Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: skyrider on July 10, 2007, 02:42:32 AM

Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: skyrider on July 10, 2007, 02:42:32 AM
...you choose.  After all the hoopla about posting from other boards, I found this on STN.  Enjoy.  And, I'll add to my signature...

Sky, US Army

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=4a518_4407
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: leedogg on July 10, 2007, 10:06:35 AM
I hate to see stuff like that.  sucks to be him.  So easily avoidable.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Vidrazor on July 10, 2007, 04:08:59 PM
Testosterone got the best of him.  :asshat:

Just think, riding around in warm weather with just jeans and a t-shirt is no different. It always cracks me up when I see people wearing a full-face helmet with jeans and a t-shirt. Why bother wit the helmet? :lol:  I don't care how hot it is outside, if I ride, I ride ATGATT.
Title: Dumb-ass of the century
Post by: JReviere on July 10, 2007, 09:30:26 PM
Mark me as dumbass of the century, but not as dumb as this jerk.  

I hate wearing gear. Most of the time, when I head to the garage to get the Bandit out when I get to the rack with the gear... I look at that ugly, hot, uncomfortable, bulky, clumsy stuff and turn around and go back in the house.

I hate it so much it causes me NOT to ride. Most of my riding is sedate, local, never more than 50 or so miles from home, in a rural area, just piddling along... no grandiose testosterone motivated stuff...  

I know the risk. I've not been a doctor for all these years and been stupid about accidental injury.

It's just that I totally HATE wearing the exoskeletal GEAR so many people rave about. I HATE GEAR.

JR
Age 76, been riding since age 15... all my hide is still intact.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: StangMATA on July 10, 2007, 10:19:18 PM
Retard. THAT is just retarded.


Ian USAF (nothing to prove)
Title: Retarded
Post by: JReviere on July 10, 2007, 10:39:48 PM
Ian...
Sorry lad, you evidently have no idea what the word 'retarded' means.  But you are right USAF "means nothing"... I know it from personal experience for I am USAF Retired 0-6, Command Pilot, lots of year wearing all manner of gear in conditions far more hazardous than I've ever experienced on a motorcycle.  

I do believe I said I HATE IT.   One has to experience something to be truthful when making an emotional reference to it. The only experience relevant to a negative reaction to gear is wearing it.

Gear is not THE all purpose solution to riding safely. In some cases gear gives a false sense of security leading the unwary to push their limits because they feel (although they would probably deny it) invulnerable. Riding DEFENSIVELY with a high degree of SITUATIONAL AWARENESS is a better defense against injury than all the exoskeletal armor you can put on your body.  This is not to say it's wise to go naked or nearly so... patently doing so is unwise. It is, however, to say, it's quite OK to have an opinion and express it.

You ride your ride, I'll ride mine.

JR
Lake Livingston, TX
Title: Re: Retarded
Post by: StangMATA on July 10, 2007, 10:45:30 PM
Quote from: "JReviere"
Ian...
Sorry lad, you evidently have no idea what the word 'retarded' means.  


SLOW DOWN JR, Sir :taz:

If you don't want to wear gear...totally cool by me. It's your melon, your body, and your decision. I have no qualms with that at all.


BUT riding a wheelie while naked...that is what I  call retarded.



BTW, Col, I sent you a PM. I think we have met before.
Title: Re: Retarded
Post by: ZenMan on July 11, 2007, 01:39:13 AM
Quote from: "JReviere"
Gear is not THE all purpose solution to riding safely. In some cases gear gives a false sense of security leading the unwary to push their limits because they feel (although they would probably deny it) invulnerable. Riding DEFENSIVELY with a high degree of SITUATIONAL AWARENESS is a better defense against injury than all the exoskeletal armor you can put on your body.  This is not to say it's wise to go naked or nearly so... patently doing so is unwise. It is, however, to say, it's quite OK to have an opinion and express it.

