What do I need?

[kendoll2]

I have been reading previous topics all evening. Some things "tool bag" I have no idea what that is. I have a helmet although I still think I want a full helmet for the cooler months. (I live in the desert) I am going to look for gloves today. I have boots. Micro fiber jacket to wear under the leather jacket. I ordered the ponytail nylon. What is the benefit of chaps? As dumb as this may sound do you wear special socks? I'm trying to get my basics down so that after my class every dime can go towards my bike. Patience is not my virtue.
All advice is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[ladyriders225]

Hello, Some of the basics you will need are, a good pair of riding boots. Leather which go up over the ankel to protect your feet. Never ride in sneakers, tennis shoes, flip flops or sandles.
Socks you can get the type to allow your feet to breath and obsorbe perspiration. Wear long pants, chaps will keep you warm, in cold weather. Also protect you from stones or other dirt and objects, bugs, bees which will blow into your legs. Not every one wears chaps all the time.
I always like to wear long sleeves, jackets for all types of weather are out there... I have several to accommodate no matter what the weather is. I like to wear gloves, full fingers most the time, when it is real hot I wear fingerless gloves. A good helmet is great to use, most choose what is to their liking for safety. Googles are important for your eyes, or a face shield.
Then when you get into a lot of riding always have a good rain suit for motorcycle riding. Don't get just any rain suit, you want one that is made for riding motorycle. IF you have other questions this is a great place to ask. Anna

[wingryder92]

Hey..here's a couple of thoughts as you are making your purchases. On your socks...you do want them to take the moisture away but you may want to have over the calf for a little support. I have gotten many of mine from the ski pages since they are over the calf but they also have support in other parts of the foot. Chaps can be a great addition for the reasons that Anna mentioned but if you live in the desert you may want to think about a pair of pants that are specifically for summer. They are often called air pants or summer pants. They are made of a textile in those areas needed, hips & knees have pads/armor and have mesh in other areas so the air comes through them to keep you cool. Jackets are made the same way. Keep in mind when you purchase winter gear that you want to allow enough room to layer underneath it. And if you purchase women's gear just be sure that you try it on!! The sizing in m/c gear is no different than our other clothes...meaning that no size is the same in different name brands.
I think all of us have purchased things thinking that it was what we needed and would work only to find out that it just didn't work out like we wanted it to. I have one friend who kept talking about her hands hurting during the winter months and she probably bought 4/5 pairs of gloves and none of them kept her hands as warm as they needed to be to not hurt. I finally talked her into buying a pair of electric gloves and she's been a happy camper since. And she mentioned how much she'd spent on all those other gloves..she could have bought the electric ones and had some left over. I know your excited about buying all your gear but try and think about what you're buying so that your money is well spent. Do your research and if you have a friend that rides and you trust their opinion ask them for advice. And as Anna said...if you have any quesitons just ask. There's lots of knowledge and lots of opinions since we all like different things! Buy the best you can buy at this time....your life may depend on it.
Keep us updated on your progress.
Debra
HAVE A SAFE RIDE!

[kendoll2]

Thank you all please keep it coming. No I don't know any women riders. In fact I've been searching for you all for a few weeks. I am taking all your helpful hints and researching what you are saying.

[dbsteffy]

I'm careful with my dollars too and I never buy without trying it on, even a doorag for under the helmet. Search your area for a dealer that stocks a good sampling of women's apparel and remember to opt for functon over fashion, you want to protect and save your hide. There are many manufacturers that are working to combine both and if you are a standard size you may have success buying online, most good retailers have an accurate sizing chart and read the reviews to see if the product runs small.
A good mesh jacket with armor and windproof liner will get you through most of the season, mesh fabric or perforated leaher gloves are comfortable and protective.
Have fun shopping, Brenda

[kendoll2]

Thank you for the feed back. I have to admit I am getting a little overwhelmed. Basically I think its because I have no idea where to get these things. I have found many online site, however I do need to try them on. I've been to Harley and to be honest I dont want to over pay for something because it says Harley on it. I do get its a matter of buying a little here and a little there.

For warm weather pants can you suggest some brands. I have looked at the Olympia airglide pants.

Thanks again.

