best tire prices?

[dc_vince]

Hi Question from a rider new to this whole scene. Please indulge. 1. Are special riding pants necessary? why? Can't jeans or cargo pants work? Are Fox brand any good or do people have other ideas? 2. Are MX style helmets much better than regular ones with a visor? Do most riders wear that style with goggles or sunglasses? What are some good, inexpensive brands of helmets? 3. Do regular work boots work or do people suggest a particular type of motorcycle riding boot? Which brand or style? Thanks in advance. I've riden on the street for years and am looking forward to testing myself in dirt.

[Eric L. Green]

On Fri, 26 Aug 2005, dc_vince wrote:

> Question from a rider new to this whole scene. Please indulge. > 1. Are special riding pants necessary? why? Can't jeans or cargo pants

Two words: "Road rash." Every motorcyclist crashes eventually. Usually within the first two months of owning their first motorcycle. Proper gear is the difference between losing a ton of skin and having to endure the agony of skin grafts and the subsequent scarring and loss of flexibility, and walking away with no damage. If going offroad on a KLR, you'll crash even more often (tires don't stick to dirt the way they do to tar, gosh, who woulda thunk it?). At that point penetration resistance is the issue. Rocks will do a number on you. I still have a hole in my knee from when a sharp rock bit me...

> work? Are Fox brand any good or do people have other ideas?

Any DOT-certified helmet is better than no helmet. Snell-certified helmets are better than DOT-certified helmets, but are more expensive and not available in common styles such as flip-ups. You will have to decide whether you want to go the extra distance to get a Snell-certified helmet, either one is adequate for most people.

> 2. Are MX style helmets much better than regular ones with a visor? Do > most riders wear that style with goggles or sunglasses? What are some > good, inexpensive brands of helmets?

The best helmet is the type that fits you. I care about fit much more than I care about brand (as long as it is DOT-certified!). I went to the local dealers and tried on every helmet in the store. The one I eventually bought was an Arai, but not because it was an Arai -- it was because it fit me best of all the ones I tried. As far as MX vs regular, I use a regular helmet and crack the visor in dirty/dusty circumstances. But I don't do single-track. Doing single-track on a fat pig like a KLR is an exercise in frustration, it will do it, but it's not much fun. There's places where I would have taken my old XL350 (a whole 260 pounds of fun) that I look at while riding the mightly KLR (410 pounds of pure pig) and say, "uh-uh, I'm not going there." If you insist on doing a *lot* of single-track on a KLR, you'll be going so slowly that you'll want the MX helmet. But the MX type helmets typically are pretty miserable on the street (and yes you must wear GOGGLES, not SUNGLASSES, otherwise your eyes get full of dirt and grit and you can't see, doh).

> 3. Do regular work boots work or do people suggest a particular type > of motorcycle riding boot? Which brand or style?

Regular work boots are okay in dry weather on the highway, but are miserable in the rain and typically are not stiff enough for good protection offroad. Whether they are adequate for you depends on where and under what conditions you ride. A good MX (motocross) boot is much better for off-highway excursions. It is stiffer, provides a place for a shin protector, and will prevent broken legs in places where work boots will put you into the hospital.

> Thanks in advance. I've riden on the street for years and am looking > forward to testing myself in dirt.

Then you have the wrong motorcycle. While the KLR will "do" dirt, it will "do" dirt much in the same way that Monica "did" Bill. She's just too fat and clumsy to do a good job of it, and you won't get the same sort of full penetration that you'd get with the real thing. I'd suggest going with a KLR250 if you want to do significant dirt, with the understanding that it is also significantly slower (sigh). -E

[Arden Kysely]

Jeans are fine till you fall down, then they disintegrate. You're also going to want pads, so some type of riding pant is recommended. Fox is probably as good as any. I've got some Aerostich Darien lights, been looking as some from MSR. I have an Arai XD, which is sort of a streetified MX helmet that has both faceshield and visor. You can remove the faceshield and wear goggles. On dual-sport tours I've worn a flip up Nolan that works pretty good for stopping to talk and take pictures. I've also used just a full-face road helmet. What you need depends on where you ride, whether there's a lot of dust, what your mix of street/dirt is. I don't believe that MX helmets are all street legal (DOT approved) but I could be wrong. Sidi makes good boots in a range of styles, check out www.motonation.com for their line-up. I used to wear the On-Roads for most everything (cuz that's what I had), but I've since gotten some Discovery's for the dirty stuff. A few tips for riding a KLR in the dirt: they handle better when you're standing up; they tend to push the front end a bit--use the throttle when that happens; in soft stuff, keep your weight on the pegs and steer with your feet; don't be afraid to let a little air out of the tires for better traction (you can put it back in with a bicycle pump); do your first dirt rides with a partial tank of gas; don't let beast fall on you. 8~) Have fun, and welcome to the wonderful world of the KLR. __Arden

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "dc_vince" wrote: > Hi > Question from a rider new to this whole scene. Please indulge. > 1. Are special riding pants necessary? why? Can't jeans or cargo pants > work? Are Fox brand any good or do people have other ideas? > 2. Are MX style helmets much better than regular ones with a visor? Do > most riders wear that style with goggles or sunglasses? What are some > good, inexpensive brands of helmets? > 3. Do regular work boots work or do people suggest a particular type > of motorcycle riding boot? Which brand or style? > > Thanks in advance. I've riden on the street for years and am looking > forward to testing myself in dirt.

