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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
So I've recently been introduced to the Z125 and now I'm hooked. I've been wanting a motorcycle for quite a while now but I'm not a really big buy (5'7" and 150lbs.) and I always feel like most bikes are way too big and serious for me. I've just been wanting something to have fun and cruise around on and I think the Z125 would be perfect for me. It's funny too because my wife was completely against me getting a bike because of how dangerous they are, but after me informing her about the Kawi, she is all for me getting one. She's also ready to pop out our first child any day now, so that shocked me even more...

But anyways, I'm just curious what kind helmet (and other gear) is everyone wearing on these things?

I've been brought up riding fourwheelers and snowmobiles, so I'm used to MX style helmets with goggles and I'm not sure if I wanted to go that route if I get one of these bikes or if I'd want to go with a full faced helmet with an actual shield. Also I'm curious about jackets... I'm torn whether or not I go with an actual leather jacket, or a cloth style motorcycle jacket.
 

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I have a hybrid helmet . it can be raised up like a half face and pulled down
to have better protection just like a full faced helmet. I like it. best of both
worlds. My only complain is it is heavier than a regular full face helmet.

I also have a motorcycle Jacket, with protection inserts for my back and
elbows. It looks like a regular padded jacket. :)
 

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I have a helmet that looks part dirt/part street- the Arai XD4. I bought it when I got my Versys. Moving away from sportbikes and sitting upright had the sun in my eyes, so I really like the visor.
Get good gloves and motorcycle boots. For street riding, I like the textile stuff, and my Olympia gear works really well.
 

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For riding on the road, buy road specific gear and leave the MX gear at home. That means as full coverage as your circumstances permit. Ideally a full face, snug fitting and DOT rated (or EU equivalent) helmet, leather gloves that cover all fingers and wrist, boots covering your ankles and a jacket with elbow, shoulder and back armour. Many brands available and to fit any budget. Try a local retailer or dealership to try brands, and online is endless choice. I like Revzilla.com and Sportbiketrackgear.com for video reviews of gear from a track/street focus.
 

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I use something a bit more streetfighter style. My helmet is the same as the one in my avatar - the Shark Vancore. Just looks a bit more raw and looks hilarious on a small fun bike like the Z125 :p
 

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For riding on the road, buy road specific gear and leave the MX gear at home. That means as full coverage as your circumstances permit. Ideally a full face, snug fitting and DOT rated (or EU equivalent) helmet, leather gloves that cover all fingers and wrist, boots covering your ankles and a jacket with elbow, shoulder and back armour. Many brands available and to fit any budget. Try a local retailer or dealership to try brands, and online is endless choice. I like Revzilla.com and Sportbiketrackgear.com for video reviews of gear from a track/street focus.
Good post, agreed. No to MX gear for the street.
Leather is the best protection, but when you say "cloth" jacket, I'd assumed you meant motorcycle-specific Cordora, like Aerostich or Olympia, etc. The material is very abrasion-resistant, and the suits have armor in the knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, back. Armor is important. I also use the two above-mentioned vendors, both are great.
 

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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
Good post, agreed. No to MX gear for the street.
Leather is the best protection, but when you say "cloth" jacket, I'd assumed you meant motorcycle-specific Cordora, like Aerostich or Olympia, etc. The material is very abrasion-resistant, and the suits have armor in the knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, back. Armor is important. I also use the two above-mentioned vendors, both are great.
Yeah, sorry I didn't really know how else to explain it.

I'm mainly looking at Alpinestar gear. I'll have to check out a few shops around town to try some things on. I always feel kind of guilty doing that though because I know in the end I'll just be ordering my gear online because it's so much cheaper.

Thanks you everyone for the input though. Guess a full faced helmet with a shield it is...
 

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A few more things along the lines of gear. Buy a new helmet that has good ventilation and fits your shape head, don't get fixated on the "best" brand. Some folks won't wear anything but an Arai for example, but those simply don't fit me well so I chose other brands that do (Shoei, AGV, Suomy and now X-Lite). Get the size that is snug enough to make your cheeks look a bit like a chipmunk at first as it will compress slightly with use and you want it to remain firmly in place. The rest of your gear could be purchased second hand to save money if necessary, Craigslist can be a fun place to scour for deals. I didn't mention pants, but if you look at the places a rider is most likely to face an impact or abrasion it includes the hips and legs too so consider dedicated pants over jeans if you can afford it. Alpinestars jackets all have hidden zippers that mate with Alpinestars pants if you decide to go with that brand.

All this to say I hope you get your Z125 soon and welcome to the forum as well.
 

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AFX FX55 helmet. Has a lot of different configurations. Right now, I use it with just the 3/4 configuration and a tinted visor. Good ventilation. A noisy in the wind.
TCX X-Groove shoes. Swapped the white laces for black so that they look better for an office environment. Love having a zipper on the inside for easy on and off.
One Industries MotoX gloves. No leather, but they are very breathable and protect against the sun.
 

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I personally love the dual sport helmets. I currently have a Speed and Strength SS2500. As for gear, I'm currently looking for a more casual jacket. I won't be taking my mini-beast to the track anytime soon, so I don't really want to spend $400 on a sport bike jacket (I personally dislike the way they look most times anyway.) My gloves are the Speed and Strength "Top Dead Center" in green. My girlfriend always say's "I love how those gloves look with your bike." so, that's always a plus to get the female stamp of approval.
 
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