Safety Vest....puss equipment??
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 13
From: Southeast WI
If I know I will be out after dark on country roads I usually wear my reversible leather vest with the high vis on the underside. Just flip it inside out before hitting the road. Helps me feel a little more visible and comfortable. And to hell with that ******** who made the comment.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 863
Likes: 1,318
From: So Cal
Tell you what started me wearing a high Viz reflective jacket at night:
I was driving bumper to bumper at 80mph on the Garden State Parkway going through Newark and two sets of bikes squeezed through the mess just missing cars by inches as they wove through traffic.
The first group was wearing black jackets. I literally couldn't even see them.
All I saw was their very weak tag and tail lights from behind...just barely.
The second group was wearing high viz jackets AND reflectors on their saddlebags AND reflectors on their helmets.
The car headlights were lighting these guys up like daylight.
Next day I bought more gear for night rides.
My lights are bright forward and aft so I don't bother in the daytime.
I already am visible to anyone that isn't in a coma.
But at NIGHT it's a very dark world out there.
I was driving bumper to bumper at 80mph on the Garden State Parkway going through Newark and two sets of bikes squeezed through the mess just missing cars by inches as they wove through traffic.
The first group was wearing black jackets. I literally couldn't even see them.
All I saw was their very weak tag and tail lights from behind...just barely.
The second group was wearing high viz jackets AND reflectors on their saddlebags AND reflectors on their helmets.
The car headlights were lighting these guys up like daylight.
Next day I bought more gear for night rides.
My lights are bright forward and aft so I don't bother in the daytime.
I already am visible to anyone that isn't in a coma.
But at NIGHT it's a very dark world out there.
This post has me thinking (that's why I'm loving this forum). I would have never considered wearing a safety vest but as I thought about what was said here in this post it reminded me of when I ride at night, I'm always watching my mirrors for those coming up behind me. Not so much in traffic, but on those late night evenings when drivers are pushing the speed limit to the extremes. In these cases, I won't ride in the far left lane because that's where the wrong way drivers will be and then you have to watch for the speeders in all the other lanes. I'm talking about city freeways where there can be as many as 7 lanes. I really don't see where a safety vest will help during the daytime but I could definitely see wearing one on those late night rides when everyone is running 80+ miles an hour. So, does this mean I'm becoming a "PUSS" ? Don't think so. My brother in law was killed by being rear ended on his bicycle one evening and he had all the lights and safety gear to be seen. The guy had been drinking and worked for the city. Needless to say, he only did about a year in jail and his DUI was dropped. The city had his back on this one. If you want to look that story up just google Michele Goodpastor.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
Originally Posted by Bartender
This post has me thinking (that's why I'm loving this forum). I would have never considered wearing a safety vest but as I thought about what was said here in this post it reminded me of when I ride at night, I'm always watching my mirrors for those coming up behind me. Not so much in traffic, but on those late night evenings when drivers are pushing the speed limit to the extremes. In these cases, I won't ride in the far left lane because that's where the wrong way drivers will be and then you have to watch for the speeders in all the other lanes. I'm talking about city freeways where there can be as many as 7 lanes. I really don't see where a safety vest will help during the daytime but I could definitely see wearing one on those late night rides when everyone is running 80+ miles an hour. So, does this mean I'm becoming a "PUSS" ? Don't think so. My brother in law was killed by being rear ended on his bicycle one evening and he had all the lights and safety gear to be seen. The guy had been drinking and worked for the city. Needless to say, he only did about a year in jail and his DUI was dropped. The city had his back on this one. If you want to look that story up just google Michele Goodpastor.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 304
From: mid Michigan
Wear a teck vest when it's cold , I love it for protection. It's made for snowmobileing so it's to warm for summer. Always wear mesh jacket in the summer, get asked alot if I'm hot in that, they just don't know it's cooler but don't look cool. To each there own. Helmet & gloves always.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 154
From: Lake City, Florida
It's a 1969 or so Honda CL350. I bought one brand new when I was a sophomore in high school. Also, the picture is reversed, in real the pipes are on the left side of the bike.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
It'd be somewhat shorter if the BS was removed.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 199
From: Skunk Hollow, TX
I used to ride with a reflective vest. Then I noticed that on an mc with a tour pack the size of our Harley's, about the only thing visible at night is the riders helmet. One would have to be extremely tall for the full effect of a reflective vest to be seen. I do carry one should I have to stop roadside at night.
