old - Fazer Owners Club - old
General => General => Topic started by: cfoley on 10 July 2013, 12:22:33 pm
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I stopped riding my bike to work. By the time I have peeled off my leather jacket and changed my boots I'm a sweaty, sticky mess.
Driving to work, I notice a lot of cyclists. I googled cycle shorts and found that they are made of lightweight, high-wicking fabrics. The only protection they offer is SPF 50. (My leather jacket might be perforated but that's neither lightweight nor high wicking!) I've kept pace with some cyclists and the faster of them often do 20 MPH on the road, sometimes faster downhill.
Now, there is a route I can go to work that is 30 MPH the whole way, and I'm wondering if I really need my jacket, boots and knee armour. Is the difference between crashing at 20 MPH and 30 MPH more likely to send me to hospital or am I just at the same level of risk as the cyclists?
Assuming that there isn't much of a difference, one of our cultures is wrong. Are we ridiculously overprotected for low-speed commuting? Are cyclists the crazy ones, zipping about at 20 MPH naked (effectively)?
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http://www.visordown.com/forum/advanced-motorcycle-riding/do-i-really-need-to-wear-a-bike-jacket-if-im-doing-tops-of-30mph/400711.html (http://www.visordown.com/forum/advanced-motorcycle-riding/do-i-really-need-to-wear-a-bike-jacket-if-im-doing-tops-of-30mph/400711.html)
You're not going to like what I'm going to say.
You either play the odds or roll the dice. Wearing protective gear is playing the odds that if you come off you'll come out of it possibly a bit better off. Wearing less is rolling the dice that you'll either be hurt a lot or die :-P.
A motorbike is much heavier, holds caustic (fuel) liquids and, in addition, if you fall off things keep spinning (on a bicycle you'll probably screw up your wheel before it lops your arm off). A motorbike is dramatically more dangerous to fall off than a bicycle.
Your call. No one can make that choice except you.
;)
P.s. If you have kids, think of them not having a father before you make any decision. :lol
P.P.S. This looks like good reading too [size=78%]http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/motorcycle-guides/top-7-things-will-happen-motorcycle-crash-nsfw-pics-video (http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/motorcycle-guides/top-7-things-will-happen-motorcycle-crash-nsfw-pics-video)[/size]
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Big difference between cylist at 30mph and a fazer at 30mph is that if you crash, you dont have a 250 kg bike flying at you, or lying on top of your legs etc.
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I wouldn't ride a bicycle wearing lycra, same as I wouldn't ride my motorbike I wearing thin trousers. Sliding down the road on your arse is going to hurt without some decent protection whether it's at 20 or 30mph, only difference really is how much skin you leave behind.
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I wouldn't ride a bicycle wearing lycra, same as I wouldn't ride my motorbike I wearing thin trousers. Sliding down the road on your arse is going to hurt without some decent protection whether it's at 20 or 30mph, only difference really is how much skin you leave behind.
To be fair lycra is about as protective as an eggshell, it's only designed to hold the contents in and give you a modicum of dignity aside from nudity and often not even then. Lycra is not protection
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[url]http://www.visordown.com/forum/advanced-motorcycle-riding/do-i-really-need-to-wear-a-bike-jacket-if-im-doing-tops-of-30mph/400711.html[/url] ([url]http://www.visordown.com/forum/advanced-motorcycle-riding/do-i-really-need-to-wear-a-bike-jacket-if-im-doing-tops-of-30mph/400711.html[/url])
You're not going to like what I'm going to say.
You either play the odds or roll the dice. Wearing protective gear is playing the odds that if you come off you'll come out of it possibly a bit better off. Wearing less is rolling the dice that you'll either be hurt a lot or die :-P.
A motorbike is much heavier, holds caustic (fuel) liquids and, in addition, if you fall off things keep spinning (on a bicycle you'll probably screw up your wheel before it lops your arm off). A motorbike is dramatically more dangerous to fall off than a bicycle.
Your call. No one can make that choice except you.
Like wot he says - it's your choice. Personally for me gloves, boots and jacket are not negotiable. When its like now I do sometimes ride in jeans / trousers and I DO KNOW ITS A GAMBLE. Textile all weather jacket with all the lining layers removed and all the vents open is tolerable if you can get over 20mph. Parked in traffic is bloody hot - even in Lycra
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To be fair lycra is about as protective as an eggshell, it's only designed to give you a modicum of dignity aside from nudity and often not even then. Lycra is not protection
Sometimes it's virtually the same thing :eek Although on the plus side, you do sometimes get a bird with a nice arse wearing it, and going through London they catch you up at every set of lights :D
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Invest in that mesh jacket stuff which contains the armour but you can see through.
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You're not going to like what I'm going to say.
Actually, I do like what you said and thanks for the links, although I'll wait to get home before reading the second, NSFW one. It's why I asked instead of just going out in jeans and a hoodie.
A motorbike is much heavier, holds caustic (fuel) liquids and, in addition, if you fall off things keep spinning (on a bicycle you'll probably screw up your wheel before it lops your arm off). A motorbike is dramatically more dangerous to fall off than a bicycle.
