What riding gear do you wear?

madmax-im said:
Your decisions are yours as are the consequences...
Click to expand...
True that. The safe bet is to stay off the motorcycle altogether. Better yet, stay home. Don't even think about getting on a bicycle!

After my 2016 wreck, the ER staff thanked me for wearing the protective gear. It saved them having to clean up the mess.
 
I’ve only been in one motorcycle crash ( when I was 19 , hit a dog of all things ). That was back in my t shirt and open face helmet days. The thing I remember most about that was having an ER nurse , using a brush to scrub my road rash that I had on both arms and my back, after I took an extended slide down the gravelly side of the road. I thought I had cracked my pelvis, it hurt so bad, but x-rays said it was ok.
Back then ( 1975 ) there was no specific motorcycle gear other than leather jackets and nobody wore them in the summer. The only change I made after that was buying a full coverage Bell helmet.
By the way, I never missed a days work after that, I went right back to being a heavy equipment welder at the copper mines , the next day. Oh to be 19 again! :laugh2:
 
I learned to drive a car and ride a motorcycle when i lived in Tucson in the late 60's to mid 70's...Back then there was no MSF safety courses..no MC endorsement on your license..no insurance requirement..and no helmet laws....Amazing we survived our youths...
 
jetmechmarty said:
True that. The safe bet is to stay off the motorcycle altogether. Better yet, stay home. Don't even think about getting on a bicycle!

After my 2016 wreck, the ER staff thanked me for wearing the protective gear. It saved them having to clean up the mess.
Click to expand...
I had 2 wrecks in a span of 1.5 yrs..The 1st wreck was when i totaled SwampThing my 1979 Yamaha XS1100...A lady in a jeep pulled out of a shopping center into oncoming traffic...ME.. T-boned her..but it was her left front fender..if it had been in the middle of her jeep i would have been splattered all over the place..as it was my bike hit her car and it launched me over the hood of her jeep and i was "ejected' 50ft through the air doing a mid air somersault and landing in the oncoming traffic lane ..i landed on the back of my head..neck and shoulders...My lower legs caught the fairing upon ejection and my mesh pants were worthless in preventing any of the injuries i had...however..My 9 year old HJC SiMax2 modular helmet..saved my bacon..I had almost left the house with the half helmet..but at the last second changed my mind and donned the FF HJC...That and my Olympia AST 3/4 length jacke helped to minimize any upper body injuries...Laying in the ambulance awake and cogizant the EMS attendant said your gear saved you big time...
I cant imagine what my head would have looked like had i worn the half helmet...
20170719-122918.jpg
 
Last edited:
madmax-im said:
I cant imagine what my head would have looked like had i worn the half helmet...
Click to expand...
You never know. It could have led to the same or similar result. It’s all in the dynamic of the accident. I hit my head pretty hard in a DOT half helmet. Looking at it, you’d swear I had my face torn off. Nope. The only cut was from my glasses.

Yes, I agree. Full face is a safer option. In my accident, the half shell was good enough.
 
Always gloves
Always full-face Shoei RF1200 helmet
Always heavy jeans
Always high-top shoes at a minimum, or boots
Sometimes Rev'It textile jacket with back and elbow armor
Sometimes Rev'It textile pants with knee and hip armor

Usually don't put on the gear gear unless I'm riding on the freeway.
 
ATGATT for me. Even while adjusting my clutch lever in my parking garage today.
Shoei RF1200 helmet
Scorpion Covert flannel jacket with shoulder, elbow and back armour. (Second jacket hardly worn is Joe Rocket mesh)
Leather and carbon gloves
Joe Rocket jeans with Kevlar and armour at the knees plus Kevlar at the backside
Stylemartin Indian boots
 
