| Author | Message | ||
     Jaimec |
Back on Hallowe'en I took a ride upstate with a bunch of buddies. We were participating in the Celtic Motorcycle Club's annual Fall Foliage ramble. The Celtic guys are all avid sport bike riders and they always put together an excellent and challenging route. My buddy Mike opted to lead our merry band, and I followed directly behind with the rest of my club in tow. We were 90 miles into the route when Mike suddenly realized he was about to miss a turn. I was following more closely than I should have been. I saw his brake lights come on, and I saw his head snap to the right and I knew IMMEDIATELY what he was about to do. I applied WAY too much ZTL2 brake and locked up BOTH wheels. My friend following behind said he saw smoke curling up from both tires as the bike went sideways. Next thing I was up off the bike and tumbling down the road with the bike sliding alongside me. All I remember seeing was my other friend's wheel heading right towards my legs and I snapped myself into a fetal position as he JUST made it through the gap between me and my 1125R. When I stood up, my left leg felt a little banged up, but I had full movement in the leg and ankle, and I had no problem putting weight on it. We quickly assessed the bike next. The left side was all scuffed up and the left footpeg was snapped off. We were able to transplant the left passenger peg to the rider's position so I could continue to ride the bike. I rode the final 30 miles back to the end site (the Celtic Clubhouse) and while I was standing talking to my office on the office Blackberry it suddenly felt as though someone took a red hot ice pick and jammed it into my left knee. I fell like a house of cards in a wind storm. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital (I'd gotten out of my Roadcrafter suit because I didn't want them cutting it up) and my Combat Lite touring boots (ditto). At the hospital they cut off my jeans and my left knee had swollen up to the size of a grapefruit!! Cutting out the rest of the story... X-rays and MRI revealed no broken bones, no torn or strained tendons, ligaments or cartilage. A slight strain in my left quadriceps muscle, but all the pain was caused by all the fluid that filled the skin around my knee. All swelling was external to the joint. I'm still hobbling about as I'm trying to exercise the leg to get full mobility back. I thank my Roadcrafter suit, Combat Lite boots, and Elkskin Roper gloves for minimizing the damage to my aging body. I didn't mention the helmet because there wasn't a mark on it... somehow I managed to keep my head from impacting the pavement (not even a scratch in the paint). For the record, I was wearing a Nolan N103 helmet. Photos of the damage to the bike and my equipment here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2080567&id=1 032635627&l=c73b053842 I have all of the replacement parts I need to fix up the 1125R and I'll be sending the Roadcrafter back to Aerostich soon for a damage estimate and possible repair. Some Doc Bailey's was all I needed to hide the scuff marks on the boots. ATGATT, people. It really works. | ||
| Midnightrider |
Glad you're OK J. ATGATT is right. I've always said I know I'm going to fall off - I just don't know when. Speedy recovery man! | ||
| Court |
The very reason everything else . . . even the best . . . are measured as a "percentage of an Aerostich". Glad you are ok and thanks for reminding me I have 2 to send in for winter maintenance. I'm always hesitant after getting one back once with a note that said "no charge. The entertainment you and Erik provide us is more than ample compensation". That hurt . . that really hurt. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I relate Roadcrafters to Harleys; hardly changed since the inception, lacking standard features (in hopes of selling them as add-ons), and way way overpriced. But what do I know.  Front by Mikef5000, on Flickr http://www.teizms.com/lombard-p-2.html?osCsid=o39t frmjvj0hvhj8j886j74681 | ||
| Jaimec |
I woke up this morning to check my E-Mail and found a letter from Andy Goldfine himself! All right, which one of you told him about this post ('cause he definitely thanked me for the kind words on the Buell forum)?? That's the OTHER reason I'm an Aerostich fan... and I relate them to Buell more so than Harley because JUST like Erik Buell, Andy Goldfine definitely cares about his clientele. Many years ago when I first started riding I bought one of his ORIGINAL Roadcrafter suits. It did not have the taped, sealed seams, it was of a thinner Cordura material, and the elbow patches did not extend down to the wrists (among other differences). When I had an accident and sent the suit in for repairs, Andy called me at work to make sure I was okay!! Several years later he was at the BMW MOA Rally in York, PA (1989). He gathered up everyone he could find wearing one of his suits for a photo session. Provided us with lunch and beer for our troubles. Many years after that, I found one of those photos in his catalog (the first time I appeared in it). Yeah, he has a fan for life. It's not JUST the product, it's the company attitude. Wish more were like Erik Buell and Andy Goldfine! | ||
| Davegess |
Overpriced? I don't think so. I bought my Darien jack when I still worked for Buell back in the last millenium and I sitll wear it. The color has faded and it is dirty but the only sign of age is the seam tape is starting to come off a few places. I need to send it back to get it freshened up but other than that 14 years and counting on one jacket is not overpriced. the velcro still velcros and the zippers are actually working better than they did new. I may be expensive but is the best and that cost some money. | ||