JR
Lake Livingston, TX


JR, I can relate. I was never a pilot, but I've had the great joy of putting on cold, wet, frozen-stiff 30 pound full race leathers at 7:00 AM after sleeping in a tent all night... if it rains all day Saturday during the qualifiers and you have no way of drying them out except hanging them over the truck seat with the overnight temps hovering just above freezing... YUK!

And then getting out on the track when it's 45 degrees out, and experience how great it feels to go 160 mph in previously described wet leathers... you have to be a little bit crazy to actually pay hundreds of dollars a weekend for that priviledge. But that was years ago, I hear they allow synthetic textile kevlar gear on the tracks nowadays.

I HATE GEAR too... but I always wear a full-face helmet, armored gauntlets, calf-high heavy leather touring boots, and at least a heavy, long-sleeve jersey and heavy jeans. If it's below 75 I'll wear my old-skool leather motorcyclr jacket without the liner.

I've been thinking about some modern mesh armor gear, but man, that stuff is pricey! Plus having to pull it all on and off... when it's 95 and humid, you work up a sweat just pulling your gloves on. Cripes.

But I agree with you on what I quoted you on above... I do think all that gear does give one a false sense of security. And the best safety feature you have is your brain... awareness and alertness, coupled with skill and experience, has served me well over the years.

But I'm just another stubborn old fart... don't listen to me, kids! Wear your gear!  :bigok:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: leedogg on July 11, 2007, 02:20:01 AM
I am a Tshirt and jeans guy..even wore shorts a few times.  I too agree the suiting up gives some the feeling that they can be more aggressive.  If/when i ride in shorts/t shirt(very rarely) I ride CONSIDERABLE slower, and cautious, than i do when it is cooler and I am fully clothed. One is the fact that bugs hurt- and 2 is the false sense of security of the additional padding.  I don't have proper gear yet...but I will soon, and it won't be leather.  I am not gonna be miserable to ride my bike period- i bought it enjoy the freedom i feel on it...feel the wind, the rush....fully clothed and a big jacket take alot of that away.  I too would look at it (heavyduty gear), with these 100* humid days in FL, and drive my car instead.

As I posted- the guy in the vid was just dumb...if I rode like that- I would wear ATGATT...but the liesurely cruising I do- I feel fine doing what I do.  To me those stunters are like race car drivers...you need more protection.  But I don't have a 5 point harness, or wear a helmet, in my car- though it would make it safer.  Back when I was into 4 wheelers- I rode hard, fast, and flying...guess what- I had ALL the gear to protect me- I felt I needed it.  Gear is insurance- and no one can predict everything- but you definate hold alot of your fate in your own hands on a bike.  All the gear might save your skin if you hit the road...but not near so much when you hit the trees.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: PitterB4 on July 11, 2007, 02:54:56 AM
That's been posted here before.  Actually, there is a longer version where you get to see the exposed "meat" on his ass and elsewhere.  What a dumbass!

FWIW, I don't leave the neighborhood w/out at least a helmet and jeans... nothing more than a mile or two without a jacket, golves and boots.  "Spirited" rides call for full leather.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Vidrazor on July 11, 2007, 02:27:15 PM
>>Gear is not THE all purpose solution to riding safely. In some cases gear gives a false sense of security leading the unwary to push their limits because they feel (although they would probably deny it) invulnerable.<<

Only if you allow yourself to be. While I'll agree smart riding is the best defense, you can't account for everything. While it's your life and your call, you should reconsider wearing gear, not necessarily what you already own.

I don't know what kind of gear you have, but there are some modern outfits that are vented yet offer excellent protection, especially abrasive, albeit at cost. Noting is gonna keep you from breaking if you hit hard enough, but you can minimize damage.

I went down with an armored leather outfit a while back (in cool weather), and if I wasn't wearing it I probably would have had a broken elbow where I had only a bruised one. Food for thought.

In warm weather I use a Kevlar Motoport outfit. the pants are $300 and the jacket $400. The are a Kevlar/1000 denier nylon blend mesh outfit with multi-layer vented armor. Expensive, but vented, comfortable protection that I've worn even in heat waves.

