Hey guys, just wanted to introduce myself here. I just picked up my first bike, a 2016 Heritage Softail Classic in Amber Whiskey/Vivid Black. I'm definitely looking forward to getting to know people in the community and I'm taking a motorcycle safety course in January to get well acquainted with to do's and don'ts of riding.

I was wondering if you guys had any tips about what kind of gear to get or avoid. I've seen things like Bluetooth helmets and stuff, but I don't know if they're worth it or not. Any opinions?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Good boots....LUG soles......personally I hate sneakers as they don't provide much traction......the road is quite slick at stop signs and lights.........the rest of the protection is up to you.......there are some great company's out there providing armor gear if you want to go that way......the best gear you have is that 5 inches between your ears.......and keep your head on a swivel.......they're out to kill us!!

 

A BS detector. Cuz you're gonna hear a lot of BS by people that had a Harley or would have bought one but XYZ brand is better.
Welcome to the 2 wheel life. Ride safe and enjoy. Use all your senses. Watch out for the schmucks that are addicted to their idiot phone.

 

Welcome to the forum from Utah.
I won't go anywhere without rain gear. I wear and recommend the HD brand.
If you're new to riding you might want to look for Ride Like a Pro videos.
Good luck and enjoy the bike!

 

Welcome to the forum. As another mentioned, the best gear is the 5 inches between your ears. Drive like you are invisible. Be defensive and look as far down the road as you can to try to anticipate potential problems while maintaining constant surveillance around you and your mirrors.

As far as clothing, I buy practical jackets, boots, etc that are both comfortable and functional.

Be safe!

 

Your going in the right direction taking the safety course.
Here in Colorado they require the following for the safety class:
Boots - ankle high, sturdy, good traction sole
Helmet - here in Colorado it's not monitory after the class, but I never ride without one
Riding gloves - full finger was required for my class
eye protection - if you get one that has interchangeable lenses for daytime & night riding that you like - if not, get 2 different pairs

Ride within your limits, never over them and keep an eye out for everything even when there is nothing around you

Welcome from Colorado and enjoyy

 

That safety course is just the "very" beginning - make it a priority to practice..., practice..., practice

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As to gear (KISS) - get a helmet / leather gloves / boots

Then..., as you practice / begin riding / gain experience - let it come naturally as to what gear you need / want

Likely you'll go through two or three sets of whatever - before finally finding what you like / works the way you want / fits like it should / provides the protection you're satisfied with

Oh.., and this time of year, get a pair of long handles


First fork in the road - leather.., or made made


jmo

Ghost

 

I agree completely. As an instructor I can tell you all these are the most important things to get. Listen to the coaches in your class. Learn the correct technique first then practice practice practice. Remember if you make a mistake it's ok.. that's how we all learned no matter what other people say. Ride safe and enjoy the ride.

 

Forget that bluetooth crap .............You shouldn't even be listening to music as a new rider...

If you ever get that bluetooth crap and talk on the phone while riding well you deserve what you get ...... I tell my brother the same thing.

Quality helmet , gloves , leather ..... heated jacket liner and gloves if your going to ride in cold weather.

 

Full face, modular, or 3/4 helmet.

Motorcycle specific jacket and pants with shoulder, elbow, and back armor in the jacket, and hip, knee armor in the pants,

Leather boots that go over the ankle, and will not fly off in a crash.

Leather gloves with knuckle armor, specific motorcycle gloves.

State law varies, but make sure that you have the required learners permit, or motorcycle endorsement on you license before you start riding. In some states, (Florida) riding a motorcycle without a learners permit or motorcycle endorsement on your license is a criminal offense.

Enroll in a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) or State approved basic riders course before you do any riding other than training.

Good luck, enjoy.