This is exactly the sort of advice I was looking for.
Invest in that mesh jacket stuff which contains the armour but you can see through.
I've not seen that stuff before. Does it contain protection against sliding along the road or just against bumps?
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You're not going to like what I'm going to say.
Actually, I do like what you said and thanks for the links, although I'll wait to get home before reading the second, NSFW one. It's why I asked instead of just going out in jeans and a hoodie.
A motorbike is much heavier, holds caustic (fuel) liquids and, in addition, if you fall off things keep spinning (on a bicycle you'll probably screw up your wheel before it lops your arm off). A motorbike is dramatically more dangerous to fall off than a bicycle.
This is exactly the sort of advice I was looking for.
Invest in that mesh jacket stuff which contains the armour but you can see through.
I've not seen that stuff before. Does it contain protection against sliding along the road or just against bumps?
If it's the type of thing that I'm thinking of then it's a jacket made of kevlar mesh, fitted with armour. Some slide protection (not as good as leather, but not bad at all), and then has armour fitted. Legs are a bit more tricky, but you could wear proper bike jeans (kevlar lined, armour fitted) as they're nowhere near as hot as leathers?
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That sounds pretty good. I already have (and love) bike jeans. Part of the reason I bought them is for commuting since I can wear jeans at work.
I'll look into the mesh jacket. Is this the idea:
http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/clothing/motorcyle-clothing/jackets/ixon-alloy-mesh-jacket-black.html (http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/clothing/motorcyle-clothing/jackets/ixon-alloy-mesh-jacket-black.html)
(As an aside, I thought Hein Gericke closed down)
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Hein Gericke is still very much alive :)
They went in to administration, but were bought out and saved. Was there about a half hour ago in fact. I noticed this stuff in the store and it seems pretty good - pretty sure that kitcrazy is using it as well when I last saw him on the lofo rides
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I've got a mesh (air flow) jacket, it.s not as good as full leather for protection, but in really hot weather like this, leathers are so uncomfortable I think your concentration could be affected due to the heat :( Air flow jackets give shouder, arm and back protection and are pretty cool in this weather, which helps me concentrate on my crap riding as I feel a lot more comfortable. I only use it when it is really hot like now, but I think it's a compromise, some protection and great comfort, versus good protection but heat distraction. Just my two penny worth...don't shoot me. :)
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I've just bought some Draggin jeans. Definitely more comfy than my leathers. Except yesterday when the gaufe hit 100 and the fan cut in.
Mickey
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Hein Gericke UK went in to administration and was bought by Hein Gericke Gmbh (German parent company) all sounds a bit convenient tbh, but what can you say apart from darn expensive most of the time :lol
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I have a Joe Rocket suit that has detachable panels leaving the mesh "tea bag" effect whilst still containing the protection.
Suit cost ~ 140 quid and also has a waterproof lining (removable)
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I stopped riding my bike to work. By the time I have peeled off my leather jacket and changed my boots I'm a sweaty, sticky mess.
Driving to work, I notice a lot of cyclists. I googled cycle shorts and found that they are made of lightweight, high-wicking fabrics. The only protection they offer is SPF 50. (My leather jacket might be perforated but that's neither lightweight nor high wicking!) I've kept pace with some cyclists and the faster of them often do 20 MPH on the road, sometimes faster downhill.
Now, there is a route I can go to work that is 30 MPH the whole way, and I'm wondering if I really need my jacket, boots and knee armour. Is the difference between crashing at 20 MPH and 30 MPH more likely to send me to hospital or am I just at the same level of risk as the cyclists?
Assuming that there isn't much of a difference, one of our cultures is wrong. Are we ridiculously overprotected for low-speed commuting? Are cyclists the crazy ones, zipping about at 20 MPH naked (effectively)?
I have lots of experience in riding bicycles (some less riding motorcycles), and have fallen many times off both.
Difference:
Motorcycle is heavier. When you drop, it is heavy, can pull you down hard if you don't let go, can fall on you.
Motorcycle can also go a lot faster easily.
When I ride in shorts I usually take it easy. I'm not cooking in long leathers, so am less nervous and can easily ride at 40 km/h. Put cycling helmet, goggles and ride. But I dare not go fast without gear - or very seldom, knowing the risks. When I'm in full leathers, and it's too hot outside, I ride too fast often - which is sometimes more dangerous. In spite of the protective gear.
Gloves are a must. Helmet also.
Today I rode in to work in mesh jacket (summer one), summer gloves, helmet, t-shirt, jeans, sneakers and knee protectors BMX style - like these:
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee149/leaforge/Qtech%20Protection/HingedKneePads2.jpg)
When it's hotter- just shorts and t-shirt. And SLOOOOOOWLY. :)
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Pro skins under my leather trousers and a joe rocket mesh jacket with full pads (£30) from George white!