No armor will protect you from everything, but not wearing ANYTHING to offer some protection, especially from abrasion, isn't too smart. Your reaction to wearing gear is a bit over reactive IMHO. You should reconsider the realities of riding. Just my $.02
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: H2RICK on July 13, 2007, 11:49:40 AM
I, too, have had gravel rash from bicycle and dirt bike getoffs and have learned (painfully) to devoutly avoid having any more bits picked out of my skin by docs and nurses. After my recent dumbass accident (first on a streetbike in 45+ years) I was sooooo glad to have had my Kilimanjaro jacket, jeans and knee-high riding boots. Not a drop of blood shed. The soft armour in the jacket PROBABLY prevented me from having a busted collarbone as an added "bonus" to my dislocated shoulder. That shoulder had been dislocated before so it was probably not as strong as it could have been to start with. If my shoulder had never been dislocated before I MIGHT have ended up with no serious injuries at all.
Wear your gear, guys. Nobody ever drowned in sweat. :wink:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: pmackie on July 13, 2007, 12:09:45 PM
Quote
Nobody ever drowned in sweat


Touche Rick

With this mid 30 C heat wave, I've been thinking about gear again, as my Alpine Stars leathers are too hot. Time to spring for a "mesh" summer jacket c/w armour, and I'll keep you in mind when I feel like I should take it off.

Good words of advice...
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: interfuse on July 13, 2007, 11:11:40 PM
Quote from: "Vidrazor"
Just think, riding around in warm weather with just jeans and a t-shirt is no different. It always cracks me up when I see people wearing a full-face helmet with jeans and a t-shirt. Why bother wit the helmet?


I ride in jeans and t-shirts all the time. I also always wear a full face helmet (helmet is the law here) and gloves (will save your hands in a light fall). Road rash will heal -- brain injuries, not so much. While road rash sucks, reconstructive  facial surgery can't be fun. I guess it all depends on how much you're willing to risk.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Barbarian on July 14, 2007, 08:24:47 PM
I've chuckled greatly at other's expense when they related tales of having open wounds briskly scrubbed with a WIRE BRUSH.

Think pouring salt on a cut is bad? You ain't felt nothin.

I'm gonna stick to wearing a t-shirt under my mesh jacket in the heat. It's as close as I can get to wearing nothing at all.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: dgm0967 on July 14, 2007, 11:57:34 PM
Quote
I guess it all depends on how much you're willing to risk.
I think that is where it's at. Some won't even ride because of the risk. I'd add that good textile gear can be very comfortable. For long rides I've found my Firstgear pants to more comfortable than jeans. I hate the dry skin so I always wear my summer jacket and gloves in warm weather. A helmet keeps big bugs from stinging my face or going down my throat while I'm doing a personal karaoke. In colder weather I put the liner in my pants and use a jacket that helps to keep me warm. My point is, wear what you are comfortable with and you may find modern gear more comfortable than shorts and a t-shirt.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: leedogg on July 15, 2007, 01:20:17 PM
Quote from: "dgm0967"
Quote
I guess it all depends on how much you're willing to risk.
I think that is where it's at. Some won't even ride because of the risk.


I agree-  I just got back from my Sunday morning ride.  I ride in the mornings so I am comfortable riding with my Jacket.  Morning here are 75-80*,  cool enough that at speed the jacket is nice.  Then once I start getting hot I head back for home.  But on Friday I went to my dealer(80 miles away) for my initial check up. the ride over was OK but the ride back the jacket had to go.  I bought a bungee net just to strap down the jacket fo the ride home.  Yes I ride with was I consider bare minimums- as I am sure everyone here does too.

