| Author | Message | ||
     Escham |
I am getting closer to purchasing an XB12s or ss and I was trying to think of what protective devices I should get off the bat. I know there are frame pucks, sliders, etc. What are some recommendations for things you would buy to protect the bike? | ||
| Jerseybuell |
I would start with protecting the rider  ..good gear and maybe an MSF course..after that frame pucks and sliders..our sponsors here can hook you up..best of luck with the new bike. You are gonna love it regardless of which model. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
Good helmet, jacket(s), pants, boots, frame pucks, axle sliders, new pipe, open airbox, K&N and Directlink. I think that is about all the safety one needs. Oh yeah, and don't forget to cut off the cheese grater. That is very unsafe. | ||
| Kurosawa |
I have an R, but anyway. Get frame pucks for the bike. For yourself, I'd budget for the MSF course, a good full-face helmet (try it out in person), jacket and overpants (I like FirstGear armored mesh with zip-out waterproof membrane liners), good gloves, and sturdy boots. Also for safety I like Napoleon bar end mirrors, which give a panoramic view to the rear (seems like about 120 degrees between the two plus see what's directly behind in both mirrors), Radiantz 1157 LED cluster replacement (much brighter), Halo neoprene reflector band for the helmet, and Harley Windshield Water Repellent Treatment wipes for the face shield. Have fun! | ||
| Earwig |
Why is everyone telling him to take the MSF... did he say he was a new rider in another thread? | ||
| Kurosawa |
It says "Bike model: none yet" in his profile. | ||
| Beachbuell |
I also have an R model. I have frame pucks, axle sliders (front and rear) and a tank/airbox protector (for belt buckles/zippers). Get good gear, spend the money on the good sh*t, don't skimp on gear. I run a full face Scorpion, Buell puck gloves (I have Joe Rockets for summer riding) and I wear a Tour Master mesh jacket with full body armour. Boots are also a good idea, but with my messed up ankle I can't wear boots. | ||
| Slaughter |
Adding my vote: AFTER your personal protective gear: Jacket and pants (armored/padded AND zip-together) - helmet, boots, gloves... ...THEN get the stuff that protects the bike. Frame pucks at a minimum. Save your money on other sliders - except maybe the Dark Horse fork and swingarm sliders. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I agree with the comment on good riding gear. Think about this: You are more rich now than after you buy the bike. Better to by the gear now, eh? | ||
| M1combat |
Agreed with Slaughter... You can get a Joe Rocket 2 piece for a good price on new-enough. That way you can wear the jacket most of the time and add the pants when you feel the need. For the bike... FRAME PUCKS. I've watched them work from six feet away in heavy gravel. no frame damage at all. Get axle sliders (Dark Horse) from Al (partly to repay him for his work on the exhaust shootout). Swap the tires ASAP... Most people complain about the stock tires, me included... I like Metz M3's, I hear good things about the Michelin Pilot powers and the Dunlop Q's as well, but if it is your first bike or you want to take some time getting used to it before really pitching it in maybe go for Continental Road Attacks, Metzeler MEZ6's or Pirelli Diablo Stradas. Really though... Get good armored gear first. I have a tour master transition jacket that I love, but it's a tad warm in the phoenix heat (but naked is too...). It's also warm with the liner in the Prescott winter too though. | ||
| Slaughter |
Yeah - unfortunately I've crash-tested my leathers AND my XB more than a few times! I've seen how the frame pucks work (on other guys bikes, I wasn't that smart and crashed 3 times now without pucks) The mesh-type jackets and pants are good enough for street but I strongly recommend zip-together! (think of sliding on your side with feet forward - could be ugly) The mesh with armor are one-fall-only but they will do well in most cases. Hard to beat perforated leather 2-piece zip-together leathers. | ||
| Perry |
And most of all, get gear you will actually wear. Leather is better, but mesh is the only thing I can stand to wear when it's 105 F and I'm feeling the engine heat while idling at a stoplight... Mesh on your body beats leather in the closet ANY day. Frame pucks do work well, and I wish I had the swingarm sliders when I low-sided last year. | ||
| Diablobrian |
If you are buying mesh gear make sure it has: 1)CE armor in shoulders and elbows 2)a spine protector (not an 1/8" thick open cell foam piece) 3)9" or better yet, full circumference waist zipper 4)snaps, or velcro patches on sleeves to keep them from flapping at speed. 5)reflective bits on the back. cheaper jackets sometimes skip this bit. Buy quality gear, the best you can possibly afford, and more importantly wear it.....ALL THE TIME! | ||
| Teddagreek |
I have mixed feelings about CE products... I remember reading CE Cert was born out of racing gear being analyzed after accidents on the track.. Take that in mind I was talking to a person from Abate at a bike show and she told me the number one cause of death to riders is blunt trauma to the chest.. Take that mind I think we have a long way to come in real world protection for the street! I agree buy the best stuff you can afford and research, research, research before you buy.. Also prep your bike and your person to be seen and heard.. I have Taillight modulator and I'm installing headlight modulator this weekend.. I have a helmet halo.. When I ride the interstate at night traveling alone I break out orange 3M safety vest with stripes.. | ||
| Kurosawa |
I've been down 4 times including having a guy cross from the far side of a 4-laner to hit me with a station wagon and never had anything happen to my chest. Arms, knee, hip, but no chest hit. Been in the trauma room I think 4 times now when bikers have come in and I've seen no chest injuries. Skull, hip, calf, knee, arms, feet, but no chest. Anyway, first thing I'd tell anyone wanting to get into biking is budget for the training and safety gear first, then buy a bike with whatever's left over. Keep your priorities straight. (Message edited by kurosawa on June 06, 2006) (Message edited by kurosawa on June 06, 2006) |
