Why only half gear?

I was riding yesterday. I noticed that most sport bikers wear only a protective jacket and a helmet.... and blue jeans. Do they think that injuries only happen from the waist up? I saw two riders wearing Joe Rocket jackets, tennis shoes, blue jeans and no helmets... and, their tires were bald... one even had worn through the outer layer of rubber in spots. If they think riding pants aren't cool, why don't they wear Draggin Jeans? blink.gif

I hear you...this has been beat up pretty hard here before. I wear Draggin Jeans at a minimum, and usually have JR pants over them. I've seen guys zipping down I69 @ 80 mph without even any eye protection!

However, to each his own, and I know there are those here who will vehemently defend the choice to ride with little or no gear. I guess that's what's great about the USA, we have the freedom to choose.

gbryant, Apr 10 2006, 09:12 PMI was riding yesterday. I noticed that most sport bikers wear only a protective jacket and a helmet.... and blue jeans. Do they think that injuries only happen from the waist up? I saw two riders wearing Joe Rocket jackets, tennis shoes, blue jeans and no helmets... and, their tires were bald... one even had worn through the outer layer of rubber in spots. If they think riding pants aren't cool, why don't they wear Draggin Jeans?�� blink.gif

Believe it or not, it's not always a function of "looking cool." Some folks make a calculation and choose not to spend the time suiting up like the Michelin Man for each and every ride. Personally, I do most of my riding in jeans, a jacket, boots (of some sort), helmet and gloves. If I bust my ass, well, it's my ass.

The downside of the religious zeal with which the ATGATT converts preach is that some folks get the impression they're not allowed to make their own minds up. A few weeks ago a lister here decided to sell his bike. One reason he gave was not wanting to take 15 minutes to put all the gear on for the 2 mile ride to work.

For what it's worth, I attribute his leaving the sport in part to the gear police.

I am one of those guys that where half protection, Leather jacket, Helmet, and gloves....with that said, I also where jeans.

I know that jeans are probably not the protection that you would get with Draggin jeans, but I feel comfortable with the jeans. I have had laid my bike down once after a vehicle that had pulled out in front of me and the jeans performed as well as my leather jacket. Other than bruises, no skin lost.

It does make me think about possibly getting a pair of those draggin jeans, but for right now, I am not so sure that it offers a significant increase in protection. I could be wrong, but thats how I see it.

I guess I wasn't clear... why wear some gear? I guess I figure all or none...

I ride year round wearing a helmet, jacket and jeans (gloves of course) when I commute which is just under 50 miles a day. I'm more then comfortable in the fact that I wear jeans. In fact, most of the people who ride into work do the same thing. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing but everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course.

gbryant, Apr 10 2006, 08:37 PMI guess I wasn't clear... why wear some gear? I guess I figure all or none...

It's simple - choices. Some IS better than none. I have full gear but sometimes I opt for the blue jeans instead of the leather pants - short trip to the grocery store, whatever. Even getting on the thing is a calculated risk - riding in jeans is just a little more risk.

When I was a kid I had a mini-bike. While riding on a dirt road I hit some loose sand and lost it. I ended up on top of the mini-bike with the throttle wide open and the chain trying to saw my leg off. After I got back up I looked at my jeans and there was a big black greasy stripe along the front of the left leg, but the jeans we intact. I rolled up my pants leg and found a large gash in my shin that was bleeding pretty good. The only thing the jeans did was keep the grease from the chain out of the wound on my shin.

VFR05, Apr 10 2006, 07:42 PMAt this time, (post Harley ownership) the gear described above is what I wear.  Now that I have a VFR and an ST1300, I would like to purchase a riding set that has separate pants & jacket.  I have not yet started to shop to see what is available.  Is it better to get over-the-pants to be worn over my blue jeans, or riding pants alone?  A plain pair of riding boots is also on my 'need' list.

My only criteria is that I don't want to look like a friggin Power Ranger.  Some sportbike riders I see on the street (not track) look so ridiculous.  Any comfortable recommendations?

