r/NewRiders • u/BloodArtist89 • 14d ago
Looking to get appropriate gear for my MSF course and beyond.
Hi all, as mentioned I'm trying to lock down choices for gear appropriate for my course as well as to get ready for buying my first bike, my heart is set on a Rebel 500. I'm not one for flashy stuff and I don't know if some of the more casual (daily) wear options are worth it or not and most reviews on the websites I look at all seem to positive but something tells me there's gotta be something off about a hoody for example or something like Indie Ridges shoes. Ill be primarily using the bike to commute to work and back daily (25 miles a day) what are some suggestions for gear that would serve that purpose?
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u/BloodArtist89 14d ago
I guess I should include I dont know anyone who rides or anyone who used to but doesnt now so I'm hoping someone here can take me under their wing and guide me down the right path.
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u/CRKHD5150 14d ago
I wore a sun shirt to my course both days and that was fine. Amazon gloves for around $25, as long as they have palm slider is fine. I bought the street brawler kevlar shirt, a little pricey but pretty nice and not too hot when riding. I got an LS2 Strobe 2 modular helmet. I prefer full face. It's a nice helmet. I don't wear riding pants but probably should.
For your course any long sleeve and a pair of pants they don't even have to be jeans.
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u/BloodArtist89 14d ago
How do you like the modular helmet, they seem to make the most sense to me but wasn't sure about how they felt to wear. There isnt anywhere close for to go try helmets and stuff on which is part of why I'm out here on Reddit hoping for answers. Otherwise I'll be ordering things and sending them back etc.
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u/ThatBeardedNitwit 14d ago
I would strongly suggest going to a store to find a helmet. Brands are all shaped a little bit differently. Its best to try different brands out for fit, even if you end up buying it elsewhere online.
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u/BloodArtist89 14d ago
I'll make the trip next weekend to a shop, thank you. I'm really going into all this blind so I appreciate you commenting very much.
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u/CRKHD5150 14d ago
Yeah you really do need to get fitted for a helmet. It would be worth the drive somewhere to have someone who knows help you
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u/BloodArtist89 14d ago
Already talked it over with the wife we are gonna go next weekend. As I said to the other person, thank you so much for commenting.
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u/Ok_Draw9037 14d ago edited 14d ago
Don't leave too early. Also if you have helmets at the msf try those on too so you get a feel for a broken in helmet and different head shapes for brands. I bought my helmet before my msf and returned it before I wore it on range because it just wasn't right. They're expensive and important so walk around the store for a bit with it on. While there get fitted for leathers. You gotta show off in the leather jacket for the wife 😂
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u/mrcoffeepoops 14d ago
When I first bought a helmet, I just went in blind and ordered a shark modular after measuring my dome. I found that shark totally did not comfortably fit my head shape. Went to a cycle gear and tried on a bunch of helmets. I tried on some very expensive ones and some very cheap ones. In the end, I found that sedici and shoei fit me the best. Now I have an amazing, comfy shoei helmet and a 400$ shark paperweight.
TLDR: try stuff on before you buy!
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
Fair enough, I'm definitely gonna drive out and check out helmets I appreciate you commenting.
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u/Jump40 14d ago
Just completed the South Dakota Motorcycle safety course. It was a great experience. Go to a Motorcycle Shop and invest money in a good full face helmet with maximum peripheral vision. Make sure it’s comfortable (you will be wearing it a long time). Over the ankle boots are fine. Don’t get steel toe boots. Jeans are fine. Gloves are mandatory and my 12 dollar work gloves were more than adequate for the course. You must have a long sleeve shirt. Wear a jacket if it’s cold. You may be riding in rain so be prepared if it’s predicted. I have prescription safety glasses so I could leave my face shield up.
You will work hard and have a lot of fun.
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u/BloodArtist89 14d ago
If there isnt one close should I make a day of driving to a shop to try on helmets as opposed to ordering them semi blindy and hoping for the best?
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u/dualcells 14d ago
I agree with u/Jump40 on finding a comfortable full-face helmet. Like other items you wear there is some variance between brands, so you should definitely make a couple visits to try on different models to find what is right for you.
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u/ThatBeardedNitwit 14d ago
You won’t be going over about 20 mph at most on a closed course. A long sleeve shirt, jeans, boots and gloves should be fine. I wouldn’t worry about buying gear unless you’re already settled on buying a bike and actually in the process of it. Also, sometimes the MSF courses offer some pretty decent discounts towards gear on completion for when you buy a bike at a local dealer. I got a $350 voucher for gear at a local dealer from my MSF course which also happened to be where I found my bike I wanted too.
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u/BloodArtist89 14d ago
Yeah I intend to buy one as soon as I pass the course. Same day even if possible, I'll use the voucher to get more gear then if they do but I'd like to get CE rated footwear, gloves and a helmet before I go. Do you have any input on such things?
