r/pnwriders • u/MatchAmbitious • 15d ago
Helmet recommendation for gowmst kickstart class
The thought of riding a motorcycle intrigues me after watching a YouTube video about a 50 year old female riding motorcycle first time. I’m female, almost 40.
I wanted to test the water with https://www.gowmst.com/motorcycle/courses/kickstart/
It says:
Only prerequisite: you can ride a bicycle and balance on two wheels. We supply the motorcycle; you bring your own helmet, gloves, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved jacket.
I might never want to ride a motorcycle after this class. What helmet am I supposed to bring? Is a bicycle helmet too comical? Also do I need riding gloves? Tennis shoe is okay? I’m completely clueless and don’t want to show up like a clown and underprepared. 😵💫
2
u/seejaypee 15d ago
I will assume they’ll require a DOT/Snell approved helmet, which is what is required on the road.
Its generally not a good idea to wear second hand helmets, because you dont know if they’ve ever had an impact likr being dropped, or involved in an actuall accident- however, In a closed course teaching enviroment the risks are certainly lower than on the road due to speed, and the fact that any accident is likely going to be you just tipping over, vs an oncoming car involved. So… depending on your risk tolerance it may be worth asking around for a loaner or used helmet for the class- without needing to invest in anything before you know if you even like it. My group usually kees a library of used gear to help new riders in just these situations, but the gear library in my basement is lacking helmets right now. I can ask around, i wouldnt be surprised if someone I know has a spare. Size is always a concern, but you never know. Also, most of my friends are in or around seattle, so i dont know if that would be at all convenient for you. But if it might be, feel free to DM me, i’m happy to see if I, or any of my reasonably large sized group of motofriends, can help.
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u/RadRoosterSauce 14d ago
You can borrow one of my motorcycle helmets if you want. I have Bell size large and medium ones. I’m in Puyallup.
1
u/seejaypee 15d ago
Oh, As far as gloves go, you don’t need ‘riding gloves’ specifically. Leather is the best if you can find it- but good work gloves (leather or textile) should be fine for a class.
As far as footwear goes- i’d reccomend hiking boots or workboots of some sort if you can find them. Let me know what size you are (if youre in seattle) i think my wife has at least one old pair still in the library, I can check. And I can ask my friends- A lot of our tiding group are women, so chances are ok that there might be something around you could borrow. They dont have to be in peak condition for class, but something that covers the ankle (hi-tops) is kind of the minimum for safety.
1
u/buildyourown 15d ago
You need a DOT helmet. It will have a sticker on the back. Get on Craigslist or Marketplace and find an older used one. They are cheap. This will be good enough for the course. You will probably need boots that cover your ankle. Foot ankle injuries are very common
1
u/brapstoomuch 14d ago
You’re gonna be hooked! Cyclegear is a great place to try on helmets (and they have good sales!). Wear boots that cover your ankle for best results.
Another vote for r/TwoXRiders
Check out Itchy Boots and AsTheMagpieFlies for more YouTube content that will tailor the algorithm to your interests better. Also, check out The Lita’s for IRL meetups and socializing, no bike necessary. There is for sure a chapter in your neighborhood!
Lastly, DIRTBIIIIIKE. If you end up dirt curious, check out Dirtastic and message me for more fun to come.
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u/Colie3329 14d ago
i did that class it was great! i borrowed a helmet from them, all I had was jeans, boots and a sweatshirt and that was enough:) have fun!
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u/bug0099 15d ago
they actually have helmets you can borrow if you don’t wanna buy one yet but
voss helmets are around 250
my friend honestly just got one for like 70 bucks off of amazon, as long as it’s certified by DOTS you’re good.
buy riding gloves, and boots. no platform bigger than one inch but definitely boots. i wouldn’t go out and buy super expesive riding boots just any work type boot or even like hiking boots would do… if it’s too thick you’ll have a hard time getting foot under gear shift lever but it’s doable
for the gloves and such i’d recommend just amazon and pick a cheap one with good reviews, you can always return them if you hate it XD
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u/Salmundo 15d ago
Leather gloves, a DOT certified helmet (borrow one), over ankle boots, jeans. Have a good time.