Just before X-Mas 2005 I purchased Cycleport's matching stretch kevlar jacket and pants. The pants can easily be worn over pants (AND shorts SAFELY). They zip on and off very EASILY (I commuted today to work, 76 miles total). Good armor and the kevlar is supposedly just about indestructible (not yet tested). Pricey but many, many kudos from others posted elsewhere. Good luck.

Hootie

cool.gif

OK, I really wanted to think about this first to see if I wanted to respond... Nah, I'll just say my peace & step aside...

Pretty much, some have, and some have not... Some care, and some do not care about what they saw!

If you could only see the end results of a ride gone bad, for a human who decided not to put on even a small piece of minimal gear... his gloves. I will not describe the site. Or the other guy who just had on jeans, and who fell off his bike at speeds less than 45 mph... Or the other guy, who still rides, who lost his lower left leg... whom now has a prosthesis (leather would not have helped him)

It is a risk to even turn that key.

It's simply a choice of risk vs. convenience vs. appearance vs. distance vs. "anticipated velocity" vs. weather vs.......risk again.

I would feel kinda silly getting into all my gear to ride a mile or three. And what to do when you get there....be a Power Ranger?

But then, I would feel even sillier if I got all my skin ground off a mile from my house.

And then there's the Harley guys with their jeans and silly black leather vests over a bare chest.

But, getting back to the original question, I think that helmet, jacket, gloves....and jeans & tennies or Timb's boots presents an acceptable risk to the majority of sportbikers, most of the time. This risk is not necessarily rooted in medical science...it's just a perception. When they know they're gonna wick-it-up in a group ride, out comes the gear...birds of a feather, yaknow.

And there's yet another group to consider (and they chimed in above), and that's the frequent, dedicated commuter doing 10-60 miles most every day, in all sorts of weather. They know their exposure (i.e. risk) to weather and danger is greater, AND they wanna protect their clothes, AND they change into normal work/office clothes once they get there and lose the Power Ranger image. It's their routine, day in and day out.

I ride in shorts and tennies and sunglasses. I ride in full gear. I ride "halfway". I often ride in jeans, a jacket and gloves, and biker goggles. Go figure!

Do you always wear your seatbelt? Why? If you ride a cycle, doesn't a seatbelt seem like a little excessive? You have all that nice protective steel (or fiberglass rolleyes.gif )...much better than JR mesh and a helmet!!

I wear an Icon armour vest under my mesh jacket with the armour still on elbows and shoulders. Helmet and gloves are given and so is an UnderArmour long sleeve shirt for the heat down here. I just wear bdu pants and police tach boots that work good for work as well. I figure with my build most of the impact on a fall is going to be on my upper body. So that is where I protect the most. I would like to get a pair of mesh or textile overpants, just haven't found a pair that I like yet.

Considering how many people i see wearing shorts i think wearing jeans it doing pretty good.and whats the deal with the flip flop thing?doesnt that hurt ur foot to shift?i hope their foot doesnt accidently slide off the peg.

VFR05, Apr 11 2006, 12:09 PM"I would feel kinda silly getting into all my gear to ride a mile or three.  And what to do when you get there....be a Power Ranger?" 

This is my point exactly.  I would like to purchase a set that isn't so loud.  For example, on our VFRD homepage is a photo of the Sign The Flaf Ride group.  The rider closest in the photo has a black set or suit on, it looks fine.  This is the 'look' that would be acceptable for me.  I would assume/hope that it's something that is good for cool/cold weather but still ventable in warmer climates.  Plus it would give more protection against road rash.  That is what I want to buy.

VFR05,
You may be interested in Joe Rocket's Alter Ego pants. They are great over jeans for commuting or shorts etc. I will wear them with my boots into stores without feeling like I came off the set of a Power Rangers filming. They're great for temps from 95 to 25 and have great armor for textile pants. Rain or shine, the only thing they aren't good for is track days! I will continue to recommend these to others with such a need. Jeans don't come close to being so versital and protective.

I wear jeans right now because that is what I have. I have had a hard time finding a pair of riding pants that a.) Fit correctly and b.) match the gear that I have.

I am not going to go out and get something that doesn't match up with the jacket and gloves, helmet etc. I would look like a complete tool if I did, and I would prefer to not look like a tool.