| Court |
>>>>It may be expensive but is the best and that cost some money. Absolutely accurate. One of the few things I feel, at full retail price, was a great value. I get helmets and lots of stuff free and have been offered a number of riding suits. Thanks, but not thanks . . . I'd rather pay for my Aerostiches that use something else for free. I've got the Darien stuff, 1-peice and 2 piece and they are all state of the art. Everything else is measured against the Aerostich gold standard. | ||
| Davegess |
If you ever get the chance to visit the factory do so. Not many of us get up to the Duluth area but if you do check it out. I understand they have a device to do measurement for custom fit suits that is unique. I you have any fit challenges they can overcome them. A buddy of mine is exceptionally tall with very long legs and arms and a short torso. The set up the device to reflect the type of bike he rides and measured him in various riding positions. For the first time in his life a riding suit actually fits him! They store his specs and use them when ever he needs a new jacket. | ||
| Strokizator |
I was all ATGATT'd up (is that a word?) when I went down last year and even though I busted a couple of ribs, I didn't have a scratch on me. That stuff works. I do have one question for you Jaimec. I get the impression that you're a skilled rider and yet you lost control of the bike and crashed. Do you think that ABS might have resulted in a different outcome? I'm a big fan of ABS but it's interesting to hear the reasons others have for not wanting it on a bike, when it's available as an option. Stuff happens too fast for me to solely rely on my less-than-lightning-fast reflexes. | ||
| Jaimec |
I have two bikes, one with ABS (my K1200LT) and one without (the 1125R). This makes it difficult to switch from one bike to the other sometimes. With one bike you can brake as hard as you want without fear, the other you have to be careful (especially when that other bike has brakes as powerful as the ZTL2). We had a long discussion in my club about the merits of ABS vs. non-ABS. My take away was this: ABS does NOT guarantee shorter stopping distances. There are some instances where they can actually INCREASE the stopping distance (stutter bumps, for example). HOWEVER, they do allow you to remain in control of the motorcycle in extreme circumstances. In my case, not following so closely would've resulted in a far different outcome. I have to realize that as I get older, my reflexes are slowing down and I need to give myself more time and space to react. The ABS on the K1200LT has, in fact, saved my bacon on a couple of occasions. | ||
| Jaimec |
To back up what Court and Dave said earlier: I JUST retired a 21 year old Roadcrafter suit. It is no longer as waterproof as it used to be, and I swear it shrunk (that's my story and I'm sticking with it) as it fits a lot snugger than it did when new. 21 years over the initial cost works out to PEANUTS per year. Well worth the investment. I just ordered a new Darien suit to replace the retired Roadcrafter and I fully plan on getting my damaged Roadcrafter repaired. | ||
| Charlie_zulu |
I stop in at the factory often,(I'm a regular) great people in the service department, always willing to help. Saving my $ for the Transit suit next. | ||
| Court |
>>>21 years over the initial cost works out to PEANUTS per year I just bought my biennial Tourmaster bike cover . . . $98. Do the math. | ||
| Crusty |
Next summer, Terri and I will be riding to Duluth to buy Darien jackets and pants at the Factory on our way to Iowa. After years of trying all the "Bargain" suits, we finally decided to just spend the money and get the Good Stuff. | ||
| Toona |
Am I the only one who thinks that Mikef pictured above could be in the upcoming Tron movie? I'm just imagining a blue glow around the suit... If I was any good at PhotoShop, I'd give it a try... but alas, I'm not... | ||
| Froggy |
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| Toona |
That's close...I was thinking the entire perimeter outline though, kinda like a neon tube. | ||
| Kenm123t |
Jamiec Looked at your profile AeroStitch makes kilts ? Please dont tell Court ! Love my two peice Road crafter even in hot wet so florida I wear it till its in the high 80s then its either ride at night or mesh and armour | ||
| Jaimec |
That's my "Apres Riding" wear.  | ||
| T9r |
The armor on a roadcrafter suit is superior. I have over 50k miles and 10 years on my suit. It was well worth the money. I was told by a fellow biker, do it right the first time and you won't have to do it a second time. | ||
| Jaimec |
Sounds similar to what an old co-worker used to say: "Buy cheap, buy twice." | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
The first gear I bought when I started riding street was a Darien jacket and pants. Although, I don't wear the jacket much, I wear the pants any time I'm not wearing leathers. I went down in my 'Stitch stuff doing about 50 sliding across the asphalt and landing on top of the bike and headers and didn't have a scratch. The gear did its job in spades. I would like, though, for them to make their gear a little "prettier". I rode my bike to Knoxville to attend a company Christmas party. We were supposed to bring a Christmas tree ornament, and of course I didn't have one. I went shopping the night before for one. I was in a hurry and didn't really feel like screwing around. I rushed into the Michaels at Turkey Creek shopping center. The lady behind the counter had this really panicked look on her face. She ran up to me and said "Is there a fire? Is everything alright?" I said "Yes. I'm just here to buy an ornament. Why?" "Aren't you with the fire department? With your neon yellow jacket and the way you ran in here, I thought the building was on fire!"  To have motorcycle gear mistaken for fire gear means it could use a little visual sprucing up. | ||
