Here it is. Not knocking anyone, I believe gear is a choice. Its one I choose to make. I always wear boots, jeans, jacket, gloves, helmet, glasses. If im on a sportbike, its a full-face shoei and full-suit leather. Im not a weekend warrior, or a RUB, and I dont do it to look cool.

I've seen enough wrecks on and off the race track(roadraced for 10 years, will again) where gear helped, and also when a lack of gear didnt. I know my fiance would not be here for me today had she not been wearing her Suomi fullface and armored vanson armored full-suit leathers when she wrecked two summers ago, and I would have had to watch her die. I choose to wear my gear because of those around me whom I love dearly and dont want to lose, or have them lose me.

So, do you wear gear? How much do you wear? And why did you make that choice?

I try to make sure I have at least boots, jeans and my colors whenever I ride. I usually have on a t-shirt too. I do NOT dress for the "wreck". When ever the Lord decides to promote me to heaven, I'm ready and willing to go. I don't care what I look like when I ride... I don't really care what my bike looks like, whether or not it's clean or shiney, or whether anyone else approves... I ride for me and me alone.

I don't need a jacket due to heat issues. I can't wear my boot due to medical problems left foot wont even go into the top of boot due to swelling. So I wear my helmet. My head fit's in it gald it did not swell up like my foot. When it's cold I wear Jacket, gloves, and helmet.

We take two big trips a year of 7K plus, riding from 32 degrees to 107, (sometimes within a 45 min. period) at some time you wear everything you got.

I generally use all five of them.

I was looking for the DILLIGAF option...:eek:

typically:

Jeans, gloves, boots, helmet, and my..."hit air" air bag vest.

go ahead and laugh. I like it.

rob

I wear goggles for my eyes and boots on my feet. Leather jacket and gloves in the cold weather - none when its warm (jeans and T shirt in warm weather). No helmet unless I'm riding in a state that requires one. That's about the extent of my gear..... Oh yea, ear plugs, always

FF Helmet, armored textile jacket (mesh version in summer), armored textile all season overpants, boots, and gloves. I'm not afraid of the wreck that kills me, rather I fear the one that doesn't kill me. For that option I want every chance I can give myself to avoid broken bones, bruises, and road rash. Also I definitely ride defensively to avoid the crash, but unfortunately I can't do anything about the cage driver that does the unexpected or unpredictable. If you ever end up on the ground you will be wearing exactly what you were wearing when you rode away from home.

Now for some honesty; I didn't always subscribe to the all the gear all the time philosophy, and I have broken bones, been bruised, and suffered road rash in the last 37 years. The conclusion I came to was that that stuff hurts and as I get older I am far less willing to chance it, and ultimately when I dress as stated above I arrive at my destination whether it be 8 miles one way to work or 500+ miles per day on a long road trip I am cleaner, less fatigued, less dehydrated, and not suffering wind or sunburn.

If others choose different levels of protection that is their choice. My onlywish is that they make that choice based on a full understanding of the consequences, and and acceptance of the risk.

Enjoy the ride, I'll wave regardless of how you are dressed.

FWIW, a couple of years ago, I helped pick up a bike that had fallen over at a red light..we went to help the rider up, fully suited up, overpants, long sleeve armored jacket...head to toe to gloves, full face helmet, etc even tho the temps had been over 100 for weeks...he wasn't moving and someone called 911...heat exhaustion, going into cardiac arrest...the paramedics couldn't believe anyone would have all that on in those kind of temps...a little common sense has to come into play sometime... just sayin'...

It's 92* outside here, How much do you think you can wear. I got a T-Shirt and vest.

Heat related illnesses are serious and once experienced it is easier for a repeat. When traveling long distance I use a hydration system so I can drink water on demand while riding. My gear is designed for some flow through ventilation so I actually experience some evaporative cooling while moving. I personally have a pretty high tolerance to heat, but my wife does not so I must account for her health and needs when we ride also. Hot weather riding requires frequent breaks and good hydration regardless of the gear worn. Also riding in a t-shirt and jeans will dehydrate someone much faster than a rider wearing gear such as I use. We all have limitations that can affect our safety when riding. Awareness and informed decisions are what make it right for each rider.

FWIW wearing the gear listed in my previous post and using the hydration system mentioned above I rode 1700 miles from SC to NM on I-40 in mid-August in 3 days averaging over 600 miles each the 1st two days in temperatures in excess of 100 degrees F. I typically consumed 150+ ounces of water from the hydration pack during the day and more in the evening before going to bed.