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My commute through London I do on a bicycle (shorts and T shirt - I recently started wearing a helmet) or motorbike. Max speed limit is 40 if I go up Park Lane, or 30 if I go through Hyde Park which is a lot nicer. I regularly ride over 30mph on the push bike, especially when riding for fun rather than commuting. Travel time is pretty similar - the push bike can squeeze through smaller gaps. The moto can go a bit faster when clear. Both journey have about 35mins moving time and 10 mins sat at traffic lights.
In London it gets hot, and I commute not wearing full kit. I think it is safer than wearing full kit and sweating and getting stressed.
Things I wouldn't go without:
- Helmet (its law sadly)
- Sunglasses so I can ride with the visor up and get max air into the helmet
- Gloves, or leather palmed cycling mitts. The first thing you do when you crash is put your hand out - losing skin from your hands isn't nice.
- I often wear moto boots, but sometimes just my office shows. The moto boots are easier to change gear in.
- Otherwise normal office clothes if it is too hot for a jacket.
It is my call, a risk I take that I am happy with. As said before I cycle a lot and think it would be hypocritical to do that in lycra and gimp up for the same journey at a similar speed. I do ride slower when wearing less protective kit.
I don't think the argument about motos being heavy and therefore more dangerous is that solid. A leather trouser won't protect your leg from being crushed. You might get pinned by the bike so unable to roll and get gravel rash though. A motorbike has a greater tyre contact patch so is 'safer' than the tiny contact patch on the pushbike. If you crash on either bike then being hit by other road users is my biggest worry and there is no effective protection from that!
It is personal choice at the end of the day.
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My commute through London I do on a bicycle (shorts and T shirt - I recently started wearing a helmet) or motorbike. Max speed limit is 40 if I go up Park Lane, or 30 if I go through Hyde Park which is a lot nicer. I regularly ride over 30mph on the push bike, especially when riding for fun rather than commuting. Travel time is pretty similar - the push bike can squeeze through smaller gaps. The moto can go a bit faster when clear. Both journey have about 35mins moving time and 10 mins sat at traffic lights.
In London it gets hot, and I commute not wearing full kit. I think it is safer than wearing full kit and sweating and getting stressed.
Things I wouldn't go without:
- Helmet (its law sadly)
- Sunglasses so I can ride with the visor up and get max air into the helmet
- Gloves, or leather palmed cycling mitts. The first thing you do when you crash is put your hand out - losing skin from your hands isn't nice.
- I often wear moto boots, but sometimes just my office shows. The moto boots are easier to change gear in.
- Otherwise normal office clothes if it is too hot for a jacket.
It is my call, a risk I take that I am happy with. As said before I cycle a lot and think it would be hypocritical to do that in lycra and gimp up for the same journey at a similar speed. I do ride slower when wearing less protective kit.
I don't think the argument about motos being heavy and therefore more dangerous is that solid. A leather trouser won't protect your leg from being crushed. You might get pinned by the bike so unable to roll and get gravel rash though. A motorbike has a greater tyre contact patch so is 'safer' than the tiny contact patch on the pushbike. If you crash on either bike then being hit by other road users is my biggest worry and there is no effective protection from that!
It is personal choice at the end of the day.
Agree with most. However.
1) When cycling, you get more hot than when riding motorcycle. Also, when cycling downhill, I wish I could borrow some protective clothing, just for the ride down.
2) Bike is more dangerous. Hot engine and pipes, heavy itself. So you get to choose:
a) Broken bone (with leaders)
b) Broken bone AND serious deep burns, road rash etc (without em)
So protective gear is very useful, needed and it WORKS. Always.
Having said all this I also think it's better to ride in shorts, slowly, than in leathers. Les stress.
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Also depends on the type of accident, I was I full kit when a car hit me, I was doing 5mph and she was doing about 10mph but she didn't stop and drove over me (2 years recovery), a few years later wearing jeans trainers paddock jacket I high sided my R1 at about 120mph and walked away dislocated shoulder. :)
In the wet I use armoured stuff, on long rides a mix of leathers/ armour, for the 10 min commute (dry) amour jacket/ jeans/ sidi boots but always gloves.
its a gamble because you don't know what type of crash you going to have ( none hopefully) :) :)
Mark
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That sounds pretty good. I already have (and love) bike jeans. Part of the reason I bought them is for commuting since I can wear jeans at work.
I'll look into the mesh jacket. Is this the idea:
[url]http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/clothing/motorcyle-clothing/jackets/ixon-alloy-mesh-jacket-black.html[/url] ([url]http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/clothing/motorcyle-clothing/jackets/ixon-alloy-mesh-jacket-black.html[/url])
(As an aside, I thought Hein Gericke closed down)
Not really, the stuff i was thinking of, no idea what its called, but, Henry Cole wears it, the presenter of the motorbike show like this.
https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/the-motorbike-show (https://www.itv.com/itvplayer/the-motorbike-show)
Although not the leather waist coat, :lol
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Have had minor gravel rash and a couple of cracked ribs when knocked off in jeans and t-shirt.
Smashed my shoulder and arm, broke my leg, punctured spleen, liver, intestine and lung, collapsed other lung, broke 8 or 9 ribs etc etc, all in one accident, when riding in full leathers, boots, gloves, the lot.