| Jaimec |
When I first started riding my girlfriend and I had matching Tourmaster winter suits (no longer made since electric gear has gotten so popular). We had a little kid ask us if we were astronauts. | ||
| Sparky |
I wouldn't change a thing. I'd say it is getting the correct response from the public the suit was designed for in the first place which is to grab attention. Although if they take a second or two to figure out you're not a fireman or EMT, well, you still have their attention, heh heh. BTW, one time I strolled into a local cafe wearing my yellow Darien (not hi-viz) jacket and some patrons mistook me for a fireman too. Cracked me up! | ||
| Jaimec |
Well, my new Darien Suit arrived yesterday. I'm using the box to send back the damaged Roadcrafter to see if it can be repaired. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Jamie, I'm with you. I really think that Aerostich has an issue with fitment. I really don't understand how a perfectly fitting 2 piece Roadcrafter suit can shrink that much. Mine is real old school, purchased back around 1986 or so. So "Old School" they they don't even have a record of it. Mine isn't waterproof any longer either. I think the last soaking it took was the killer. That must be what caused all the shrinkage. That was in spring 2001, after purchasing my 1st Buell (2K M2 in August 01). I wore it for my Advanced Rider course in early April. As soon as we hit the course it started a COLD gentle rain, almost a heavy mist. After 3+ hours of that I was soaked to the skin. Then came the ride home. About 40 degrees and 30 miles later I arrived home (did I mention the temp dropped all day?). I was so cold I could barely let go of the handle bars. I kicked the door as I couldn't push the doorbell button. My wife and son had to help pull off my soaked gloves and operate the zippers to get out of the now 60lb suit. I was so wet, lovely wife Jan wouldn't let me come in the house until I stripped to my underwear. My jeans were dripping as was my shirt and t-shirt. Only thing still remotely dry was my feet, the old Prexports worked like a charm. I think I drained the 50 gallon hot water heater trying to warm up in the shower. I hung the Aerostich up to dry in the laundry room. I then applied a new coat of Techspray. I wore it to the Colorado Roundup In The Rockies a few months later. Yup, it got rained on a bunch that trip too, further proof the Gortex was dead. Since that time I've worn it a few times. Each time the suit continues to shrink. It's starting to look like an Under Armor t-shirt instead of a jacket. Not quite skin tight but getting there. Pants are still pretty much OK fit wise, the jacket? Not so much. Just too much shrinkage..... Crusty, make sure to let me know when you and Terri are going to be in Duluth, I'll meet up with you. Lunch is on me. Not sure if I want to do the factory tour again, I remember what happened the last time I was there..... very expensive afternoon.. Brad | ||
| Court |
>>>>I really don't understand how a perfectly fitting 2 piece Roadcrafter suit can shrink that much. Trust me . . . it's epidemic. The 1-piece, 2-piece and Darien all have this same shrinkage problem. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I really like the idea of the Transit Suit and have been considering one for a while. Seems when I opt for the leathers for added protection, I am rewarded with a nice rain storm. Of course, I never have my Frog Togs with me. The only beef I have with it is that I would like to be able to tuck them into my AStars boots. I wonder if they can alter them? | ||
| Reepicheep |
I've been mistaken for a fireman several times in my old yellow first gear kilamanjaro air jacket. The first two times were funny and flattering. The third was bad, as I was the first on the scene of a serious accident, and somebody said "oh good, the ambulance is here". I was on the phone with 911 at the time, so it turned out OK, but it added noise and confusion to a bad situation at a bad time. | ||
| Jaimec |
Bluzm2... sounds like you had the original Roadcrafter suit (as did I). That suit did NOT have the taped, sealed seams as the modern ones do (that version came out in either 1988 or 1989 as the Roadcrafter II). If you got caught in the rain with that one, you either had to be on a bike equipped with a full fairing, or within a half an hour from home because that's about how long it took the rain to start to soak through. The original Roadcrafter also only had closed-cell neoprene foam in the impact areas. The temperfoam armor didn't come out till the Roadcrafter II, and that has been refined over the years to include a hard shell over the foam. I was riding with a young lady one year on our way back from Americade. She had a Roadcrafter II, I had my original one. The rain was coming down so damned hard we couldn't see more than 20 feet. I opted to get off at the first exit that had a motel rather than try to soldier on home that night. When we got into the room, I peeled out of my suit and was absolutely soaked to the skin. She got out of hers, and except for a little water around her collar she was bone dry. That's what sold me on the Roadcrafter II. As I said earlier in this thread, after 21 years I finally retired that suit this month. Just came back from the post office where I dropped off my red Roadcrafter suit. It's on its way to Duluth where I HOPE it can be saved. |
