The Value of Wearing Good Gear

[Flanker]

MI ditched their long standing helmet law last year. Which I totally back as a libertarian (detest seat belt laws too). I always wear/use both unfailingly though. Got hit directly in the face twice last year, once by a Robin sized bird, crossing my path from L to R (I was doing 60-65 MPH), and I got pegged in my L eye brow with a stone thrown from a tire. ICON makes darn good shields, as mine kept the kamikaze bird from putting out my R eye, and I've got a small divot in the top edge of the shield from the thrown stone. I always wear some kind of boot, and gloves; though I'm guilty of wearing very light motocross gloves during really hot (above 80F) weather. Bought a really nice Joe Rocket sport jacket last year with a second zipper surrounded by mesh inside the main one, and zipper vents on the back of the jacket. It flows air real well, and has back, shoulder, and elbow/forearm armor, and I've been making a much larger effort to "wear the darn thing" as it does no good in the closet. MI has had a large jump in motorcycle injuries since the helmet repeal (go figure); I see goofs riding around in flip flops, shorts, sleeveless Ts, and do rags all the time. Like the Quakers say........"Better them than me" LOL! One other thing; I always get a kick out of safety advocates (especially the bomb demolition suit wearing ones) who warn about snoozing/distracted cage drivers, and seem to unfailing wear dark colors that blend in well with the road. Really??!!

 

[NoJive]

I try to wear the gear as much as I can, but I admit, sometimes I am a bit lax. People get on my case sometimes for wearing my armored jacket during hot summer days. But, I always ask them, if they had a major crash, and didn't have the gear on, would they regret it? Why wait till something happens before you start having some sense???

 

[PrairieSpyder]

MI ditched their long standing helmet law last year. Which I totally back as a libertarian (detest seat belt laws too). I always wear/use both unfailingly though. Got hit directly in the face twice last year, once by a Robin sized bird, crossing my path from L to R (I was doing 60-65 MPH), and I got pegged in my L eye brow with a stone thrown from a tire. ICON makes darn good shields, as mine kept the kamikaze bird from putting out my R eye, and I've got a small divot in the top edge of the shield from the thrown stone. I always wear some kind of boot, and gloves; though I'm guilty of wearing very light motocross gloves during really hot (above 80F) weather. Bought a really nice Joe Rocket sport jacket last year with a second zipper surrounded by mesh inside the main one, and zipper vents on the back of the jacket. It flows air real well, and has back, shoulder, and elbow/forearm armor, and I've been making a much larger effort to "wear the darn thing" as it does no good in the closet. MI has had a large jump in motorcycle injuries since the helmet repeal (go figure); I see goofs riding around in flip flops, shorts, sleeveless Ts, and do rags all the time. Like the Quakers say........"Better them than me" LOL! One other thing; I always get a kick out of safety advocates (especially the bomb demolition suit wearing ones) who warn about snoozing/distracted cage drivers, and seem to unfailing wear dark colors that blend in well with the road. Really??!!

Was it an "angry bird?"

 

[MouthPiece]

I personally don't think that right now is the appropriate time to be addressing this subject even though there may be a good lesson.

Chris

 

[MrBones]

My opinion will not be liked

But I agree with all you people that believe you need all the armor to survive. I just believe that my way is good also. I have never owned a leather jacket nor chaps nor any armor clothing. (But am glad you do.) Have only been riding since 1945 so don't know much of the new standards. Have been in 3 major mishaps, hit broad side, laid it down racing a car, and hit a deer. So I do know about road rash and stuff. But I still only wear a open face helmet and ankle high boots. I believe that if your going to buy it,no amount of armor is going to save you. But then again I be only 80 and been riding for 68 years so what do I know?? And no I have nothing against you suiting up at all. I'm just more comfortable and enjoy the freedom of a non armored ride.

 

[flaggerphil]

I always wear a full face helmet, gloves, jeans and boots. I'd think about wearing armored jeans if ANYONE made some that would fit me. But no one does.

