Newbie wanting advice

[coco]

Hi,
I am buying a moped to get me to and from work (just a couple of miles). I have never ridden before and am doiong my CBT next week. I will hire a bike for it but need to know what type of clothing I need. Anyone got any advice?

Also, any tips on helmets? What sort of price are they and what should I look out for?

[Brian.Cannell]

I would have thought it should all be covered during your basic training [CBT], remembering that the CBT is what it says, a certificate of basic training, it is not a test, so don't worry about it.
As I was riding before helmets became compulsory, I only use an open-face helmet. The choice between that or a full-face helmet is down to you, whatever you feel comfy with.
I would always advise that a proper motorcycle jacket be worn, this will provide protection if [when] you fall off or are knocked off by some idiot car driver. You should always use the jacket even on very short runs, as most accidents happen within one mile of home. I also always wear a reflective vest and ride with headlight on dipped beam...better to be seen, because the car driver will always say "sorry, I didn't see you".
Overtrousers are handy for when it rains, and sturdy footwear to protect your feet in case of an accident.
As I say, don't worry about your CBT, but listen and take heed of what you learn...and you'll have many years of happy riding.

[enu06]

Hi and welcome.
Most important items of clothing in my opinion are 1stly a good full face helmet. Cost? as much as you can afford, a fibreglass one if possible, I prefer 'D' ring fastenig, not the seat belt type after my wife lost here helmet on the M1 @ over 90mph as a passenger, dont trust them clips after that! A good make like AGV, HJC, etc, as it is easier to get replacement visors and clips if needed. The cheaper ones are o.k though, as long as they have the ACU & Safety standards stickers. Around £60 - £200, depending how deep your pockets are, but you've only got 1 head, and brains never fit back in properly.
The next important thing is a good quality pair of gloves, if you fall off the first thing you do is put your hands out, so make sure they are thick enough with double or treble stitching.
Jackets and trousers could be the cordura type, with armour to shoulders, elbows, hips & knees, and topped off with a light pair of bike boots. A trip to your local bike shop, or ebay will give you a good idea on price to quality, costs etc, if you get it all from one shop dont forget to haggle for a discount!

[lipsthefish]

Hi Coco
I'm not sure if this is what you meant but when I did my cbt a helmet, jacket and gloves were provided along with the bike to do it on, the only thing I had to have was sturdy footwear.

[andyscooter]

hiya coco i use a proper jacket and a lightweight one in the summer my helmet is by shark but ive got a open face 1 for city's just get what you can afford and you feel comfy with.
also try and avoid tracksuit bottoms as they tear if you fall and they say every second that you slide on a road you lose a cm of flesh jeans protect you a bit more good luck in the cbt and hope you enjoy riding

[drzoom]

Have a look at second hand bike jackets on e-bay (definatly NOT helmets !!).

I got a Buffalo armoured jacket in near new condition for under £50 (new it would have cost over £100). I still use it 3 years later, it's been a great buy.

Err on the large side when buying a jacket to allow for the padding and heavier winter clothing when the weather gets colder.

[jason]

good lid.Then good pair of gloves,not ones your gran knitted.Get yourself a jacket with armour as elbows hit the ground after hands..Iknow from experience.really wouldnt worry about bike boots.And never wear shorts or t shirt the ground would rip you apart at a very low speed.jay

[Scootin]

Welcome aboard! I don't know if they ship to the UK, but www.motorcyclecloseouts.com has some fantastic deals on riding gear. I got my armored jacket & pants from them.

[Mortal]

when it comes to gear of any sort on two wheels always buy the best you can afford it may save your life one day....

[jason]

you will find if you buy a decent helmet it will stay a good fit..Some cheaper ones tend to give a lot and start rattling around aftter a few months..If this happens they are totally useless.A common side effect of ill fitting helmets is a broken neck on impact..So if you buy a cheap one and it deterorated badly replace it with a better one...jay