u/thankschuck

My new (to me) bike! 2023 Honda SCL500.

I thought I'd breakdown the total amount I've spent (so far) to go from no experience to fully legal and riding. Hopefully this is helpful to some other bikecurious browsers on this sub

Licensing: $449

- $408 MSF class

- $41 DMV fees to get licensed

Gear (purchased mostly before I had the bike): $1,357

- $508 Shoei RF-SR (purchased from my local shop)

- $333 Pando Moto Skin UH AAA armored leggings (I am picky with pants so prefer to wear these under whatever pants I already own - highly recommend)

- $206 REV'IT! Eclipse 2 jacket (has been awesome for this weather)

- $60 REV'IT! back protector

- $222 Indie Ridge boots (also highly recommend - shoutout Steve)

- $28 gloves from Jackets 4 Bikes on Amazon (I am planning to upgrade these soon but they have decent protection and have been comfortable so far)

Bike, registration, insurance: $4,453

- $3,600 2023 Honda SCL500 (FB marketplace)

- $424 sales tax and registration fees

- $429 1-year comprehensive insurance (Progressive)

Grand total: $6,259

Note I have purchased a few other pieces of gear and accessories, but this is what I'm riding with now and what I would consider the bare minimum for my comfort level in terms of safety. I am also planning to take another intermediate course to work on my skills.

Happy to answer any questions from other new riders

Located in NYC; YMMV

I love the look of this jacket from Silk Road. It is AAA rated, comes with Level 1 armor in elbows and shoulders, and seems like it has great pockets and comfort features. However, it doesn't come with any ability to attach to your pants, and at almost $500, it doesn't come with a back protector. That's an outrageous price to be lacking in some key features and still have to spend more money to get full protection.

Does anyone have recommendations for a jacket this style that has all the right safety features and still looks good? I am coming across a lot of riding shirts that tick most of the boxes, but I prefer a true jacket style over a riding shirt. Open to anything, though.

Before anyone says anything, I know this is an 'instagram brand'. I have already basically ruled out Tobacco Motorwear due to some of the customer service and QC stories I've read here. However, I think even a gimmicky instagram brand is capable of delivering a legit product, even if more expensive than it should be.