Bottom line- the guy in the video is a moron.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Vidrazor on July 16, 2007, 01:59:02 AM
>>I bought a bungee net just to strap down the jacket fo the ride home. Yes I ride with was I consider bare minimums..Bottom line- the guy in the video is a moron.<<

What all of you who ride in t-shirts and jeans fail to see (or are in denial of) is that the "protection" you are riding with is no different than that of the guy in that video. You have no more real-world protection than he did. Really.

I don't care how hot it is, I ride ATGATT. Not just a jacket, either. Pants, boots and gloves too. It's not going to guarantee I walk away from a crash, and I never kid myself about any false security from it, but it will definitely improve my odds of being (relatively) in one piece.

Hey, it's your call, but remember that you are just as naked as that guy in that video was every time you ride out in t-shirts and jeans.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: elbandito on July 16, 2007, 03:02:28 AM
I think the real issue here is insurance.  Let's face it.  None of us wants to see anyone get hurt, and so the argument is the "it only affects me, thus is my decision to make" one we hear so often.  I'd be ok with that if it were only true.  Motorcycle insurance costs a fortune.  Why?  Because our bikes cost so much to replace?  No (at least not us Bandit owners!!  :bandit:  ), surely it is because of the medical costs associated with injuries sustained in a crash (or death, as the case may be).  

So, I propose that we allow people to go with absolutely no gear on.  But if they do, the insurance shouldn't pay a penny.  Have it written in the policy.  That way, an individual's decision to wear no gear really does only affect them (and their families should they be injured to the point they can't work or are hospitalized and must pay medical bills beyond their insurance, etc.).  

I bet those of us that wear gear will see our rates go down!

  :bigok:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: ZenMan on July 16, 2007, 03:22:33 AM
Ever notice how many ex- and non-smokers seem to have this superior, holier-than-thou attitude towards smokers?

With all their whining and protesting, they've managed to drive smokers out on the streets and make them feel like outcasts. But even that isn't good enough for them... now they want to outlaw tobacco altogether, and have nicotine tests at work that will have you fired if you don't pass. Next thing you know, they'll be putting people in jail for smoking. All in the righteous name of what they think is best for everybody.

Remind you of anything?  :roll:

I think I'll go for a ride to the lake in my T-shirt... and maybe I'll even light up a cigarette while I'm there.

Just because I can.  :bandit:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: elbandito on July 16, 2007, 10:25:30 AM
I'm not a big fan of the smoking lynch mob either.  Like I said, people should be able to do whatever they want -- as long as it doesn't affect me.  If someone's smoke is bugging me, I go somewhere else (I don't ask them to leave... they have just as much of a right to be there as me).  If someone not wearing gear is driving up my insurance rates, I can't go anywhere else...

Don't want to wear gear?  Great!  Just sign a waiver so your insurance doesn't pay a penny.  Save the rest of us some dough!   :bigok:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: ZenMan on July 16, 2007, 11:00:34 AM
Quote from: "elbandito"
I'm not a big fan of the smoking lynch mob either.  Like I said, people should be able to do whatever they want -- as long as it doesn't affect me.  If someone's smoke is bugging me, I go somewhere else (I don't ask them to leave... they have just as much of a right to be there as me).  If someone not wearing gear is driving up my insurance rates, I can't go anywhere else...

Don't want to wear gear?  Great!  Just sign a waiver so your insurance doesn't pay a penny.  Save the rest of us some dough!   :bigok:


See, that's the big hole in your argument. If anything, I've helped to bring the cost of your insurance down.

In all my 40 years riding on the street, I've only been in ONE accident that was serious enough to involve insurance... it was 20 years ago and it was the other guy's fault. His insurance paid for my bike and about 3 days lost from work for a bruised hip.

The only times I've been seriously hurt were on the track wearing full gear. On the street I always wear helmet, boots, gloves, and long pants and sleeves, by choice. If I choose not to gear up in a full armored suit when it's 98 degrees out than that's my business, and you know what you can do with your "waiver".  :bandit:

Not wearing full gear isn't what drives our insurance rates up, it's inexperience, recklessness, and just plain ignorance. Layers of hi-tech mesh armor gear aren't gonna save your stupid butt if you splat the ass-end of a semi at 140mph.