Your point about heat exhaustion is valid in that it is a hazard we need to manage, but I have provided1st aid to a passenger (not mine) suffering heat exhaustion at Laughlin who was wearing a tank top and shorts. She was in bad enough shape we called the paramedics and she was transported to the ER. Attributing the riding gear as the sole cause of the heat exhaustion example in the previous post is unrealistic because many other factors such as general health, prior exposure, dehydration, hang over, other illness are probable contributors as well.

JMO

ORIGINAL: rwagon57
I'm not afraid of the wreck that kills me, rather I fear the one that doesn't kill me. For that option I want every chance I can give myself to avoid broken bones, bruises, and road rash. Also I definitely ride defensively to avoid the crash, but unfortunately I can't do anything about the cage driver that does the unexpected or unpredictable. If you ever end up on the ground you will be wearing exactly what you were wearing when you rode away from home.
Enjoy the ride, I'll wave regardless of how you are dressed.


Well stated! Everything I wear is for function, not fashion. Boots, jeans, jacket, gloves, goggles or shades depending if I have the windshield on or not, chaps when it's colder and so on. I'll wave too, especially if it's a naked woman with big hooters... ah but that's another thread...

ORIGINAL: mongoose

I generally use all five of them.



Ahhhh....there's six choices....jus sayin :D


Sup Goose ;)

is that a life jacket ? or is it like puff up pecs

I wear most of the gear until I start cookin. Then the jacket comes off.

Most of it regardless of heat as it never get that hot here.

"Attributing the riding gear as the sole cause of the heat exhaustion example in the previous post is unrealistic because many other factors such as general health, prior exposure, dehydration, hang over, other illness are probable contributors as well."


Granted, lot's of factors enter into heat exhaustion, but in the case I spoke of, the paramedics were real certain the rider's gear was a major cause...on the other side of the coin, I'm pretty certain if I went out into a snowstorm @ 0 degrees in my swimming trunks and flip flops, my attire would probably bethe major contributing factor in the resulting hyperthermia and frostbite...
again, just sayin', a little common sense...:D

hey swordy-
ha ha.. not really either.. though I guess it's more like a life jacket than the latter.

it's designed to protect the rider when thrown from the bike. You can check it out at http:www.hit-air.com

you'll be able to get a better idea what it's all about.

a jacket like this saved a dude's life on the highway last year in baltimore. I have two little girls at home and use any reasonable method to protect myself.

it's really not a bad looking vest. no one would ever know what it was.

rob

ORIGINAL: rwagon57
...armored textile jacket...


LMAO! On first pass, I read this as "armored testicle jacket," and thought... WHAT?!?!?!

ORIGINAL: JDRay

ORIGINAL: rwagon57
...armored textile jacket...


LMAO! On first pass, I read this as "armored testicle jacket," and thought... WHAT?!?!?!




and now, everyone will want one...:D

ORIGINAL: rob i

hey swordy-
ha ha.. not really either.. though I guess it's more like a life jacket than the latter.

it's designed to protect the rider when thrown from the bike. You can check it out at http:www.hit-air.com

you'll be able to get a better idea what it's all about.

a jacket like this saved a dude's life on the highway last year in baltimore. I have two little girls at home and use any reasonable method to protect myself.

it's really not a bad looking vest. no one would ever know what it was.

rob


rob -
Where did you find these jackets/vests? I went on line to the site, but there's no info about any dealers, etc.
Did you have to buy direct from Japan?
CAK

ORIGINAL: *NIGHT TRAIN*

I was looking for the DILLIGAF option...:eek:


http://www.hdforums.com/micons/m9.gifhttp://www.hdforums.com/micons/m9.gif

.02 mostly use em all. will sometimes skip the lid in states that allow it. Pretty cold here for most of the riding season so usally wear it all. The jacket will change with the season but usally always wear one except in parades then it is a vest.

ORIGINAL: rwagon57

FF Helmet, armored textile jacket (mesh version in summer), armored textile all season overpants, boots, and gloves. I'm not afraid of the wreck that kills me, rather I fear the one that doesn't kill me. For that option I want every chance I can give myself to avoid broken bones, bruises, and road rash. Also I definitely ride defensively to avoid the crash, but unfortunately I can't do anything about the cage driver that does the unexpected or unpredictable. If you ever end up on the ground you will be wearing exactly what you were wearing when you rode away from home.

Now for some honesty; I didn't always subscribe to the all the gear all the time philosophy, and I have broken bones, been bruised, and suffered road rash in the last 37 years. The conclusion I came to was that that stuff hurts and as I get older I am far less willing to chance it, and ultimately when I dress as stated above I arrive at my destination whether it be 8 miles one way to work or 500+ miles per day on a long road trip I am cleaner, less fatigued, less dehydrated, and not suffering wind or sunburn.

