Best local or mail order spots?

Probably getting a helmet with the bike, but I'm sure I'll want a better one before long...

Need a jacket and gloves, what else?

 

I would say check out Icon gear, it fits awesome and breathes really well for those hot days. I would say get some good riding boots but thats my own opinion. Ebay is your friend

 

are you buying a bike from a shop or private? If your buying from a shop tell them to through you a discount or something!

 

private, thanks I'll check that stuff out...

My skin is my friend - am I better off getting a decent perforated leather jacket, or are those armored mesh ones strong enough?

I'd rather spend the money on good gear than risk something coming apart on me...

 

the icon gear has titanium woven into it. I think it seems very durable. I ride with the Icon in the summer, then a joe rocket leather in the cooler weather.

 

cool, thanks..

 

no prob.... let me know if you need to know anything else.

 

One other thing... although it will piss off the local shops... go to them and test fit stuff (especially helmets) then go online and find them cheaper..

the way bike apparel fits is so much different than normal clothing, you really gotta try it on to make sure its right..

 

Cool - might be something to do this weekend

 

+1, Let me throw these sites out there for you.... make sure your helmet fits nice and snug.... www.helmetharbor.com www.motoxoutlet.com www.motorcyclecloseouts.com You can also sometimes find brand new gear/helmets on ebay for even cheaper. I've personally ordered from all 3 of these sites with no problems.

All of the good perforated leather jackets I've seen online are really expensive but I would probably buy one anyway if I could find somewhere to try one on...