Experienced Riders and Riding Gear - Am I kidding my self ??

[Fjrwillie]

I am coming from the 2 wheel motorcycle world, where my dress has been helmet, Olympia one piece riding suit, gloves and boots. The gloves are worn a lot of the time, however I do not always wear them. I know this is not a smart thing. I am into my 3rd riding life with well over 175,000 miles on a bike. Helmet is worn at all times, suit is worn at all times. The suit is not going to save me from broken bones in a get-off but certainly should keep the road rash to a minimum. Boots are worn at all times. If I am not wearing a suit, I at least wear a riding jacket made of Cordura.

With that said, this past weekend I headed out in a T-Shirt and Jeans for the first time in probably 10 years. My rational for this is riding a 2 wheel bike, a high side or low side get-off is just infinitely more likely on my FJR than the RT-S. I have to admit I enjoyed the freedom without having to don the riding gear and it is much shorter time for preparation to get going in the day.

My question is and as the title indicates, Am I Kidding Myself with the new founded freedom. You experienced Spyder riders re-educate me. This old habit may not be so hard to break. Of course when I ride the FJR the old habits will be back in place.

Willie

Edit ~ Strong opinions on this subject are welcomed. Either way ~ EndEdit

 

[Pampurrs]

I am coming from the 2 wheel motorcycle world, where my dress has been helmet, Olympia one piece riding suit, gloves and boots. The gloves are worn a lot of the time, however I do not always wear them. I know this is not a smart thing. I am into my 3rd riding life with well over 175,000 miles on a bike. Helmet is worn at all times, suit is worn at all times. The suit is not going to save me from broken bones in a get-off but certainly should keep the road rash to a minimum. Boots are worn at all times. If I am not wearing a suit, I at least wear a riding jacket made of Cordura.

With that said, this past weekend I headed out in a T-Shirt and Jeans for the first time in probably 10 years. My rational for this is riding a 2 wheel bike, a high side or low side get-off is just infinitely more likely on my FJR than the RT-S. I have to admit I enjoyed the freedom without having to don the riding gear and it is much shorter time for preparation to get going in the day.

My question is and as the title indicates, Am I Kidding Myself with the new founded freedom. You experienced Spyder riders re-educate me. This old habit may not be so hard to break. Of course when I ride the FJR the old habits will be back in place.

Willie

I wear the same thing on my Spyder that I wore for 37 years on two wheels..... Jeans, sturdy footwear, long sleeve shirt (to protect my skin from the sun), and 3/4 helmet. You'll find some people here ride in flip flops and shorts, and others gear up like storm troopers. It's all about your own personal comfort level.

I'm afraid this is going to turn into another long and heated thread :banghead:

Pam

 

[Bob Denman]

Ride your own ride, and let the chips fall where they may... :thumbup:

With 175,000 miles of "Wind Therapy"; you already know the answers that you seek... :shocked:

 

[Fjrwillie]

I Knew It

Ride your own ride, and let the chips fall where they may... :thumbup:

With 175,000 miles of "Wind Therapy"; you already know the answers that you seek... :shocked:

Sigh.. I just knew I was kidding myself.

Willie

 

[Bob Denman]

They're still tons of fun anyway! :thumbup:

 

[CANUCK SPYDER]

With no experience on 2 wheels on the street,I don't feel would make a difference really in the event one was in an accident or fell over which would be difficult on a SpYdeR (falling over). That said I took a grape size rock in the upper arm last summer on a 2 way hiway at 100KM/60M just about pulled over was sure It was broke. I always wear boots and jeans, but have wore just a T-top on very hot days. Day in question was glad was wearing JOE ROCKET jacket my bud gave me cause bare skin Im sure would have opened up my skin. And if was In the mouth would have been short a few chicklets for sure. I have one one of the beanie caps, but since I got the 3/4 Bell with Blue tooth prefer that, plays music and feel little safer when comes too flying rocks....D

 

[Pennyrick]

If you are looking for reinforcement for your most recent riding style you will get a little but most on this site will tell you to put the battle dress back on.

We have been riding for 45 plus years on two wheels and the past six on three.... we did the full gear, full helmet and other stuff but it still didn't save my wife from severe damage about 30 year's ago when a ten ton truck met her head on as she crested a hill. (He was on the wrong side of the road) and she ended up with limited use of one arm and a knee that had to be replaced.

As we have aged (both in our mid seventies) we find heat to be a huge fatigue factor on our Spyders so we have cut back on some of the heavy protective gear and switched to half helmets. The rationale may be flawed but we would rather be clear headed and alert as opposed to being overheated, fatigued with slow reaction time. The Spyder is definitely a safer machine to be riding versus a two wheel motorcycle.... but there is still that risk. At my age getting in the bathtub is more of a risk than it used to be.

