Wilsons Sandbox

> 1. What type of helmet would be best? Most of my riding will be > commuting back and forth to work (80%) and riding on fire and logging > trails. I have looked at the dirt and street helmets and can see the > differences but want to understand the performance and reasons they > are designed differently.

I'd get a road rather than a dirt helmet. The former is Ok in the dirt, but the latter isn't really very good on the road. I'd go full-face just for protection as the most common impact point on an helmet is the front of the face, not the back of the helmet. The new synchro full-faced helmets where the chin bar flips up look pretty cool for a commuter helmet, but I've never tried one. Generally speaking, Arai and Shoei are the top of the line helmets, but they are not cheap. With them you pay extra for a little more comfort, lighter weight, and snazzier paint. HJC's are good values. Fit is more important than brand. You should make sure it is DOT approved. If you haven't got the bike yet, I'd attempt to have the dealer "throw it in" to the deal as this is a high-markup item that many dealers will heavily discount. For your first helmet, you need to get fit at the dealership. (I've used Arais for so long now that I know exactly what size I wear and can mail order without worry.) Whatever helmet you end up with, wear earplugs if you want to have your hearing past age 50. Most safety-supply places will sell a box that will last ten years for 20-bucks.

> 2. I have been looking and reading about jackets and pants for > motorcycle riding. I am thinking about the HEIN GERICKE Boost > Jackets and pants. Any thoughts on this brand or on other quality > riding gear would be appreciated.

For a first jacket, I'd go synthetic. If you anticipate any rain riding, get gore-tex as well. I like Aerostich stuff (www.aerostich.com) but they are only available mail-order and there are other good options.

> 3. When it comes to boots I have been thinking about a steel- > toed Danner Ft Lewis boot. I wear 10 EE. Any thoughts on boots > would help.

I think steel-toes are for construction work, not motorcycle riding. Personally, I like Alpinestars and Sidi boots. Again, if you anticipate riding in the rain at all, you should look at a gore-text model.

> 4. Gloves? I have no idea on what would be best.

Most dealers stock Olympic, but I've never been very impressed with them. You might want to think about an insulated cold-weather glove and a lighter weight summer glove - it is very hard to make one glove do job of both. - Mark