Also, with 5 kids living in my house, I don't get to go out and spend on whatever I feel like whenever I want. I wish this were true, but since it isn't, I had to invest where I felt things were needed the most.

Later,
Jeff

I started wearing full gear this year when I go on more spirited rides. If I am just tooling around town or riding my bike while I go on errands etc.. I'll just wear whats confortable. The reason is that if I am going to meet some people for dinner, going to a friends house, etc.. I'm not going to sit around in a full set of leathers. I figure the risk of road rash is lower if I am just riding around the city at 50-60 mph, vs. around a rural road corner at 85. I always wear a helmet and gloves. On real hot 90+ days, I might not wear a jacket to run an errand.

Like others have already mentioned, its a calculated risk. Some people never ride their bikes unless they are going on official "rides" atgatt is fine for that I think. It doesn't really make much sense for me however when I like to ride my bike anytime I get the chance (when the wife and kids aren't with me and the weather is nice), Going to the Bank, or riding to the Gym, etc...

I look at it like this, I can function with out legs, but no arms you are pretty well screwed. I wear riding pants 70% of the time and the other 30% I have on draggin jeans or The Icon jeans. It is each persons decision, but certianly isn't all or nothing. If you don't wear pants, should you also not wear a helmet or glasses...... I don't think so.

Hoopster, Apr 11 2006, 07:41 AMVFR05,
    You may be interested in Joe Rocket's Alter Ego pants.  They are great over jeans for commuting or shorts etc.  I will wear them with my boots into stores without feeling like I came off the set of a Power Rangers filming.  They're great for temps from 95 to 25 and have great armor for textile pants.  Rain or shine, the only thing they aren't good for is track days!  I will continue to recommend these to others with such a need.  Jeans don't come close to being so versital and protective.

And I wear the JR Phoenix, because like VFR05, I'm here in Florida and it's already very warm on most days. The Phoenix pops on over shorts, and pops off just as quick. Of course, I have the matching Phoenix jacket, all in black, and I figger it's not too PowerRangery. The Alters are very nice pants....just a leeeetle too warm to make them practical in the hot zones. And if you're gonna be uncomfortable, you're likely gonna talk yourself out of wearing them. Might as well jeans, then!

cozye, Apr 11 2006, 08:01 AMI started wearing full gear this year when I go on more spirited rides. If I am just tooling around town or riding my bike while I go on errands etc.. I'll just wear whats confortable. The reason is that if I am going to meet some people for dinner, going to a friends house, etc.. I'm not going to sit around in a full set of leathers. I figure the risk of road rash is lower if I am just riding around the city at 50-60 mph, vs. around a rural road corner at 85. I always wear a helmet and gloves. On real hot 90+ days, I might not wear a jacket to run an errand.

Yep, calculated risk vs. perceived reward. Me too!

cozye, Apr 11 2006, 08:01 AMSome people never ride their bikes unless they are going on official "rides" atgatt is fine for that I think. It doesn't really make much sense for me however when I like to ride my bike anytime I get the chance (when the wife and kids aren't with me and the weather is nice), Going to the Bank, or riding to the Gym, etc...

Yeah, the bike is there to enjoy. It's not enjoyable if it's a burden to ATGATT.

And finally, as far at the "halfway" kidz (and many of us), I think there's a lot of psychology at work here. We've all skinned a knee, so we THINK we can deal with a leg scuff. But we know we should have something on our upper body, thus the cool looking jacket. [would you wear one if it was truly protective so that you looked like the Michelin Man? No.] And, for some of the kidz, the cost of gear limits them to helmet and jacket and gloves, because the "risk" to legs is acceptable vs. the cost of leg gear. And boots.

And talking about Power Ranger stuff...what's with BOOTS! Is all that decoration and ribs and color and bling really necessary? Looks like an astronaut! Sheesh!

Trace, Apr 11 2006, 07:19 AMAnd talking about Power Ranger stuff...what's with BOOTS!  Is all that decoration and ribs and color and bling really necessary?  Looks like an astronaut!  Sheesh!

Ain't that the truth, knobs and bling items sticking off of all of them anymore. The SIDI's look the worst, but are the nicest, give us a plain black boot with no Bling.