Where does this leave me? I'll tell you where. If everybody stopped selling all the protective gear, I'd still ride. So there... :nana
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Maybe have a look at moto cross gear ?
This kinda stuff: http://www.ghostbikes.com/categorylist/Off-Road-Gear-Motocross-Armour/ (http://www.ghostbikes.com/categorylist/Off-Road-Gear-Motocross-Armour/)
(http://images.esellerpro.com/2189/I/420/96/medscaleKnox-Cross-Shirt-Armoured-Protector-Jacket-0.jpg)
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I have many years ago ridden a 650cc AJS wearing just shorts and sandels, no crash helmet either then, cool but stupid, and have ridden in t-shirt and jeans when I had a 535 and of course helmet, but if you slide down the road it's going to hurt and if you're unlucky it's months of skin grafting which is even more pain?
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In work this morning (Dublin) I saw a fella commuting on a Ducati Monster, lovely bike but it wasn't the bike that drew my attention. The guy was wearing a suit, shirt tie jacket the works, shoes a helmet and .... a satchel. A brown leather man bag. Now he did have a nice Shoei helmet on but unless his suit was made of kevlar any accident and he is in trouble.
A year or two ago here in Dublin some of the lads in work dealt with an accident where an 80+ year old man driving a toyota hiace sized van knocked down a biker who got caught up in part of the van and dragged by it for 4-500 metres, the old fogey hadn't a clue he even hit a bike never mind was dragging the driver along the tarmac at 40km/h+.
My point is regardless of how you drive, you have every chance of being taken out of it by someone else and speed may not be a factor at all (above).
I've only been riding since May 2012 and in all that time have been an ATGATT person all the way. Until this week, the weather has been so hot I've dropped the bottoms I have for jeans which are cooler but once it cools down again the gear will be going back on.
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In this weather if you are wearing loads of gear, well the heat and dehydration might make you more likely to have an accident.
At the same time you can get knocked down by some lunatic just crossing the street, but we don't walk aboot in full PPE all day every day.
There's loads of folks who don their fancy leathers, PPE etc and it make em feel safe, so they ride faster, take more risks.
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The only thing I've been known to change is my trousers which at the minimum are normal jeans but the rest of the time I have my kevlar jeans with armour. I wear full protective clothing for everything else
So far, I haven't had to deal with the temperatures getting too high. I don't have to commute and very rarely ride around towns or cities where the traffic slows down - this means I can keep a bit of speed and stay relatively cool even on the hottest days.
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I do actually always wear a proper jacket with armour (textile) and gloves even in this heat nowadays, but have worn jeans etc throughout most of my riding career. I don't have proper bike boots at the moment (temporarily), but even the Nikes I'm wearing give a modicum of ankle protection. Of course once we're back to wet weather (default setting!) this'll have to change.
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I dont get this jeans thing, when my kids were young they reguarly took out the knees of their jeans just from tripping over!! why do you not value your legs as much as the rest of you? ....old woman attitude maybe :rolleyes just dont get the logic :eek
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You can be the best safest rider in the world when suddenly it all goes "t**s up"-loose gravel, diesel ,blind innatentive phone obsessed cager,private hire driver who has just finished a 15hr shift going home like a zombie on auto-pilot. Ah you say but my observational skills are so good I would have spotted all these potential hazards& more. Well all these things have happened to me and believe me you don't want to be using your skin like a pan scourer on the tarmac or trying to lift a bike off your leg while the header pipe is intent on giving you deep burns to thecalf/inner thigh or whatever. Forget all this "fashion" shit- it really is about self-preservation and while no jacket or trousers will prevent severe crush injuries you can avoid all the pain & tears resulting from having your skin flayed off by the road surface. Buy the best you can afford from helmet to boots-its easier to repair/replace a bike than undergo skin grafts & reconstructive surgery. Cagers think they are safe behind their glass and dashboard-have you ever experienced a 25-30mph impact in a car-say hitting a tree or lamp post/-even with a seat belt/air bags its a bit like falling face down from a 30 foot building-
Does it matter what the cyclists wear-its their choice-their body-you don't even have to undergo any training to cycle on the roads-Im not prejudiced against cyclists I have been on for most of my life-seem to remember doing a ROSPA cycling proficiency course in 1959. :lol Lost the badge but still got the certificate!-its good to be certified!! :eek :rollin :rollin
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Why jeans? Firstly because I find textile armoured trousers to be far too warm in the summer. Secondly, because most of my riding is done to visit places of interest, where I don't want the bother of having to change when I get there, and don't currently have a top box to stuff it all in. Thirdly, when I started riding, there wasn't all this protective gear available anyway, everyone wore jeans and I guess that's stuck with some of us. In my 30 odd years of riding, I've come off the bike, now let's see, 6 times I think, and as far as legs are concerned, only had minor gravel rash on a knee once (whilst in jeans). I have also worked in parts/clothing depts. in bike shops for about ten years and always recommended to customers that they get fully kitted, after that it's their choice. If you decide to do one thing or another, I'm not going to criticise you for it, that's your choice, and I don't want to take that away from you.
