Motorcycle Safety - Gear, Experience & Tips?

A year ago I put my gloves on and began riding again after a 20 year "vacation" Things on the road hadn't changed all that much but I was older, a bit slower and wiser in my riding habits, so I thought. Wrong.

My job as a company security officer involves accident investigation and reporting. After watching a worker doing a tank ride stunt while leaving work and then doing paperwork on another, serious weekend crash, motorcycle safety became my issue.

What kind of cycle safety courses have members attended?

Now I admit to riding wearing tennis shoes and a lightweight jacket 'cause they're easy' After seeing cycle crashes on U-Tube involving road rash I decided to invest cash in improved riding gear. Choices have to be made.

Watch this video and you'll see why mc safety should be every rider's top priority.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gfNfh9kpgM

What is the recommended body armor & protective gear to be wearing?

What kind of footwear is best / better for street riding?

My uniform pants almost got me in trouble; being lightweight and loose they hung up on the brake pedal. Lucky my foot became freed before the stoplight. Bye bye tennis shoes.
Jeans are ok. What about comfortable leather pants? Any out there? I don't think leathers will work in Tucson's hothouse climate conditions.

Help a mature guy survive the mean streets ...

 

Safe riding thread (since we can't seem to get a forum going on the subject) http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... bunny.html

Riding gear thread (same reason) http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... +ride.html

Lots of good info in "Be The Bunny" especially later in the thread when 'hurst01' joined the forum, he's a former (current?) MSF instructor.

 

I don't wear gear in the summer except a standard helmet and sneakers,
but I don't ride like I got something to prove. I'm now looking into a riding jacket that won't burn me up. . .

I got a story- - I met a guy to buy up his lawn equipment. He had a Hayabusa and was riding with friends on the Interstate at 75 MPH. No gear, no helmet. He does a wheelie and crashes. He goes in a coma for about 25 days in July. All his lawn customers quit. His wife sells the wreck to pay the rent and bills. He had stiches and scars all over his face and arms. He and his wife were selling everything to move back north.

One stupid move and the guy loses almost everything. . .
Ride safe guys.

 

I live in Central California where it gets dang hot during the summer - 100+ degrees. And I always where All The Gear All The Time. I have a great ventilated jacket and a full face helmet that is well vented. Do I get hot sometimes? Heck yeah. But I will be a lot hotter if my skin is rubbing against the pavement in the event of a crash.

Always Wear Your Gear.

 

I have just started riding again after 30 years and consider riding gear a absolute necessary component any time I am getting on the bike. I found Moto Direct in the US, a mail order house that has some excellent mesh jackets and pants with protection.
The previous poster said it well... it may get warm sometimes, but the alternative just isn't an option for me.

Cheers,

David

 

Ive just ordered shin armour I can wear under my pants since I cant find any armoured pants for ...erm...Portly riders.... that dont cost a weeks salary.

 

I have yet to meet anyone who has gone down at any speed that hasn't gone to a full faced (or modular) helmet, leather RIDING boots and armored pants and jacket. Gloves too.

I know of someone who sustained serious injuries going down at low speed on gravel that was on a gas station apron. I personally know someone who walked away from a 65mph lay down on the freeway. Guess which one was wearing gear?

I have armored mesh gear for when it's hot, and an armored leather jacket for cooler temps. My biggest issue is the full faced helmet that gets HOT. When I replace it I'll pop the premium for the best ventilation.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers some excellent training. Do yourself a favor and take the Basic Rider Course if you haven't already. You'll learn that your brain is the most important safety equipment and how it is effectively used.

 

Gear - Helps to have Colorful gear. cagers can see you better.

1. Helmet - I use full face with visor
2. Boots - Icon makes a good boot for about 50 bucks
3. Jacket - A good Sturdy jacket to deflect Bugs and such flying up at you.
4. good set of gloves

Tips

1. Never ride under the influence - remember you are on 2 wheels and balance is needed.

2. Never become distracted - pay attention to the road always use quick glances when riding

3. Use High beams during the day - again the cagers will see you better

4. Always look beyond the vehicle infront of you always antisipate whats going to happen

5. Never overdrive your headlights - This is always true on boats, bikes, snowmobiles.

6. Don't ride in PACKS - You'll be more relaxed without anyone around you. Tailgaters suck

7. Learn what CREPUSCULAR means -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crepuscular

8. Whats the big hurry ? Slow down and enjoy the ride. we are not supermen.

9. Get a buddy to ride with its more fun with company

10. Teach what you have learned to a another rider.

 

Be seen day and night

 

Great video Tail I hope we all can learn something from it i personally took my course and am allready signed up for a refresher in the spring I also allways wear my gear I love to ride but I love it way more when i get home to my family safely! If you don't have a lot of money check out your local leather and boot stores I bought my last helmet gloves and armored jacket at Alberta boot co. for less than 1/3 of the same gear at the local motorsports store while sacrificing only a cool name brand but not quality

 

Now its time for full coverage helmet shopping. Can't afford to spend $300 -$479 right now. Bell & Fuel have full coverage helmets. Both have DOT stickers. However neither model appears to be Snell rated.

