What to buy?

[lightspd]

Hello All,

With tax refund time coming up soon, I've got about $500 to put down on things for the bike and gear.  Here's a list of the things I want to get and prices based on my research, they are in no particular order.  Wanted to get feedback on what you guys would buy.

Frame sliders - $80
Exhaust - $200
Gloves - $50 - $100 -- Currently own cheap pair of Bilts.
Boots - Still researching(Need something that comes in smaller sizes and add's 1/2"-1" height) -- Currently use hiking/work boots.
Mirrors - Still trying to find ones I like
Integrated Tail light - $80
pants - $200-$250 (BMW Summer pants II or Tour Master Flex pants)
levers - $200
camera - $150
Flat tire kit - $40
Finder eliminator - $120
lower seat - $200
Disk Lock - $80

[Grampa]

Proper fitting, quality gear first.

[rufus1138]

Proper fitting, quality gear first.

 +1 to this

[DarkMonster620]

Proper fitting, quality gear first.

+11ty billion to this . . .

this is more important than bling

[Triple J]

Proper fitting, quality gear first.

+3

[1.21GW]

This is how I'd prioritize the list:

Boots - Still researching(Need something that comes in smaller sizes and add's 1/2"-1" height) -- Currently use hiking/work boots. (not good; hiking/work boots may seem sturdy but will do nothing to protect your foot in a crash)
Gloves - $50 - $100 -- Currently own cheap pair of Bilts.
pants - $200-$250 (BMW Summer pants II or Tour Master Flex pants)
Flat tire kit - $40
Frame sliders - $80
Exhaust - $200
camera - $150
Fiender eliminator - $120
Mirrors - Still trying to find ones I like (I assume you mean mirror upgrade and actually have SOME mirrors)
Integrated Tail light - $80
levers - $200
lower seat - $200 (if you are really short and riding is uncomfortable, then bump this up in priority above exhaust)
Disk Lock - $80 (this depends on how bad crime is in your area, so could be higher on the list)

[Kev M]

Here's my opinion

1. Boots - Still researching(Need something that comes in smaller sizes and add's 1/2"-1" height) -- Currently use hiking/work boots.
2. pants - $200-$250 (BMW Summer pants II or Tour Master Flex pants)
3. Frame sliders - $80

I might add the lower seat to that list (possibly before #3) IF the issue is you're on the short side and think you might have problems dropping it with the higher seat.

Then whatever tickles your fancy in no particular order after that (though I'll add I probably wouldn't bother with anything not red):

Exhaust - $200
Gloves - $50 - $100 -- Currently own cheap pair of Bilts.

Mirrors - Still trying to find ones I like
Integrated Tail light - $80
levers - $200
camera - $150
Flat tire kit - $40
Finder eliminator - $120
lower seat - $200

Disk Lock - $80

[lightspd]

Thanks for the replies.  It's interesting, I had pants at the top of my list of things over boots, I guess I'll have to flip that around. Good to know about hiking boots, I knew they weren't great, but figured they'd be ok since they are leather and offer ankle support.  Hard part is finding boots in my size, 6 1/2 not easy.

I really like the Tour master pants as they seem very all weather, but like the extra padding and shorts part of the bmw's.

I'm on the balls of my feet when I currently sit on the bike, so it's not too bad, I'd just prefer to have a little more foot on the ground. I wish I didn't live in a apartment and I had a garage, then I could just shave the seat myself.

[reverus]

boots first, riding in good boots is awesome. i highly recommend astar SMX plus. but icon has pretty cool boots too.

PERSONALLY i'd take an exhaust over pants, but I wouldn't argue with anyone that chose other wise. I only wear my riding pants if im out on LONG trips (over 5hours) or plan on agressive riding. (sundays in the twistys) and obviously trackdays.

then framesliders. keep that bike shiny, shit happens. bikes fall down.

[reverus]

seriously though... click the youtube link 

[Triple J]

Motorcyclegear.com is a great website for gear. Either to just check out what everyone makes, or if you don't have a good local place to go and buy.

For boots, get something with shin, ankle, and heel protection. Alpinestar SMX Plus boots (mentioned above) are decent boots, but they're overkill for the street. Something like the Sidi Fusion line is a more reasonably priced alternative. I have the older version of this boot and they're nice.

For gloves, get full gauntlet with some knuckle protection (either hard or soft). For the street Held Steve gloves are very nice. I've had a pair for a long time.

Having slid across the ground multiple times at various speeds, I don't ride without riding pants of some sort. Jeans will last you all of about 5' of sliding, and then it's skin on asphalt. No thanks. Most accidents also happen close to home (since you ride there no matter where you go), so I don't get the mentality of only gearing up for long rides.

[1.21GW]

Good to know about hiking boots, I knew they weren't great, but figured they'd be ok since they are leather and offer ankle support.

There is a youtube video somewhere that I can't seem to find wherein someone shows the difference between motorcycle boots and combat boots.  Basically, if you grab the ankle and the heel and twist the boot, the combat boot (or work boot, hiking, etc) will twist to varying levels.  The moto boot will not.  Go to a motorcycle gear store and try this and you'll see.  Moto boots also provide other good protection, like skin protection for rocks, etc that gets kicked up, strong toe and heel structures, etc.

[xcaptainxbloodx]

What frame sliders are you looking at for 80$?

[lightspd]

What frame sliders are you looking at for 80$?

Shogun on revzilla

[Privateer]

a riding skills class.  your bike will wear out or crash, shit breaks or falls off, bikes get sold.  upgrade your brain and you can use that money on any bike you ride.