Default Things That motorcycle Riders Should Have ?

WebBikeWorld has been a great source for me.

 

Thanks rick.

 

I believe they are kiwis named for the bird not the fruit.

 

They aren't the same thing?

 

Interesting. My hearing is fine (better than my eyesight I hate to admit) and I've been riding street bikes for coming up on 45 years now. And I've never worn earplugs except when racing (loud bikes/snowmobiles.) (And when working at/attending races featuring loud equipment.)

I'm thinking the degree of hearing damage may be a bit overstated somewhere...

I never "recommended otherwise" just said that I've never felt a need for them for street riding. I'll do some testing next season. Interesting point, truly.

 

I think the comments were more of a personal preference type approach rather than a strict recommendation not to wear plugs, although I did think they decreased my ability to hear ambient noise-I see now that wasn't correct. I do think some people are more likely than others to suffer hearing loss, but who knows how you would know if you are susceptible or not. Better safe than sorry.

I tried out some inexpensive throw-away plugs today while I wait for some better ones. I didn't notice any real issues, I could still hear the bike, and traffic, but it was all slightly attenuated. The wind noise was considerably less noticeable. I expect the more expensive plugs will work better.

FYI I have scheduled a visit with the E, N, & Throat Doc to test out my hearing-it's been a few years ago that I had that checked. I will keep you all posted on the results, I don't feel like I've lost anything since I was young but we will see.

 

Kiwi is correct, we don't like to be called Aussies as that is an ex english penal colony so they are all descended from convicts :wink:

I use a custom made earplug, the only problem I had when I first started using them was I'd end up riding a lot faster as I couldn't hear the usual engine noise

 

Yep proud descendant of a second fleet convict,transported to Oz for stealing a hogshead of yeast.Came to a relatively empty land and helped build a country.
Would point out that the crimes that the convicts were transported for tended to be fairly small as they hung the bad guys without a qualm.
Kickaha are you one of the maintenance crew ? For the East Island's, cause I'm pretty sure everybody else is over here.
I use the disposable type of earplug like these,
http://www.seton.net.au/work-wear-ppe-f ... 3177w.html

 

I find sunglasses are a big safety advantage on bright days.

I've been playing drum set for over twenty years semi professionally and can attest to the value of earplugs, I wish I'd have worn then more often. Hearing loss is not 'noticeable' in most instances, not until it's too late. I'm noticing now that impact noises (hammering, pneumatic tools) cause me physical pain, and when I finally turn off everything to go to sleep my ears ring, even if it's not after a show. Not to mention having to say "pardon?" a lot. Young guys especially, just do it, wear them earplugs!

 

Good list so far. I'd add:

The firm knowledge that everything else on the road is absolutely trying to kill you.

 

Absolutely, and even with brightly colored/reflective gear, I ride with the assumption that I am invisible to everyone except the police. 8O

 

Meatloaf: Bat Out of Hell on repeat, and pants.

Sting can see us all.

 

He'll be watching you.

 

The road is trying to kill us too....well some road engineers are. "Hey, I have a great idea! Let's melt plastic turn arrows onto the pavement instead of using paint. Everyone loves slippery plastic!"

 

Here is my summary of what has been posted with a few additions/modifications:

safe reliable bike:
rubber brake lines less than 4 years old. SS lines preferred.
tires within proper age limits
rear brake checked for delamination - replaced if still original
OEM fuse box replaced

clear head - no drugs or alcohol

proper gear:
helmet (full face) highly visibile: reflective paint? bright color?
face shield either shaded or sunglasses
jacket with proper protection and reflective material
gloves
boots that protect ankles
abrasion resistant pants
packable rain gear
rear flashing LED on helmet, side/rear reflective tape.
Leather: elkskin and kangaroo are tougher than most
earplugs are arguable, although stock exhaust and good helmet would seem adequate.

Insurance
Headlight Modulator
Tailight modulator
Standard emergency road gear:
flare
flashlight
triangle
emergency blanket
water
matches
basic tool kit w/8, 10, 12, 14 mm, philips 1&2 head, flat head

What else?

 

cell phone, credit card, wet rag for bugs on your face shield, master link if you have a chain, can of fix-a-flat or tire plug kit, tie downs in case someone with a pick-up offers a ride.
i guess it really depends on how far your going or how far your willing to walk

 

OH....one more thing........a motorcycle!

 

Fix a flat or tire plug? Nah, you'd have to have air too and ... a bad tire aint worth risking your life on ... Now, there is that run flat stuff, I forget the official name, that you can have put in the tire that will automatically balance the tire and instantly plug any holes ... that stuff is a great idea. I believe a shop will add it to your tires for about $7 a wheel, its even cheaper if you do it your self and by the stuff by the quart/gallon. I think you put in about 12 oz for a front and rear tire, but not sure. Almost pays for itself since you don't have to balance the wheel when you add the stuff, it does it for you.

I want to stress the head and tail light modulators. They help significantly to reduce collisions. Also, bikes with 3 headlights are less likely to be in a collision than bikes with one. Argue all you want, but the numbers don't lie. The key is to increase your visibility to others. Loud pipes don't help people hear you, they can't in their modern sound proofed vehicles. They can't even hear the EMS vehicles flying down the road. In our Pacifica, particularly if playing music, I don't hear EMS until they are right on me. But I can and DO see the lights.

 

NO ALCOHOL!!!!

 

Gee Mike82mxm,

Then you must have it bad living in Winnipeg where winter lasts for what, 6 months of the year?