You wanna bring your insurance rates down? Start supporting more rider education classes, teaching defensive riding techniques, and raising cagers awareness of motorcycles... and quit worrying about what other people are wearing.  :roll:  :motorsmile:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Vidrazor on July 16, 2007, 11:29:27 AM
[Not wearing full gear isn't what drives our insurance rates up, it's inexperience, recklessness, and just plain ignorance. Layers of hi-tech mesh armor gear aren't gonna save your stupid butt if you splat the ass-end of a semi at 140mph.]

I agree with this. In this day and age, sport-bikers have replace the old Harley rough-riders as the main source of problems in the motorcycle community. Just like that guy in the video, testosterone drives these guys to do stupid shit on public roads that are affecting us all. You're seeing all sorts of laws being passed or proposed that are going to put restrictions in our riding freedoms.

In all honesty, I could care less what happens to one of these guys when they splat. It purifies the gene pool, actually. It's when they take out innocent bystanders that I get pissed, and it's because of such circumstances why a lot of these restrictions are being foisted upon us.

Like I said, it's your call how you want to ride. My point is simply that riding with no protection is no different than how that guy in the video was riding.

[I've only been in ONE accident that was serious enough to involve insurance... and it was the other guy's fault.]

And THAT is the reason I ride ATGATT. You never know when that shit is gonna hit the fan.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: pmackie on July 16, 2007, 02:02:41 PM
I choose to wear all the gear, but it is my choice.

I just purchased a mesh jacket as my leather jacket was just too hot at 35 C+, but I wasn't going to ride without something. It is NOT as good as all leather, but it at least has some padding and abrasion resistance in some of the right areas.

My choice is driven from my years of riding dirt bikes. Every time I got hurt, it was from my choice NOT to wear a specific piece of PPE. My personal experiences slowly led me to add proper gear to my routine. I have still hurt myself even with gear, but more often than not, I have gotten up from a small fall (even over the Salmo/Creston in the snow!) with some marks on the gear and maybe a bruise on the skin, but all the better for it.

Just like seat belts, hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, steel toed boots, etc. I feel they have their place. If you work for me, I DO get to set the rules and tell you that you MUST wear them, but I'd rather convince you to make the choice on your own.

On your own time, my responsibility is to ensure you understand that the right PPE may help you, should a bad incident happen. Yup, more training and experience is better still, but all I can do is recommend. Once you have the information, YOU get to make the choice.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Red01 on July 16, 2007, 02:56:53 PM
Quote from: "elbandito"
If someone not wearing gear is driving up my insurance rates, I can't go anywhere else...


Sure you can... you can move to WA where m/c's aren't required to have insurance.  :lol:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Barbarian on July 16, 2007, 03:27:24 PM
Here in Quebec, registration for motorbikes is jumping over the next three years. Hardest hit will be sportbikes, which will see the cost of getting a plate leap to $1400.

The reason: the Ministry covers the costs of all injuries on the roads in Quebec, and is trying to recover those costs by targeting those who get injured the most in crashes.
The Ministry doesn't care about the cost of your vehicle (that's between you and your insurer), but they do care about your three casts and six months of physio...
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: elbandito on July 16, 2007, 05:58:47 PM
Quote from: "ZenMan"


Not wearing full gear isn't what drives our insurance rates up, it's inexperience, recklessness, and just plain ignorance. Layers of hi-tech mesh armor gear aren't gonna save your stupid butt if you splat the ass-end of a semi at 140mph.


It's those inexperienced, reckless and ignorant riders NOT wearing gear that bring up the rates.  Sure, hitting a semi at 140mph is a death sentence whether you are wearing full leathers or your birthday suit.  But the majority of accidents aren't like that.

