Newbie in Miami FL in need of your help!

[Manijoe]

Hi guys! I just got my 2006 blue FZ6 a few days ago. I live in Miami FL and I am looking to get some gear especially since my only riding experience was during the safety course .

Jacket:
I was looking at Joe Rocket Alter Ego 2.0 and the Phoenix 5.0. I appreciate any feedback on these plus any other recommendations for South Florida Riding.

Helmet:
Leaning towards GMax GM68 Crusader Helmet (love the LEDs! Safety first.) and also looking at the HJC CL-SP Throttle Helmet.

Thanks for the opinions!:thumbup:

 

[Nelly]

Hi guys! I just got my 2006 blue FZ6 a few days ago. I live in Miami FL and I am looking to get some gear especially since my only riding experience was during the safety course .

Jacket:
I was looking at Joe Rocket Alter Ego 2.0 and the Phoenix 5.0. I appreciate any feedback on these plus any other recommendations for South Florida Riding.

Helmet:
Leaning towards GMax GM68 Crusader Helmet (love the LEDs! Safety first.) and also looking at the HJC CL-SP Throttle Helmet.

Thanks for the opinions!:thumbup:

Welcome mate,

You are a wise man to consider riding gear. Purchase the best you can afford (this does not mean the perceived best brand) The USA guys rate Joe rocket pretty good.
Is there anywhere you can get comparison test data from?
As for the helmet check this link out, you will need to explore it in more detail than is on the page. The SHARP scheme is looking like it will become a universally accepted standard of helmet rating.
You will be surprised at how low some of the so called best helmets score.
http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/

Good luck

Nelly

 

[VEGASRIDER]

You just missed the 25% sale that Cycle Gear had. I would recommend going to a store, like CG since you are new. You want to make sure that the gear you are getting is fitted correctly. Gear that is too loose is not good because the armour that suppose to protect eadh specific area may not be in the same position once you hit pavement if your gear doesn't fit properly. I would avoid buying online just for this reason, until you get more familiar how safety gear should fit and feel. Then you can go ahead an splurge online.

 

[Nelly]

You just missed the 25% sale that Cycle Gear had. I would recommend going to a store, like CG since you are new. You want to make sure that the gear you are getting is fitted correctly. Gear that is too loose is not good because the armour that suppose to protect eadh specific area may not be in the same position once you hit pavement if your gear doesn't fit properly. I would avoid buying online just for this reason, until you get more familiar how safety gear should fit and feel. Then you can go ahead an splurge online.

Good call mate..
Nelly

 

[oldfast007]

Welcome as well,

I would also add, make the brain bucket a priority! Proper fit as stated before is paramount.. Don't let the sizzle sell you, looks isn't always where its at..

I stress comfort/safety alot, if you are not comfortable, you are distracted. If you are distracted, all the gear in the world won't help you focus on proper technique and form. A rider who is not focused on his/her skill development will be more of hazard to themselves and others regardless of riding gear.

Also consider some safety gear for your ride, frame sliders, better lighting, etc.

Enjoy!

 

[kellybt1052]

Welcome!! +1 on Vegasrider. Fit drives function and function drives safety. Find a dealer that can assist with fitting the gear correctly. You dont need to spend too much but anything you spend is an investment well made!!! currently i have a Scoprion helmet that I love (good fit and nice ventilation at good cost) along with some Olympia airglide II gear that is also quite nice and cool in the TX heat. The FZ6 is a great bike best enjoyed with the good gear to keep you safe, happy and confident to ride it like it wants to be ridden. Take your time, get used to the bike and RIDE SAFE!

 

[psnbye]

:welcomeefinately go in to a good store with lots of options, not just one brand, and try stuff on! It took me over two hours to get my new helmet. Good vision, ventilation and most of all fit are things you should look for. Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[Cmayer31]

You just missed the 25% sale that Cycle Gear had. I would recommend going to a store, like CG since you are new. You want to make sure that the gear you are getting is fitted correctly. Gear that is too loose is not good because the armour that suppose to protect eadh specific area may not be in the same position once you hit pavement if your gear doesn't fit properly. I would avoid buying online just for this reason, until you get more familiar how safety gear should fit and feel. Then you can go ahead an splurge online.

Great advice! Also, if you can find a Cycle Gear or similar store check to see if they have any specials for new riders. I know the CG near me gave a one time discount when I showed them my MSF completion certificate. Also, CG and some other local shops have great return policies. Try on as much gear as you can and choose what feels best.

Unfortunately I don't have experience with the jackets or helmet that you mention, but major props for considering gear and making it a priority. :thumbup:

 

[Manijoe]

Thanks every one!

I was planning to visit a store and then get stuff online for that same reason. I already purchased the Trex frame sliders on ebay and a scorpion alarm system to protect my new baby :rockon:

I was also thinking of getting the a pair of Shift Racing jeans and gloves (suggestions welcome as well :thumbup

Thanks again, will be updating you guys soon...:Sport:

 

[kinderwood]

I would reccomend the Olympia Motorsports lineup. Olympia Motorsports Home Good balance between price and features. I have the airglide pants and jacket. The liners are totally waterproof, but insulated too (which might be a negative in South Florida). They flow a ton of air, but may still be a bit hot for Florida. So you could go with the recon pants From what I understand mesh jackets/pants do not offer as much protection as more substantial textiles. So personally I picked the airglide from a safety standpoint. If money is no object I would say check out Rev'it stuff.

