How much gear do you use?
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[Poll]
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How much gear do you use?
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| Yes. Full gear. Boots, jeans, jacket, gloves, helmet(DOT) |
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| Yes, a combination of 3 of those mentioned. |
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| Yes, two of those mentioned |
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| Just one. |
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| Sometimes |
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| No. No helmet. No gear. |
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Total Votes : 96
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(last vote on : 5/20/2008 3:49:41 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )
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How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 6:44:17 AM
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satansoft
Posts: 123
Joined: 3/20/2008
Status: offline
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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?
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 7:28:30 AM
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jimrs
Posts: 49
Joined: 1/27/2008
Status: offline
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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.
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2003 FLHTC
Louisiana
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 8:04:55 AM
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old95
Posts: 504
Joined: 4/10/2007
From: Flowery Branch, Ga.
Status: offline
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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.
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 8:35:55 AM
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mongoose
Posts: 51
Joined: 8/7/2007
Status: offline
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I generally use all five of them.
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2001 FXDXT
PGR member
ABATE member, Indiana region 11
HOG member Indy chapter 1
NRA member
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 8:53:06 AM
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*NIGHT TRAIN*
Posts: 1477
Joined: 2/8/2008
Status: offline
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I was looking for the DILLIGAF option...
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The Pussification Of The American Biker Is Upon Us.
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 8:56:16 AM
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rob i
Posts: 646
Joined: 5/4/2006
From: Londonderry, NH
Status: offline
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typically:
Jeans, gloves, boots, helmet, and my..."hit air" air bag vest.
go ahead and laugh. I like it.
rob
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 9:10:22 AM
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rwagon57
Posts: 260
Joined: 7/4/2006
From: Albuquerque, NM
Status: offline
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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.
_____________________________
John
All the gear, all the time, ride for the best, dress for the worst
2007 FLHTCU Black Cherry Pearl/Pewter Pearl
1957 Ford RanchWagon
1955 Chevy PU
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 10:31:57 AM
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*NIGHT TRAIN*
Posts: 1477
Joined: 2/8/2008
Status: offline
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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'...
_____________________________
The Pussification Of The American Biker Is Upon Us.
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 12:05:46 PM
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rwagon57
Posts: 260
Joined: 7/4/2006
From: Albuquerque, NM
Status: offline
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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 provided 1st 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
_____________________________
John
All the gear, all the time, ride for the best, dress for the worst
2007 FLHTCU Black Cherry Pearl/Pewter Pearl
1957 Ford RanchWagon
1955 Chevy PU
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 12:07:18 PM
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DMas
Posts: 141
Joined: 5/5/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
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...
_____________________________
I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me.
Hunter S. Thompson (1939 - 2005)
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 1:14:50 PM
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swordy
Posts: 148
Joined: 2/24/2008
Status: offline
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is that a life jacket ? or is it like puff up pecs
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 1:17:41 PM
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olddude48
Posts: 539
Joined: 5/9/2008
Status: offline
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I wear most of the gear until I start cookin. Then the jacket comes off.
_____________________________
2000 Heritage
2002 FXD
He asked for all things that he might enjoy life he was given life that he might enjoy all things. Author Unknown
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 1:33:11 PM
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Gaffy52
Posts: 609
Joined: 4/27/2008
Status: online
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Most of it regardless of heat as it never get that hot here.
_____________________________
'07 Pewter Denim Bobber
Stage 1 & Kitech Fueler
V&H Big Radius pipes
Progressive rear shocks & fork spring
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 1:34:48 PM
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*NIGHT TRAIN*
Posts: 1477
Joined: 2/8/2008
Status: offline
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"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 be the major contributing factor in the resulting hyperthermia and frostbite...
again, just sayin', a little common sense...
_____________________________
The Pussification Of The American Biker Is Upon Us.
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 1:36:42 PM
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rob i
Posts: 646
Joined: 5/4/2006
From: Londonderry, NH
Status: offline
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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
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 1:57:13 PM
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*NIGHT TRAIN*
Posts: 1477
Joined: 2/8/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: JDRay
quote:
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...
_____________________________
The Pussification Of The American Biker Is Upon Us.
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 2:45:21 PM
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PivoLovingBear
Posts: 35
Joined: 2/1/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
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
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Lovely day for a Guinness!
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 2:58:34 PM
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Aikzilla
Posts: 21
Joined: 5/17/2008
Status: offline
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.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.
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06 Street Glide, true duals, tour pak and sundowner seat
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 3:19:11 PM
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cou9ar
Posts: 453
Joined: 9/30/2007
From: Gresham, Or
Status: offline
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quote:
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
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Just cause someone sez its so, doesn't make it true
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 3:38:34 PM
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bobbyg12
Posts: 223
Joined: 12/17/2007
From: Detroit, MI
Status: offline
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quote:
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.
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Cheers,
'G'
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 3:45:57 PM
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deadman77
Posts: 2281
Joined: 7/12/2007
From: Chicago, NW suburbs
Status: offline
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Usually everything but the jacket. Depends on the weather.
MikeM
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05 Fatboy
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 7:08:55 PM
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rob i
Posts: 646
Joined: 5/4/2006
From: Londonderry, NH
Status: offline
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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
< Message edited by rob i -- 5/21/2008 5:33:09 AM >
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RE: How much gear do you use? - 5/20/2008 7:50:44 PM
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turbostang
Posts: 37
Joined: 10/27/2007
From: Avondale, AZ
Status: offline
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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.
_____________________________
T.J.
08 Street Bob
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