Quote from: "ZenMan"

You wanna bring your insurance rates down? Start supporting more rider education classes, teaching defensive riding techniques, and raising cagers awareness of motorcycles... and quit worrying about what other people are wearing.  :roll:  :motorsmile:


I do support rider education and encourage everyone I talk to that even shows an interest in riding to go to local courses.  Heck, I'm my unit's Motorcycle Mentor (fancy title for someone that makes sure people in the unit are doing what they are supposed to do when riding on/off base).  So I'm doing all that and will continue to worry about what others are wearing as long as it affects my insurance rates.   :bigok: Like I said, though, it's your skin, do what you want with it -- just don't expect me to pay for it!
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: ZenMan on July 16, 2007, 07:24:27 PM
Quote from: "Vidrazor"
My point is simply that riding with no protection is no different than how that guy in the video was riding.


Sorry, but I can't agree. It's the reckless way the guy is riding that's dangerous, not what he's wearing (or not!).

To prove it to you, I could jump on my bike naked and safely ride down the road and back with no injury whatsoever... but do you really want to see that?  :lol:

Quote from: "elbandito"
So I'm doing all that and will continue to worry about what others are wearing as long as it affects my insurance rates.   :bigok: Like I said, though, it's your skin, do what you want with it -- just don't expect me to pay for it!


Elbandito, I really have to take exception to your attitude here. It's both elitist and over-simplified in my opinion, and it's unfair to try to lay the blame for your insurance rates directly on my shoulders.

Most of the squid idiots I see doing stupid tricks and getting squished are wearing fancy, colorful full leather or textile armored gear... part of their "road-race" image. Those are the ones you need to consider if your looking for somebody to blame for your high insurance premiums.

The point you seem to be missing is individual freedom... a priviledge we have in this country that some of us hold quite dear. Motorcycling has long been a way to express that freedom. If those who think like you have their way, and force everyone to wear expensive, uncomfortable gear, or forfiet our rights to medical coverage if we choose not to, then you might as well just outlaw motorcycles altogether.

Darn tootin' I'll dress the way I want to.... when I ride, drive a car, sail a boat, or take a walk... and if you want to wear a full set of football pads or a bullet-proof kevlar suit every time you go out the door, you go right ahead. Just don't use it to prop yourself up on a pillar of righteousness and put all the blame for your insurance rates on those that choose differently.  :annoy:

Now I'm done with this thread before there's any hard feelings, ok, bro? I hope you'll let me buy you a beer if we ever meet somewhere down the road...  :wink:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: rkfire on July 16, 2007, 09:44:29 PM
I'd agree with that zenman! I live in CT without a helmet law, I choose to not wear one at times. The fact is, without a helmet law here, my insurance premium for a B12 is a whopping $55 a YEAR. Insurance isn't covering the rider anyway, with the exception of the rare hit by an uninsured motorist, then it would kick in. So much for the theory unprotected squids are causing a bit of difference in MY rates.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: leedogg on July 17, 2007, 12:10:12 AM
When Louisianna was starting the helmet law- a local radio show I heard stated the FL done a survey of all the motorcycle fatalities in the state...where the Helmet had no impact on the survivability of a crash.  That the percentages were nearly the same in accident with a helmet or without.  I thought that was interesting.  I never researched it myself- since I never had a bike then...but alot of the guys I work with do- and they were pissed about them MAKING them wear helmets.  I feel like this...what good is a skull cap really gonna do?

I never said that my riding was the safest way to ride. it isn't full leathers is...but that is not realistic. Just like my analogy that if we all had a cage/5 point harness/ drivers suit for a car.  Simply I bought my bike to enjoy the feel of freedom and feel of the environment around me- if I can't feel that, I'd not want a bike at all.

Back to my point of the moron in the vid...I agree with Zen...I coulda make my ride this evening nude.  If I were a stunter however...full gear.  depends on yur own risk evaluation IMO.  If I knew I am headed out to be a hooligan..I would be geared up to the max.  The gear I normally ride with woulda been ok I think for a 20 mph spill like the moron in the video took.  hoo-rah to him...but that was d u m b.