If others choose different levels of protection that is their choice. My onlywish is that they make that choice based on a full understanding of the consequences, and and acceptance of the risk.

Enjoy the ride, I'll wave regardless of how you are dressed.


I disagree, Daily I avoid there unexpected and unpredictable actions, because I ride like I drive in a constant state of defense................just sayin

ORIGINAL: rwagon57

FF Helmet, armored textile jacket (mesh version in summer), armored textile all season overpants, boots, and gloves. I'm not afraid of the wreck that kills me, rather I fear the one that doesn't kill me. For that option I want every chance I can give myself to avoid broken bones, bruises, and road rash. Also I definitely ride defensively to avoid the crash, but unfortunately I can't do anything about the cage driver that does the unexpected or unpredictable. If you ever end up on the ground you will be wearing exactly what you were wearing when you rode away from home.

Now for some honesty; I didn't always subscribe to the all the gear all the time philosophy, and I have broken bones, been bruised, and suffered road rash in the last 37 years. The conclusion I came to was that that stuff hurts and as I get older I am far less willing to chance it, and ultimately when I dress as stated above I arrive at my destination whether it be 8 miles one way to work or 500+ miles per day on a long road trip I am cleaner, less fatigued, less dehydrated, and not suffering wind or sunburn.

If others choose different levels of protection that is their choice. My only wish is that they make that choice based on a full understanding of the consequences, and and acceptance of the risk.

Enjoy the ride, I'll wave regardless of how you are dressed.


Coudn't say it better! I went down last week due to the unexpected and unpredictable. FF helmet saved injury and/or death (landed head-first on the car, then for good measuere, bounced on the pavement). CAT scans were all clear. No road rash or scrapes - leather all the way around took the beating. Broke a wrist and collarbone. Don't think any other gear could have prevented that.

Usually everything but the jacket. Depends on the weather.
MikeM

hey pivolovingbear...

they are hard to find here. a site called bikebone.com has them for sale. decent prices as well. I got the "equestrian vest" which is aimed at horseback riders, but works for a motorcycle as long as you get the longer lanyard. They have a decent assortment of other airbag jackets from hit air, at least they did the last time I checked.

you can also try impactjackets.com, they make a similar jacket to hit air's, though i've heard the quality isn't quite as good as hit air's.

Rob

Always boot, jeans, helmet, and my cut. Tried chucks once and it rained. Wasn't even in the forecast.

Have to wear the full face all the time right now cause the eyes are rejecting contacts, but half around town normally and the full face for the 40 mile ride to work along I-10.

wife got a 2nd degree sun burn from lack of cover on a 250 trip. Lets not for get the sun screen.

ORIGINAL: cou9ar

ORIGINAL: rwagon57

but unfortunately I can't do anything about the cage driver that does the unexpected or unpredictable.


I disagree, Daily I avoid there unexpected and unpredictable actions, because I ride like I drive in a constant state of defense................just sayin



I agree with cou9ar. That is how some of us have managed to still be here after riding for several decades, and several hundred thousand miles. And for me summer riding, it was 112 degrees today, means t-shirts and levis. And sunscreen and vents in my full face helmet.

Ron

Up until a year or so ago it was always, no matter how hot, a beanie helmet (even w/ a no helmet law), traditional black leather jacket, leather gloves, jeans and work boots. Of late I been relaxing a little and riding with a lite, long sleeved fleece zippered jacket with leather vest over the top. And either a mic'd KBC helmet or a nolan 102 and leather gloves. When it gets a little colder I have swapped the 30 year old black leather jacket for atourmaster cortech 3/4 coat with kevlar in elbows,shoulders and lower back. I delude myself into thinking it will assist my survival when hit by a vehicle at 70 mph.







local://upfiles/47168/5EE41EBCF4DF4B159D5B15FD9CF60C18.jpg

I use all 5 gears!

I dress for the fall not the ride!!!!!!

Hell who am I kidding, I have ridden in shorts and a tshirt with not helmet many many many times!!!!!!!
when riding the busa I wear full gear but for some reason on the harley I feel that is not necessary, [sm=dontgetit.gif]

ORIGINAL: cou9ar

ORIGINAL: rwagon57

FF Helmet, armored textile jacket (mesh version in summer), armored textile all season overpants, boots, and gloves. I'm not afraid of the wreck that kills me, rather I fear the one that doesn't kill me. For that option I want every chance I can give myself to avoid broken bones, bruises, and road rash. Also I definitely ride defensively to avoid the crash, but unfortunately I can't do anything about the cage driver that does the unexpected or unpredictable. If you ever end up on the ground you will be wearing exactly what you were wearing when you rode away from home.

