need help buying motorcycle gear?

Question

first time buyer of motorcycle gear and it's not for me. it's for my husband and he's deployed. right now, all he has is a jacket. i want to get him a whole set for a gift for when he gets back. what i wanted to know is what's a good brand? do you have to get the jacket, pants, and boots the same size as the user or do you need to go up or down a size? Thanks!

Well, like I said, he's deployed, but we both currently live in Germany. It's hilly here and cold alot of the year. I don't want to go to a shop here because they are overpriced in Euro. So, I have to shop online. He normally drives his bike to work or to a friends house. Or, if it's a good day out, he'll ride just to ride.

Answer 1

Lots of good gear brands out there, but he really needs to try it on. Getting the right fit makes all the difference in the world in comfort when riding, and discomfort quickly leads to fatigue (not good). What kind of bike does he ride?

I add a vote to the gift certif camp. Get one from the major on-line folks like Cycle Gear, Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse, Chaparral, etc. Try the gear on at the shop to get the sizes, and then buy the stuff on-line from one of these guys if you think the store is a rip off. I would think there would be some discount stores in Germany though - as many people that ride there!

For medium quality/price, you can go with Joe Rockett, First Gear, Frank Thomas, Icon, and Tourmaster. Higher quality stuff (and pricier) comes from Dainese, Hein Gericke, Aerostitch, Alpinestars, and Vanson. The medium quality is good for the job for most riders.

Answer 2

What kind of bike does he ride? do you live in a hot part of the country, or does he ride in cooler temperatures? Long distance rides, commuting to work, or just a few short rides around town?

There's different gear for all these situations, and I'm sure you want to get him something that's going to be perfect.

I think it's really neat you want to do this for him!

What about giving him a gift certificate for whatever gear he wants? Then you two will have the fun of going to the local dealers and trying stuff on.

Answer 3

I also agree he needs to test fit his clothing. Plus gear depends on the motorcyclist's personal style and taste, as well as climate, preference for leather vs synthetic, etc.

If you want to get some small bit of gear that won't cost too much consider motorcycle gloves. Good motorcycle gloves will cost between $40 and $70. Get something that matches his jacket style, Joe Rocket makes gloves and makes branded gloves too (branded as in "Honda" or other brands). But pants and boots I would let him pick out.

Answer 4

Due to safety concerns it is important to have the gear fit right. I'd suggest a gift certificate, or just take him to the shop you want to get the stuff at. Or, you can get it for less money out of catalogs.

Answer 5

Both trashy and Ducatiski are correct, you can't do this right w/o him. Why not write a personal gift certificate to be used by him w/you, and put it in a fancy card. You'll both come out ahead.

He's a lucky man, keep up the love!

Answer 6

Use the shops as a fitting service LOL
Keep note as to the model # and size of the items you like, then order them on-line.
When your hubby picks out his wardrobe, ask again what web sites sell it.

Answer 7

Joe Rocket is a awsome brand-all my stuff is joe rocket and i love it. My husband really also likes Icon. Those are the two top brands.

Answer 8

honestly, he needs to be there to fit for leather. you can try but leather is expensive and you might have to take him in anyway. I own alot of leather and was fitted each time. are you going to the HD dealer? or a vendor? you can leather much cheaper at a rally or other vendor. its usaully the hot leahters or unik.