Aside from the Stich I recently ordered, I've been contemplating a pair of Draggin Jeans or Bohn adventure pants (maybe both) as an option for summer wear.

There is a lot of underestimating of risk in this thread and a lot of overestimating time to put on gear.

15 minutes to put on gear? If it takes you that long maybe you're too slow and uncoordinated to ride?

Popular culture says "Motorcycle = Jeans" but that doesn't mean it's OK or safe.

And the power ranger excuse is really old, the jackets you guys wear are what makes you look like a power ranger, the vast majority of pants are black, and there are tons of good motorcycle boots that are also black.

BTW don't fall into the trap of thinking you're safer on your commute then backroads, the commute is just as bad if not worse.

benSV, Apr 11 2006, 08:01 AMAnd the power ranger excuse is really old, the jackets you guys wear are what makes you look like a power ranger, the vast majority of pants are black, and there are tons of good motorcycle boots that are also black.

Teknic Lightning are the boots that I wear and they aren't bad, but there are some funny looking ones out there.

benSV, Apr 11 2006, 08:01 AMBTW don't fall into the trap of thinking you're safer on your commute then backroads, the commute is just as bad if not worse.

I am more likely to wear my textile pants and mesh/leather jacket during my commutes, leather pants/jacket during my sporty rides and draggin jeans and mesh/leather jacket during leisurely rides. I always wear my boots and gloves, and to gear up for a commute it takes about 3 minutes and to get in my leathers it takes about 5 minutes.

benSV, Apr 11 2006, 02:01 PMThere is a lot of underestimating of risk in this thread and a lot of overestimating time to put on gear.

15 minutes to put on gear?  If it takes you that long maybe you're too slow and uncoordinated to ride?

Popular culture says "Motorcycle = Jeans" but that doesn't mean it's OK or safe.

And the power ranger excuse is really old, the jackets you guys wear are what makes you look like a power ranger, the vast majority of pants are black, and there are tons of good motorcycle boots that are also black.

BTW don't fall into the trap of thinking you're safer on your commute then backroads, the commute is just as bad if not worse.

Well said Ben. Rode in to work for the first time this season this AM. Be-YOU-tiful out there. I'm an ATGATT person, well for most of the time. If I'm going up the street a few miles to grab something from the corner store, I'll throw on the boots, jacket, gloves, helmet...but for any longer distance, ya know what? My skin is worth a LOT to me....it's worth a LOT more than the amount of time it takes to throw on the pants....

Of course, I also change once I get to work, and while commuting to work, I will always have my backpack, 'cause I need to carry computer/pants....I keep spare shoes in the office.

However, YMMV. Just ride safe. It's all about mitigating risk. On each ride you go on, you will chose SOME acceptable amount of risk. And you will gear up/down accordingly. The squid.gif s do if, but I'm not sure they understand what their skin is for....I mean, how else are you gonna keep all those internal organs in place?

Edit: By squid I'm referring to the shorts/sandals/t-shirt/no gloves super-bike riders...I'm sure I wasn't clear on that point...

2003_VTEC_Rider, Apr 11 2006, 07:47 AMI am not going to go out and get something that doesn't match up with the jacket and gloves, helmet etc. I would look like a complete tool if I did, and I would prefer to not look like a tool. 

Also, with 5 kids living in my house, I don't get to go out and spend on whatever I feel like whenever I want. I wish this were true, but since it isn't, I had to invest where I felt things were needed the most.

Here is a link for FirstGear HT Air Overpants for $139 on closeout at New Enough. I have them with the upgraded armor in the knees and hips. This should be peanuts compared to that Laser exhaust you recently purchased! tongue.gif

http://www.newenough.com/firstgear_ht_air_overpants_page.htm

Alright I confess I am one of those "half gear" drivers. Personally for me I never liked the look of leather pants..on me anyway!

But after hearing about draggin jeans I will be sure to order a couple pair.