Now for some honesty; I didn't always subscribe to the all the gear all the time philosophy, and I have broken bones, been bruised, and suffered road rash in the last 37 years. The conclusion I came to was that that stuff hurts and as I get older I am far less willing to chance it, and ultimately when I dress as stated above I arrive at my destination whether it be 8 miles one way to work or 500+ miles per day on a long road trip I am cleaner, less fatigued, less dehydrated, and not suffering wind or sunburn.

If others choose different levels of protection that is their choice. My only wish is that they make that choice based on a full understanding of the consequences, and and acceptance of the risk.

Enjoy the ride, I'll wave regardless of how you are dressed.


I disagree, Daily I avoid there unexpected and unpredictable actions, because I ride like I drive in a constant state of defense................just sayin



It's great that your luck has held out and I sincerely hope that it continues to do so. I drive/ride extremely defensively and have been in two unexpected/unpredictable situations where there was NOTHING that could be done except to try to minimize the hit and make the situation non-fatal for me. They're out there............just sayin' [&:]

i wear all - for some reason, just don't feel right without a helmet, plus i kinda promised the daughter that i would always wear one - besides, my helmet has the headphones from the stereo

boots, always, part of the reason is that i have short legs and i need the extra sole/heel height in the boots, plus the added traction of the studded soles

jeans, and sometimes overpants, usually on trips- mesh or leather - but recently i aquired some kevlar leggins - so will try the out under the jeans - might so a lighter thickness jean when using those - also have tried the fire hose pants too - heavier cotton

gloves - always - didn't use to wear gloves - now i wear them when riding all the time

i have worn a mesh jacket in hot weather with no problem when moving - just got one of the tuff-n-lite shirt - jury is still out on it - might have gotten it a bit too big, but whatever

don't like pain - don't like road rash - wanna die with an open casket

still am careful about driving defensively

from time to time wish i could be more free with the wind blowing and all that - whatever - but i just know i wouldn't feel right

that air vest - like the idea, but with my luck i would get off and forget to detach the inflate cord

Hey...ain't knockin anyone...but if I wore all the stuff some of ya's is describin...I'd forget what the hell I was 'bout to do by the time I got dressed...just kiddin...I forget what I'm 'bout to do most times without gettin dressed. :D

ACC carbon fiber beanie (DOT), boots, jeans, chaps when it's cold, gloves (fingerless when it's hot), XL-1 goggles, armored leather jacket up to about 80 degrees, then it's a long-sleeved T-shirt up to 90 degrees, then a regular T-shirt.

I'll probably look into some armored jeans this summer, but I've yet to find any jacket that keeps me cool in the dead of summer.

Helmet, gloves, and boots are the minimum. I prefer chaps and jacket too but with Arkansas summers it's just too hot.

Most times a jacket, but always a helmet, jeans, gloves and boots.

thanks for the info Rob - I'll check it out!

I hate to admit this but I've taken a header off the bike at 50-60mph when I was younger. Had I not had the helmet on (in a no helmet state) I just don't know. It was a novelty beanie helmet too. It got gouged and scraped but head was just fine. It wasn't the fall that hurt...it was the landing. Leather jacket and pants were scuffed to shiet but not me. Caught the handle bars in the back is what did the damage. I thought I was okay until the trooper suggested I reached behind and feel my back. I did and I discovered major damage. I was walking arounding thinking to myself that as long as I am walking I am not dead.

While what you wear is a personal choice, my choice which was based on the old timers before me, was to never get on a bike w/out at least long pants, appropriate boots, leather jacket,gloves and helmet. We live and die by our choices,eh.

ORIGINAL: cwilks

ORIGINAL: mongoose

I generally use all five of them.



Ahhhh....there's six choices....jus sayin :D


Sup Goose ;)



Uh, mine only has 4, so I kick (like Fred Flintstone) with the right foot for fifth, and both feet for sixth. But I have yet to notice an increase in my mileage. Do I need an upgrade? Can the dealer install or should I have the neighbor kid do it after he mows the lawn? ;);););)

We almost always pull out of the drive in full leathers, even on hot days. A hot day for us is over 90*, here, not the egg fryin' stuff some of you have.
Momma always wears her bucket on her scoot, I wear mine when that li'l voice in my bean talks funny to me.
Gloves 90% or more of the time, as much for warmth as protection. I have had hypothermia from gettin' too cold on the scoot. The brain slows down even more than normal. :D:D:D:D:D
And I wear nothing but kaboy boots, anytime. (I own 2 pair of sneaks, they are like new, and over 15 yrs old.)(My sandals I bought in Hawaii in the mid 70's, and I wear them to the shower in Sturgis or at rallies)