Just to really aggrevate some...I wore short, t shirt and my crocs with a helmet today.  never got over 45 on my ride though..it was a calculated risk...I survived- and enjoyed it emmensely.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: solman on July 17, 2007, 12:10:19 AM
To me, some of these comments are funny onthe matter of not wearing gear.  During the Summer, having the sun beat directly on you and to have wind burn on top of that is far more uncomfortable.  I actually stay cooler wearing mesh gear and leather gloves.  Staying covered is actually beneficial.  You don't have to have leathers, but basic coverage helps a lot.  What I think is stupid is how the USAF makes people wear reflective gear to a point where it is stupid.  It hasn't reduced the number of accidents and people still make the same  excuse.  "I didn't see him!"
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: leedogg on July 17, 2007, 12:23:42 AM
Quote from: "solman"
To me, some of these comments are funny onthe matter of not wearing gear.  During the Summer, having the sun beat directly on you and to have wind burn on top of that is far more uncomfortable.  I actually stay cooler wearing mesh gear and leather gloves.  Staying covered is actually beneficial.  You don't have to have leathers, but basic coverage helps a lot.  What I think is stupid is how the USAF makes people wear reflective gear to a point where it is stupid.  It hasn't reduced the number of accidents and people still make the same  excuse.  "I didn't see him!"


You also live in the desert- I see why you would.  I will buy a mesh type jacket soon- if I ever find a shop with stuff my size.  but until then I am gonna be a squid and enjoy my bike.  This evening here on the Gulf Coast was AWESOME!
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: elbandito on July 17, 2007, 12:31:03 AM
Quote from: "ZenMan"


Elbandito, I really have to take exception to your attitude here. It's both elitist and over-simplified in my opinion, and it's unfair to try to lay the blame for your insurance rates directly on my shoulders.


Sorry wasn't my intent to put it on your shoulders.  Just speaking in "general terms."  


Quote from: "ZenMan"

 Just don't use it to prop yourself up on a pillar of righteousness <snip>


No pillars here... just expressing my opinion.  Not to mention at work it's part of my duty....  :bigok:

Quote from: "ZenMan"


Now I'm done with this thread before there's any hard feelings, ok, bro? I hope you'll let me buy you a beer if we ever meet somewhere down the road...  :wink:


Absolutely, and the second round is on me!   :beers:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: orionburn on July 17, 2007, 09:29:59 AM
I'm in with the crowd of mixed gear. If I'm riding to school (lower speeds, not far from home) I'll sometimes wear only my helmet and gloves. Most of the time I wear full gear riding to work since it's high speed highway riding (70mph). I know jeans won't do a damned thing for me, but it's that risk factor I do take at times. I wear my HT Air Overpants most of the time, but I honestly hate them. I know, I know...just find something that's more comfortable. I have a Cortech/Tour Master Breeze mesh jacket that I love. You might want to look into that, Lee. I'm a big guy too and it's roomy on my (XXL). It really does breathe well at speed. I've noticed I've been wearing full gear more since I've gotten my tail bag. It's a lot easier to haul around my shoes (when wearing my boots) and other misc items.

It is a person's choice. I for one will not ride anywhere without a least a helmet and gloves. Even if you're on the side that helmets don't really protect you in a crash, with the amount of shit I have ricochet off my helmet on a daily basis I can't imagine riding without one  :annoy:

Do I hate wearing full gear on 90+ degree days? Sure do. I agree, though, sweat washes off - road rash doesn't. If I'm going somewhere and I don't want to get all sweaty, then I'll just take the cage. On a 95 degree day my fat arse is going to be sweaty as hell regardless if I'm wearing gear or not  :lol:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Red01 on July 17, 2007, 01:40:03 PM
Quote from: "leedogg"
I feel like this...what good is a skull cap really gonna do?