[Sonsy]

If your local area is limited on ladies riding gear, here is a list of online retailers that I have used with great results.
coloradochaps.com This is a site for custom made riding chaps for around $100
bikebandit.com great customer service, helpfull with fit questions, AMA member discount
compacc.com good prices, great return policy
Remember, your tape measure is your best friend. Be honest when comparing your measurements to the size charts.
Hope this helps,

[wingryder92]

Hi,
I have a pair of Tour Master air pants...probably 8 yrs. old and bought a pair of Olympia air pants last year, they have a liner that goes inside but I haven't used it. I usually go back to my Tour Master winter pants/overpants if I need them for warmth. I also have an Olympia hi-viz air jacket that's a couple of years old and replaced my old Fieldsheer air jacket. I begin wearing the air pants as soon as the temps get warm enough in the mornings that I'm comfy in them. BF and I both wear the pants with just undies on underneath if we're just out riding for the day. If we're going to an event we'll wear shorts/jeans underneath and remove the air pants when we arrive. We'll usually wash them a couple of times a year. And no they don't generally get smelly due to the type of fabric they are. He commutes so his are used everyday. One thing I like about them is that they don't bunch up at the panty line or crotch since they are loose fitting and they aren't like jeans...that get sweat soaked and just stick to ya and bunch up in all the wrong places! I bought a larger size so that I could put on the jeans when I want to and I use a pair of suspenders when I just have on the air pants. Guess you can tell...I love mine!
Debra
HAVE A SAFE RIDE!

[Iron Rose]

Hi Kendoll! It might be hard to know exactly what you want until after you've ridden a bit. These ladies have great advice but there's always some trial and error involved. A lot depends on your individual comfort levels.

If you have a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet make sure you have good eyewear with shatter-resistant lenses. I wore regular sunglasses at first & was lucky to only get a cut eyebrow when they broke. Also have a backup pair. I carry glasses with tinted lenses & also clear lenses for dim light/nighttime. A face mask of some sort (doesn't have to be fancy or expensive) is handy if it's rainy or dusty or just to take the wind off your face for awhile.
I also have a neck warmer to use when it's cool (below 60s for me).

Jackets - either textile or leather - good ones have a removable liner. Make sure you get one big enough to put layers on underneath. Also if the jacket is too snug and you add a full liner w/ sleeves the arms get really tight. That makes for bad circulation which makes your hands cold! Also the jacket will fit differently when you're seated on the bike than it does standing up. When you try it on sit on a chair and hold your hands like they're on the handlebars. "Vroom"ing sounds are optional when you do this!

Pants/chaps - I only have experience with chaps because I've never found pants that are long enough. But I think the mesh pants with knee/hip armor would be awesome! Chaps are ok. The leather is awesome at protecting your knees/legs from stuff and they provide ~some~ warmth.

Gloves - I think this area is really up to personal comfort. I know some folks who ride most of the year in half-finger gloves. If it's too cool for those then they don't ride! Then there's me with 6 pairs from half-finger all the way to super-duper heavy cold weather gloves. Make sure the gloves aren't too tight otherwise you're hands can get cold and too-tight fingers keep you from reaching the controls comfortably. If they are cold-weather gloves a big gauntlet to go well over your jacket sleeve is important for sealing out the cold air.

Boots - should have sturdy foot/ankle areas. Also should have good grippy soles. Waterproof is helpful. Socks? Whatever is comfy. I wear moisture-wicking socks bought at a local camping/backpacking store.

Ditto what ladyrider said about rain gear - because you will get wet at some point! I've heard of some el cheapo rain gear shredding in the wind so rain gear made just for motorcycle riding is important.

Hmm... hope that's not overwhelming! I guess my best advice is to buy your first gear knowing you'll probably want to change it at some point when you have a better idea of your personal likes/dislikes.

[dbsteffy]

Iron Rose hit all the highlights and the really important part is to get a few miles under your seat to see what you need to make yourself safe and comfortable. Gear can be expensive, good gear is very expensive, so knowing what works for you will save you money in the long term. Don't forget to check out Ebay and Craigslist and the closeout sections of the bigger online retailers, a really good deal may make it practical to 'try something on'.
Leave yourself a few $$ for farkles, every girls' bike needs a bit of bling.
Have fun, Brenda