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

[skymed]

My buddy and I went out riding last night, in 35C (95f) weather. I'm an ATGATT guy, and he was wearing jeans, running shoes and a long sleeved shirt, which frankly made me cringe, but hey live and let live.

The interesting thing here though, is that under my CE armoured mesh jacket and CE armoured mesh pants I was only wearing a muscle shirt and shorts and so I actually had more cooling air flow against my skin than he did, and after a couple hours was I was quite comfortable AND safe while he was sweaty and decidedly exposed to serious road rash.

Ride your own ride, but in 2015 we have so many gear choices that you can still ATGATT AND dress for warm or cold climates.:clap::clap:

As others have said, the Spyder gives youe a great sense of stability and safety that 2 wheels don't, but regardless of how good of a driver YOU are, it does not make you invincible nor make you invulnerable from the idiots.

Steve

PS: If you ever need more information regarding this topic to help you make an informed decision, just Google motorcycle road rash and see if that helps you. :ani29::ani29:

 

[SpyderWalter]

I recently started an infamous thread after riding on my RT S without a helmet for the first time, something I would never have considered on two wheels. I don't begrudge the ATGATT militants and their approach, I simply want to balance safety and enjoying myself. Let's be honest, if safety were paramount we would all drive an SUV with 30 airbags all the time and never consider something as truly dangerous as a motorcycle and yes, a reverse trike.

So from that viewpoint you set your risk tolerance. While riding in Connecticut I saw many two wheelers with shorts and no lid and I have met other Spyder Ryders who are comfortable flip flops and shorts. That I would not do. So you can dial up an 11 with an inflatable suit or a 1 with plenty of skin. I generally dial up a 7 with great Shoie helmet, long sleeves and pants and riding boots. I know I am not pure but I do have fun and enjoy myself. That is the bottom line. Enjoy your ride and choose your risk dial options. I respect them all but you do indeed have to live with your decisions. I am happy to do so.

Enjoy your Spyder and enjoy your life. It's all we have...
SpyderWalter

 

[MouthPiece]

I'll throw in my anecdotal evidence by saying that I was wearing NO helmet, jeans, a tee shirt and cowboy boots when a lady blew through a redlight doing 45 mph and hit my right saddle bag compartment (I had traversed approximately 3/4 of the way through the light) and totalled my spyder. I only suffered two broken ribs, a severely torn rotator cuff and a cut on my ankle (how that got there I have no idea).

I guess it goes to show you that it just depends on when your number comes up. Oh. I ride with shorts and tennis shoes almost all the time. AND with a helmet about 90% of the time.

Chris

 

[Bob Denman]

. I don't begrudge the ATGATT militants and their approach, I simply want to balance safety and enjoying myself.

:shocked: What do you call the riders who preach about personal freedom?
"Sunscreen Advocates"? :dontknow: :roflblack:
Why did you feel it necessary to categorize one group of riders in that manner?
It actually served no useful purpose...

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I recently started an infamous thread after riding on my RT S without a helmet for the first time, something I would never have considered on two wheels. I don't begrudge the ATGATT militants and their approach, I simply want to balance safety and enjoying myself. Let's be honest, if safety were paramount we would all drive an SUV with 30 airbags all the time and never consider something as truly dangerous as a motorcycle and yes, a reverse trike.

So from that viewpoint you set your risk tolerance. While riding in Connecticut I saw many two wheelers with shorts and no lid and I have met other Spyder Ryders who are comfortable flip flops and shorts. That I would not do. So you can dial up an 11 with an inflatable suit or a 1 with plenty of skin. I generally dial up a 7 with great Shoie helmet, long sleeves and pants and riding boots. I know I am not pure but I do have fun and enjoy myself. That is the bottom line. Enjoy your ride and choose your risk dial options. I respect them all but you do indeed have to live with your decisions. I am happy to do so.

Enjoy your Spyder and enjoy your life. It's all we have...
SpyderWalter

I agree that each ryder sets his/her own tolerance. You started a thread and gave your opinion. Others responded and gave theirs. If people disagree with you, does that make them militant?

:shocked: What do you call the riders who preach about personal freedom?
"Sunscreen Advocates"? :dontknow: :roflblack:
Why did you feel it necessary to categorize one group of riders in that manner?
It actually served no useful purpose...

:agree:

 

[retread]

I've been on 2 or 3 wheels whenever possible since 1954, will not ride without a helmet. i had a lesson about gloves when a large, hard shelled bug peeled the skin off my left hand at 80mph, and became a believer in face shields when a rock as big as my fist broke the shield on my NeoTec. got a mild whiplash from that.
Lately I've been looking into cooler ways of riding in the hot weather, and have discovered Bohn, they make a lot of stuff with armor, and I'm wondering if any body has any experience with their stuff.

john

 

[SpyderWalter]

:shocked: What do you call the riders who preach about personal freedom?
"Sunscreen Advocates"? :dontknow: :roflblack:
Why did you feel it necessary to categorize one group of riders in that manner?
It actually served no useful purpose...

You are right. Militant is the wrong word and I withdraw that term. It was a bad choice and should better be expressed with your term advocates. Sorry about that. ATGATT ADVOCATE has a better ring and will use from now on.:thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks! :thumbup:

 

[AMTJIM]

Clip-on armor, high side/low side is about the only difference. A tall windscreen may block bugs and stones, but you can still be lauched from the saddle. I always tell people to wear the gear now, because you may survive without it and you won't like it.