Armor upgrade: Icon Viper Pro back protector D3O , level 2 CE rating

Thought I’d add a little follow up on this. My mesh jacket gets the most use here ,given my hot climate and the one area that I have always thought was weak was the thin foam back protector. While it felt like it would do an ok job reducing abrasions, it didn’t feel like it would offer much impact protection and I felt like your spine is probably the one place where you would really want protection. My jacket is a Joe Rocket 5.0 , this is the standard foam back protector.
E37814EE-8BC9-4EEE-A7F2-900850A92E2B.jpeg

What I purchased for a replacement is D3O armor ( that’s Dee Three Oh, not zero ). There are tons of videos on YouTube demonstrating it if you’re interested. I bought one sold by Icon , which came the closest to matching the shape of my existing back protector. D3O is a company in the UK who makes this proprietary polymer , they initially received a contract from the government to make energy absorbing material for military personnel armor. It is also used for for all sorts of applications, sportswear, work wear, motorcycle gear and phone cases, to name a few. Until now, if you wanted to step up to CE level 2 protection, you had to go with armor that typically is multi layered and pretty stiff.
D3O is made primarily from closed cell polyurethane foam with their proprietary polymer added to it. This polymer has a unique property. It is very flexible until an impact, then the molecules lock together to disperse the energy, and then immediately release and become flexible again.
00597D9A-19EB-4EEC-86F5-BB825A0C675E.jpeg

5576B817-4DD3-47E4-8AF6-3A0E1136F4A6.jpeg
DC5D7DA8-59A6-4838-AA25-BD99AC78D27B.jpeg
9FE16D65-D2A7-48AB-B009-A1B1A90EFAF6.jpeg


The ribbed side goes towards your back for airflow. Many of the ventilation holes were skimmed over from the molding process. I took a few minutes and opened all the air holes back up.
225A6F71-C705-426D-8F51-DE4CCC1AD139.jpeg
290A649C-F59B-4737-B038-952229B9C57B.jpeg


Here is a side by side of the new compared to the old. It’s not an exact match, but as close as I could get in this product. ( note: I could get an exact match with armor made by Forcefield which is top rated, but stiff )
EF51380B-0926-41BC-8EC4-3D4621E8FD56.jpeg
B5ED5E34-E35B-44A4-97E3-F018EE6BD183.jpeg


And installed in my jacket. It moved around just a little. It would’ve been ok, but I’m kind of a perfectionist, so I did a little hand stitching of the mesh pocket so it doesn’t move.
90256BB1-EE4B-4048-8680-6D928D2738EE.jpeg


It’s a little heavier ( not much ) , it’s about twice as thick but more flexible than the original foam. And it should offer substantially more impact protection. Hopefully I’ll never have to test it. It’s been too hot to ride test it, but I did try the jacket on and I think it’ll feel just fine.
This back protector costs $45 just about everywhere. There is a thinner CE level 1 version available for about $30, which would still be a substantial upgrade from the standard foam.
If ultimate protection was my goal, I’d go with Forcefield Pro Lite K for about $80, but it feels like a turtle shell. Forcefield also makes the Isolator 2, a level 2 foam back protector for $60, which I had considered. It is also highly rated.
Additionally all of this aforementioned armor is available for elbow, shoulder knee and hip protectors.
I’ll check back in here with a little follow up later after I’ve worn it a while.
-Bob
 
Man at Aldi, me.
Aldi textile jacket (lined and armoured, excellent vfm), very waterproof. I had to eventually replace the pop-studs with larger ones and add a couple at the neck strap.
Aldi boots - on my second pair, the first pair lasted six years then started to lose bits off the soles.
Aldi gloves - kind of armoured, but comfortable and reasonably waterproof.
Kevlar jeans, not a big-name brand, but far better than not having them.
If I really have to go any distance in atrocious weather I have some (guess) Aldi leggings, which are fantastically waterproof.
I also have the remains of my old-time courier kit from 30 years ago - the Rukka leggings and overmitts. The Rukka jacket is long gone, but it lasted a long time. I spent many long unhappy hours in the pissing rain at stupid speeds wearing that Rukka gear and know how fantastic it was.
I had a look for current Rukka gear - feksake, it's pricey.