So thanks guys...you quite possibly just saved my butt. smile.gif

I ride every day to work and I always wear:

Helmet
Gloves (I have a winter and summer pair)
Armored Jacket (I have winter ands summer)
Swat Tactical Boots (they are still a little rock and roll, and don't look Power Ranger-fied)
and
Jeans (is that bad? I am 6'5" those armored jeans aren't long enough)

Now look, if you are worried about the heat check this.

http://www.leeparksdesign.com/default.asp

If you get the non-insulated gloves, you will love them in the summer. They are the coolest gear I own, and look tough. ...and are so tactile, I can buckle my helmet with them on!

And I wear my Joe Rocket mesh armored jacket in the summer, and it is like wearing a t-shirt. Totally comfortable.

The best thing I have ever done with regard to riding is a) get appropriate Summer gear. cool.gif get a tank bag (off topic)

Be safe.

..and why do motorcycle cops not wear the proper gear? Bad example for the kids.

chris2992, Apr 11 2006, 08:32 AMAin't that the truth, knobs and bling items sticking off of all of them anymore. The SIDI's look the worst, but are the nicest, give us a plain black boot with no Bling.

I have as of yet even been able to find a pair of boots that are my size!!! sad.gif I don't have little feet either (size 9.)

It depends on where I'm going.. I have a 50 mile one way commute. I wear full leather, gloves, helmet, boots, etc etc.. My BOOTS are not riding boots though because I can't find any to fit me yet. But I AM going to buy some.

If I'm going to the PO box from work I will throw on my jacket/gloves/helmet and go. I don't put my leather pants on for that. Makes sense? I don't know if it does or not but that's what I do.

I can tell you though I have managed to buy a full set of leathers for $125. First gear mesh textile pants AND matching jacket for $75 and have yet another set (hope they fit) of FirstGear mesh Textiles on the way for $135. HOW? I bought ALL of them used! Of all I've received so far it's all been great and I have not been disappointed. The only thing I've bought myself NEW is my Powertrip mesh jacket and my gloves.

You don't have to spend a ton of money on gear to be safe. smile.gif None of my gear except for the Powertrip jacket looks 'flashy' either. It's just run of the mill red/blue/yellow gear!

When I ride I wear a Joe Rocket one piece leather race suit, back protector, Sidi boots, track gloves, and an Arai helmet.

Takes me 5 min. to put on all the stuff. Judging from how long it takes some people to get dressed, they must have 6 legs and 5 arms.

Even when I used to commute in the winter, I would put all the layers on (Joe Rocket Ballistic pants, etc...) in about 10 min.

If someone wants to ruin their summer with oozing scabs up and down their legs and arms from a little 30 mph, in town, "just went to return the movie rentals" crash... far be it from me to get in the way of their fun.

Oh and almost forgot...

On my way home from work yesterday I stopped to get gas. Some guy on a bright orange SOMETHING comes cruisin through the gas station in shorts and tshirt... Didn't stop to get gas or go into the store. Just cruised on through.

THAT is my definition of a SQUID.. It's the "Look at me, look at me!!" part that makes me laugh.. OH and I also laughed at the guy in the Accord revving his engine at me on the highway.. laugh.gif

I have these older-style Alpinestars Ridge boots and recently purchased a pair of Tour Master Response boots.
The TM's are waterproof/breathable and much more comfortable and have laces under the velcro to get a better fit. They also have elastic areas in the front and back of the top of the boots which make them more comfortable in the riding position. The old-style Ridge boots are just velcro closure on one side so they go on much quicker, but they are also only waterproof and not breathable so they will get hot in the summer.

Both are less than $100 at New Enough, but will not offer the same level of protection as the higher end race-style boots.

ALPINESTARS RIDGE
[image: user posted image]

TOUR MASTER RESPONSE
[image: user posted image]
[image: user posted image]

If all you have is a 1-piece leather suit that is power-ranger I can see why you wouldn't wear it on the street. I have 2-piece leathers and they've been worn less then 5 times on the street.