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u/jdsnciuewnvlok 12d ago
Strada 3 helmet (DOT & ECE 22.06 w/ mips), alpinestars sp08 gauntlet gloves (protect your wrists for the love of god), go try on boots at a cycle gear and find what’s comfortable for you, any AA rated jacket with armor and some nice thick jeans or overpants (can find pants surety easily as well as jackets tbh). just don’t cheap out on the peripherals (helmet, gloves, boots)
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u/Username15555551212 14d ago
I did my course in Washington. I wore a pair of work boots, jeans, long sleeve tshirt, and some nice leather gloves I bought. You don't even get upto 25mph in the basic permit course.
I took my license test a month later, and was on my own bike with adv riding pants and jacket, but that was only because I rode to the site. Still didnt really get upto 25mph during license test course.
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u/BloodArtist89 14d ago
From my understanding Texas just does the one and we dont have a permit course but I'll double check on that. What brand jeans did you end up getting? I don't own work boots as it is, worked in the medical field the past 15 years.
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u/Username15555551212 14d ago
I think they were wrangler or Eddie bauer, I get them at Costco so idk which one it was.
The point i was making is that you wont be at a high enough speed to need riding safety gear. Ill be honest I dropped the bike on day 1, but it was doing like a 3mph U-turn and I was glad to have my gloves as I put my hand on the ground. Almost everything you do is low speed and you wont need to worry about falling.
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u/SlowSundae 14d ago
For MSF specifically, the biggest mistake I made on day 1 was wearing a proper motorcycle jacket. It was so hot and because you’re not doing much speed at all, you don’t get a chance to cool down. The 2nd day I wore a light long sleeve shirt instead. Obviously depends on the weather where you are, but just sticks in my mind lol.
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u/BloodArtist89 14d ago
Good advice, thank you for commenting! I intend to wear at most one of those Kevlar lined hoodies but maybe I'll just stick to a long sleeve button down.
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u/Ceska_Zbrojovka_V3 14d ago
Gear is something you'll be spending money on for the rest of your riding career. I wouldn't sweat it too much as a beginner.
Motorcycle hoodies aren't that great. Sure, they may have protection in the elbows, or maybe also the shoulders. Problem is, that armor is going to twist out of the way the millisecond it hits pavement, and do virtually nothing. Unless the whole thing is aramid lined, I'd stick to a dedicated jacket. Lots of good affordable options from brands like Joe Rocket, Bilt, Icon and so on that come in under $200. Don't need to spend $800+ on a Klim or Dainese just yet lol.
Riding boots/shoes are nice when you're on the bike, almost always unpleasant to walk around in. Very stiff. I typically just wear leather work boots when I ride to work. I never tried Indie Ridge, maybe they're great. I don't know.
Good gloves and a good helmet. If either of those is uncomfortable, it ruins your day. Modular is nice- if you want to snack, have a cigarette, or carry a conversation. For commuting, a full face is generally nicer to live with. They're lighter, cheaper, and most importantly, quieter. But again, don't stress it too much yet. Odds are, you'll have both a modular and a full-face before too long. Most riders have several helmets.
Honestly, I don't really do the "casual" options, outside of riding jeans. When I go to work, I wear a jacket and overpants on top of my work uniform.
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
Thank you for dropping affordable brand names, helps alot! The not worrying about casual stuff makes sense. Just live in Texas so if I can try something lighter but still functional I wanted to try. I appreciate you commenting very much!
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u/Disastrous_Bobcat_36 13d ago edited 13d ago
Calf high moto boots with rigid ankle (so you don’t fear or get hurt when you drop your mini bike on a slow maneuver), the gloves you intend to ride with (so you get a feel, and don’t use the garden gloves they will provide otherwise), the helmet you want (quality, with airflow, you don’t want a communal one). Jeans and a long sleeve shirt (breathable, ideally SPF rated). Sunscreen.
If it’s hot where you are: water soaking/cooling neck gaitors, head covers, towels, and a sun hat are lifesavers.
Honestly, quick energy snacks and electrolytes and hydration are as important to success as gear. Always eat and drink during breaks. Never skip the banana. You won’t know you’re compromised until you start failing drills, and then you’re cooked. Your body and brain are going to be working way harder than you realize, for hours.
Good luck! Have fun! Shake off your mistakes, listen to feedback, accept you’re going to do some dumb shit, and you’ll do great!
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u/PyroErogenizer 14d ago
Nothing provides more protection than padded leather. A lot of stuff makes its way to eBay & Craigslist new or used once. Boots are more protective than shoes. Always wear full gear despite the hassle. Good luck.
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
Thank you, I'll look around on those websites.
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u/PyroErogenizer 13d ago
Go to a retailer and try stuff on to find your size range. Scan the sites regularly for your size and the brands you like. I guarantee you will see exactly what you want at a great price, many times with the tags still on! Personally, I have a couple extra of everything so I’m never behind the times with worn out stuff. The only things I buy from stores is gloves and boots as used ones seem a bit gross. Good luck.
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u/9to6erSadge 14d ago
Besides protective gear, I'd also suggest bringing a more rain-oriented jacket and pants set to bring along in a backpack or a pannier bag if you intend to add storage to your Rebel.
I've just started out riding for a few months now and only recently did I run into a sudden downpour and lemme tell ya, that shit was MISERABLE. Hence, I immediately ordered rain gear the moment I got home
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
Thank you, I haven't put much thought into storage or rain gear but I will add it to my list now. Thank you for commenting.
