Summer Protective Gear?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 770
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
Glad to see you are taking a serious look at PPE. With my job, I've run too many motorcycle wrecks, and seen guys sustain injuries that could have easily been prevented.
About the hydration pack, give it some serious thought for even shorter rides. Sixty miles is enough to start seeing the effects of dehydration, it really all depends on the heat. Even a little dehydration can cause some lags in reflexes.
About the hydration pack, give it some serious thought for even shorter rides. Sixty miles is enough to start seeing the effects of dehydration, it really all depends on the heat. Even a little dehydration can cause some lags in reflexes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
I was taken out by a teen driver in a left-turn accident many years ago. Fortunately, I was able to walk away thanks to protective gear.
As the saying goes, Dress for the crash, not for the ride.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
I took a fall at about 45 mph under unusual circumstances. If it had happened to someone else, I'd have said that they just screwed up but sometimes things aren't always as obvious as one might think.
Anyway, I was wearing a light jacket and blue jeans in mid July temps in New Mexico. It was very comfortable and it afforded me absolutely no protection. I lost most of the skin on the underside of my left forarm and took stitches in my left elbow and right knee. I felt like a herd of elephants had held a tap dancing contest on the rest of my body for the next 4 to 5 days. At that point in time, I'd have payed anything to have had better (read effective) riding gear. My excuses for not buying proper riding gear before were cost and heat concerns.
I finally invested in a mesh ventilated leather jacket that I wore for 6 or 7 years. I've been wearing an Aerostich Darien jacket and pant since around 1994. It comes with a zip in liner and has zippered ventilation under the arms and across the back. I've worn it in temps from the low 40's to 105 degrees or so and it works very well. In summer temps, as long as you're moving, I think you'll find it more than comfortable, at least I have. Of course, if you get caught in traffic, you'll be feeling the heat. That'll be the case no matter what you're wearing. It'll feel pretty good once you get going again.
I've had many people through the years ask how I can handle the summer heat while wearing the Darien. All I can tell you is that I'd rather sweat than bleed. I've done both and the former definitely beats the later!
Anyway, I was wearing a light jacket and blue jeans in mid July temps in New Mexico. It was very comfortable and it afforded me absolutely no protection. I lost most of the skin on the underside of my left forarm and took stitches in my left elbow and right knee. I felt like a herd of elephants had held a tap dancing contest on the rest of my body for the next 4 to 5 days. At that point in time, I'd have payed anything to have had better (read effective) riding gear. My excuses for not buying proper riding gear before were cost and heat concerns.
I finally invested in a mesh ventilated leather jacket that I wore for 6 or 7 years. I've been wearing an Aerostich Darien jacket and pant since around 1994. It comes with a zip in liner and has zippered ventilation under the arms and across the back. I've worn it in temps from the low 40's to 105 degrees or so and it works very well. In summer temps, as long as you're moving, I think you'll find it more than comfortable, at least I have. Of course, if you get caught in traffic, you'll be feeling the heat. That'll be the case no matter what you're wearing. It'll feel pretty good once you get going again.
I've had many people through the years ask how I can handle the summer heat while wearing the Darien. All I can tell you is that I'd rather sweat than bleed. I've done both and the former definitely beats the later!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
I have seen those vanson leathers with padding they look nice, but priced a little high. But are they made with leather other then just in the arms for each protection?
Nice them about them is that you can unzip and take off if need be.
I may be talking alot about protective gear, padding etc., however it's just that I have seen too many of my friends go down unexpectedly, unseen dirt in the corner, bad cage drivers etc and the time spent in the hospital is not for me. A bike can be replaced.
Protective gear is a life for me and I do really care what others wear to be assess what I may like to wear also.
So far we have some good warm weather choices from the replies.
Makes people really think about what to wear always.
Thanks
Nice them about them is that you can unzip and take off if need be.
I may be talking alot about protective gear, padding etc., however it's just that I have seen too many of my friends go down unexpectedly, unseen dirt in the corner, bad cage drivers etc and the time spent in the hospital is not for me. A bike can be replaced.
Protective gear is a life for me and I do really care what others wear to be assess what I may like to wear also.
So far we have some good warm weather choices from the replies.
Makes people really think about what to wear always.
Thanks
Ride Safe
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 743
Likes: 4
From: Ohio
I have the draggin jeans mesh shirt. I hate it. It's hot and uncomfortable. I'm much more comfortable in a tee shirt with my first gear mesh jacket. It also has pads in it. Although 95% of the time when it's nice out I don't wear it. Usually just the tee shirt.
I almost always wear the draggin jeans pants though. Got to get more disciplined on wearing the mesh jacket. I always make my teen age son wear it when he rides with me.
Good luck
I almost always wear the draggin jeans pants though. Got to get more disciplined on wearing the mesh jacket. I always make my teen age son wear it when he rides with me.
Good luck
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Puyallup, Washington
I wear a mesh jacket with armor in it. It stays nice and cool, and I feel well protected in it in case I go down. Mine has a very thin waterproof liner that stashes in my saddlebags easily in case it rains or the temps drop.