I'm just curious if you're easily able to rationalize not wearing your gear, have you ever had a serious case of road rash? I've always worn my gear on my motorcycle(s) and I've had one crash, and got no road rash or even any serious bruises. But the reason I always wear my gear is I already had some really nasty road rash scars from other activities where you don't wear as much gear. Once you take that trip to the emergency room and put up with the annoyance of slowly healing road rash the memory fades very very slowly and you'll suddenly find it not such a PITA to put on the gear. As for cost, when I had my worst road rash accident I ended up out of work without pay for 2 weeks, it cost more then gear. (thankfully that probably wouldn't happen to me today if I was injured)

As for boots these are the ones I have, I LOVE them. Armored, gore-tex, and comfy enough to wear all day in the office. And no one even notices them once I put my pants over them, they think I'm just wearing slightly odd looking black shoes.

[image: user posted image]

If those don't do it for you Daytona has about 9 other pairs of gore-tex boots that are black and don't look "power ranger". Sidi has 6 models of boots that are black, Tourmaster has some, Oxtar has some, etc, etc, etc...

I ride to work everyday (3.5 miles). While the bike is warming up, I throw on the jacket, helmet, and gloves. I just dont 'feel' the need to put on my leather pants and boots for my ride into work. Its a calculated risk I'm willing to take.

I've grown up on motorcycles, and can't imagine riding in 'shorts & t-shirt'. My minimum comfort level is fully covered (no exposed skin).

Good gracious folks, to each his own. Wear the gear you feel comfortable in, but take time to think of the consequences. As always ride safe.

The judgemental nature of folks never ceases to amaze me. Seems to me we're all about diffentiating ourselves from our fellow riders. We divide ourselves by type of bike and look down our noses at those who ride cruisers. They do the same with respect to us. Now, within our own type, we've divide ourselves by our gear preferences. Those who can't ride to the SpeedieMart for a Red Bull without full leathers look down their noses and comment derisively about those who don't make the same risk calculation.

I have no intention of getting all Rodney King about this. We're NOT going to "all get along." Many in the sport seem to feel the need to differentiate themselves in such a way as to make them feel superior to others. Some us like to think we're fast. I gave up on that a long time ago. When I raced I got passed by a lot of people, Kevin Schwantz, Doug Polen, John Kosinski, and a host of slower guys left me for dead, so I have no illusions about impressing anybody with my speed.

As to gear. I make my calculations about the risks I choose to accept and if others think them wrong, so be it.

vfrjim2002, Apr 11 2006, 07:57 AMThe judgemental nature of folks never ceases to amaze me. Seems to me we're all about diffentiating ourselves from our fellow riders. We divide ourselves by type of bike and look down our noses at those who ride cruisers. They do the same with respect to us. Now, within our own type, we've divide ourselves by our gear preferences. Those who can't ride to the SpeedieMart for a Red Bull without full leathers look down their noses and comment derisively about those who don't make the same risk calculation.



As to gear. I make my calculations about the risks I choose to accept and if others think them wrong, so be it.

Exactly! Why bungee jump, why whitewater raft, why skydive, why downhil mtn. bike and why drive an older car with no airbags and abs for that matter. There is risk everywhere.....It's unfortunate that others mistakes effect everyones insurance rates, but as long as you are accountable for yourself and don't bellyache to me.......ride in your bathrobe for all I care. Just have FUN!!!! That's what I bought a motorcycle for. Freedom and fun.

Personally, I am more disturbed at the number of people that are under insured or have no insurance at all vs. some squid in flip flops, shorts and a tank top.


I apologize if this seemed like a rant. I am not angry....just amazed at the judgemental nature of people. Can't we all just get along. laugh.gif

Damn, I'm old...

Thirty years ago a women drove through a stop sign and t-boned me. I went for a short flight and landed on my left shoulder and rolled to my feet. I was wearing leather jacket & gloves, work boots, helment, and jeans. I still have no feeling on the skin of my left knee where the blue jeans abraded through on the asphalt just prior to the skin abrading from me...

Now becoming an ATGATT type guy, I've lowsided on the street (textiles) and track (leather) at speed without further abrasive injury.

But, the point is youse pays your money and makes youse choices... YMMV laugh.gif

grizfan, Apr 11 2006, 11:20 AM.......ride in your bathrobe for all I care.  Just have FUN!!!!  That's what I bought a motorcycle for.  Freedom and fun.