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Why jeans? Firstly because I find textile armoured trousers to be far too warm in the summer. Secondly, because most of my riding is done to visit places of interest, where I don't want the bother of having to change when I get there, and don't currently have a top box to stuff it all in. Thirdly, when I started riding, there wasn't all this protective gear available anyway, everyone wore jeans and I guess that's stuck with some of us. In my 30 odd years of riding, I've come off the bike, now let's see, 6 times I think, and as far as legs are concerned, only had minor gravel rash on a knee once (whilst in jeans). I have also worked in parts/clothing depts. in bike shops for about ten years and always recommended to customers that they get fully kitted, after that it's their choice. If you decide to do one thing or another, I'm not going to criticise you for it, that's your choice, and I don't want to take that away from you.
Fair enough, believe me i am not critising, i too passed back in 1975 and wouldnt have ever considered any sort of safety gear and saw many a nasty injury including a good friend that came off wearing a skirt riding pillion and lost alot more than just skin :o but it still didnt change my attitude, but then again the choices werent there either, certainly not the gear we have on offer now.But i have changed and i suppose my self preservason has changed too, so i am not critising just wondered what the thought process was as it seemed some valued one part of their body more than another and yes you are right its a personal choice as it should be ;)
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The reason for jeans is that out of all the standard items of clothing for your legs, they offer the most protection - its not great protection, but its a bit better. Jog bottoms, suit trousers, shorts and many other forms will completely disintegrate and a lot of artificial materials will melt to your skin under high temperatures. A decent pair of jeans (not the £5 crap) will drag a bit, albeit not particularly far and despite offering no real protection against crushing / burning at least they won't melt on to you :P
At the end of the day though, they are still a last resort and offer pretty poor protection compared to proper attire
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The reason for jeans is that out of all the standard items of clothing for your legs, they offer the most protection - its not great protection, but its a bit better.
http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=231812 (http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=231812)
Trying to find a copy of the original article...
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I respect the help and extra protection gear offers, but for IN TOWN riding I prefer the cool head and slow careful driving that shorts and cycling helmet provide. When I'm hot and sweating on a motorcycle, I tend to be more nervous and ride faster.
Of course that at same speed, fall with full leathers will be less dangerous. However, riding at 35 C, I'm more likely to get into trouble when too hot.
The topic "Leather, NAKEDNESS" was so promising... :\
(http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20061210154733/fallout/images/f/f2/Power_armor.JPG)
http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Fallout_2/Armor (http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Fallout_2/Armor)
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The reason for jeans is that out of all the standard items of clothing for your legs, they offer the most protection - its not great protection, but its a bit better.
[url]http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=231812[/url] ([url]http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=231812[/url])
Trying to find a copy of the original article...
Oh I know they aren't great, just saying that they are better than jogging trousers or shorts :P
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The reason for jeans is that out of all the standard items of clothing for your legs, they offer the most protection - its not great protection, but its a bit better.
[url]http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=231812[/url] ([url]http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=231812[/url])
Trying to find a copy of the original article...
Oh I know they aren't great, just saying that they are better than jogging trousers or shorts :P
So to use the analogy of putting a Magnum against a belt sander rather than a Mr whippy. :lol
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Let's get this straight - unless you wear proper motorcycle Kevlar and armour jeans, jeans give you no protection worth mentioning, end of...
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Let's get this straight - unless you wear proper motorcycle Kevlar and armour jeans, jeans give you no protection worth mentioning, end of...
Better than just skin. Not much, but at low speeds, if pavement is not too abrasive - it does make noticeable difference.
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Having been off the bike and bounced down the road a couple of times i wouldnt dream of going out without the right gear..
Never lost any skin due to good gear but have torn a collar bone and heavilly sprained both ankles and wrists..
Even in this heat im still kitted up but took out the iners and opened all the vents.. Its fine once your moving
Budgie
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Let's get this straight - unless you wear proper motorcycle Kevlar and armour jeans, jeans give you no protection worth mentioning, end of...
Funny they seem to protect my legs from flies and stuff. Hurts over the ton without em.
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Ok, point VNA, I mean in the event of an accident.
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I work in central London and ride an XJ900 in (better commuter than the Fazer)
I have one of these Spada Air Pro jackets after seeing it in Ride magazine as a "best buy" ...
http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/76321?r=GS&gclid=COWfi5uJrLgCFfHKtAodKUEA4w (http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/76321?r=GS&gclid=COWfi5uJrLgCFfHKtAodKUEA4w)
And it is the mutt's nuts in hot weather. Superb air flow through it, but it's fully armoured as well. Comes with a waterproof cover (last resort really as it's a bit "boil in the bag") and a detachable thermal liner. It's got a full and short zip around the waist.
A pair of Hood jeans, which having looked at numerous types, seem to be the best quality by far, with hip and knee armour.