I'm leaning toward a Snell rated helmet because Snell Foundation actually pulls samples and tests them.



If TE "Lawrence of Arabia" had been wearing gear he might have survived his fatal motorcycle accident.

 

I took the MSF course to earn my license.

I wear a Bell full face helmet, Red Wing high top boots, ski gloves.

On the list to purchase are riding jacket and leg protection.

 

I had to take the MSF to get my license as well. Good course. I'd like to go back for the advanced rider obstacle courses sometime just for fun.

For me its leather and canvas/denim. Leather jacket or canvas BDU jacket, jeans, combat boots, leather gloves, half-helmet. I'd be wearing a full helmet but my head is too broad from crown to jaw, so I'd have to get custom- which would not only cost me more than both my bikes put together, but would probably prove less effective due to changing the dimensions of the helmet design. Also I wear glasses, goggles and a bandanna over my face. Actually I made prescription goggles. Went to Wallyworld, got some $17USD goggles. Took an pair of my glasses with a busted bow, removed the other bow, and jammed them in there. They wedged in perfect being aviator frames, and now I've got custom prescription goggles.

Next year I'm switching to steel-toe/shank riding boots(found this year that no shank gets painful after a while). Also switching to a DOT approved German-style helmet(Cause it looks better with goggles)

I do have to say though, I'd find it difficult to gear up all the time if I were riding down in the warm flatlands and deserts of the South West.

 

HJC has taken over the "spot" in helmets that used to belong to Bell back in the day. They make a full range of helmets in the $80-$400 range that are Snell approved. Their products are VERY good quality and good value for your dollar.

 

My favorite line has always been "I'd rather sweat, than bleed". Kinda sums it up right there.

As for Snell ratings, I'm not a big believer in them - they're much more for automotive-type collisions, not motorcycle-type impacts. Recent studies (search for the Motorcyclist magazine article) have shown that the G-forces transmitted to the head in motorcycle-type impacts are actually HIGHER for Snell spec helmets. The best helmet in their testing (in terms of transmitting G-forces) was a $49 D.O.T. job from Bell IIRC, with lots of the lower priced DOT helmets very close, and the European spec helmets as well.

 

Greetings Fellow Riders!

What kind of cycle safety courses have members attended?
ANY recognized training program is better than nothing (refer to the Hurt study "The motorcycle riders involved in accidents are essentially without training; 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduced injuries in the event of accidents"). I took the MSF Basic Riders course the week after I bought my first bike. I subsequently took the Advanced Riders course 4 years later. I then taught the course for 4 years after that. All good investments in keeping myself alive. I still take a refresher course when the class load and work schedule permit (twice now).
What is the recommended body armor & protective gear to be wearing?
What kind of footwear is best / better for street riding?
What fits correctly and you can afford. Anything is better than nothing. There are loads of sites with advice on fitting and durability of various products but the bottom line is that it must fit correctly in order for it to provide the best protection. Read up on what you need and become an informed customer.
What about comfortable leather pants?
What about them? They are a good idea. I found a very good set of Bates leathers at a swap meet for $5. You can find good stuff out there if you do some research.
My advice may seem trite but because each person's body is different, fit is of paramount importance and no one label is going to be the magic ticket to the best protection.
I would suggest that anyone interested in riding should read the Hurt report. Ref:Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, Volume 1: Technical Report, Hurt, H.H., Ouellet, J.V. and Thom, D.R., Traffic Safety Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007, Contract No. DOT HS-5-01160, January 1981 (Final Report)

 

Lots of good gear out there these days, and you don't have to break the bank...

Checkout newenough.com
Bargain basement and closeout sections are great.
If you're in a warm area great deals now on mesh pants and jackets..
Basically feels like your in nothing, but provides protection

 

Since November I selected and now use the following safety gear:

Score! SPARX 'Hornet' Full Face Helmet, DOT / ECE2205 approved. eBay $59 + s/h in Sunset Yellow for visibility.