I agree! And according to the helmet brochure the Washington State Patrol puts out (click here for the .pdf brochure), (http://www.wa.gov/wsp/traveler/helmet3.pdf) you are MORE likely to die in a motorcycle accident if you are wearing a novelty, non-DOT approved helmet (which many skull caps are) than if you wore no helmet at all. (The WSP says this comes from a study by the Southern California Injury Research Prevention Center.)

I'd never choose a half-helmet, even of the DOT-approved variety. That's probably because I've slid down the road on the chin bar of a full-face helmet and ground thru 3 layers of fiberglass and can't begin to imagine how painful that would have been had it been my chin instead.

This graph helps reinforce that experience:

(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d35/paulweit/Bandit%20Alley/helmet-impact.jpg)
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: orionburn on July 17, 2007, 01:49:00 PM
Interesting stat picture, Red. I'd been curious to find out where the majority of impacts are taken on a helmet.

When I did my little report on helmets last year I discovered in my reading that regardless of the speed you are going it's not as important as the height in which you fall. Whether you're doing 20mph or 60mph the impact force is about the same when it makes contact with the surface (assuming you fall from the same distance).
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: stormi on July 17, 2007, 02:57:46 PM
I think the implication is that the rest of the damage is secondary.  Yes, the helmet will protect you from the initial impact, but it also manages to take one for the team when you're sliding as well.  And you will slide further, all things being equal, with a faster impact.  

Years ago, through a comedy of errors, I was the pilot of a motorcycle and crashed while wearing a half helmet.  My jaw came into contact with a truck as I went down.  If I'd had a full helmet, I wouldn't have had a bruise from front to back on my jaw for the next week, and a bone chip missing out of my jaw today.   I don't think the helmet ever touched anything.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: leedogg on July 17, 2007, 03:38:23 PM
really cool info Red!
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: solman on July 18, 2007, 12:47:11 AM
How's this for a statement?

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/soloflt/SignGear.jpg)
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: leedogg on July 18, 2007, 12:25:38 PM
OMG!!!!

That just cracked me up right dere!  Dude is laid back huh?
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: elbandito on July 18, 2007, 11:16:57 PM
Is that an elbow pad?!?   :lol:
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: solman on July 18, 2007, 11:45:03 PM
Quote from: "elbandito"
Is that an elbow pad?!?   :lol:


Never really noticed bere, but it appears so!  I figured that the pic was spice up this thread.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: orionburn on July 19, 2007, 08:39:27 AM
Quote from: "elbandito"
Is that an elbow pad?!?   :lol:


Not to mention he looks like he's wearing weight lifting gloves. Maybe he just got done at the gym  :lol: At least they match his helmet and bike!
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Barbarian on July 19, 2007, 02:43:59 PM
Quote from: "orionburn"
Interesting stat picture, Red. I'd been curious to find out where the majority of impacts are taken on a helmet.


Didn't you guys learn this when you took lessons?
You smack your head in either the temple or the chin when you fall, whether it's from a bicycle, a horse, or a motorbike, because you just can't get your arms up fast enough.

It's the same thing for accidents -- you're more likely to be smacked between your house and the highway by some putz making a left hand turn. Going fast just isn't that dangerous, unless you're speeding your way into a curve.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: orionburn on July 19, 2007, 03:13:59 PM
Quote from: "Barbarian"
Didn't you guys learn this when you took lessons?


They talked about it, but I hadn't seen an actual breakdown to the percentage like the pic Red posted.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: Barbarian on July 20, 2007, 11:10:34 PM
Huh. We had that same picture shown in class.

I took my lessons from the Canada Safety Council.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: stormi on July 21, 2007, 01:38:08 AM
It's nifty to see it though.  I took my lessons privately, so I didn't really have the in class portion.
Title: Wear your gear, or dumba$$ of year...
Post by: elbandito on July 21, 2007, 05:15:45 PM
I don't recall seeing that before.  Of course the last classroom instruction instruction I had was in 2000.  I took the experienced rider's course in 2005, but that was all range time.