When it comes to really hot weather (over 90) there's no way I'm going to try and ride with a full jacket, even if it's armored mesh. It simply doesn't work for me. It's taking a calculated risk, but there it is.

However, I NEVER ride without my helmet, gloves, jeans and boots.

 

[Big Arm]

I agree with the OP that an accident can happen in an instant. 3 yrs ago this month, a deer broad sided me hard, doing approx 65mph. Never even seen him. If I hadn't been on the Spyder, I don't even want to think of what could of happened.
Last night, going to the local bike meet, I rounded a corner, and seen the flashing lights ahead. As I passed by, they were pulling the driver of a two wheeler out of the ditch. A mile down the road, the ambulance was headed toward the accident.
I can't say that I wear ATGATT, but what I'm saying is.....all it takes is an instant for an accident to happen.

 

[Can-Am Poogs]

good post

Helmet law here is mandatory, regardless I wear a better than average full face. I never ride without at minimum a mesh jacket and gloves. I have armour pants, but I always wear jeans, and that is my own laziness. I am too lazy to remove the wind and water proof panels from the pants, so I only wear them when it rains. I should take the panels out and start wearing the mesh on longer trips. I am waiting for my icon reflective vest to come in stock for night driving. All my gear is black except for white helmet. Any body have any suggestion for a comfortable shoe. I wear skater shoes....lol...so comfortable...but I know I am pooched in those shoes if I wipe out. Thanks for the post, makes a guy thing.

 

[Bazeel]

I typically wear full face helmet (Always), Gloves (90% of the time or more), Boots (Always), and leather jacket (90%+). Depending on distance and speed, I'll usually wear leather pants as well (Can-Am vented with mesh inside). I'm not ATGATT, but I'm pretty close. I dress for the crash as much as able, but I just -can't- wear leather pants when in town. Way too hot for slow riding.

 

[vtrider]

Daveinva, Well put and inspiring! :clap: I've told my story before, so I won't go into a lot of detail. I had a Honda VFR Interceptor a few years back which I was riding when suddenly, this gentleman driving a car drove out in front of me at an intersection. He claimed that he never saw me. The intersection was real busy at that time. I had no choice but to lock up my brakes and hope for the best. I ended up crashing into the front of the car. My bike went down and I went head over heels and skidded right in front of the car. All I remember was closing my eyes at that moment, because I thought I was gone for good. However, I did stand, but was shaken a bit after all that and was lucky to be alive. I had some bruises, a badly sprained thumb, but no road rash. That day was hot and humid out. I almost didn't wear my protective leather pants with armor that day. I thought about it and decided to wear all the gear, jacket, pants, gloves and full face helmet. The gear saved me that day from worse injuries and possibly my guardian angel was with me, directing me to make the right choice, God only knows. A friend had to drive me home that day. I went to my young children at the time and gave them both a hug and told them my story. My daughter broke down in tears and said daddy you could of died. I said to her I'm fine and all is ok and I love you both. I can go on and on, but what would my children have done if the outcome of that accident was worse. It sure is something that I always think about. Many manufactures make good quality gear for those hot days and for colder days as well. My choice is ATGATT. Folks have fun and ride safe. You have one life to live so please make the best of it.

 

[Highwayman2013]

This is the perfect time to talk about wearing gear. I wear a full face helmet, gloves, leather or textile jacket with armor, Jeans with Kevlar and sturdy boots. I had a wreck 20 some years ago with just a t shirt on and my arm hurt for quite a while. The girl on the back landed on her knees and slid(ouch). Thankfully I was only going about 25mph when I slid the front end and went down in a curve. Be safe out there!

 

[GeoffCee]

But I agree with all you people that believe you need all the armor to survive. I just believe that my way is good also. I have never owned a leather jacket nor chaps nor any armor clothing. (But am glad you do.) Have only been riding since 1945 so don't know much of the new standards. Have been in 3 major mishaps, hit broad side, laid it down racing a car, and hit a deer. So I do know about road rash and stuff. But I still only wear a open face helmet and ankle high boots. I believe that if your going to buy it,no amount of armor is going to save you. But then again I be only 80 and been riding for 68 years so what do I know?? And no I have nothing against you suiting up at all. I'm just more comfortable and enjoy the freedom of a non armored ride.

