Im thinking about getting Avon contour grips, bike cover and a 3/4 helmet to start. Im kind of lost when it comes to riding gear though. I've read a lot here before buying the bike and I chose the FXDF because of the reviews. I've been out if cycling for 20 years so im even taking a riding course to get freshened up so I dont kill myself the first few miles.

 

So what is the question?

 

Sorry, what gear to buy and where? Cant break the bank right away.

 

I went with Iso-grips and like them. When you change grips consider slipping in a set of "Vibronators" I did and I believe they help some with the grip vibration. Keep the air pressure up at about 42 lbs. Some have experienced cupping on the front Dunlop tire and the higher pressure helped mine.You will probably want to make it louder. I went with slip-ons (Rush 1.75s) and then to V&H Big Radius, SE Heavy breather, and PC-V, peps the bike up. The most important mod is to the corners of your smile it gets wider watch out for cars they don"t watch for you. Mike

 

Thank you Mike! I feel very humbled to be called a Harley owner... I can't be called a Harley rider yet, dont have the miles on to be in that club... anyway, I was looking at glasses this morning; searching the forums for what others say works. I seem to destroy glasses in a few weeks so I was looking at these Bobster BSSA001AC Sport glasses for 20 bucks.

 

Glasses and helmet are essential of course, IMO try not to go cheap ( meaning low quality) because sooner or later you want something better and your past puchases wind up on a shelf! Hey I have 5 seats and four helmets! For and extra 100 i could have got tts mastertune instead of a pcV. Pro's and con's withstanding the tts would have been the better option and now I think about getting the damn tts and the pcV will wind up on another shelf! Get a windproof/waterproof jacket and pants set these will set you back 350 to 450. I went cheap on the pants at first and now they have a shelf of their own! The one I use and am happy with is the HD road warrior, hope this heklps a bit.
BTW the corrrect tire pressure is 36 psi front and rear on an fxdf, if you ride 2 up you should then have 40 in the rear and the front stays @ 36. And check that once a week !

 

X2 on the gear! Pay now or pay later. I wear a Simpson full face helmet (outlaw Bandit) and feel pretty safe. Been running the PM contour grips, and like them alot.
Congrats on the fat bob,
And be safe!

 

Splurge on the gear!!!!! It's all that separates you from the concrete... Buy ONCE!! I bought:
Shoei XR1100 "el capitan" helmet. 500euros
Dainese GT500 D-Dry water proof, armoured jacket with extra back armour. 290eruos
Racer waterproof armoured gloves. 79euros
Still shopping for "better" boots and either knee pads or fully armoured rain pants.
Agree with the 'loud' exhaust-saved my *** twice today---cell phone using drivers tend to wake up when the windows of their car start shaking!!! hahahahaaaaa!!!!!!

 

+10 on the quality helmet. My dot helmet saved my life the other day. I went down at about 60mph and all the damage I got to my head was a little skin off my nose. I had a HJC 3/4 with a face shield but I'm thinking of going to a modular helmet with the sun shade feature. The sun shad is an internal visor that drops down like an instant pair of sunglasses and pops back up at the touch of a button. I'd go quality on rain gear too. I got the cheap set and every time I ride in the rain I wish I'd spent a little more.

 

Jetboy, congrats on your purchase and welcome home.

I agree with others on gear, could spare your life and limbs in the unlikely but possible event of a disaster. There are a billion + options for you, the net is your oyster.

However, here's some considerations for you, based on what I've read into your post, in order of my (which doesn't mean much to you) priorities. Top 10:
1) Grape skid lid - Consider where you live (climate) and your style of riding. Do not skimp on this based on price. Read reviews, check the manufacturer recalls, and invest in protection, not dollars.
2) Gloves - I see (and do myself at times) folks wearing those "mechanic" gloves a lot. I think most of our natural reactions to "falls" are to extend our arms and the first thing to hit the ground are your hands (in most instances). Leather gloves will mitigate you peeling out road grime (if you're really lucky) from the fall. The gloves should fit snug enough not to constrict blood flow, but not too loose that the end extend past the end of your fingers.
3) Quality leather jacket. Again, a billion + choices here. Just consider your climate and size. Will you be wearing a sweatshirt or something underneath? Also, extend your arms while wearing to see how much of your wrist is exposed. In cold weather, if your gloves and your jacket doesn't cover it, that will be the spot that gets cold first.
4) Boots - I like my ankles covered and wear engineer boots. It's all personal preference on style, so consider function first.
5) Riding glasses - I prefer the Wiley X brand. They have inserts for keeping out the wind, and also second as a pair of sunglasses. Most importantly to me, they have ballistic protection, should a stray flying rock hit you on the freeway. Our service members wear them in combat, and I've seen firsthand the protection. "God Bless our United States Marines!
6) Seat - That's the first part on the bike you'll actually notice comfort in the ride IMHO. After riding a few hundered miles in a day, you'll be glad you thought ahead. Also consider your positioning to the foot pegs and the ground.
7) UnderArmor or Gator Skins - If you ride year-round, it's always nice to have those layers underneath to keep you dry cool/warm.
8) Chaps - I wear them in the winter (but am spoiled cuz I live on the Central Coast of CA) and have had them tailored so they don't flap in the wind when I ride.
9) Sunscreen for your face - My Roman nose attracks the sun and burns. Just a consideration.
10) Good gas - So's you can ride like the wind. LOL

Best of luck, enjoy your new bike and get out there are stack up the miles.