Some paddock boots that cover my ankles with padded protection
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tuzo-Waterproof-Leather-Textile-Paddock-Motorcycle-Scooter-Boots-Black-/270937336132?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Boots&var=&hash=item3f151fa944 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tuzo-Waterproof-Leather-Textile-Paddock-Motorcycle-Scooter-Boots-Black-/270937336132?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Boots&var=&hash=item3f151fa944)
And lastly, a pair of Hein Gericke short mesh gloves - I ride in without sweating my nuts off, but I feel I'm adequately protected should the worst happen
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I had one of those Spada Airflow jackets a while back. Unfortunately, I bought it in a year when we had very little decent weather. I think it got worn maybe twice! Had to get rid of all my gear a couple of years back when I lost my job and had to move - I'm slowly replacing it all, but lack of funds and all that. But the jacket was definitely good.
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I went down to the bike shop the other day and by coincidence they had that Spada airflow jacket. I tried it on and liked it a lot. I'm going back tomorrow and if I still like it as much, I'll pick it up.
Thanks for all the advice everyone!
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I think they're a good choice. Unfortunately, nowhere around me does Spada, but I might go for the Ixon Alloy Mesh - distributed by Oxford Products no less, so I feel another hefty discount coming on... :lol
However, be warned - as soon as I buy mine, it'll start pissing down! :'(
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I'm sure you could order one online from somewhere.
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just a note. In an American drag test many textiles performed only slightly better than budget jeans. In Australian tests only 10% of the textile jackets performed to an adequate standard.
With the leather gear tested they outperformed all by at least double, but the most expensive suit burst LOL
But even having read this I will wear what I damn well like, when I like, and rely on my riding ability and common sense not to have to use my gear.
If I want to ride in speedos in a snowstorm what the crap has it got to do with anyone cept me.
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But even having read this I will wear what I damn well like, when I like, and rely on my riding ability and common sense not to have to use my gear.
If I want to ride in speedos in a snowstorm what the crap has it got to do with anyone cept me.
Yep, freedom of choice. Just so long as I don't have to look at you in speedos... :lol
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just a note. In an American drag test many textiles performed only slightly better than budget jeans. In Australian tests only 10% of the textile jackets performed to an adequate standard.
With the leather gear tested they outperformed all by at least double, but the most expensive suit burst LOL
But even having read this I will wear what I damn well like, when I like, and rely on my riding ability and common sense not to have to use my gear.
If I want to ride in speedos in a snowstorm what the crap has it got to do with anyone cept me.
:useless
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But even having read this I will wear what I damn well like, when I like, and rely on my riding ability and common sense not to have to use my gear.
If I want to ride in speedos in a snowstorm what the crap has it got to do with anyone cept me.
And you needed this thread to tell you that ? Shame on you. You should always do what you damn well please and if you peg it it's your choice and your families funeral when you get swiped by some cager who is on their mobile phone paying no attention whilst pulling out of a blind corner or a stone flies in to your face when you don't expect it, or you slip on diesel spill. This has nothing to do with common sense or riding ability, this has to do with the times when those fail.
This is your life you're talking about. If you don't value it you can dress it up how you like, it makes no difference to the people that don't know you. Good on you. Make a statement and a stand about what you care about and put your life on the line to prove it. Pride is really important when you're dead.
On a serious note. Please don't. Please wear as much protective gear as you can. Not that you'll listen to me.
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And fer chrissakes, ignore that "worthless without pics post" - I really don't want to see you in your speedos...
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This is your life you're talking about. If you don't value it you can dress it up how you like,
If you are that safety and life conscious, why do you ride motorcycle in the first place? Do you know it makes you about 20 times more likely to get injured or killed than driving a car?
If us humans were made to live 10,000 years, than all this would make sense, but since we live around 50, we can afford that risk - not too much to loose. At 33 I'm almost there anyway. I'd rather die than not live at all, concerned about safety and all - fuck it.
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just a note. In an American drag test many textiles performed only slightly better than budget jeans. In Australian tests only 10% of the textile jackets performed to an adequate standard.
Got any sources to back this up?
It's not so much about not being killed as if you hit something hard enough to kill you it'll probably do that whether you're wearing leathers or not. It's about not needing extensive skin grafts etc afterwards, the difference between walking away with £500+ of knackered gear or spending weeks in hospital and then months recovering.
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Hot today. I was hot even in my Pink shirt.
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This is your life you're talking about. If you don't value it you can dress it up how you like,
If you are that safety and life conscious, why do you ride motorcycle in the first place? Do you know it makes you about 20 times more likely to get injured or killed than driving a car?
If us humans were made to live 10,000 years, than all this would make sense, but since we live around 50, we can afford that risk - not too much to loose. At 33 I'm almost there anyway. I'd rather die than not live at all, concerned about safety and all - fuck it.
It's about mitigating the risk. For the sake of feeling a bit warm in the weather you reduce the risk of dying from bloodloss in an accident dramatically. I like to live dangerously, just not as dangerously as you :lol. Besides, I'm a newb an have no confidence it my abilities either.