Summertime use I swap over to a Heinz Gherkin leather and ex-E.German border guard short gloves. I usually don't bother with the kevlar breeks if I'm just nipping into the village. I recently picked up some square-toed riding boots that are protective but not warm, so summer use only.
I also had the habit of wearing engineering and para boots on the bike, but an errant lace getting caught up in the footrest when I tried to put my foot down, cured me of that.

Many years ago I discovered a fantastic waterproof material, trade named "Flexothane". I bought a set of over trousers made from that and they never leaked. They roll up to a very small bundle and can be stashed nearly anywhere. The material is rubbery and stretchy, but it won't tear if it gets caught on something, which is handy as I was always wrecking ohter types of overtrouser through doing that.
I went looking for a modern replacement, and discovered that Flexothane is in widespread use for safety hi-vis gear, especially amongst railway workers.
I now sport a pair of hi-vis bright orange / reflective striped leggings if the weather turns foul when I'm out. I don't mind looking like a melon if other can see me in the murky conditions.
 
Last edited:
Grimly said:
I also had the habit of wearing engineering and para boots on the bike, but an errant lace getting caught up in the footrest when I tried to put my foot down, cured me of that.
Click to expand...
:laughing:
Recon' I can laugh at ya. Para boots did the same to me years ago. Running late for morning formation... did it in front of the entire flight.
I believe that's one of Murphy's..... "The stupidity of your action, is directly proportional to the number of witnesses.":rolleyes:
 
I learned a long time ago that wearing any footwear with laces to always tuck them in.....
I just picked these up..My size 34s are way too big..hopefully 32" will fit me better...My waist is 31" down from 36"...My blue jeans and Sidi boots do not look good together.the pants never fit over the boots..talk about fitpicking..LOL These will be worn year round..no more mesh pants...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/133415192989
 
Still using my Olympia Airglide2 Hi Viz Lime Yellow mesh jacket for warmer weather...But I need to replace the 3 season jacket i was wearing when i had my last wreck and EMS folks opted to cut me out of it...I prefer Olympia Motosports gear..Good bang for your buck...That too was Hi Viz Lime Yellow..Loud colors save lives ya know...;)
I like this one(BLK/YEL) Gear thats ready for any weather..no need to stop and don a rain suit that will melt on your exhaust pipes..BTDT
https://motorcyclecloseouts.com/oly...MIqt-4k7z26gIVxsDICh2FGQYfEAQYAiABEgKVHfD_BwE
 
Last edited:
The only downside to buying anything these days is delivery time...11 to 21 days for some pants from PA? Geez..i have had stuff delivered to my door from Japan in 5 days...Yeah yeah its the COVID BS delays...But they still take your money right away...:thumbsdown:
 
Last edited:
madmax-im said:
Still using my Olympia Airglide2 Hi Viz Lime Yellow mesh jacket for warmer weather...But I need to replace the 3 season jacket i was wearing when i had my last wreck and EMS folks opted to cut me out of it...I prefer Olympia Motosports gear..Good bang for your buck...That too was Hi Viz Lime Yellow..Loud colors save lives ya know...;)
I like this one(BLK/YEL) Gear thats ready for any weather..no need to stop and don a rain suit that will melt on your exhaust pipes..BTDT
https://motorcyclecloseouts.com/oly...MIqt-4k7z26gIVxsDICh2FGQYfEAQYAiABEgKVHfD_BwE
Click to expand...

That’s a nice jacket and a very good buy!
 
Mailman said:
That’s a nice jacket and a very good buy!
Click to expand...
Motorcycle Closeouts..Always seems to have very good prices. I have yet to buy from them though..I have already spent this months budget for MC related stuff...Hopefully this will still be available in Sept..
 
