Reddit mentions of Alpinestars SP-2 Men's Leather Road Race Motorcycle Gloves - Black/Large

I don't agree with that article for a few reasons. If you're just getting into motorcycling, you don't really need a full suit. Leather is always a plus. You can buy leather jackets on clearance from Cycle Gear right now (U.S.) for $150 (about 50% off). If there are a few things you definitely DON'T want to cheap out on, its the jacket, gloves, and helmet. Cheaping out on these early in the game just means you're probably going to buy them down the line anyway (like I did). Lucky for you a lot of gear is on closeout right now so $1100 is reasonable for good gear. Here's my $0.02:

1. Helmet: Arai or Shoei (SNELL / DOT Approved). You can save money by buying a normal design (around $450-$500). The graphics versions are usually like $600+. look here
   
   
2. Jacket: Most leather jackets come with the back protector, but I'd suggest switching it out for a higher quality one. Leather is far more superior than textile 90% of the time. Personally, I have a Dainese which is amazing fit and built quality (so is Alpinestars), but Bilt makes cheaper versions that are probably going to serve the same purpose for street use (make sure it has some kind of armor in it). A back protector replacement will run you about $50. look here
   
   
3. Gloves: Spend a good amount on leather gloves. You can grow back the skin on your body, but you don't want to mess up your hands. I use Alpinestars SP2 Gloves, they're phenomenal and have palm sliders (around $120 bucks). look here
   
   
4. Shoes: Get some kind of hightop riding shoes or boots. They don't necessarily have to be racing boots, but as long as they cover the ankle. Should cost around $100. For example
   
   
5. Jeans: I'm not very versed in the Jean/pants department honestly. I have a pair of armored leggings that I started out with and have for longer trips, but I rarely wear them. this is what I have.
   
   Most of these are just examples, but this is the prime gear I ride with every time.
   
   TL/DR: Don't cheap out at all on your helmet, jacket, or gloves and go with leather over textile. Closeouts and clearance sales can put your budget at $900 or less. If you MUST spend less, at the very least put money into your helmet and gloves.
   
   

Avoid these jeans like the plague

wtf... they used to say kevlar in the title. Why did that disappear?? Even a review says "Kevlar covers the crucial areas". I swear it said kevlar before.

Also avoid these gloves. I don't even know where they went after the crash. Probably shredded on the road.

I had their all-weather version too, but those sucked. It started raining and they immediately started soaking up all the water, soggy cold fingers.

These are the gloves I wear now. I went on revzilla and tried to find high rated gloves and then checked amazon to see if I could find any of them. These feel way tougher and they offer pinky/ring finger support which I wanted since I broke my 4th and 5th metacarpals in that fall.

This spine/chest armor worked really well, except for my ribs, but not sure you can do too much there. Spine was fine, most importantly.

Also, this leather jacket did not even rip. It got a little roughed up, but it's still perfectly good. It might not be aesthetically perfect anymore but I really trust that jacket now.

Really taught me a lot about gear. The helmet needs to perfectly fit, and it felt like I got punched in the face since it was just a tiny bit loose. I got a tighter fit now. Also, spine protector, full face helmet (slide marks all over my visor), good riding boots, and real leather are essential. The gear that worked, REALLY worked.