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Confidence is something you build with time and practice. Your riding seemed Ok to everyone on the lofo ride Simon, and judging by your posts, you have a good idea of what to be wary of. Seems to me that the vast majority of people on this site actually are quite sensible about what to wear on a bike. Risk reduction - couldn't agree more, this applies to your riding as well as your kit. We all like to crack that throttle when we can, it's just about time and place - if your favourite bit of road is clogged with traffic, oh well, there'll always be another day. If you find a lovely bit of twisty tarmac but there are loads of hazards, well, it's a pity, but find a different road with less hazards. But it's fun to stir it up a bit on here sometimes!
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Its about the risk, what a piss poor argument.
I have ridden in jeans for 30 years, been a London despatch rider, led rideouts and been on rideouts with FOC-U.
I wear what I think I need from a full set of leathers to jeans and demin jacket. I recently tested my friends bike after sorting her clutch in socks lol (hard to change gear, not recommended)
If I put everything in the pot that could kill me I wouldn't even get out of bed let alone ride a motorbike.
Skin grafts me hairy fat arse. The worst I have had from far too many crashes ( a good way to learn what you cant do, lol) is a burn on my leg where it got trapped under the exhaust in a pothole incident at 60ish.
My mate got killed on his first ride with full leathers and a decent helmet, at 40mph without damaging his gear in any way, simply had his neck snapped when he bounced off a van (not his fault).
The only thing I wouldn't go without at any time is gloves cos hands is the first thing you put down, helmet cos I haven't got enough hair to waste it on the road (and cos jonny law gets quite upset if you don't wear one) and a jacket cos wasps and bees at anything over sixty damn well hurt (goes for helmet as well).
On an aside, go out and do an advanced course you may not be so scared of getting hurt when you know better how to avoid it.
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It's about mitigating the risk. For the sake of feeling a bit warm in the weather you reduce the risk of dying from bloodloss in an accident dramatically.
Same could be said for motorcycle riding. For the sake of some feeling of excitement and enjoyment, you're risking your health - take a bus. :)
When I don't ride in full gear, I take it slower, easier.
Riding in full gear in hot weather makes you nervous, sweaty, and you can tend to get into more risks than taking it slow in shorts.
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you're risking your health - take a bus.
That reminds me, I have been hurt worse in a road accident while on a bus (minor muscular whiplash) than when a car knocked me off my bike (totally OK).
I decided to go for this instead of the Spada jacket. Unfortunately, I can't try it out until tomorrow!
http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/index.php/collection/leathers/ftl307-air-fusion-jacket-black.html (http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/index.php/collection/leathers/ftl307-air-fusion-jacket-black.html)
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Example: So you decide to take up mountain climbing.
Do you do it with or without a safety rope. That's risk mitigation for me. You want to climb without a rope, fine but some persuits are risky enough without making the risk stupid.
You can call it a "piss poor" argument if you like, that's your prerogative but your skill means nothing when some cager on a mobile phone takes a corner wide or you come over the brow of a hill to find a tractor turning in front of you.
You say it's safe, good on ya. I hope you're never proven wrong.
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The worst I have had from far too many crashes ( a good way to learn what you cant do, lol)
B*****ks. I apparently hit a car head on at a closing speed of somewhere between 120 & 150mph and can't remember the first thing about it... :lol
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If you are that safety and life conscious, why do you ride motorcycle in the first place? Do you know it makes you about 20 times more likely to get injured or killed than driving a car?
Exactly!
I was just about to say the same. I'm reading these endless comments about what gear you must wear every time you go out on your bike, and I'm thinking, why are you dudes riding bikes. If you are that worried stop it, stop it now, cos I've got news for you, riding a motorcycle is an inherently risky business. And all the fancy gear in the world won't do foc all if you head but a lamp post or get run over by an articulated truck coming the other way.
I'm all for folks wearing protective gear, but it's a choice and nor do we want silly talk from riders themselves leading to legislation, which as we know is a constant threat.
I'm like others here, when I started riding, it was a crappy leather jacket with a bit of foam here and there (no back protection), a hat and jeans.
It's getting warm again up here in sunny Ayrshire. I have to admit I'm not one for warm summer weather. I was riding home after work this evening, full leathers, but the jeans were sticking to me and it was rather annoying an uncomfortable . Tomorrow it'll be back to leather jacket and jeans. It's either I am comfortable on the bike or I don't ride it.
Example: So you decide to take up mountain climbing.
Whenever I can find some time and the weather is OK, I'm off walking, mainly hills or often into remote areas for the day. I do it all year round, oh and last winter was great by the way, and I generally head off by myself. And guess what, the same sort of safety police types keep taking me to task about it. Apparently it's dangerous to out for a walk by yourself! You shouldn't apparently walk up a hill in winter, and you definitely shouldn't go by yourself in winter. Some folks even said me to me last winter (after a number of hill accidents) that winter hill walking should be banned!
OK, so there are risks, but like riding a bike one tries to manage the risk and attempt to choose how much to take on. Riding a bike and walking in the hills keeps me happy and almost sane. I'm at my most happy alone and on top of some remote peak in the Highlands.
Buachaille Etive Beag in winter during the week and I'm the only one up there!