[Erik]

> > I have an Arai XD, which is sort of a streetified MX helmet that has > both faceshield and visor. You can remove the faceshield and wear > goggles. On dual-sport tours I've worn a flip up Nolan that works

You don't have to remove the shield to wear goggles; I just flip mine up. erik

[ron criswell]

Well I think jeans are not great for either dirt or street. Not enough protection and cut wrong, and cold when wet. Cargo me don't know but suspect they are similar to jeans. Anything will kinda get you by if you don't crash. Dirt MX type helmets are great for dirt but don't lean your head back too far on the street or the visor will try and pull you off the bike. Flip up type helmets are a good compromise if you trust them. I don't. HJC is a good cheaper helmet and I wear a Scorpion EXO 400 which is cheaper still but seems to be better than HJC. Both of these are Snell and DOT approved but according to new research maybe you are better off with a cheap DOT type helmet. Regular work boots will get you by but be careful of a sole that has too much cleated treads on them. They tend to hang up on things sometimes when they shouldn't . The Combat Touring Boots by Sidi are primo. Criswell

On Friday, August 26, 2005, at 03:40 PM, dc_vince wrote: > Hi > Question from a rider new to this whole scene. Please indulge. > 1. Are special riding pants necessary? why? Can't jeans or cargo pants > work? Are Fox brand any good or do people have other ideas? > 2. Are MX style helmets much better than regular ones with a visor? Do > most riders wear that style with goggles or sunglasses? What are some > good, inexpensive brands of helmets? > 3. Do regular work boots work or do people suggest a particular type > of motorcycle riding boot? Which brand or style? > > > >

[matteeanne@yahoo.com]

It's an opinion thing. You average Harley rider will tell you a bandana and sunglasses will suffice. Your standard Adventure Rider/KLR rider will tell you riding pants which contain pads to reduce the risk of breaking bones and scraping off flesh are a must. Leather holds up the best but may be too hot in your area. Joe Rocket Ballistics do a good job and are fairly water proof. The MX style helmets are great for offroad, but if your driving the freeway and a rock gets kicked up, or God Forbid you hit a Bee at 80 mph it will hurt so bad youll never forget it. Riding boots, good ones have "pucks" which again prevent breaking bones, and shredded flesh, and good ones like Oxtars have steel pivots which prevent your ankle and foot from bending far enough to break. The saying goes "Id rather drip sweat than blood" and another good one "there are two kinds of riders, those who have crashed, and those who are going to. Again, just opinions, but for this rider, I wear armor, and anyone who thinks that makes me a wussy is more manly than me..... Sean A-18 --- dc_vince wrote:

> Hi > Question from a rider new to this whole scene. > Please indulge. > 1. Are special riding pants necessary? why? Can't > jeans or cargo pants > work? Are Fox brand any good or do people have other > ideas? > 2. Are MX style helmets much better than regular > ones with a visor? Do > most riders wear that style with goggles or > sunglasses? What are some > good, inexpensive brands of helmets? > 3. Do regular work boots work or do people suggest a > particular type > of motorcycle riding boot? Which brand or style? > > Thanks in advance. I've riden on the street for > years and am looking > forward to testing myself in dirt. > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: >

http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html

> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: > www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: > www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > DSN_KLR650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > >

____________________________________________________ Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[matteeanne@yahoo.com]

A couple "musts" while standing on the pegs. Always keep you knees and elbows bent, always! When going uphill, lean as far forward as needed to reduce the amount of strength needed to hold on, and when going downhill, lean back to reduce the feeling of "going over the bars". Hope you do "the right thing" and opt for armor... --- Arden Kysely wrote:

