It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Subscribe to our Patreon, and get image uploads with no ads on the site!
Base theme by DesignModo & ported to Powered by Vanilla by Chris Ireland, modified by the "theFB" team.
Comments
No disagreement on the value of defensive riding. The fact that hi-viz'd cops can get smisdy'd doesn't mean that chances of it happening are the same as for someone else in stealth ninja gear. Speaking as a car driver of 36 years, the one thing that continually stands out for me is a yellow hi-viz jacket in the distance.
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Thanks all. I ended up going for mostly stealth ninja gear. I felt the low number of hi-viz jackets was too limiting in terms of choosing the right features, so I decided to get the right features and have the option to add a hi-viz thing on top. (Got a hi-viz vest somewhere, so I'll check that out before I go buying another.)
The kit list, for what it's worth...
HJC flip-up helmet in white
Rev'it Outback jacket in black/silver and added a CE carapace back protector thing
Rev'it Factor 3 trousers
Richa Hurricaine gloves
Sidi Canyon boots
I didn't get the gear from there, but at my local shop (with 15% discount because I'm buying training from them). The helmet in my size, in white, wasn't in stock but is due in a few days. If it doesn't have a Pinlock fitted, I'll add one. The jacket I was considering at first was the Rev'it Voltiac (hi-viz), but it only has three pockets and seemed to lack ventilation. The Outback has much more pockets, as well as a 3-layer setup where the thermal liner and waterproof membrane are both removable.
I like the boots. Been wearing them since early afternoon to start breaking them in. Gore-Tex, leather, plenty of armour, and very usable for walking about off the bike (cleated sole rather than smooth).
Did I buy decent kit?
Any thoughts on ear plugs?
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
All sounds good stuff to me.
Definitely get a pinlock for the helmet, my HJC is terrible for fogging up without one.
The fancy earplugs are too pricey for now. I do have some DIY types and can get foam ones, so I'll give those a try first.
Went for the hi-hiz version of the HJC helmet, and the shop gave me a Pinlock. A quick try in the house, and it was very effective.
Noob question...
DAS starts on Monday, and this will include a 100-mile road ride in temperatures forecast to be 7-9 degrees C. Should I keep the thermal liners in the jacket and trousers, or are they really only for the properly cold winter days?
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Thanks chaps. I do run quite warm, which was why I asked. On the CBT, under the borrowed suit, I wore a thin merino wool baselayer, poly cotton trousers, heavy cotton shirt, and did a 20-ish mile run in about 5 degrees on a dull, damp day. Hands were a tiny bit cold towards the end, but the rest of me was absolutely fine (coldness never even entered my head). Got one of those windproof neck things and a stretchy head-over neck thing from Aldi recently, so I'll take both of those and see if they're needed.
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Today went very well. Temperature in the gear was no problem. In fact, I was sweating at times (particularly during the heavier concentration periods - when first setting off in town, and during the Mod1 practice).
When I first sat on the bigger bike (Suzuki Gladius), I felt a bit intimidated - noticeably larger and heavier, and I think my brain was imagining horror stories with the extra power compared to the 125 (about 6 x the bhp). Did a few loops of the yard, and it felt really good - more stable and easier to balance when slow riding. Then we went off for an 80-mile run, mostly twisty A roads, some towns and a bit of dual carriageway. That was great fun - loads more corners than the shorter road ride on CBT, so got much more time to get into leaning. The big bike is a world away from the 125 in terms of acceleration - 30 to 60 in 4th coming out of towns was easy and quick. I somehow expected less power in the lower midrange and to have to drop a gear, but no - just open the throttle and you're there before you know it. Lots of engine braking as well - virtually never used the brakes at all on the A roads.
After lunch, we headed out to an abandoned supermarket car park and started practicing for Mod1. A bit shaky at times, but we got through all of the manuevres. The instructor said that they normally aim to get up to the U-turns on the first day, and was pleased at how far we got. Tomorrow afternoon, we'll be doing more Mod1 practice.
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Gotta love big V twins tho- sheer grunt is great- get some nice pipes on as well and they sound awesome
Good luck with today btw.
I've bought from them before, the quality is pretty decent. Also, Richa leathers are made to fit the larger gent, plenty of stockists online.