Mailman said:
Armor upgrade: Icon Viper Pro back protector D3O , level 2 CE rating

Thought I’d add a little follow up on this. My mesh jacket gets the most use here ,given my hot climate and the one area that I have always thought was weak was the thin foam back protector. While it felt like it would do an ok job reducing abrasions, it didn’t feel like it would offer much impact protection and I felt like your spine is probably the one place where you would really want protection. My jacket is a Joe Rocket 5.0 , this is the standard foam back protector.
View attachment 172862

What I purchased for a replacement is D3O armor ( that’s Dee Three Oh, not zero ). There are tons of videos on YouTube demonstrating it if you’re interested. I bought one sold by Icon , which came the closest to matching the shape of my existing back protector. D3O is a company in the UK who makes this proprietary polymer , they initially received a contract from the government to make energy absorbing material for military personnel armor. It is also used for for all sorts of applications, sportswear, work wear, motorcycle gear and phone cases, to name a few. Until now, if you wanted to step up to CE level 2 protection, you had to go with armor that typically is multi layered and pretty stiff.
D3O is made primarily from closed cell polyurethane foam with their proprietary polymer added to it. This polymer has a unique property. It is very flexible until an impact, then the molecules lock together to disperse the energy, and then immediately release and become flexible again.
View attachment 172865
View attachment 172864 View attachment 172866 View attachment 172867

The ribbed side goes towards your back for airflow. Many of the ventilation holes were skimmed over from the molding process. I took a few minutes and opened all the air holes back up.
View attachment 172868 View attachment 172869

Here is a side by side of the new compared to the old. It’s not an exact match, but as close as I could get in this product. ( note: I could get an exact match with armor made by Forcefield which is top rated, but stiff )
View attachment 172870 View attachment 172871

And installed in my jacket. It moved around just a little. It would’ve been ok, but I’m kind of a perfectionist, so I did a little hand stitching of the mesh pocket so it doesn’t move.
View attachment 172872
Nice ..looks like it will perform better than the original stuff...hopefully you'll never have to find out..I have never done armor upgrades...Interested in your long term report...

It’s a little heavier ( not much ) , it’s about twice as thick but more flexible than the original foam. And it should offer substantially more impact protection. Hopefully I’ll never have to test it. It’s been too hot to ride test it, but I did try the jacket on and I think it’ll feel just fine.
This back protector costs $45 just about everywhere. There is a thinner CE level 1 version available for about $30, which would still be a substantial upgrade from the standard foam.
If ultimate protection was my goal, I’d go with Forcefield Pro Lite K for about $80, but it feels like a turtle shell. Forcefield also makes the Isolator 2, a level 2 foam back protector for $60, which I had considered. It is also highly rated.
Additionally all of this aforementioned armor is available for elbow, shoulder knee and hip protectors.
I’ll check back in here with a little follow up later after I’ve worn it a while.
-Bob
Click to expand...
Looks like a nice upgrade..Hopefully you'll never find out how well it works....Interested in your long term report....
 
Just got back from a 60 mile ride in the heat. The weight of the new back protector is noticeable when you pick up your jacket. At first I wasn’t sure if it would bother me, but no worries, once the jacket is on it’s not noticeable. And as soon as you start moving , that ribbed design that faces your back , flows
a ton of air. It surprised me actually. It’s so flexible it takes your shape immediately. When I was riding I forgot it was even back there, which is about the best endorsement I can give it. :thumbsup:
 

Similar threads

Downeaster
Riding Gear Tip
2
Replies
29
Views
3K
ThatXS650Guy
ThatXS650Guy
MaxPete
Cleaning hi-viz riding gear
Replies
1
Views
508
Mailman
Mailman
Adamc
HELMET STORAGE WARS
2 3
Replies
43
Views
2K
40north
40north
Downeaster
Holy Shipping Extortion, Batman!
Replies
6
Views
636
FLEA
FLEA
MaxPete
The Big Sue resto-mod thread
2 3 4
Replies
72
Views
2K
MaxPete
MaxPete
Back
Top