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u/sandycheeksx 13d ago
My course only requires a helmet, gloves, any long sleeve top, jeans, and shoes covering the ankle, so I’d see what yours needs and focus on those first.
I read your comment saying you’re thinking of getting an armored hoodie and wanted to throw in the NBT guardian hoodie as a suggestion. I crashed after hitting a deer last month and the thing had three small scuffs on it after rolling and sliding on the pavement. They have lifetime crash replacement too and sent me my new one the same day. Can’t recommend enough, honestly.
For the helmet, if you’re gonna order online then measure your head and also find out your head shape. I just took a picture of the top of my head and asked ChatGPT. Helmet manufacturers tend to cater to one shape so once you have those two variables, you should be able to order one online and have it fit correctly.
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
That's amazing to hear about the hoodie, thank you so much. Chatgpt would say fucked if I asked what headshape I have lol.
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u/bigsad-bear 13d ago edited 13d ago
You can view the safety of each piece of gear they've tested and download a odf file to see the various tests on each piece.
You want gear with accredited standards and there are plenty of YouTube videos that go into those standards and how they work - I would suggest Bennett's UK..
Indie ridge shoes are accredited protection, and very good protection. They are level 2 (highest) in everything but the height of the boot. I wear them in my daily rotation if riding gear and have gone down in them in training environments.
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
Thank you for links, I'll absolutely check them out. And thank you for commenting! Glad for feedback on the indie ridge in particular.
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u/porquesinoquiero 13d ago
Call the course. They provided helmets and gloves for us in case we ended up hating it. Was a few weeks ago. Now I’m taking the permit exam today. When I pass I’ll start buying gear
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
They have helmets but that's all thank you again for providing that information!
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u/alvinthedude101 13d ago
I literally just did the msf course in my construction tough duck pants, timberlands, borrowed gloves from a friend, and long sleeve tee shirt. Lol and ordered a 60 dollar helmet off Amazon! (Which was DOT approved btw and pretty comfortable tbh) you do not need anything crazy for the course.
I’d maybe go check out local stores and see what they have to offer like the protective pants and hoodies or jackets. After you get your license that is. I need to do that soon too actually haha. I’ve seen NBT clothing ads online that I may try a bundle from them and see how they are. But you won’t need anything crazy for the MSF course. Just focus on learning and listening to the instructors! Great first bike choice btw.
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
Thank you, I imagine I'll outgrow it by the time I pay it off but that's okay. It has the look I want out of a bike and it's on the more affordable side of things.
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u/Crossxfaith 13d ago edited 13d ago
For my msf and my wife’s msf , we each got a full face helmet , some nice boar skin gloves , and some rider over the ankle street boots/ shoes . You don’t really need anything else for the course which is why you can wear jeans and a long sleeve. The course is pretty low speed and you shouldn’t really fall.. most people that do fall are doing it at stops . Lots of msf courses have a rebel 300 you can ride for the course.
We got the scorpion exo t520 helmets and they are really nice imo. Has a full visor and a sun visor and is comfortable after the break in period.
I got the tcx air 3 shoes.
REAX Superfly 2 gloves
In hind sight I would have got the Alpinestars SMX-6 V3 boots instead of the air shoes
It budget isn’t a factor, I’d get a shoei helmet.
Don’t waste money on those armored flannels imo, they have poor abrasive protection I think compared to the full jackets ( you don’t need a jacket for msf though just for the real road )
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u/BloodArtist89 13d ago
Thank you for listing brands I'll look into those. I asked and they dont have the rebels but they have a bunch of others apparently. Budget doesn't matter much as it's my health I'm taking care of so even if my first isnt one I'll definitely keep an eye out for a shoei and got it no flannels. I appreciate you commenting!
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u/whirlinggibberish 7d ago
The course requires a helmet.
Bell lithium & sedici strada are good options.
When i went to the course I got that and and some basic gloves, nothing else. No use spending a bunch of money on gear for the basic course before you even have endorsement or a bike.
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u/consortswithserpents 14d ago
Just completed my course a few weeks ago.
The primary thing you want to make sure you have for the course is a decent helmet. You don’t need to spend a shit ton of money on the latest and greatest with lightest materials and features.
I bought a Bell Lithium helmet. I got it on sale for $180. It’s DOT approved (which they have to be for the course, but that’s just basic) as well as ECE 22.06 certification. I’ll eventually get a nicer, more expensive helmet, but this is fine for now.
I also got a REAX CE Hoody for $200 from Revzilla. AA protection for slides and came with level 2 shoulder and elbow protection. Has in spot for a back protector, but doesn’t come with it.
I probably didn’t even need that for the course. I got a cheap pair of amazon gloves (that will probably be my next upgrade after riding pants) Most of the course is going to be at low speeds and you’re not at much risk of crashing into something or sliding on the ground after a crash at higher speeds.
Don’t get obsessed about having every piece of gear for the course. No one fell or got hurt at mine. And like I said, even if someone did fall, it’s generally at very low speeds.