One problem with a fatalistic outlook like yours is you don't think you are ever going to end up in a paraplegic condition where other people have to do things for you that you currently do for yourself. My impression is that at a personal level you believe you are indestructible. As for bragging about having been in 3 major mishaps and survived, well your pathetic disregard of the dangers of using the highway might influence a younger person into believing some of what you say makes sense, which means you really should think hard before you sound off on an open forum. You won't be surprised if I tell you that your 80 years have not taught you one ounce of common sense. By the way, you are only 4 years older than me so your old age counts for nothing, not a damn thing.

 

[dave01]

One problem with a fatalistic outlook like yours is you don't think you are ever going to end up in a paraplegic condition where other people have to do things for you that you currently do for yourself. My impression is that at a personal level you believe you are indestructible. As for bragging about having been in 3 major mishaps and survived, well your pathetic disregard of the dangers of using the highway might influence a younger person into believing some of what you say makes sense, which means you really should think hard before you sound off on an open forum. You won't be surprised if I tell you that your 80 years have not taught you one ounce of common sense. By the way, you are only 4 years older than me so your old age counts for nothing, not a damn thing.

Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? I dont see BRAGGING in the post about 3 accidents. I see him making a statement. Chill out. Its posts like yours that keep some people from stating thier real thoughts and beliefs. "Pathetic disregards of the dangers of using the highways"? Maybe you should stay in your driveway if you feel like this. Maybe he doesnt have " one ounce of common sense, but he has more RESPECT than you have shown by your post. Its AMERICA, land of choice and he has made his.

 

[wyliec]

Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? I dont see BRAGGING in the post about 3 accidents. I see him making a statement. Chill out. Its posts like yours that keep some people from stating thier real thoughts and beliefs. "Pathetic disregards of the dangers of using the highways"? Maybe you should stay in your driveway if you feel like this. Maybe he doesnt have " one ounce of common sense, but he has more RESPECT than you have shown by your post. Its AMERICA, land of choice and he has made his.

Dave01,

I couldn't agree with you more. But, GeoffCee is also entitled to his opinion as are you. GeoffCee may have been able to get his point across without being so brash (as you may think he is); that's not his style.

The one point that GeoffCee makes that I feel is a good one (and my opinion only) is that less experienced riders may be influenced into using less gear by MrBones years of experience statement. You may think just the opposite, which is fine. Everyone has an opinion and I think it's great when we are not all in lock step. Once again, my opinion only.

 

[dave01]

Dave01,

I couldn't agree with you more. But, GeoffCee is also entitled to his opinion as are you. GeoffCee may have been able to get his point across without being so brash (as you may think he is); that's not his style.

The one point that GeoffCee makes that I feel is a good one (and my opinion only) is that less experienced riders may be influenced into using less gear by MrBones years of experience statement. You may think just the opposite, which is fine. Everyone has an opinion and I think it's great when we are not all in lock step. Once again, my opinion only.

Good points, as always.

 

[Silvervette05]

All ways dress to be safe

 

[Jeriatric]

Dave

Like it!!!



A lot :thumbup:

 

[dave01]

Like it!!!



A lot :thumbup:

I have to thank Bob D for the idea.

 

[RodO]

I've heard it summed up as "dress for the slide, not for the ride" and, "when, not if you will come off".

I was also advised to ride assuming that every other vehicle -- ie cages -- is out there trying to kill you, but that they miss sometimes because they're distracted by talking on a cell phone.

This is not to make light of a very serious topic -- just another way of looking at it, in all seriousness.

I'm also for freedom of choice and it's ATGATT for me.

Be safe,
Rod.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Captain Fin]

I agree with you

I personally don't think that right now is the appropriate time to be addressing this subject even though there may be a good lesson.

Chris

There is an appropriate time for all. This is not one of those times.