| Author | Message | ||
     Nevco1 |
What Dyna Said. Plus, I gave up wearing shorts on the bike 40 years ago when I got 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns on my right leg and a good case of road rash on my left}. Sure did mess that summer up! | ||
| Gonen60 |
@@@If I truly wanted to be safe or at least safer I wouldnt ride a bike at all.@@@ or go out of the house, or drive a car, or play contact sports...bla bla bla there are things a motorcyclist can do to better his chances from being hurt while riding, and Gear is one of them, along with being a smart and defensive rider. This is not a discussion about motorcycle do's and dont's, or would it be safer to not ride at all. At some point every rider will most likely have at least a small crash while riding on the street, and wearing various degrees of gear is going to determine the over all out come. You may trip coming down the stairs of your house, doesn't mean you need to move to a one story house or install an elevator. Riders I see on choppers (including myself) have safety gear on 40% of the time. riders on sport bikes, wearing gear, at least full face, jeans, gloves, boots...80% of the time. of course like HD custom chrome riders, I think lots of sport bike riders like the "dress up" factor. Ride safe everyone | ||
| Dynarider |
Riders I see on choppers (including myself) have safety gear on 40% of the time. riders on sport bikes, wearing gear, at least full face, jeans, gloves, boots...80% of the time. Im sure wearing more gear also depends on if your state has helmet law requirements. If you are required to wear it, may as well go the full route. Those numbers you posted are way to high for what I see in my neck of the woods. The chopper & HD riders are very very low in numbers in regards to safety gear. Most ride around in the usual t-shirts, jeans, etc. As far as the sportbikes go, almost never do I see a rider in the summer wearing gloves. They may have a full face helmet on as well as jeans & a t-shirt. And boots? I see more HD riders wearing boots than I do either Buell or other sportbike riders. Now this doesnt mean your observations for your area arent correct. Perhaps its this way around here due to the short summers & the limited amount of time folks have to enjoy decent weather so they take full advantage of it by not covering their entire body in the carcass of a dead cow? | ||
| Easyflier |
When it's cool I wear full leathers, when it warms up I wear what is comfortable based on the type of riding I plan to do and my ultimate destination and/or activity when I arrive. So, as we used to say in the Army, "situation dictates". | ||
| Reepicheep |
Dyna.. just get a ballistic nylon or mesh joe rocket jacket. I have seen them as cheap as $90. They are not that hot until the bike stops. | ||
| Dynarider |
I have the mesh Joe Rocket jacket & for the X1 its fine. But with the riding position of the Dyna it bunches up & is simply a bit uncomfortable. I really have no problems or issues at all with riding around town in t-shirts & jeans. Expect the unexpected & ride like all car drivers are out to run you over. Besides that they say most accidents happen within 5 miles of home, I moved a number of years ago & am more than 5 miles away now  | ||
| Bigbird |
Aerostich!!! I've crashed in blue jeans and a leather jacket. I bled so much under the jeans that by the time I got home I had to take a shower in the jeans just to get them loosened up enough to come off. I won't say jeans are as bad as shorts, but they aren't much better. Draggin Jeans? They are better yet, but compared to leathers or high tech textiles they are still lacking. Leathers are too freakin' hot in the summer. True, they offer the best protection available but they are just too damn uncomfortable over 80 degrees. Enter Aerostich. Made of Cordura and Gore-tex, comfortable from 30 degrees (with a liner) to 90 degrees, complete with spine protector, shoulder & elbow pads, and knee pads in the pants. I've crashed in them and can attest to the protection the gear offers. I walked away without so much as even a headache! Even better yet, due to the built-in gore-tex the Aerostich stuff is waterproof without a liner installed, yet it breathes and lets perspiration escape through the garment. I've worn my Aerostich Darien jacket and pants in a 12 hour driving rain for 600 miles and stayed almost completely dry. I've also used them in 10 degree weather with a Gerbing electric jacket liner, and worn them in over a hundred degrees in high humidity conditions but I will admit it was uncomfortable. Their stuff isn't cheap but it is good: www.riderwearhouse.com No, I don't work for them nor am I affiliated with them in any other way. I'm just a happy customer who thinks they make a good product. | ||
| Aesquire |
Helmet, always, full, mostly, but open face sometimes. Jeans or better ( buying Draggin jeans this year, have Joe Rocket Ballistic pants ) Jacket, 99% of the time, either leather or synthetic w/armor. ( buying mesh this year too ) Gloves run from light leather to Ti-Max, mostly light ones. Boots, always, though I need better ones. | ||
| Captainkirk |
Helmet ALWAYS, leather jacket unless it's too hot (and by that I mean UPPER 90's and above)long pants and usually gloves. Most of my rides are under 30 mile "quickies" fairly close to home, but you can lay a bike down anywhere, anytime. Some of the mesh stuff (Joe Rocket, etc,) looks pretty decent and is fairly cheap. I wouldn't ride any more in shorts and sandals than I would in a blizzard on Christmas day. If nothing else, always wear the skid lid. Ever see a pumpkin fall off a wagon at 20 mph? | ||
| Mitchelob |