> Jeans are fine till you fall down, then they > disintegrate. You're also > going to want pads, so some type of riding pant is > recommended. Fox is > probably as good as any. I've got some Aerostich > Darien lights, been > looking as some from MSR. > > I have an Arai XD, which is sort of a streetified MX > helmet that has > both faceshield and visor. You can remove the > faceshield and wear > goggles. On dual-sport tours I've worn a flip up > Nolan that works > pretty good for stopping to talk and take pictures. > I've also used > just a full-face road helmet. What you need depends > on where you ride, > whether there's a lot of dust, what your mix of > street/dirt is. I > don't believe that MX helmets are all street legal > (DOT approved) but > I could be wrong. > > Sidi makes good boots in a range of styles, check > out > www.motonation.com for their line-up. I used to wear > the On-Roads for > most everything (cuz that's what I had), but I've > since gotten some > Discovery's for the dirty stuff. > > A few tips for riding a KLR in the dirt: they handle > better when > you're standing up; they tend to push the front end > a bit--use the > throttle when that happens; in soft stuff, keep your > weight on the > pegs and steer with your feet; don't be afraid to > let a little air out > of the tires for better traction (you can put it > back in with a > bicycle pump); do your first dirt rides with a > partial tank of gas; > don't let beast fall on you. 8~) > > Have fun, and welcome to the wonderful world of the > KLR. > > __Arden > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "dc_vince" > wrote: > > Hi > > Question from a rider new to this whole scene. > Please indulge. > > 1. Are special riding pants necessary? why? Can't > jeans or cargo > pants > > work? Are Fox brand any good or do people have > other ideas? > > 2. Are MX style helmets much better than regular > ones with a visor? > Do > > most riders wear that style with goggles or > sunglasses? What are > some > > good, inexpensive brands of helmets? > > 3. Do regular work boots work or do people suggest > a particular type > > of motorcycle riding boot? Which brand or style? > > > > Thanks in advance. I've riden on the street for > years and am looking > > forward to testing myself in dirt. > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: >

http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html

> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: > www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: > www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > DSN_KLR650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > >

__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com

[Michael Silverstein]

> --- Arden Kysely wrote: > > > Jeans are fine till you fall down, then they > > disintegrate. You're also > > going to want pads, so some type of riding pant is > > recommended.

I've been occasionally wearing Draggin' Jeans (http://www.dragginjeans.com/) that have Kevlar panels sewn into critical areas, as well as the optional CE approved pads. They have been pretty comfortable in the heat and let me walk around among normal people without looking like an astronaut. I don't know how effective they'll be if I hit the ground compared to 'real' riding gear but they have to be better than regular jeans. Mike A18 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.16/83 - Release Date: 8/26/2005

[Chris]

Street clothes for riding, no. It's a painful mistake, they will burn right through. For the dirt, you don't need the same level of abrasion resistance as for asphalt, HOWEVER, you should get yourself some proper hard MX knee guards to wear. You should also get elbow/forearm guards and ideally chest and shoulder protection too. I decided to take the shortest route and got a SixSixOne Pressure Suit for the upper body and it works very very well (tested by me in several 30+ mph getoffs in the desert). I wear the SixSixOne suit on the road now too under my riding jacket. For lower body protection I have both MX pants that I would wear with knee guards under them or I have Joe Rocket Ballistic overpants that have hard knee pads in them. I wear the Joe Rocket most often over jeans. For the helmet...if it's hot where you are, say above 80 and humid, you will cook in a street helmet trying to wrestle the KLR around. An offroad helmet is SO much better vented for a reason. You don't need one, but it sure is nice. Also of course, you get ventilation with your eyes still protected by the goggles. For boots, there is no comparison with the protection provided by MX boots and other street riding boots or workboots. I got a pair of Alpinestars Tech 4's, they are twice the protection of my street riding boots and they are considered a lightweight level of protection as far as MX boots go. If you are riding gravel roads or dirt roads without a lot of holes, no stumps, no big rocks...you could get away with lighter boots. If you are riding trails with deep ruts, roots, rocks, stumps, just picture hitting a stump at 30mph with your foot. MX boots will save you from sprains and impact injuries that street shoes or street riding boots will not. Necessary, no, none of this is necessary.....but it sure is a good idea.

[Arden Kysely]

I've got some of those, too. Sure wish they had hip pads, but anything more than jeans is a step in the right direction. __Arden

>From: "Michael Silverstein" >To: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com>, >Subject: RE: [DSN_KLR650] Re: NKLR - question on riding gear >Date: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 08:09:02 -0400 > > > --- Arden Kysely wrote: > > > > > Jeans are fine till you fall down, then they > > > disintegrate. You're also > > > going to want pads, so some type of riding pant is > > > recommended. > >I've been occasionally wearing Draggin' Jeans >(http://www.dragginjeans.com/) that have Kevlar panels sewn into >critical areas, as well as the optional CE approved pads. They have been >pretty comfortable in the heat and let me walk around among normal >people without looking like an astronaut. I don't know how effective >they'll be if I hit the ground compared to 'real' riding gear but they >have to be better than regular jeans. > >Mike A18 > >-- >No virus found in this outgoing message. >Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. >Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.16/83 - Release Date: >8/26/2005 > >