trousers. So I for one would have appreciated a similar video on that topic, (since England is so wet generally after all). I’ve ordered from Sportsbikeshop because I know if it’s wrong I can get a refund or swap it for another thing - but they really need a warehouse down here in the south, they don’t seem to have a store South of London.

[@girlinagale]

That first leather jacket he tried on looked really good on him.

[@rottieman347]

My main observations are lack of visibility (all Black) and good luck avoiding the rain anytime in the UK. I would defo have waterproof or at least waterproof over suit. Ride safe fella

[@deant6627]

So when Sophie says to push from the back of the helmet to see if you can fit a finger in the front, do you want to be able to fit or not fit a finger in the front?

[@sof_d]

Great video, especially for a newbie like me. Felt a lil rushed although it was a decent length video but otherwise great video. Has got me very exited and confident to go and grab my gear!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! Any questions about anything, join us at BikeClub.bennetts.co.uk

[@ozzyg82]

This vid was so good; very informative and detailed and well balanced info. Thanks.

[@johnsharp6618]

I don't think you can be a fair weather rider in the UK, I've been out and literally had all 4 seasons in one day. A good textile kit that's waterproof is well worth buying, but each to their own.

[@Omar-kw5ui]

Imagine how many returns he would have had to make to find a well fitting pair of Jeans - that can't be good for business 😬. I have to say that SBS have always been good with returns for me. Good to know that SBS works a bit like an Argos, I was thinking you could go and browse the shelves and see what pops out at you, but, from the video it looks like you actually have to make a shortlist of stuff you want to actually try on. Its a shame there are no branches in Scotland.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

There's a lot on the shelves for browsing, but the tablets give you access to even more. Cheers, John

[@blrmotorcyclesinc.]

Most of riding jackets offer shoulder,elbow, back protection and some chest protection too....but none of them offer protection to the rib cage which are most prone to fracture during an accident.Which jacket offers flank guards to cover the sides of the rib cage...only motocross armours like leatt body armours do but I haven't seen any riding jackets so far.How do we rely on safety standards like CE ratings and stuff.

[@leftbehind4030]

A biker who thinks he'll never get wet,good luck with that idea but we all live and learn.

[@geokiri-notyes]

Come to Greece and live here, and then you ll know why they feel that way😂

[@fredarts6114]

Really helpful content. Always a high standard of filming and well presented.Ive had the pleasure of visiting the Boston branch. Highly recommended and a good day out, my kind of retail therapy 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Brilliant, thanks! All the best, John

[@craevhergames]

Was surprised at the end when he got the shark after saying it did not quite fit. I thought he was getting Sophie's Shoei helmet.

[@ScotsmanDougal]

Not quite on topic here but something to think about. Possibly. A friend was telling me about how he came off his bike last year. He was wearing jeans with level 1 hip protectors. The armour did it's job but the impact of landing on said armour, broke his pelvis. Obviously the armour did it's job in protecting his hip but he was still off road for a long, long time. Similarly, a rider in Scotland a few years ago came off his bike. He had level 2 shoulder armour. His shoulder was ok, bruised but otherwise ok but he ended up with a broken collarbone. My question is, from the above 2 examples, it could be argued that armour similar to D3O Ghost or Rev'it Seesmart although a lot thinner, could be more effective protection than traditional padding. Thoughts? *Edit* - I should have continued watching the video, you spoke about the different types of armour as I pressed enter.

[@zachharrell7776]

She is beautiful, very helpful and just wonderful to look at. She must make all her customers feel very cared for. And they have such a beautiful woman to pair with that level of customer service. What a treat!

[@Laurynas_LTU]

This is a brilliant brilliant video! Thanks!

[@6panel300]

Living in this country one of my main requirements is being waterproof. Otherwise I would never get ride espexially when you factor in commuting.

[@sasokuzmanovski985]

Thank you, very helpful, especially for entry-level riders...

[@jeromeadams5692]

Great video, are commuters really wearing riding jeans all day at work? I cant afford a whole closet full of riding jeans…

[@DarR1299]

My rule of thumb for first time riders: Budget for and allocate an additional 20% of the cost of your bike towards riding gear and accessories. I'm not kidding. Many new bikes stuff is spent on bling instead of useful accessories such as: stands, tools, maintenance supplies etc.

[@essex__rider]

My only issue with helmets (apart from a good fit) is the ratchet adjuster. A double D ring is compatible with a bikes helmet securing loop but the ratchet isn't, so you'll have to take you're lid with you.

[@Darranna]

The switch module plug is in the headlight bowl not under the tank, I fitted Cruise Control to my T100 and it took about 30 minutes so not sure why it took them 1.5 hours.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Wrong video?

[@Mr450pro]

Great video But thinking you will never need water proof gear, is a no go for me. I think the first time he gets caught in a rainstorm, he will be back for waterproof gear. We are all different and what works for me, maybe not work for others.

[@arthurdut7959]

Loved the bloopers at the end. 🤣My issue are the jeans. I am 38" waist and 29" leg. Very difficult to find something to fit.😥

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Hood jeans will adjust them to suit you before sending them out: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/textile-jackets-trousers-suits/hood-k7-aaa-s-lined-jeans-review

[@colinm1325]

Gr8 vid and advice for anyone to help select decent gear.👏

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@JP-hn9mv]

I'm about to get my first kit after buying my first bike. I'm only going with 4 things the rpha 11 pro, alpinestars sherpa hoodie, alpinestars smx-1 air v2, and cucyma hard shell backpack. The backpack is like the ogio machine 5 but over $100 cheaper. All that is over $1000 which imo is asinine...

[@kevinjackson7340]

I rarely buy new bike gear due to some of the `liberty taking` prices. Plenty of used quality gear to be found on internet.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Same considerations apply when choosing though. Cheers, John

[@johnwaller4033]

The shots at the end was so funny

[@Wiljuchi]

Amazes me how dark so much of the clothing is! Also I noticed as a new rider how confusing the ratings are, there needs to be a much better legal standard, even the guys/girls in the bike shop a bit baffled. This video was very helpful though.