I hope that all those folks who have yet to crash get "geared-up" soon. Testimony from postings on this thread dictate the need. For me it's full gear (leather or textile) ALWAYS! If it's too hot to wear full protection, I won't ride. And yes, I've been a bloody broken heap along the side of the road before. | ||
| Easyflier |
Mitch I didn't see crashes factored into this poll, simply what people wear when they ride. | ||
| Dynarider |
Mitch, what Easy said. Also I dont see where this was mentioned Testimony from postings on this thread dictate the need. I have had a few accidents in my days as well. 2 of them involved sportbikes many years ago & no I was not wearing gear. In 1 case I ended up with a pretty good case of road rash on my left arm but that was the only damage, jeans held up well. In the other case where I looped a bike due to being stupid, I bounced once on my butt & landed on my feet with absolutley not 1 scratch on me. But since then I have learned to better appreciate the bikes abilities as well as my own or lack thereof & simply dont over ride either one. | ||
| Mitchelob |
Well, scuse me fellas... | ||
| Gonen60 |
well gear and crashes go hand in hand...the gear is for protection | ||
| Austinrider |
ALWAYS Arai Full Face Helmet Armored Gloves Armored Jacket - Usually my Vanson sometimes my Icon textile, but I havent worn it since I got the Vanson perf leather. Usually - Jeans. But I have started wearing my Joe Rocket textile pants over my jeans. I live in Texas, 100+ days start around May here and usually last till about October or so. If its to hot to ride, I take my AC in the cage. I'm trying to get in the habit of wearing my leather pants over my jeans or maybe finding a baggier set of leather pants to put over my jeans. Every time I get on my bike, I wonder to myself if this is the ride where the worst happens. If I feel Im doing the best I can gear-wise - then Im cool with it. If not, I feel really weird. There have been 3 occassions where I didnt fully gear up. 2 of them were after I did an oil change and just put-put'ed around the neighborhood to test fluid levels. The 3rd was when I picked up my Honda F4i. I had nothing but a lid, jeans and a t-shirt on. I made it 1 mile down the road before I turned back because I felt so naked and paranoid (it was in the middle of the open country also, still scared). Wow, rambled a bit, didnt I. Ride what makes you feel safest. You dont dress up for the ride, you dress up for the crash. And you never know when thats going to happen. You can be as defensive a rider as you want, wear all the gear you can afford - its all in preparation for that 1 day when you get left turned or a piece of furniture falls off the truck in front of you. Enjoy the ride ya'll! Phil ps. Captainplanet - I live in Austin also, we should get together sometime and hit 1431 up for a jaunt to Marble Falls | ||
| Easyflier |
Mitch, your comment is as valid as anyone elses and I won't argue that wearing good equipment is wise while riding a motorcycle. I'm just not going to bullshit anybody and say that I suit up like I'm at the track every time I take a ride. I just stuck to the original question which was, "Wearing gear all the time?". Maybe somebody needs to start one about the least amount of safety gear you ever crashed and walked away from. | ||
| Dynarider |
Maybe somebody needs to start one about the least amount of safety gear you ever crashed and walked away from. Jeans, tank top & a pair of high tops. Looped a CBR & didnt get 1 scratch on myself. | ||
| Bradj |
Always a full face...well,the Buell Firebolt Symax LOOKS like a full face anyway  . I even wear it when I'm on the Harley  . I like to confuse the other local Harley riders who won't wave back at me when I'm on the Buell. It creates a real dilemma for them  ...good thing they never wear helmets  ...otherwise they'd get a migraine trying to figure out whether to wave or not.  Also: ...a Joe Rocket "88" Leather jacket or a mesh jacket, depending on the temp, hardware store leather work gloves or Joe Rocket "Hard Drive" gloves, leather riding boots, and regular or Draggin' Jeans. I am available for product endorsements or sponsorship, BTW.  I have to admit on warm days when I'm just going to run a few errands around my small hometown, I have been known to ride with a longsleeve tee shirt on, instead of a riding jacket...but's got Buell logos on it so it's okay..right?  edited by bradj on March 08, 2004 | ||
| Thepup |
Dyna,funny thing,a good friend had someone pull out in front of him,he ended up flying over the hood.He came out of it with a small scratch on his hand.He was wearing shorts,sleeveless t-shirt and gym shoes.he did have a helmet which didn't even hit the ground.I understand this isn't the best way to ride,just giving an example.I always wear a helmet,usually wear jeans and my joe rocket mesh,but I have ran errands in shorts and t-shirt. | ||
| Koz5150 |
Jeans, a t-shirt, and my hiking boots are usualy the prefered dress. I got a helmet I use when it's cold and the same with my two jackets (one nylon, one leather) and leather gloves. The only time I have worn protective gear when it was warm would be for Battletrax last year. I have worn shorts on occasion in the summer. | ||
| Dynarider |
Thanks for being truthful Koz, too many people..& Im not saying anyone in this thread..will try & bullshit you how they dress up like a track star every single day. BTW, just because you do wear the full gear doesnt mean you wont get hurt or killed. I know your chances do improve, but I have personally known people involved in crashes that had full gear on & were still killed. | ||
| Loki |