 

[Bob Denman]

"ATGATT, versus flip-flops, shorts, and baseball caps", always gets folks to talking loudly at one another... :shocked:
For what it's worth; I'm an ATGATT kind of guy, but I figure that if we're gonna be like adults; we should act like adults, and accept the consequences of our decisions... :thumbup:

 

[CANUCK SPYDER]

61 and riding since 1970's may qualify as experienced. Ride motorcycles as well as the "thing" (wife Spyder reference). Contrary to safety and/or opinion we ride the "thing" dressed however we like. This rolling pizza oven is almost too hot (even with Spyderpops heat mods) on my right bare leg so boots and/or long jeans are reluctantly worn more often than not.

The "THING" That's awesome!! :yes:lol

 

[oldgoat]

If you are looking for reinforcement for your most recent riding style you will get a little but most on this site will tell you to put the battle dress back on.

:thumbup: :agree:


I just wouldn't feel comfortable in my mind if not fully dressed in proper protective gear. I thought this year I might give a try to wearing less, but never did.
I'm also in mid 70's & have always worn all the proper stuff when on 2 wheels.

 

[Orange Spyder Man]

only protect the parts of your body that you value... :lecturef_smilie: let the rest fend for it self...:shocked:

osm

 

[beadaholic]

I have no experience on 2 wheels to speak of. BUT today while going to the store for stupid stuff that I thought I needed I got pelted with tiny gravel rocks from a rig that was coming towards me losing some of his "product" during the trip. I have at times not worn my gloves and I have mistakenly been wearing my full face helmet with the visor up. Well the gravel hit my gloved hand (thankfully this time gloved), and it hurt like hell. I am shocked at how much it hurt, this is like between sand and gravel, on the smaller size I felt. BUT if it had hit my face I know I would have been hurt. First time I have had this experience. But a good one, taught me that my leather on the inside gloves and canvas on the outside (SPEED brand) ladies gloves might even not be enough for my type of riding (in Mexico yikes). But the visor will now go down and I will never be without gloves.

I wear Fieldsheer Jacket all the time, zipped up. With the CE armor in it too. I also wear a hyperkewl vest most of the time, zipped up too. It gets bulky and doesn't look girly, but oh well, better that people think I am a man than a woman, but with all my parts still complete if something happens. I also on longer trips (why I think this is ok is beyond me) I use my Fieldsheet Pants with the CE armor in it too, otherwise, nearby I wear jeans of all sorts, but ordered Kevlar Jeans for Motorcycles (womens) to start using, hopefully I like them enough and I plan on buying another pair once I see these and if they fit properly. My helmet is Can-Am, I know there are helmets and helmets.....some can cost $1000 US! Whew, but what is your head worth? Right now, this is what I do, and I also wear a good pair of motorcycle boots. I also have a leather getup but right now it is too hot to use. I wear sometimes a long sleeve shirt, but mostly short but I have the jacket on. I also bought some motorcycle socks, not that these will make a difference, but who knows.....I guess you just can't be over dressed even if it is hot, and all my Fieldsheer is mesh, and it is still hot stuff....even with the liner taken out!

 

[BikerDoc]

There is secure feeling on Spyders that I never felt on two wheels and therefore a natural tendency to feel that "all that gear" isn't necessary especially in the heat.. I totaled my 2010 RTS against the side of a trailer truck that was illegally blocking an entire highway and shoulders at night. I had full gear on compliments of my two wheel days. I aimed the spyder at the rear axle to keep from going under the trailer. I careened off, completely totalled the Spyder beyond belief - then stepped off the Spyder and walked away with a 1/4 inch cut on my knuckle and a dent in the side of my helmet (that would have no doubt driven two inches into my skull)... The high top boots, gloves, armored pants, armored jacket and helmet were hot and uncomfortable that night in the Florida heat but to this day I still wear them all even when the heat index is over 100. I have little doubt that my riding days would have ended back then if I had succumbed to the idea of comfort versus safety..

 

[ARtraveler]

I am coming from the 2 wheel motorcycle world, where my dress has been helmet, Olympia one piece riding suit, gloves and boots. The gloves are worn a lot of the time, however I do not always wear them. I know this is not a smart thing. I am into my 3rd riding life with well over 175,000 miles on a bike. Helmet is worn at all times, suit is worn at all times. The suit is not going to save me from broken bones in a get-off but certainly should keep the road rash to a minimum. Boots are worn at all times. If I am not wearing a suit, I at least wear a riding jacket made of Cordura.

With that said, this past weekend I headed out in a T-Shirt and Jeans for the first time in probably 10 years. My rational for this is riding a 2 wheel bike, a high side or low side get-off is just infinitely more likely on my FJR than the RT-S. I have to admit I enjoyed the freedom without having to don the riding gear and it is much shorter time for preparation to get going in the day.

My question is and as the title indicates, Am I Kidding Myself with the new founded freedom. You experienced Spyder riders re-educate me. This old habit may not be so hard to break. Of course when I ride the FJR the old habits will be back in place.

Willie

Edit ~ Strong opinions on this subject are welcomed. Either way ~ EndEdit

You already know the answer to the above as you are an experienced rider.

I wear ATGATT pretty much all the time. An occasional ride to the mailbox (about 1.5 blocks) is about all I do in my "freedom suit."

