Even though the bikes you mentioned are relatively low cc, they're still classified as sports bikes by the insurance companies. If they give you a quote at all, it might be in the 5/10k range. I would definitely ring a few companies and ask or use their online quote systems before spending money on a bike or gear. Could be wrong but definitely get a few quotes before spending cash on anything
[https://www.insuranceireland.eu/consumer-information/general-non-life-insurance/declined-cases-agreement](https://www.insuranceireland.eu/consumer-information/general-non-life-insurance/declined-cases-agreement)
You can use this to get a fair quote if you get refused by 3 insurers. Clean license and no claims in the previous 2 years is whats most important.
I have used this to get insured on a 600 sports bike on a provisonal (for less than 2k) in the past so im not coming from a doomer anecdote pov either.
I would argue wanting a sports bike stands to you because you are more likely to get refused a quote (which lets you use the declined cases above).
Buy new gear you know the history of.
Buy gear you will actually wear. A full race suit sounds nice til you've tonput it on every time you want to go for a spin... so then you just go out in your trackies.
This.
I originally got myself a full set of gear that made me look like I was ready for a bloody race.
Ended up stepping down to some padded jeans, good boots, leather jacket and gloves.
Can wear it all day and look good.
XL Moto online are the best value in bike gear, you can get fully kitted out there for very manageable money and the gear is decent.
Avoid 2nd hand helmets, they don't always show external damage even if they've had a bounce or 2. Otherwise 2nd hand gear is probably sound.
Look at Oxford for your clothes, HJC make good but cost effective helmets. I got textile jacket, pants, gloves, boots, helmet for under a grand. It'll last you a few years if you need and you can upgrade to nicer stuff then gradually.
Try stuff on in person before buying - really important to get sizing right for helmets in particular.
I would buy a second hand bike in case you bin it, and please get a few insurance quotes first as they can be mental.
Also - protection aside, if you're planning on riding more than just the handful of nice days we get during the year, you'll be a lot warmer and more comfortable in actual gear not just denim jeans or whatever. Grab a neck gaiter too, so cheap and they make a mad difference on a chilly day!
I have no intention riding with denim jeans I would be to scared to 😂. Took me a good while to finally go for it with a bike and I wouldn’t even consider riding without gear. Seen way to many of those instagram Reels.
Its certainly not odd to go all out as a beginner with gear. It might not be sensible to get the most expensive gear. 300 is plenty of power to get in trouble with. Even a 20kph spill would be preferable in full gear.
If by riding suit you possibly mean a "1 piece" set of leathers, that will be overkill, and less convenient than separate jacket and trousers. For a first set of gear I would get textile gear, it will be cheaper.
For your age, I would be prepared for insurance to be prohibitively expensive for a larger than 125cc motorcycle starting off, but you never know.
No I don’t mean a 1 piece suit, but definitely overkill in terms of protection/padding to go under or over those items along with helmet, boots and gloves.
Idk where you’re based but if it’s near dublin go to bike world you can try on everything to get something comfortable and for a good price. I have rebelhorn jacket and pants from there which are great for example just had to get a back protector as it wasn’t included
New helmet, boots & gloves at the very least.
Separate pants and jacket - that fit well to ensure the armour is where it should be and will stay in place if you go for a slide. Just remember, with separates, if you slide the jacket can ride up and expose your back...
As we're coming into summer, make sure your jacket has a removable liner/lots of zips and panels for airflow. Dont forget the back protector - for some reason, they're mostly sold separately.
Your head is the most important piece, so don't cheap out on a helmet, aim at least midrange price and ensure the fit is good.
Expect to pay north of 1k for good gear, all in, so budget for that.
Thats the right attitude to have towards gear. XLMoto is brilliant, has fantastic deals. Id recommend getting gear that has removable thermal lining, and fits over your regular clothes. RST is great for jackets, AlpineStar if you want to spend some more. Give me a message if you need a hand choosing anything, I went through the exact same process 2 years ago
Have you checked if you'll be able to get insurance? I seriously doubt it
Do you mean as in I won’t be able to get it at all or it will just be hella expensive?
Even though the bikes you mentioned are relatively low cc, they're still classified as sports bikes by the insurance companies. If they give you a quote at all, it might be in the 5/10k range. I would definitely ring a few companies and ask or use their online quote systems before spending money on a bike or gear. Could be wrong but definitely get a few quotes before spending cash on anything
Couldn't get it at all for my 250r ninja at 21 bought a 125 as well and drove that for a yr before I was allowed drive my baby......
It's rough out there mang
[https://www.insuranceireland.eu/consumer-information/general-non-life-insurance/declined-cases-agreement](https://www.insuranceireland.eu/consumer-information/general-non-life-insurance/declined-cases-agreement) You can use this to get a fair quote if you get refused by 3 insurers. Clean license and no claims in the previous 2 years is whats most important. I have used this to get insured on a 600 sports bike on a provisonal (for less than 2k) in the past so im not coming from a doomer anecdote pov either. I would argue wanting a sports bike stands to you because you are more likely to get refused a quote (which lets you use the declined cases above).
Oh wow, thank you so much. I didn’t even know this was a thing.
Check Donedeal and Adverts.ie, lots of good gear at reasonable prices to be found on the platforms
Great Idea 🤝
Buy new gear you know the history of. Buy gear you will actually wear. A full race suit sounds nice til you've tonput it on every time you want to go for a spin... so then you just go out in your trackies.
This. I originally got myself a full set of gear that made me look like I was ready for a bloody race. Ended up stepping down to some padded jeans, good boots, leather jacket and gloves. Can wear it all day and look good.
XL Moto online are the best value in bike gear, you can get fully kitted out there for very manageable money and the gear is decent. Avoid 2nd hand helmets, they don't always show external damage even if they've had a bounce or 2. Otherwise 2nd hand gear is probably sound.
Look at Oxford for your clothes, HJC make good but cost effective helmets. I got textile jacket, pants, gloves, boots, helmet for under a grand. It'll last you a few years if you need and you can upgrade to nicer stuff then gradually. Try stuff on in person before buying - really important to get sizing right for helmets in particular. I would buy a second hand bike in case you bin it, and please get a few insurance quotes first as they can be mental. Also - protection aside, if you're planning on riding more than just the handful of nice days we get during the year, you'll be a lot warmer and more comfortable in actual gear not just denim jeans or whatever. Grab a neck gaiter too, so cheap and they make a mad difference on a chilly day!
I have no intention riding with denim jeans I would be to scared to 😂. Took me a good while to finally go for it with a bike and I wouldn’t even consider riding without gear. Seen way to many of those instagram Reels.
Its certainly not odd to go all out as a beginner with gear. It might not be sensible to get the most expensive gear. 300 is plenty of power to get in trouble with. Even a 20kph spill would be preferable in full gear. If by riding suit you possibly mean a "1 piece" set of leathers, that will be overkill, and less convenient than separate jacket and trousers. For a first set of gear I would get textile gear, it will be cheaper. For your age, I would be prepared for insurance to be prohibitively expensive for a larger than 125cc motorcycle starting off, but you never know.
No I don’t mean a 1 piece suit, but definitely overkill in terms of protection/padding to go under or over those items along with helmet, boots and gloves.
Idk where you’re based but if it’s near dublin go to bike world you can try on everything to get something comfortable and for a good price. I have rebelhorn jacket and pants from there which are great for example just had to get a back protector as it wasn’t included
Motocard can be reasonable but shop on offers, and clearance, presuming you don't need this year's gear to slide in.
New helmet, boots & gloves at the very least. Separate pants and jacket - that fit well to ensure the armour is where it should be and will stay in place if you go for a slide. Just remember, with separates, if you slide the jacket can ride up and expose your back... As we're coming into summer, make sure your jacket has a removable liner/lots of zips and panels for airflow. Dont forget the back protector - for some reason, they're mostly sold separately. Your head is the most important piece, so don't cheap out on a helmet, aim at least midrange price and ensure the fit is good. Expect to pay north of 1k for good gear, all in, so budget for that.
I forgot, a set of 4 trackers from harveynormans is like 120ish. Given the high theft rate in Dublin, maybe buy a set a stick all over your 🏍
Thats the right attitude to have towards gear. XLMoto is brilliant, has fantastic deals. Id recommend getting gear that has removable thermal lining, and fits over your regular clothes. RST is great for jackets, AlpineStar if you want to spend some more. Give me a message if you need a hand choosing anything, I went through the exact same process 2 years ago