I choose to wear my SHOEI 100% of the time. Wether or not the state I am in dictates it. Since buying a good set of "sport" riding boots, they see use 90% of the time. The other 10% sees the use of my old combat boots. I remember my days of boots, jeans, t-shirt, no gloves and a helmet. I said I remember them, just not for me these days. Even the warmer of warm days the 2-piece leathers go on. I just make an addition to them. I wear my "Camel-Back" and keep myself hydrated. What you do or do not wear is personal preference. When or if you wear "stuff" is a personal choice. Overall I get "geared up" 85% of the time. The remaining still leaves me feeling somewhat naked to a point. | ||
| Awprior |
I have full Vansons, wear them whenever I'm out for more than a little while (5 miles or more). I also have a pair of Oxtar TCS boots that I wear with the Vanson stuff. It might not be the most comfortable in really hot weather, but I'd rather sweat than bleed. If I am going to work, I typically wear a jacket and jeans, probably not the best, but it's a two mile drive. I recently got an Aerostich Roadcrafter, haven't had the chance to ride in that yet, but I am pretty excited that I finally have something I can wear over top or work clothes and all. I ALWAYS wear a helmet, regardless of what the law may be. | ||
| Ara |
Inside my helmet is what makes me Me. Every ride, no question. I think it's so obvious that it doesn't really bear much discussion, and I've always been puzzled at the AMA's "pro-choice" position. Brain dead motorcyclists do not pay annual dues. My big thing is gloves. I figure that human reflexes being what they are, you're going to try to brake any fall by putting your hands down... on a meatgrinder that's moving at 65+ mph. I need my hands to make my living, brush my teeth, etc., so I always wear gloves, too. Russ | ||
| Buelluk |
Talking about the AMA pro-choice issue, lets face it ..an Armco barrier or concrete divider doesnt give a shit about your civil rights..these idiots in CT, who ride sportbikes on I-95 with minimal protection don't seem to appreciate that they will die of shock from blood loss before the medics get to them ! | ||
| Bomber |
kid wnet down in my neighborhood ten years ago or so . . . . .full face helmet, wife-beater shirt, cut offs, zoris (how you shift in zoris is a puzzlement, but there ya go) . .. . he went down in a grooved pavement construction zone at about 35 mph, and tumbled pretty good . . .. took a spiral stripe off him pretty deep all the way round, top to bottom . . . passed away 4 days later from massive infections (according to the docs) . . . .head was fine, no broken bones, no injured organs (other than the largest organ, skin) . . .. . gear rocks! | ||
| Dynarider |
An armco barrier will slice right thru any gear you have on. Those things will cut cars & trucks open, a little bit of leather or kevlar isnt going to stop them. Sometimes its just plain dumb luck if you get hurt or not. | ||
| Gonen60 |
Sometimes its just plain dumb luck if you get hurt or not. true true, but in the majority of cases, a full face, jacket w/armor, gloves, boots and at least jeans, is going to help the odds more than just a bit. | ||
| Blackhat |
I work on an Army post in Georgia. Here, as on all Federal installations, it is mandatory that you wear long pants, long sleeves, over the ankle boots, helmet, reflective vest and gloves. Just being in uniform covers all of this but the vest, helmet and gloves. Skimp on this, and the MP's will surely pull you over. I follow the rules like everyone else on post. Off-post, Georgia has a helmet law, so the helmet stays on. Besides, I have to drive on-post to get off-post. The wife and I bought our retirement home on the panhandle of Florida, and I'm down there every weekend to see her until I take the walk into the pasture (retirement), which will put me there full-time. Florida has a partial helmet law that applies to anyone under 21. I'm not going to lie on this one. When I'm down there, the first thing that gets lost is the helmet. I'm no stranger to riding in shorts and tank top. My wife also rides a Buell. If anyone ever took the time to notice, they would find it a common sight to see the two of us riding our Buells down Santa Rosa Island from Navarre to Pensacola to hit the beach or Hooter's on the board walk. Tank tops, shorts, etc. The only mandatory gear for us is a set of frame or strap goggles. Colder months call for the jacket, helmet, gloves etc. This is due to the temperature mostly. There are a few crazy weekends down there, especially during spring-break. The helmets go on during this time for the most part. Ever ride an XB without a fullface helmet for any length of time? It has a totally different sound. The engine noise, gearing, and intake suction are all heard. For longer hauls, be sure to wear earplugs, as the wind noise will leave your ears ringing for awhile. Not trying to convince anyone to be unsafe. I'm just being honest. I enjoy riding without a helmet. Not all of the time, but alot of the time. I would put the average of bike riders down here with/without helmets at 50/50. The riders under 21, that are required to wear helmets, make a large portion of the 50% that do wear helmets. This isn't a researched figure, just my own opinionated one. Remember, this is the land of year-round riding weather, and the Daytona Bike Week. Blackhat | ||
| Impulse_101 |
Blackhat... that's a title I havn't heard since I went through BAC in 98. How's the 1/507th these days? I remember wearing the vest and gloves in Alaska when I was in the 501st. Most of the year it wasn't a big deal up there. It was too cold not to. "Clear, SGT, Airborne!" JT |