I never try to coerce anyone about their personal preferences for safety gear yes/no. That is a decision for you to make.

Opinions do and will run strong. Enjoy the outcome. :yes::yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

There is secure feeling on Spyders that I never felt on two wheels and therefore a natural tendency to feel that "all that gear" isn't necessary especially in the heat.. I totaled my 2010 RTS against the side of a trailer truck that was illegally blocking an entire highway and shoulders at night. I had full gear on compliments of my two wheel days. I aimed the spyder at the rear axle to keep from going under the trailer. I careened off, completely totalled the Spyder beyond belief - then stepped off the Spyder and walked away with a 1/4 inch cut on my knuckle and a dent in the side of my helmet (that would have no doubt driven two inches into my skull)... The high top boots, gloves, armored pants, armored jacket and helmet were hot and uncomfortable that night in the Florida heat but to this day I still wear them all even when the heat index is over 100. I have little doubt that my riding days would have ended back then if I had succumbed to the idea of comfort versus safety..

:shocked: You hit a semi?? :shocked:
I only T-Boned a Subaru; fixed the bike, and rode it for another Season, before trading it in for my 2014...

 

[CapNCrunch]

YOU MIGHT TRY THIS FOR COMFORT AND SAFETY:

I am coming from the 2 wheel motorcycle world, where my dress has been helmet, Olympia one piece riding suit, gloves and boots. The gloves are worn a lot of the time, however I do not always wear them. I know this is not a smart thing. I am into my 3rd riding life with well over 175,000 miles on a bike. Helmet is worn at all times, suit is worn at all times. The suit is not going to save me from broken bones in a get-off but certainly should keep the road rash to a minimum. Boots are worn at all times. If I am not wearing a suit, I at least wear a riding jacket made of Cordura.

With that said, this past weekend I headed out in a T-Shirt and Jeans for the first time in probably 10 years. My rational for this is riding a 2 wheel bike, a high side or low side get-off is just infinitely more likely on my FJR than the RT-S. I have to admit I enjoyed the freedom without having to don the riding gear and it is much shorter time for preparation to get going in the day.

My question is and as the title indicates, Am I Kidding Myself with the new founded freedom. You experienced Spyder riders re-educate me. This old habit may not be so hard to break. Of course when I ride the FJR the old habits will be back in place.

Willie

Edit ~ Strong opinions on this subject are welcomed. Either way ~ EndEdit

I'm AN EX- FJR 1300 RIDER, TOO. And, hot weather really used to bother me...... BAD!! But I have found that a mesh riding jacket (with the armor), boots, leather gloves, and the helmet are the best combination for both comfort and safety in hot weather. If it changes to rain or cold, the waterproof and quilted liners slip right in, and do a great job. I've been riding since the late 70's, and haven't found a better combination, yet. But, if you know of one, please let me know.
Take care,
CapNCrunch
: =)

 

[SPYD3R]

NOT YOUR

IT'S NOT YOUR 175,000+ MILES THAT COUNTS....
IT'S THE IDIOT COMING TOWARDS YOU WHILE THEY'RE TEXTING, SMOKING A CIGARETTE WHILE LISTENING TO MUSIC OVER THEIR EARPHONES THAT WILL BE AT FAULT....

ALTHOUGH OUR SPYDERS ARE A VERY STABLE PLATFORM, YOU NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS OF THE OTHER GUY.... SO HELMETS, GLOVES, BOOTS AND ALL THE REST OF THE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IS RECOMMENDED....
JMHO
DAN P
EASLEY, SC
SPYD3R F3-S

 

[Fjrwillie]

I'm AN EX- FJR 1300 RIDER, TOO. And, hot weather really used to bother me...... BAD!! But I have found that a mesh riding jacket (with the armor), boots, leather gloves, and the helmet are the best combination for both comfort and safety in hot weather. If it changes to rain or cold, the waterproof and quilted liners slip right in, and do a great job. I've been riding since the late 70's, and haven't found a better combination, yet. But, if you know of one, please let me know.
Take care,
CapNCrunch
: =)

The Olympia 1 piece suit I own is mesh. It is good up thru mid October or so. Use Under Armor under the suit which works out well.

Willie

 

[Rogue Hawk]

I was hit by a car on my Honda so my perspective is different. I had to turn in my membership card to the 'Can't happened to me' club.

True, you can't low side, but a high side is still a danger. High sides usually mean broken bones and internal bleeding more than road rash. So I wear a high quality helmet, mc jacket, mc gloves with palm sliders, chest protector, knee-shin guards, and mc boots. I also wear Kevlar pants when on the highway.

 

[Deanna777]

From 1993 to 2009 on 2 wheeled motorcycles ( as a passenger) I would wear full helmet with visor, leather jacket/ Gloves, Jeans, Chaps ( in the fall here I NE) long sleeve shirt, Boots over ankles( I had a pair of FRYE boots) leather vest if needed, Goggles'.

Now, in 2012 ( first spyder) Full helmet, leather jacket, boots over ankles, eye protection. To each his own. Deanna