(http://www.photoecosse.net/fazerforum/P1030810-Edit.jpg)
It was a shorts and T-shirt day too :pokefun
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Mountain climbing :lol :
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Eisklettern_kl_engstligenfall.jpg/220px-Eisklettern_kl_engstligenfall.jpg)
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but your skill means nothing when some cager on a mobile phone takes a corner wide or you come over the brow of a hill to find a tractor turning in front of you.
I had a car a couple of years back coming towards me out of fast corner in the wet sideways. I was going a bit quick myself, I remember positioning the bike on the centre of the road and thinking it might go one way or the other. I also thought briefly - this is it - I'm gonna die. I had full good quality leathers on, boots, gloves and hat, but if that thing collected me I knew I was almost certainly dead.
I was lucky, it kept sliding round, tucked in and went into a roll when it hit the verge and ended up upside down in a field. I pulled over, I was covered from head to toe in mud and grass. The driver crawled out, hardly a scratch on him, his car a total write off. He did even see me.
I don't usually bother too much about the behaviour of others on the road. But he almost wiped me out. Fancy gear? Bollocks, if that car had of hit me I'd have been dead. Anyway I reported it, but the local police were not interested. I insisted they fill out a report form and gave me a copy. That generated a notice to traffic to have a look. They had a look, did their stuff, took some measurements etc, gave me a phone call and told me the young lad had been charged with dangerous driving and would be up in court. Dunno what the result was. But with luck he had already leaned his lesson. One witness I spoke to said it rolled three times.
I didn't ride the bike for a week after that. It did have a bit of an effect on me, but only for a while. Wasn't too long before I was back out again.
Your tractor? Well stop. If you can't you were going too fast. Hit a tractor at any decent speed, no matter what you are wearing and you will more than likely die.
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Mountain climbing :lol :
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Eisklettern_kl_engstligenfall.jpg/220px-Eisklettern_kl_engstligenfall.jpg)
No, that's ice climbing, climbing a frozen waterfall - a gamble if ever there was one! Looks like fun tho'...
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but your skill means nothing when some cager on a mobile phone takes a corner wide or you come over the brow of a hill to find a tractor turning in front of you.
I had a car a couple of years back coming towards me out of fast corner in the wet sideways. I was going a bit quick myself, I remember positioning the bike on the centre of the road and thinking it might go one way or the other. I also thought briefly - this is it - I'm gonna die. I had full good quality leathers on, boots, gloves and hat, but if that thing collected me I knew I was almost certainly dead.
I was lucky, it kept sliding round, tucked in and went into a roll when it hit the verge and ended up upside down in a field. I pulled over, I was covered from head to toe in mud and grass. The driver crawled out, hardly a scratch on him, his car a total write off. He did even see me.
I don't usually bother too much about the behaviour of others on the road. But he almost wiped me out. Fancy gear? Bollocks, if that car had of hit me I'd have been dead. Anyway I reported it, but the local police were not interested. I insisted they fill out a report form and gave me a copy. That generated a notice to traffic to have a look. They had a look, did their stuff, took some measurements etc, gave me a phone call and told me the young lad had been charged with dangerous driving and would be up in court. Dunno what the result was. But with luck he had already leaned his lesson. One witness I spoke to said it rolled three times.
I didn't ride the bike for a week after that. It did have a bit of an effect on me, but only for a while. Wasn't too long before I was back out again.
Your tractor? Well stop. If you can't you were going too fast. Hit a tractor at any decent speed, no matter what you are wearing and you will more than likely die.
I must be the exception to the rule then - why does that not surprise me? :lol
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This topic is way beyond sanity. UnNotifying. :b
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New jacket is very nice. I arrived at work cooler than if I had taken the car or bus. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
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Fancy gear? Bollocks, if that car had of hit me I'd have been dead.
In a case like this, or hitting something static, then it doesn't make much difference if you're in leathers or flip flops and shorts. If you don't hit anything it'll make a big difference and I know what I'd prefer to slide down the road in :)
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Saw a guy earlier wearing shorts trainers and a smile, the 'what ifs' still. Give me the shivers!
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I had a low speed of this year , I was wearing waterproof heavily armoured " especially around the kneees" Jeans .I had of often thought,(What is the likeliyhood of having an impact right on the armour) Van turned right across my path ,hitting my left knee with his front wing! my knee came up like a baloon and took 5 weeks to regain colour and shape.
How bad would it have beeen with shorts ?
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(http://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/970954_10151546073195665_69689550_n.jpg)
:b
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I had a low speed of this year , I was wearing waterproof heavily armoured " especially around the kneees" Jeans .I had of often thought,(What is the likeliyhood of having an impact right on the armour) Van turned right across my path ,hitting my left knee with his front wing! my knee came up like a baloon and took 5 weeks to regain colour and shape.
How bad would it have beeen with shorts ?
You probably wouldn't have a knee cap any more, just lots of lovely bits of bone rubbing against one another and tendons with every slightest movement!
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See, you young guys ain't 'as 'ard as us older guys. When I hit the road, the tarmac shouts ouch! :lol