What gear and where?
 

Hi,
So I've got my license and making plans for a trip. But first I need a bike and the gear.
I'm a short lady so want a low, light bike for touring - aiming for plenty of dirt roads in Africa/US, but I'll be building up to that while I'm saving up in the UK (I've only done 4 days on a bike for my test). Currently thinking the XT250 or a DRZ400 with mods to lower the seat height.

But, where's a good place to go for women's specific gear? - helmet, jacket, trousers, boots etc... Would love to be able to go into a shop and try some stuff. And is there anything I should be looking for specifically?

Basically, I know nothing about the clothing etc, so any pointers to get me started appreciated!

There are plenty of ladies who have done what you want so why not ask them ?? They would be more than happy to help I'm sure.

Ride what you feel comfortable with and not what everyone tells you do, no matter how good their intentions.

A DRZ400 can only be made 'so' low so keep that in mind. They aren't any faster than the 250 when it comes to the roads either.

The XT225/250 would be a great bike. The 'Serrow' is massively popular and their price shows it. More than powerful enough and nice and light which I think is important for everyone. A perfect over-landing bike. I think Lois Pryce rides one.

It's important that you try a few out if possible. Get to a few HU meetings and sit on some bikes and talk to their owners. bier

Hi, I have found FC Moto a great online shop to buy bike gear, I would highly recommend the Rev-it range of bike gear and for bike boots , TCX Infinity.
Both of these brands have kept me safe and dry on all my travels and are still in everyday use:thumbup1:

If you can get along to the bike show at the NEC next month there will be plenty of choice of clothing there and some bargains, particularly towards the end of the show.

I was going to use a DR250 but found it really slow compared to the DRZ400 when i got on the roads

I am 5ft 10" & on my DRZ400S model i can touch the ground on my toes with both feet

I am currently slowly preparing my DRZ400SM which i have fitted with 18"/21" and lowering links with a Corbin seat and now i can touch the ground flat footed with both feet and a little bend in my knees.

I think the USD forks on the SM model make it lower to the ground

Helen as you live near me you are welcome to try my DRZ400SM out to see if it suites you.:thumbup1:

A friends wife (shorty as well) we go trail riding with has a new CRF230 and loves it. Bit small once you load 20kg's of luggage but doable. The thing is like a tractor and gets up every hill we go up. A TTR struggles on similar terrain. My wife loves her WR250R (most powerfull 250) but she's got longish legs. It can easily be lowered though. She hated my DRZ400E because of the height.

Seat concepts do wider and lower comfort seats.

If you really plan on riding dirt spend most the money on dirt boots, ie cross type. Anything that doesn't have the beefy plastic reinforcement around the ankles is like not wearing a helmet. You legs cop more abuse on the dirt that you think. Particularly when you take your feet off the pegs to correct. I find the Sidi Crossfire the best because of the double hinge which makes walking very easy. I have a hole drilled through the calf plastics and cable it to the bike and stash them above the rear wheel under the fender out of view when I want to walk around the square and go for a coffee.

I only wear a mesh jacket with removable panels in hot climates. Vents don't do it. A large rain jacket over the top is best for when it rains. Inner waterproof liners are useless as they condense to much water.

We used to take flip up helmets, but I prefer dirt helmets with the visor. They have heaps more air flow with the extended chin piece and can easily fit goggles for when it gets really hot with the visor down.

short and 27 inch inseam
 

I would never ride without my Daytona boots. Stock they give you 2 1/2 inches and i added a 1 inch Vibram sole. They are comfortable to walk in and totally waterproof even standing in water. They have protected my very well when needed.

Daytona Lady Star GTX Boots - RevZilla

As far as gear I would get lady specific if possible. The pads just don't sit completely right.

If you want any other specific advice you can PM me.

Sara

Try Hidout Leather it is owned by katie ( a mate of mine) quite a few women go to her or go to MCN (motorcycle news) they have some links there for the ladies