Mailbag #11: Kit & RD350 as first bike

Hi, I need to buy some riding gear and am wondering where i should get it from(i live in mumbai) what helmet do you recommend and what other riding should i get and what would be the approximate cost of the above. also would it be advisable to get an RD 350 as a first bike. i know how to ride but this is going to be the first bike that i will actually own.

SK

Hmmm.... riding kit is easily sorted. Buy from cramster.in or planetdsg.com, I trust both sites and the kit they sell. You should aim to get a jacket, helmet and gloves. And if you still have cash left, buy at least a knee protector set, if not riding pants.

A jacket should cost you between Rs 5000 and Rs 15000 depending on what you pick, gloves should be Rs 1500-2500 and an Indian helmet (Vemar, AGV or Bieffe) should set you back Rs 2000-odd – contact Alibhai Premji near Minerva Cinema. 23099313 is the phone number I think. Funky in bandra also sells lids, I haven't the number, but search on google and it will pop up (try sulekha classifieds).

An RD 350 as a first bike is a very interesting idea. It will need a bit more care in terms of maintenance as well as riding and return fuel economy that will close to a car's. But if you can live with that and be willing to ride gently until you're ready for harder riding, I don't see why not.

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