 

[jsw4178]

I have the Joe Rocket Alter Ego II jacket and pants and absolutely love them.
I added the optional CE back protector and I feel completely safe.:thumbup:

 

[Fz6Sa]

Just a small note when you try the helmet on:

It should be VERY VERY tight fitting !!,- the foam in a helmet will always compress a little, so after 4 - 7 days of wear it will fit perfectly and be comfortable.
Getting a helmet to large can render it useless, - so get it right.

Also most manufactures have slightly different shapes on their helmets, so you need to find one that fits your head shape.

My best advice would be to spend most money on the helmet, jacket(with COMPLETE CE protection) and gloves. Then get whatever pants and boots you can afford.

 

[cmarsdavis]

I have the Phoenix 4.0 and love it. I used to have a HJC CL-SP helmet with my first bike. I actually really liked it and most HJC's are very cost friendly. I just stepped up to an Arai and it's much more comfortable and breathes better. If you think you can spend the cash, get a great helmet.

 

[Manijoe]

Just a small note when you try the helmet on:

It should be VERY VERY tight fitting !!,- the foam in a helmet will always compress a little, so after 4 - 7 days of wear it will fit perfectly and be comfortable.
Getting a helmet to large can render it useless, - so get it right.

Also most manufactures have slightly different shapes on their helmets, so you need to find one that fits your head shape.

My best advice would be to spend most money on the helmet, jacket(with COMPLETE CE protection) and gloves. Then get whatever pants and boots you can afford.

I went to the store and tried a few of them i thought I was a medium since a friend of mine has a shoei but I tried a medium in the Gmax but it started to give me a headache after a few seconds, the large was snug and comfortable. I asked the guy at the store and he said that the large was fine.

When you say VERY VERY tight do you mean headache inducing tight?

 

[CCHOUSEKY]

IMO, headache inducing tight is too tight. You want it snug, but like another poster said, the foam will break in to your head shape fairly quickly.

This is my own experience. I've got two HJC CL-15's (solid blue and the Orbit) and love them, but really felt like they started to become too loose over the course of a season of riding (1 season each). About 3 months ago, I moved over to a Scorpion EXO-400 (matte black) and when I first put it on I thought, whoa, I think this might be too tight. I'd always heard that a good fitting helmet will push your cheeks up to where you feel like your squishing your face (not hurting, but pushing them up). That's how this Scorpion felt. So I decided to keep it and give it a try and after about 3 rides, it's was PERFECT. I mean, this thing fits me like it was custom molded for my head. Now, I can't really wear the HJC's because they feel WAY too loose.

My point is, you want a helmet to be nice and snug at the beginning, but not so tight that it hurts. It'll gradually (but quickly) begin to take the shape of your head and after a few rides, it'll feel perfect. I know a lot of guys that will, to avoid wearing a slightly uncomfortable new helmet on a ride, sit around in theirs while they're at home, online. It may look silly, but it'll do the job.

 

[Fz6Sa]

I went to the store and tried a few of them i thought I was a medium since a friend of mine has a shoei but I tried a medium in the Gmax but it started to give me a headache after a few seconds, the large was snug and comfortable. I asked the guy at the store and he said that the large was fine.

When you say VERY VERY tight do you mean headache inducing tight?

NO,- I mean 1/1000 of an inch before that. Normally a brand new helmet will be little hard to get on and press on you checks a little to much. But headache inducing sounds you need to go one size up.

 

[Manijoe]

Thanks for the tip guys! This weekend Ill get my gear (got the helmet in L its was more comfortable )

Here is what I ordered:

GMax GM68 Crusader

Joe Rocket Alter Ego 2.0 + the back CE protector

Unfortunately I will receive it on Monday, I was hopping to get it Friday to go riding this weekend but I guess I'll wait.... I did get my T-Rex frame sliders though so Ill install them this weekend Ill do it without a torque measuring wrench so Ill get the recommended Loctite. :thumbup:

Thanks again guys... Hopefully I'll be able to put pics soon of my 2006 "Faster" Blue FZ6. :rockon:

 

[VEGASRIDER]

You might also want to get a mesh jacket for the warm and hot days. It takes great discipline and a while gettting use to wearing full gear when it's boiling hot. I ride with a mesh jacket and riding pants, both with armour during the summer. Even if the temp gets above 110 degrees, I still wear my gear. I may be the only rider in town wearing all this gear, and you might be too, being from Miami. Of course it's dry heat over here, very little humidty, but it's still scorching hot. So hot that you can feel your face start to scorch unless you have a dark tinted visor. Clear visor with shades will not work here during the hot months.

 

[DefyInertia]

:welcome:

Don't underestimate the importance of good foot and lower leg protection.

 

[h2o_boy]

You might also want to get a mesh jacket for the warm and hot days. It takes great discipline and a while gettting use to wearing full gear when it's boiling hot. I ride with a mesh jacket and riding pants, both with armour during the summer. Even if the temp gets above 110 degrees, I still wear my gear. I may be the only rider in town wearing all this gear, and you might be too, being from Miami. Of course it's dry heat over here, very little humidty, but it's still scorching hot. So hot that you can feel your face start to scorch unless you have a dark tinted visor. Clear visor with shades will not work here during the hot months.

You can unzip the sleeves and body of the jacket so those parts are mesh. Thats one of the beauties of that jacket. It's like 2 in one.