Advice on motorbike gear

Hi everyone.

I am new to motorbikes and looking for some extra advice on some gear I have spotted and a helmet.

I have read all the information on here and it is great and have used it to gain information on the correct fit of gear and helmet to make sure they fit well before taking the plunge.

I have spotted a shark race r helmet which after a little digging have noticed it is discontinued, the helmet comes new in box with tags. So firstly is it true that the 5 year lifespan starts the moment it is worn? Secondly if this is not correct and it's better to search for another helemt, what would be a good alternative for around £200.

Also looking for a rating of people that have experience of three rst line of gear been looking at the rst CPXC jacket. Also the trousers to match so they fit together easily.

https://www.jsaccessories.co.uk/buy/RST-1722-CPXC-Sport-Mtex-Jacket/20620.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I would be using the bike for commuting hence the reason behind textile. Or if there are better alternatives u am open to any advice.

Thanks in advance

RST gear seems to get good reviews, so long as it fits you. (Most of their kit is too long in the arms/legs for me) I do have a pair of their gloves and they have lasted very well.

As for the helmet, have you tried it on? Helmets are not universal fits. Everyone's head is slightly different, even if it is the same circumference. Different brands/models fit some people better than others. It is the fit of a helmet more than the cost that will save you.

For £200 you'll have a massive choice of brands and models. I'd strongly suggest visiting a shop and trying on as many as possible to get the best fit for you.

I had a shark s900 and cannot fault it, other than it was slightly the wrong shape for my head. My new helmet, agv k5 (also in your price range) is exceptionally comfortable, but has a bit more wind noise than the shark. I've not personally had any other brands to compare them too.

If that race r fits get it. It's the top end helmet shark make, same model as Sam Lowes, Jorge Lorenzo etc use. I use the Speed-r which is the model below.

Also I use rst Cpx textile kit. Also great products for the price.

With first time gear try it on. Only then will you get to know fit. Once you have tried different helmets and gear you can by without trying it one with more confidence.

Thanks guys

Yeah had a good look around the bike shops around me and trying everything I can on to check all the fits. So luckily know most of my sizes in different makes of helmets. So hopefully find a good one.

Got another question regarding life spans of helmets does the 5 years start from day of manufacture or does it start from the day you wear it from?

As I have spotted a helmet that fits me well with £200 off the ticket price but it's the old style of shark helmet that they produced from 2011. So just ensuring this is a good purchase or will just grab a helmet from this year.

I believe it will be the sunlight and sweat that do it so should be ok

Got another question regarding life spans of helmets does the 5 years start from day of manufacture or does it start from the day you wear it from?

I believe it will be the sunlight and sweat that do it so should be ok

Yup. TC posted on a thread recently saying that helmets don't degrade while they're sitting in the box on the shelf.

I would be using the bike for commuting hence the reason behind textile. Or if there are better alternatives u am open to any advice.

Thanks in advance

Yes textile will be more comfty then leather. When you say commuting do you mean all time winter commuting or good weather only?

If you mean all time winter commuting do not get sport jacket. Also for rainy weather the jackets with waterproof membrane are no good. It matters how long you commute - there is difference between 30 mins and 4 hours winter commute.

The reason been although waterproof inside membrane, the outer material soaks with water - means getting heavy, and soon or later you get water on inside from somewhere too. And it takes forever to dry - means you may get back to home after work with still soaked jacket.

The only thing that works is laminated Gore-tex gear - the goretex is laminated together with the outer material.

These are expensive though. Cheap way to stay dry is use waterproof 1 piece over suit or over jacket and pants.

Go to a shop like J&S, get it all professionally fitted, then do a deal on the price. If you buy the whole lot you can negotiate a deal that will make it cheaper than buying online.

Can't go wrong with RST gear. It's good quality at a reasonable price.

I use rst leathers and very decent price I paid about £120 for the trousers I also have rst tractech boots I love them and I use agv helmet currently have the guy Martin replica lol!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

IIRC the sunlight thing is a bit of a myth with modern materials. The wear is from pulling it on and off several hundred times and compresses the inner foam parts (which can be replaced). But obviously if you drop the lid then that can damage the outer foam bits and you should replace immediately. And why you shouldn't buy second hand lids as you can't tell how knackered the actual impact absorbing stuff it.

Also your lid should be tight (not painful, but snug) as if there's too much movement between head and lid that's bad.

Thanks for the advice guys I have looked into rst gear a lot more and checked sizes so now proud owner of my first set of bike clothes.

Now for the helmet to finish off the look

Good stuff mate won't go wrong with rst in my opinion

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk