ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW
-
Enjoy XS650.com? Consider making a donation to help support the site.
XS650.com receives a small share of sales from some links on this page, but direct donations have a much greater impact on keeping this site going.
MEANINGFULL PROTECTION
- Thread starter Adamc
- Start date
Each time I’ve hit the pavement, it has been my hips and knees that get the worst contusions. My head has contacted the pavement only once.
I don't ride naked, but I do like to ride with helmet, full face, and tight leather jackets, boots of various types depending on the temperature. Armored clothing............my idea is that crash situations are unpredictable anyways.
I think that is a very good video Adam, thanks for posting that, it pretty well aligns with my point of view. I wrote about a replacement back protector that I bought to replace the thin foam pad in my jacket. Here,
https://www.xs650.com/threads/what-riding-gear-do-you-wear.57872/page-2#post-656770
If you think about your body flying off your bike. You are still going in the direction you were riding, but the pavement is fixed
( says Captain Obvious
) so if you have armor that can absorb that initial impact and flex, it absorbs a lot of energy that would otherwise be directly transferred to your body. They sell these replacement pads for all positions of your gear.
I’m surprised by the reaction this thread generated. Overall some really good points have been made both for and against protective gear. To be honest in the past when I rode track days I went ‘full on’ protective available at that time. Speeds were much higher than road riding, and so were the risks. Track road furniture is minimal, plenty of run off, gravel traps etc; so in some sense clothing protection is to reduce the risk of road rash above all else.
Road riding these days, especially for me, is much slower. I am an advanced licensed rider, police trained, and tend to ride in my own ‘safety bubble’. It’s the road furniture that scares me most on my travels; that and the half asleep myopic drivers in their fully air-bagged, laser cruise controlled tin boxes (whilst under the influence of stuff?).
I always wear appropriate gear depending on the ride I decide to take. Long motorways or tours is full protect leather kit and full face helmet etc. Short country rides is more casual; leather jacket, open face helmet, Oxford protect jeans, boots and gloves.
Bottom line is we all take a risk whatever the ride. We all choose our ‘protection’ for our own reasons. Whatever, we all enjoy our bikes and the freedom they give us. Keep safe and ride on.
Road riding these days, especially for me, is much slower. I am an advanced licensed rider, police trained, and tend to ride in my own ‘safety bubble’. It’s the road furniture that scares me most on my travels; that and the half asleep myopic drivers in their fully air-bagged, laser cruise controlled tin boxes (whilst under the influence of stuff?).
I always wear appropriate gear depending on the ride I decide to take. Long motorways or tours is full protect leather kit and full face helmet etc. Short country rides is more casual; leather jacket, open face helmet, Oxford protect jeans, boots and gloves.
Bottom line is we all take a risk whatever the ride. We all choose our ‘protection’ for our own reasons. Whatever, we all enjoy our bikes and the freedom they give us. Keep safe and ride on.
The plastic Jesus and a pair of pants... so to say. Brother Adamc puts it beautifully. As for skidding down the asphalt, well, a big fat belt (brass and lead )buckle and steel toes, leather jacket can be an asset durring slides. if you have no gut and can arch your back... Curbs can be a problem though...hitting a gasoline spill in a hairpin turn can be fun...just a mild boom... looks very cool too! Which brings us back to the icon... cultivate luck. Fella I knew, born about 1900, "Speed Mullins", wheel man for West Coast Shows during the 20's and 30's, and graduated to the motor drome - ah seen the scrap-books of Speedy up on the wall sitting on the handlebars of a 30-50 Indian, facing to the rear, smoking a cigar...while his partner did the same going the other way... Snoopy helmet. Speed was 76 when I knew him ,and recently married to a pretty gal from a show family, she was 23...and preggers! The point being that one can cultivate luck...
I went to get my bike MOT today and decided to wear my old open face helmet for the first time in years. It was really strange wearing it and seemed a part of me was missing. On the return ride my brain had already re-adjusted and the helmet felt great with all that open space...
Great thread guys, I've been thinking about protective gear a lot lately just getting back into riding and all. A thing occurred to me, I don't really have a lot of
experience riding, especially different styles of bike and types of riding (off road). I took a training class to get my endorsement and that was it for formal
training I just went for it. I bought some armored pants and A red mesh jacket from Triumph which made my bratty little nieces giggle. They said I
looked like Michael Jackson's stunt double for the Thriller video, bitches. It was bulky and uncomfortable and I would usually do the strip down when ever I
got off the bike and it would become an expensive coat rack. Seriously one summer at the lake I turned to check on my bike and other people had hung
their shit on it. I get by with a helmet leather jacket gloves and boots/shoes. I believe the safest protective gear is the kind that you will actually wear on a
regular basis, The safety guys at work do not agree with me. Have you noticed construction workers relegated to wearing spelunking helmets now on
commercial sites? For decades we couldn't even wear a hard hat backwards because the visor wouldn't be there to protect your face from dropped objects
now we don't even have visors but we got chin straps. I would argue it more with them but Jim is right about making correlation fit your opinions. I don't
understand enough about studies and statistics but my BS detector gos off when I read a study done by MIPS stating that studies prove that their product is
best. Actually from what I understand MIPS is pretty good, I cant afford another head injury so I do plan on getting an updated helmet. So the quest for the
best protective gear will always be well a quest, I've been looking at those stretchy undershirts with the armor in them so you could wear it under other gear.
Thoughts on that? One of my concerns with the loose fitting over gear is that the armor wouldn't stay where it is supposed to during a crash. I just bought a
pair of summer mesh pants that will most likely slide completely off of my in a crash because they are too big and have no belt loops. I kind of like the idea
of the exterior armor if it would work. the knee and shin braces could make good cowling for wind and rain as well. They could design a fairing into them.
of course you would look like a Transformer once off the bike. Then there's air bags? The best piece of gear that I should invest in is more training and
understanding of my vehicles. I think my most dangerous practice is forgoing the pre trip inspection, maintenance, not understanding suspension set up or
ergonomics oh and riding past my abilities. Aren't most bike wrecks single vehicle accidents? My goal is to be smooth and not fast and stay upright. Anyway
enough rambling for now
experience riding, especially different styles of bike and types of riding (off road). I took a training class to get my endorsement and that was it for formal
training I just went for it. I bought some armored pants and A red mesh jacket from Triumph which made my bratty little nieces giggle. They said I
looked like Michael Jackson's stunt double for the Thriller video, bitches. It was bulky and uncomfortable and I would usually do the strip down when ever I
got off the bike and it would become an expensive coat rack. Seriously one summer at the lake I turned to check on my bike and other people had hung
their shit on it. I get by with a helmet leather jacket gloves and boots/shoes. I believe the safest protective gear is the kind that you will actually wear on a
regular basis, The safety guys at work do not agree with me. Have you noticed construction workers relegated to wearing spelunking helmets now on
commercial sites? For decades we couldn't even wear a hard hat backwards because the visor wouldn't be there to protect your face from dropped objects
now we don't even have visors but we got chin straps. I would argue it more with them but Jim is right about making correlation fit your opinions. I don't
understand enough about studies and statistics but my BS detector gos off when I read a study done by MIPS stating that studies prove that their product is
best. Actually from what I understand MIPS is pretty good, I cant afford another head injury so I do plan on getting an updated helmet. So the quest for the
best protective gear will always be well a quest, I've been looking at those stretchy undershirts with the armor in them so you could wear it under other gear.
Thoughts on that? One of my concerns with the loose fitting over gear is that the armor wouldn't stay where it is supposed to during a crash. I just bought a
pair of summer mesh pants that will most likely slide completely off of my in a crash because they are too big and have no belt loops. I kind of like the idea
of the exterior armor if it would work. the knee and shin braces could make good cowling for wind and rain as well. They could design a fairing into them.
of course you would look like a Transformer once off the bike. Then there's air bags? The best piece of gear that I should invest in is more training and
understanding of my vehicles. I think my most dangerous practice is forgoing the pre trip inspection, maintenance, not understanding suspension set up or
ergonomics oh and riding past my abilities. Aren't most bike wrecks single vehicle accidents? My goal is to be smooth and not fast and stay upright. Anyway
enough rambling for now
The protective clothing options are hugely varied in this modern age. You can buy anything from fully armoured air-bag race suits to more casual clothing that looks ‘normal’ but offers full protection, both are spendy however. Of course there are options between these extremes. My advice is buy the best you can afford for the type of riding you do. Safety before fashion is my moto.
Learn how to fall.
Mikey
got muscles in his head that ain't never been used
Does Judo count?
Mikey
got muscles in his head that ain't never been used
Being like a bar fly ?
1 more than I gotta go
Birdgutsca
XS650 Member
Wearing protection gives the rider a false sense of security. Wearing protection has the potential for the rider to increase risk taking behaviour based on the false sense of security. This always made sense to me.
I ride sometimes with a padded jacket, jeans and leather boots. Other times im in Thai workboots (flip flops) shorts and a T.
Either way I always ride defensively and paying attention. The best protection is paying attention at all times.
Touching wood for all those who may disagree with me
I ride sometimes with a padded jacket, jeans and leather boots. Other times im in Thai workboots (flip flops) shorts and a T.
Either way I always ride defensively and paying attention. The best protection is paying attention at all times.
Touching wood for all those who may disagree with me
Scored a Military dispatch rider jacket today in a thrift store
We was not sure what it was since it is so old gave $ 20
Picture is taken from the Army Museum at the bottom Not mine jacket it is now greased up with leather grease.
Hanging
Had patches on the elbows poorly done .I did it better
It is called Motor jacket M 1915 that means the type it is taken into use 1915 .. time of WW I
We are Talking Old School
Who the h*ll needs recycling .. OK this one must have been sitting in a Army Surplus storage sold and then
put into someones closet. It cannot have been in use all these years. If then + 100 years
Type Has been used in the Navy into the 30 ies
Mine lacks buttons on one side but have holes on both sides + Have 2 additional deep pockets above the visible ones here
And is in good quality leather Dont have the usual military markings but have a digit 2 inside
that can mean 2 Platoon or something.
Beautiful patina Brownish with wear I think it is Cow leather not goatskin
I believe leather pants also existed
i Wont use it for riding but put it here as some perspective Think about the machines then .
Protection ..Not invented ...
Army sold off other Jackets and I was dumb not buying them in leather for chump change well into the 70 ies --expensive now
Army had excellent quality and is perfectly developed and tested for cold weather.
We was not sure what it was since it is so old gave $ 20
Picture is taken from the Army Museum at the bottom Not mine jacket it is now greased up with leather grease.
Hanging
Had patches on the elbows poorly done .I did it better
It is called Motor jacket M 1915 that means the type it is taken into use 1915 .. time of WW I
We are Talking Old School
Who the h*ll needs recycling .. OK this one must have been sitting in a Army Surplus storage sold and then
put into someones closet. It cannot have been in use all these years. If then + 100 years
Type Has been used in the Navy into the 30 ies
Mine lacks buttons on one side but have holes on both sides + Have 2 additional deep pockets above the visible ones here
And is in good quality leather Dont have the usual military markings but have a digit 2 inside
that can mean 2 Platoon or something.
Beautiful patina Brownish with wear I think it is Cow leather not goatskin
I believe leather pants also existed
i Wont use it for riding but put it here as some perspective Think about the machines then .
Protection ..Not invented ...
Army sold off other Jackets and I was dumb not buying them in leather for chump change well into the 70 ies --expensive now
Army had excellent quality and is perfectly developed and tested for cold weather.
TRIUMPHANT RIDING GEAR
Working at Bevan Triumph Motorcycles has taken me into a new riding requierment. For those customers new to biking or new riders with little experiance we have to offer accompanied test rides on our bike ranges. This means I ride a bike of my choosing whilst the potential customer takes a bike of thier chioce, whatever the weather.
The problem is the WEATHER! Its always hissing down with rain this time of year and I was in need of rider rain wear.
Working for Triumph has its advantages so I reviwed the Triumph kit online and it generally gets good reviews. I ended up buying the following:
Triumph Alder GTX 2 Gore-tex Gloves £190.00 (I paid £40.00)
These have a dual layer option for warmth or feeling; which surprisingly works! Goat skin leather palms and superb construction. A securing wrist band and another wide secure band at the cuff.
Triumph Alder Gore-tex Jacket £650.00 (I paid £140.00)
Incredible jacket with full D30 Armour at back, shoulders, elbows etc....
Triumph Alder Gore-tex Trousers £475.00 (I paid £140.00)
Again, well constructed and full amour where needed.
No way I could afford to buy this kit at full price of £1,315.00 (I paid £320.00).
But needs must as I have to ride in weather most people would not even consider doing.
Risks are higher and therfore safety concerns are higher. I am at the very least now taking the best protective measures I can.
I was lucky to be working in the right place at the right time to secure this kit as a Triumph staff member, buying last seasons clothing at reduced prices.
There are still clearance bargains to be had, but sizes are limited. The new kit is exactly the same just detail changes; and more expensive again for 2026.
Ads.
Working at Bevan Triumph Motorcycles has taken me into a new riding requierment. For those customers new to biking or new riders with little experiance we have to offer accompanied test rides on our bike ranges. This means I ride a bike of my choosing whilst the potential customer takes a bike of thier chioce, whatever the weather.
The problem is the WEATHER! Its always hissing down with rain this time of year and I was in need of rider rain wear.
Working for Triumph has its advantages so I reviwed the Triumph kit online and it generally gets good reviews. I ended up buying the following:
Triumph Alder GTX 2 Gore-tex Gloves £190.00 (I paid £40.00)
These have a dual layer option for warmth or feeling; which surprisingly works! Goat skin leather palms and superb construction. A securing wrist band and another wide secure band at the cuff.
Triumph Alder Gore-tex Jacket £650.00 (I paid £140.00)
Incredible jacket with full D30 Armour at back, shoulders, elbows etc....
Triumph Alder Gore-tex Trousers £475.00 (I paid £140.00)
Again, well constructed and full amour where needed.
No way I could afford to buy this kit at full price of £1,315.00 (I paid £320.00).
But needs must as I have to ride in weather most people would not even consider doing.
Risks are higher and therfore safety concerns are higher. I am at the very least now taking the best protective measures I can.
I was lucky to be working in the right place at the right time to secure this kit as a Triumph staff member, buying last seasons clothing at reduced prices.
There are still clearance bargains to be had, but sizes are limited. The new kit is exactly the same just detail changes; and more expensive again for 2026.
Ads.
Attachments
I'll bite, and some may agree with me, some may not.
When I ride I wear my work boots. They are steel toed, but also steel-soled which i have found to be incredibly useful for planting my feet at a stop.
Illinois does not require a helmet, and I refuse to use one, and this is my logic why, which again might sound absurd.
If a helmet is the only thing that kept me alive in a wreck, and I'm a vegetable, I'll wish I'd had a quick clean death instead of laying in a hospital bed completely useless to myself.
I've also noticed that the morons lanesplitting and in general being hooligans have helmets on. I'm not saying that everyone who wears one is a hooligan, but I've come to the conclusion that helmets seem to offer a false sense of invulnerability to the point of recklessness.
And also, any government (city, state, local) that FORCES me to wear a helmet in effect insults my intelligence. Same with seatbelts.
When I ride I wear my work boots. They are steel toed, but also steel-soled which i have found to be incredibly useful for planting my feet at a stop.
Illinois does not require a helmet, and I refuse to use one, and this is my logic why, which again might sound absurd.
If a helmet is the only thing that kept me alive in a wreck, and I'm a vegetable, I'll wish I'd had a quick clean death instead of laying in a hospital bed completely useless to myself.
I've also noticed that the morons lanesplitting and in general being hooligans have helmets on. I'm not saying that everyone who wears one is a hooligan, but I've come to the conclusion that helmets seem to offer a false sense of invulnerability to the point of recklessness.
And also, any government (city, state, local) that FORCES me to wear a helmet in effect insults my intelligence. Same with seatbelts.
SteveP
XS650 Addict
I suppose wearing as much safety gear as is practical is the safest option. I do, apart from my 27 year old open face davida helmet.
You can lessen the odds but sometimes fate takes a hand.
I was walking my dog the other morning, 10 minutes from home when a car took a corner too fast, mounted the pavemen and hit us both. We've both had surgery and will be a little less mobile.
Just do what makes you smile, it's always the unexpected that floors you.
Following on from the seatbelt issues. They were made mandatory in the UK and I seem to recall the accident rate increased. I believe it's called risk compensation. Drivers wear seat belts so they feel safer. Don't have to drive as carefully anymore. All the other poor road users are impacted (literally).
You can lessen the odds but sometimes fate takes a hand.
I was walking my dog the other morning, 10 minutes from home when a car took a corner too fast, mounted the pavemen and hit us both. We've both had surgery and will be a little less mobile.
Just do what makes you smile, it's always the unexpected that floors you.
Following on from the seatbelt issues. They were made mandatory in the UK and I seem to recall the accident rate increased. I believe it's called risk compensation. Drivers wear seat belts so they feel safer. Don't have to drive as carefully anymore. All the other poor road users are impacted (literally).
