Hello, I'm about to pony up for a 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R as I leave the dirt and take two wheels to the paved roads. I'm looking to get some decent gear that will protect me, wont overheat me in the hot hot summers of FL and also not exactly break the bank. I'm looking at helmet, jacket, gloves and possibly boots for myself with the addition of an extra helmet and jacket for the GF. What are your thoughts on the items below, and if they aren't good selections would you be able to offer something more suitable?

Ski-Doo Modular helmet
http://www.****ersboatcity.com/eshop...LAR_HELMET.htm

Kawasaki perforated leather jacket + elbow/shoulder/back protectors
http://www.mrcycles.com/eshopprod_ca...THER_JACKE.htm

Cortech gloves
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...-2-Gloves.aspx

Vega Matrix full-length boots
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...rix-Boots.aspx

I was also thinking an additional spine protector would be in my interest as I've heard they can make a HUGE difference in the event of an accident.

Thanks in advance,
-Kris

 

Price to value, you can't go wrong with icon gear. Plus, many online resellers discount icon gear to lower than advertised prices. Also check out the closeout section of www.newenough.com for some exceptional deals. I understand fully about your concern to stay cool especially during the summer months. I ride year around from 115 degrees, to below zero. Without a doubt, mesh gear is the best option for heat. Mesh will allow a great amount of air to flow through the material compared to leather, or even textile to a lesser extent. Just make sure if you go mesh, that it is well padded. You're not as well protected wearing mesh as a leather jacket and pants would be. But the trade-off of not overheating in bumper to bumper traffic may be worth it.

I do recommend leather gloves over any other material. Even in severe heat, leather gloves will be fine to wear. For boots, the Vega pair you list looks decent. As long as you're not wearing flip-flops, you'll be good. And for the helmet, I've never seen anybody wear a ski-doo brand on the streets, but maybe it's a good helmet. I wear scorpion and icon brand helmets, and can't complain much about the fit and comfort. Never had the chance to test one yet, so I can't tell you how well they would hold up. For sure, my next helmet will be a shoei RF-1000 unless something better comes out by then to replace it.

Hopefully this helps you out some. Good luck, and welcome to KF!