Joe Rocket - Heavy Yellow Mesh Cordura Jacket XXL, with 5 pc. CE Armor, zip out Liner, fully adjustable. A great buy; does good in cold weather with a heavy sweatshirt or fleece underneath. Highly visible color.

Two pairs new Levi Jeans until I can afford KEVLAR Slider pants.

Pair of heavy Combat Boots with full uppers. Sturdy to the max.

Rabbit-lined Black Leather Gloves (gaps covered by the jacket's zip sleeve ends) plenty warm and flexible.

None of these items will make the bike go any faster. They do offer a bit more comfort and safety.

 

i know anything is better than nothing but i was wondering what the actual difference is between street and dirt armor? different grade plastics? i am thinking about geting fox armor but i know they dont make gear designed for street. whats your opinion?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loNd8DohQ1I

 

I'm a big girl and was prepared to pay out the arse for gear, but if you shop around you can find some good deals.

I have:

- Tennesee MSF Basic rider course, the cost of which was paid for by my dad, he thought it was a good investment so I wouldn't kill myself.

-full face Bell Helmet I got for $90.00 that is DoT and Snell approved. It has also been customized with day glow striping and a big reflective red rose on the back to match the color of my bike. Free, I let my cousin practice on it.

-An armored riding jacket that the liner zips in and out. It has lots of vents and is water repellent. It also has 3m scotch lite fibers in the material and all the piping around the sleeves, shoulders, and waist is reflective. Paid $85 at the local mom and pop motorcycle shop in February.

-Gauntlet leather gloves for the winter, and armored mesh gloves for the summer. (The palms are leather, the tops of the gloves are mesh, the fingers are armored with the same stuff as my jacket) $25.00 and $15.00

-The best heavy weight denim jeans I could find that fit well and I could move freely in. $60.00 (takes a lot of cotton for my big ass)

- Stole a pair of my boyfriend's tinted saftey glasses for those days I don't want my visor down. Free (thanks to Hertz Equipment Rental lol)

-Leather ankle high boots from Wal-Mart $30.00

So for $305.00 and some change I'm geared up. Yes I get hot at stop lights, but once I'm moving and all the vents are open it's not bad at all. Not to mention you are not only protected for a slide, you are protected from the sun. I don't want to survive a motorcycle crash to find 15 years down the road riding gave me skin cancer.

 

FIrst and foremost get gear you are going to wear!!!! meaning that it is comfortable.

I have a mesh armoured jacket that while I have not had to test the armour in it I wear it religiously(sp). Even in the high 70-low80*F weather we ahve been having it breather very well and has protection in the forearm, elbow, shoulder back and chest area's. I am sure one good slide would tear the sleeves but hopefully not the armour. THe point is if I break out the heavy leather I won't wear it it is just too hot. the mesh has a nice zip in liner that works well down into the 30's for me. In this day of technology everyone should be able to find a comfy breathable summer jacket with protection. Mine cost 110 bucks or so plus tax so you don't have to break the bank. It is what I could swing when I bought it and somehting has got to be better than bare skin on the pavement. As for a helmet I will admit I do have a half'r but I find myself wearing it less and less and jsut putting on my riding glasses and leaving the full face shield up so I still get good wind in the face action while riding.

I've taken a defensive driver course, and have been riding since I was 5 on a little 50cc bike. I would like ot take an actuall moto course but haven't.

 

Recently I caved in the side of a car with an armored jacket.

Then I chopped up the chin bar on the helmet sliding on my face.

And I walked away with two lightly skinned knuckles (not even bleeding) where the left glove wore through.

$60 full face helmet.
$70 armored leather jacket
$15 gloves.

All a good investment!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gfNfh9kpgM

My roommate rides like allot of those guys in the video did... he has been riding his whole life... makes me want to take out a life insurance policy for his family...

 

Taildragger, I will add a couple of bits of info. First and foremost is that 20 years ago cell phones weren't out there. Even in most states it's against the law to use them while driving unless its hands free. Out in Ca it's another law that no one abides by.
Also for the guys that are too hot while in a leather jacket, a bottle of water poured over your shirt will do wonders for keeping you cool. Just zip your jacket back up. Trust me road rash hurts. Takes in my case almost a year for it to heal up. I had a leather jacket, gloves, helmet and boots but was wearing jeans that I had just purchased... Kind of had the nurses laughing as I told them not to spill the iodine wash on my jeans since I had just bought them the day before..... The jeans were already cut up from the paramedics.