CementHead, Apr 11 2006, 11:30 AMBut, the point is youse pays your money and makes youse choices...  YMMV laugh.gif

And my choice is to ride in my BATHROBE! Flap, flap, flap....oooops! Sorry, mam! goofy.gif

Trace, Apr 11 2006, 09:15 AMAnd my choice is to ride in my BATHROBE!  Flap, flap, flap....oooops!  Sorry, mam!  goofy.gif

I knew I should have put some sort of disclaimer on that. Never give a Floridian the "option" to wear clothes. laugh.gif

grizfan, Apr 11 2006, 12:31 PMI knew I should have put some sort of disclaimer on that.  Never give a Floridian the "option" to wear clothes.  laugh.gif

fing02.gif tongue.gif

I re-read the whole thread just now and still can't find where anyone was being judgemental?? (where's that dang confused smiley??)


Cementhead - my husband was hit head on back in the 90's. Broke both his arms, his left leg now has a rod in it, and he has numerous places where he has no feeling on his skin. Couple places on his head his hair won't grow b/c his helmet came off. He was out of work for a year-family was called in twice when he was in ICU b/c he almost died.

His mom took pictures of his leg, arms, etc... Let me tell you those are some NASTY pictures too.. But now I have something to show my son when he is ready to start riding. Nasty nastiness!!

Oh and I just got back from having my nails done and didn't wear my gloves!! tongue.gif laugh.gif

CementHead, Apr 11 2006, 11:30 AMDamn, I'm old...

Thirty years ago a women drove through a stop sign and t-boned me.  I went for a short flight and landed on my left shoulder and rolled to my feet.  I was wearing leather jacket & gloves, work boots, helment, and jeans.  I still have no feeling on the skin of my left knee where the blue jeans abraded through on the asphalt just prior to the skin abrading from me...

Now becoming an ATGATT type guy, I've lowsided on the street (textiles) and track (leather) at speed without further abrasive injury.

But, the point is youse pays your money and makes youse choices...  YMMV laugh.gif

Posted last week at Killboy.com, just thought I would share lurk.gif

Click image for full size version tongue.gif

[image: user posted image]

NO, I have no idea who that is blink.gif

rjstaaf, Apr 11 2006, 11:00 AMPosted last week at Killboy.com, just thought I would share

Click image for full size version  tongue.gif

[image]

NO, I have no idea who that is  blink.gif

At least he has his Icon Titaniam gloves on. laugh.gif

teleskier, Apr 10 2006, 03:52 PManyone find themselves in this scenario:

A real tight turn, looking as far through as you can, which since you are looking so tight, it causes you to cut your apex too close, which could be the centerline? I continue to look far through the turn but on those real tight ones that seem to go forever I don't look THAT far ahead anymore.  Anyone else?

He has frame sliders too, good to go.

He has that knee out there as if to put it down, ouch, not too smart.

gbryant, Apr 10 2006, 10:37 PMI guess I wasn't clear... why wear some gear? I guess I figure all or none...

Jeans definately are NOT better than full gear. However, they do add protection over, say, polyester or wool pants. If you're wearing everything else with a pair of jeans, and you're not hot-dogging it, I'd say you're good for the most part. Sometimes it's just not possible to do the Michelin Man routine...

I had kind of a funny reverse kind of thing happen a couple of weeks ago.

I was invited to go on a ride with a group that I didn't know at all by a guy that rides with our group occassionally. He thought I'd enjoy riding with these other guys ability wise yada, yada, yada.

So I did go, did enjoy it and had fun. Wore my normal gear which is two piece leathers, etc.

At the end of the ride we stopped at the Rock Store(these guys do a Fri ride thing) and another of their regular riding buddies whom I had met but not ridden with before had shown up to hang out. He didn't go on the ride because he was getting over being sick.

So, he asks the other guys in their group how I fit in, how I ride, etc.(typical stuff that a group that rides together does when there's a new guy) and there was the typical talk of us tearing up the canyons, yada, yada, yada...i.e. all is good as far as me with the group apparently......yada, yada,yada laugh.gif


Now to the point....the "sick" guy then looks at me in my leathers and says..."Yeah, well you certainly look the part" or something to that effect.

I didn't even know what to say! I've never thought about "looking the part" per say, just about wearing good protective gear. The longer I've been riding, the more serious about my gear I've become so I just never really think of it any other way.