Sean

 

I never leave the house without full gear, helmet, jacket or vest, leather chaps, boots and gloves. It gets hot in the summer but, I've had a couple of wipes without gear in the past and one with gear. Let me tell you, I walked away from the full gear crash. I had to be taken to the hospital without the gear. Massive road rash, broken ankle, and busted knee cap. I swear by my gear.

 

Ontario now has graduated licensing so that there are 3 levels of license. M1 M2 and full M motorcycle license. M1 the learners permit requires zero alcohol, no passengers, no night riding, and no 400 series (read interstate or for UK M series) highways. You can get this license with a written test only!

M2 lifts all the restrictions except the alcohol and the full M has none of them (alcohol goes to the same as for car drivers .08% ). There are minimum and maximum time limits on holding each level before you can get the next level.

Community colleges offer courses both for the M2 test (closed course) and M test (on the road) e.g.:

http://www.humber.ca/motorcycle/
http://www.centennialcollege.ca/parttime/motorcycle

I took both courses for the two riding tests about 3 years apart (the M2 will last up to 5 years). Excellent courses and they definitely improve your safety. They are cost effective too, because your insurance is much less if you have them.

 

I cant believe the flack I take around here when I wear protective gear during the summer months (full face helmet, good leather jacket, sturdy boots, gloves & heavy jeans-minimum)-I dont even defend myself anymore, I just shake my head knowing I'm doing the right thing. Yesterday I saw a larger gentleman on his Harley with the usual no-helmet, T-shirt, Khaki shorts, & the kicker is I swear he was wearing bedroom slippers! I hope its true that God watches over children & idiots. Ride safe, all!

 

This is a good thread to resurrect. There are a couple sites out there that come to mind where you can buy good quality riding gear at bargain prices.

www.leatherup.com comes to mind
www.jafrum.com is another

When I bought my road warrior I fully expected to buy an extended warranty. When they disclosed what the warranty WOULDN'T cover I told the dealer to pound sand. I took the money and bought Olympia mesh jackets and pants with liners with the money I had set aside for the warranty. Good stuff and not all THAT expensive.

My boots were purchased from leatherup. I took them to a friend of mine who is an honest to goodness shoe cobbler who cut the inside of the shafts and installed heavy duty brasss zippers. Then he sewed a flap of leather over the zipper which is secured by velcro to keep the storm water out.

Loren

 

Now? Ontario's had graduated licensing for a while.

Anyways... I took the course at Centennial and it was great! Learned lots. I also studied for the M1 written test online at passthewheel.com. Good thing too - it was tricky.

http://www.passthewheel.com/practiceTes ... 1/home.asp

 

I got my helmet for under 100.00 on Amazon.com, I have had my boots for years a good pair of red wing boots mid calf and steel toe. Gloves were like 30.00 once again Amazon, I have a mesh armored jacket for spring/summer early fall riding that was under 100.00 (amazon) and found Tri-tex armored pants on Amazon for like 80.00. Got some frog toggs at Wal-mart for rain gear...

If you shop around on line you can find great deals on gear... and Save a ton of $ over your local retail bike stores.

 

Ontario has graduated licenses "now" yeah well as of April 1, 1994, That's not that long ago is it?

For me it was during that long period between when I got a car license and when I got a motorcycle license...

 

Oddly here in Virginia there are graduated licenses to drive a car however, I think that is for teen drivers and if you get your license to drive a car after age 18 or 19 you have no restrictions. However, for a motorcycle you get it all at once after you obtain your M class in one of two ways. The two methods to get your M class. First, go through the DMV take your written exam 25 questions you have to score at least 80%. That gets you your learners permit. No night riding, no passengers, you must ride with someone who is over 21 years old and has a valid M class. You must have your learners for I think 30 days before you can take your skills test to get your license. Or take the MSF course pass their written test and skills test over a weekend leave at the end with your M class. No restrictions at all. At the end of their class and assuming you pass you could jump on a bike and ride home or where ever legally.

 

I wear a helmet, leather or mesh jacket with aromor, gloves, and boots. I am guilty of wearing jeans rather than my leather pants on a lot of occasions. I heve been shopping for some other riding pants.

I bought my XJ used and put some work and money into her to get her running right. I spent more on the gear than on the bike.

I took the MSF class and learned SIPDE (apparently they teach a different methos/acronym now) and it has also made me a better cager. I use SIPDE operating any vehicle.

When I started riding someone told me this: "There are two types of motorcyclists, those that have crashed, and those that haven't yet". It's not a true statement and I hope none of us ever do crash, but it keeps in mind that we are not invincable.

 

LOL Yeah..not long ago at all. I remember this date well because I got my G in March, 1994.