These guys were all wearing jackets, boots, jeans which I didn't think about one way or the other, but after that comment and realizing that apparently atleast this one guy thought I was over dressed I did think more about it and realized that I was surprised at his reaction.

I just never really think about my being overdressed...it just seems normal for ME....it's just what I've chosen to wear for protection.
As I mentioned, I had no problem with what they all were wearing...didn't even think about it....it's their choice and their business.

Kind of funny though as the comments about gear usually come more from the other direction, i.e. suggesting that people wear more protective gear....not the other way around. goofy.gif

I think next time I ride with these guys, I may ask them why THEY aren't wearing full leathers especially considering the level that some of them ride at tongue.gif

My theory is to each his own. I have seen/known too many people that got seriously hurt from a lack of protective gear. I love to ride and I don't have a death wish, so I try to wear the most protective gear possible irregardless of the tempature outside. And at the least will wear jeans, armored jacket, helmet, and gloves. It's about risk management......the pavement, vehicles, fixed objects all don't feel to good with sunglasses, tank top, shorts, and flip flops.

I don't care who wears what.......as long as it doesn't cause my insurance to increase based upon their choices. My 2 cents.

Das bone that's funny you say that because when I came back from lunch I heard... "WOW racer!!" I said, "NO, PADDED!" in a nice way.. My stuff is not flashy at all either.. Most of it is just black.


BUT>>> before I had a bike and only rode with my husband I thought the full leather sportbike look was just that - a LOOK. I had never talked to anyone that rode a sport bike or that wore full gear. I didn't know you could buy stuff with armor in it. I thought they were wearing all that garb to look cool! laugh.gif (not sure why I thought that since riding in leather in N.C. in the summer is ANYTHING but cool....sweltering is more like it!!!)

milf, Apr 11 2006, 11:29 AMDas bone that's funny you say that because when I came back from lunch I heard...  "WOW racer!!"  I said, "NO, PADDED!"  in a nice way..  My stuff is not flashy at all either.. Most of it is just black.
BUT>>>  before I had a bike and only rode with my husband I thought the full leather sportbike look was just that - a LOOK.  I had never talked to anyone that rode a sport bike or that wore full gear.  I didn't know you could buy stuff with armor in it.    I thought they were wearing all that garb to look cool!      (not sure why I thought that since riding in leather in N.C. in the summer is ANYTHING but cool....sweltering is more like it!!!)

goofy.gif

I like that..."Padded" cool.gif

It is funny how we all tend to stereotype things, i.e. what others wear..what kind of bikes they ride, etc. Human nature I guess, although I try not to do too much of it and hope that others extend the same courtesy.

It can get pretty comical when it comes from the reverse of what normally happens.....catches you of guard tongue.gif

Some of you know my wife rode pillion with me on the "sign the flaf ride / Denver" this past weekend. She has a JR textile jacket, gloves, and an HJC but no pants or boots. She was in jeans and hiking boots. I attempted to ride slower than my usual pace while still keeping up with the middle of the pack and kept it as smooth on the shifts as possible to make her feel comfy since she doesn't get on too often. The first thing she said when she dismounted at home was "That was so much fun, probably the best motorcycle ride I've ever been on. I need to get some pants now." Uh-oh. I've created a monster. Before bed Sunday night I caught her checking out ohmy.gif newenough.com. ohmy.gif Now what do I do?

The mailman, Apr 12 2006, 04:18 PMSome of you know my wife rode pillion with me on the "sign the flaf ride / Denver" this past weekend. She has a JR textile jacket, gloves, and an HJC but no pants or boots. She was in jeans and hiking boots. I attempted to ride slower than my usual pace while still keeping up with the middle of the pack and kept it as smooth on the shifts as possible to make her feel comfy since she doesn't get on too often. The first thing she said when she dismounted at home was "That was so much fun, probably the best motorcycle ride I've ever been on. I need to get some pants now." Uh-oh. I've created a monster. Before bed Sunday night I caught her checking out  newenough.com. ohmy.gif   Now what do I do?

Buy her some pants AND a pair of boots goofy.gif

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