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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Summer safety gear? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1336372325 Message started by Dave Sisk on 05/06/12 at 23:32:05 |
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Title: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/06/12 at 23:32:05 Although I'd love to ride in a short sleeve shirt and denim shorts, as a new biker that's probably not the best choice. I'm just curious about what newer bikers use when it's hot outside. Helmet is assumed of course...I'm using a full-face helmet now, although I like the 3/4 better (I may switch to a 3/4 after getting some more miles and experience under my belt.) I've picked up some mesh riding pants (to go over whatever pants or shorts I'm already wearing) that have armor in the knees...they are surprisingly cool, but quite a pain to put on and take off (have to take the shoes off). I'm wishing there were some mesh chaps with the armor built into important areas. In the summer, I'm usually in denim shorts, so something easy to put on/take off would be great, but I think leather chaps are going to be way too hot. Anyone know of some mesh chaps with body armor? I've been using a leather jacket, but it's just too hot in this NC sun. :) I'm trying to figure what riding jacket might be the best choice. Something mesh that lets good airflow through. I also think the elbow, shoulder, and forearm armor is an awefully good idea. Just curious if anyone has any specific recommendations that are in a reasonable price range (like in $100 or less). I'm using some close-fitting leather work gloves right now, but prob should think that over some too. Cheers, Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Serowbot on 05/06/12 at 23:43:49 My no.1 recommendation,.. do anything you want with any clothing, but keep the FF helmet... Nothing is more important.. I'd feel safer barefoot, in swim trunks with a FF,... than with all the armor clothes in the world, and a three quarter helmet... FF helmet in a t-shirt, and I walked away (over 100f that day)... ;)... http://p1.bikepics.com/2008%5C09%5C23%5Cbikepics-1427611-full.jpg |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by verslagen1 on 05/07/12 at 00:04:58 A ff helmet with the visor open will give just as much ventilation as a 3/4. Unless you're using goggles. Armored mesh jacket and pants will give you plenty of ventilation. leather gloves and boots are mandatory as far as I'm concerned. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by BelizeanBanman on 05/07/12 at 00:14:17 Good sense is often a great idea too. Thing is, many times the one that hits you doesn't have it, thats why you gotta think for the both of you.. Safe ridin' to you sir, Roger |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 04:25:07 I'm in the exact same boat thinking about the same question. I ALWAYS wear a FF helmet and will probably always will, not only for skull protection, but I've had decent sized moths hit my face mask at 60 mph and it makes quite a sound - I couldn't imagine taking the pain of that on my face while navigating a narrow country road with oncoming traffic. I also always wear my black-and-white Tourmaster mesh jacket with the built-in armor, even if over just a t-shirt. It's surprisingly cool when you're moving. I feel the same way about mesh pants and have been thinking about leather or fabric chaps but just haven't found any I'm happy with for a reasonable price. As it is, I wear my leg armor when it's under 75 but tend to just wear jeans when it hotter. Good quality gloves are mandatory of course - your instincts will be to extend hands on a fall. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 05:31:56 Wow...um..."nice"pic man. Glad you made it out fine. So, why boots? What do sneakers not provide that boots do? Cheers, Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 05:34:20 446176655369736B000 wrote:
Ankle protection. Otherwise they could grind down to the radius of your foot and calf in a slide. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 05:42:20 57686C712F1E0 wrote:
Hey man...very true. I've driven various automobiles for almost 30 years...I had a couple minor accidents when I was a young driver, had no common sense, and used to drive like a crazy man. ;) I think I learned my lessons, and I haven't had any accidents in 20+ years, including avoiding people who drive like I used to! (Knock on wood.) I'm hoping that instinct of being able to keep myself out of trouble transfers well to riding a motorcycle. However, I know there's extra effort on a bike since people truly don't *see* you. Regardless, safe riding to you too. Btw, your username makes me ask...do you live in Belize? Been through there, and would love to spend some time there. 8-) Cheers, Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 05:45:08 75726363627561626273070 wrote:
Ankle protection. Otherwise they could grind down to the radius of your foot and calf in a slide. [/quote] Oh...uugh. Guess I didn't think about that. Boy, thanks for that mental picture...I think I'll look for some boots too. Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 06:00:42 684D5A497F455F472C0 wrote:
Ankle protection. Otherwise they could grind down to the radius of your foot and calf in a slide. [/quote] Oh...uugh. Guess I didn't think about that. Boy, thanks for that mental picture...I think I'll look for some boots too. Dave[/quote] Sorry about that :-[, but I totally respect that you're looking to mitigate risk and didn't want to be gentle with the reasoning passed on to me. The good news is that you don't HAVE to spend a mint on Fryes or Italian racing gear (unless you need to justify it, then by all means! :P). I bought these at Wal-Mart on sale for $17, normally still under $30. They're light, water resistant, don't look bad with jeans or black riding pants, and I walked around in them at the AMA museum yesterday for a couple hours without fatigue. OTOH my brown Frye harness boots were much more expensive so I rarely subject them to the road! ::) |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 06:04:53 Perhaps spat (half) chaps would be a decent option? http://www.coloradochaps.com/motorcycle_spats.html Easy to get on and off, and much better than nothing, but alas they don't cover one's arse or hip bones. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by BelizeanBanman on 05/07/12 at 06:22:24 082D3A291F253F274C0 wrote:
Hey man...very true. I've driven various automobiles for almost 30 years...I had a couple minor accidents when I was a young driver, had no common sense, and used to drive like a crazy man. ;) I think I learned my lessons, and I haven't had any accidents in 20+ years, including avoiding people who drive like I used to! (Knock on wood.) I'm hoping that instinct of being able to keep myself out of trouble transfers well to riding a motorcycle. However, I know there's extra effort on a bike since people truly don't *see* you. Regardless, safe riding to you too. Btw, your username makes me ask...do you live in Belize? Been through there, and would love to spend some time there. 8-) Cheers, Dave [/quote] Yes sir, thats where I'm from. We have some excellent roads for cruising. I don't know if you've been on this road, but you should check out the Hummingbird highway the next time you come :) The common sense thing is something my brother told me. He was in an accident once, wrecked his classic 750 Honda Shadow. Gotta be careful in this country |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by sbaugz on 05/07/12 at 06:25:33 I don't care how hot it is out , I always wear my Bell Star FF helmet, my Icon mesh jacket with armor, and my Alpinestars Scheme armored gloves. By the way, I just picked up those Alpinestars Scheme gloves- they are really nice- fully armored with kevlar and plastic but very lightweight and they breath very well in summer. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Retread on 05/07/12 at 07:08:51 Best safety equipment you have is between your ears.. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dead Fish on 05/07/12 at 07:11:32 Dave, New rider here and want all the protection I can get. Watch the sales on-line. I picked up a Fieldsheer armor mesh jacket in hi-viz yellow, Fieldsheer mesh armor pants, and a Bell full face helmet for about $275 total. Nobody sells motorcycle boots in my size, 13 AAA. Found an Army surplus site and got a pair of hot weather desert tan boots in my size for $14 bucks. Had all the gear on a 70 mile ride yesterday, about 85 and humid and no problems at all. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 08:04:25 For mesh-like chaps, this might be cool...but it doesn't have any body armor. I wonder if the armor could be added? Anyone know? http://www.ebay.com/itm/390407848878?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 08:07:05 For jackets, would something like this or this be a good idea for the road? Or is this for offroad stuff only (ie. would it hold up to asphalt, etc.) http://www.ebay.com/itm/250826546334?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 http://www.ebay.com/itm/330725153667?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 08:49:40 67425546704A5048230 wrote:
That might be a little overkill (or at least funky looking). Here's what I have in white. Expensive, but I love being able to remove the thermal liner and rain guard when it's really warm out. I've ridden comfortably with it from 40 degrees through 80 so far. Really happy to have spent the extra. http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=269&cat=3 |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 08:52:35 77524556605A4058330 wrote:
It would be better than just jeans, but it's not kevlar lined. Personally I'd be willing to go without armor if they were easy to get on and off, but I'd really prefer to have better abrasion resistance than just a second layer of fabric. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 09:15:05 7D7A6B6B6A7D696A6A7B0F0 wrote:
It would be better than just jeans, but it's not kevlar lined. Personally I'd be willing to go without armor if they were easy to get on and off, but I'd really prefer to have better abrasion resistance than just a second layer of fabric. [/quote] Good points. My knees have been banged up quite a lot throughout my 45 years, so I'd really prefer to have at least the knee armor. Good point about the kevlar lining...I'm not sure if the mesh riding pants I bought have that or not...I'll have to check. Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 09:20:26 Too funny, we're the same age with probably the same risk profile. I'm not sure if kevlar is as important in mesh garments because they're more "slippery" than denim and might slide better. I've read that denim is quite grippy against asphalt and tends to flip or abrade, hence my desire for kevlar in conventional fabrics. I could be off though - I'm only a 3 month rider! |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by kuri77 on 05/07/12 at 10:00:44 I'm now wearing textile First Gear fully armored jacket. All my old leathers had no armor so they're in the closet to stay. The First Gear is great for protection but the vents do nothing for cooling especially if you have a windshield. I took my jacket to a tailor and for $70 he put a zipper in a widening piece that I got at a material shop. (Wasn't necessary for just the scoop effect but I had it widened all the way to the shoulder so I could get my down sweater on comfortably under the jacket which is why it looks so wide). Got the scoop idea from the best leather jacket I ever owned except it had no armor. Even with a windshield, this textile jacket with both zippers open scoops up air and send it all the way up the sleeves to your torso. With gloves on and the original sleeve zipper open little air gets in but the opening with both zippers open is big enough that plenty of air gets around your gloves. Best comfort mod I've ever made. As you can see from the pic it doesn't stop you from closing up both zippers and being airtight with gloves on. http://i46.tinypic.com/zohjrt.jpg http://i49.tinypic.com/334ord3.jpg http://i45.tinypic.com/34fh5q0.jpg |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 11:05:45 12150404051206050514600 wrote:
I was just gathering that. 8-) Cheers bro! So, these are the pants I snagged last week: http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/blaze_mesh_motorcycle_pants/web1001045 I just went over lunch and grabbed a mesh jacket...it seems pretty decent, they advised me to get the smallest possible size and wear it for a while until it stretches just a little (I have 7 days to return/exchange if it's just too tight): http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/blaze_mesh_motorcycle_jacket/web1001044 Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Paraquat on 05/07/12 at 11:15:46 You guys must sweat bullets at stop lights? Boots, jeans, t shirt, fingerless gloves, goggles. On brisk mornings I'll throw on the leather jacket. --Steve |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 11:17:35 5766756676726673070 wrote:
Indeed, I don't like to set still for long with full gear on! :o |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 11:20:56 052037241228322A410 wrote:
I was just gathering that. 8-) Cheers bro! So, these are the pants I snagged last week: http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/blaze_mesh_motorcycle_pants/web1001045 I just went over lunch and grabbed a mesh jacket...it seems pretty decent, they advised me to get the smallest possible size and wear it for a while until it stretches just a little (I have 7 days to return/exchange if it's just too tight): http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/blaze_mesh_motorcycle_jacket/web1001044 Dave[/quote] You paid a lot less than I did for gear, and it looks like it'll work great. Mine has extra lining/insulation features for when it's chilly, but nothing and extra layer of clothes under and/or rain overs couldn't fix! |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 11:50:42 Trying to get it on sale. ;) The mesh pants are cool because they do seem to get a lot of airflow. I'm hoping the similar jacket will behave the same way. It has a zip out liner, and it's snug with the liner out. We'll see...I appear to be somewhere between sizes, so we'll see if the material stretches a little. Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/07/12 at 11:54:47 Good luck - mine hasn't stretched so it's still pretty snug with both liners in, through perfectly fine with just the mesh and guards. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 12:00:01 Here are some chaps like I've been looking for...not cheap though: http://www.coloradochaps.com/motorcycle_chaps.html Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/07/12 at 18:18:04 76534457615B4159320 wrote:
So, I just tried this jacket out riding around my neighborhood for about 30 mins...the airflow is so unrestricted, I actually got a little chilly. I think this will work well for a hot day. Still not sure about the size though...man, it's really snug, I feel kinda like the Michelin tire man! ;D Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Pine on 05/08/12 at 11:29:05 I just bought a "summer joy" mesh "jacket" with pads at a local bike shop... $100. (brand was 6th gear)I was rather amazed. It is very heavy and rather bulky. When your not moving it can get a warm ( more so that in a Tee) but when moving it seems to create air turblence and actually seems cooler that just a Tee. http://six-gear.com/apparel2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=93 I am dreading getting gloves.. but yall make a good point. Still looking for some boots ( boot like) shoes. I need something I can wear all day at work in the office. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by verslagen1 on 05/08/12 at 11:37:29 477E7972637865170 wrote:
I keep a pair of "office" shoes at work. At some point, your boots are going to get messed up. Having a second pair at work eliminates that worry. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/08/12 at 17:57:16 72617677686563616A35040 wrote:
Darned good idea! |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Joe F on 05/08/12 at 18:56:37 7F46414A5B405D2F0 wrote:
I keep a pair of shoes in my desk drawer and change at work. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Starlifter on 05/08/12 at 19:45:31 ATGATT (ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME) Live by it. If it's too hot for the gear, it's too hot to ride. http://sportbike.natkd.com/road_rash.htm |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Scott McCrory on 05/09/12 at 05:29:46 624550435D5857455443310 wrote:
Yikes. Good perspective. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by gcsdls on 05/09/12 at 07:24:21 A week after getting my S40, I ordered the mesh jacket...just got it last night. Took it for a ride...and it blows air through like a tank top! This is the nuts, man! Shoulder and elbow pads, full coverage, and full airflow! I'd recommend a mesh jacket to everyone for the summer. It's the ONLY way to ride here in the hot south.... 8-) |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/09/12 at 07:40:33 Which one did you order? Post a link for us plz. Cheers, Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by gcsdls on 05/09/12 at 07:45:47 Well, I have a hard time getting one in my size...so I had to go to the Harley Davidson website for it. I guess I'm more a Harley size than a Suzuki size. :-) http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448777692&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374309178689&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374309178689&locale=en_US&locale=en_US&bmUID=1336574043169&bmLocale=en_US This is the one I ended up getting. Not the cheapest I could have gotten, but it seems the selection changes every day on this site. I got one that has the reflective stripes on it. I don't bother much with the looks of things, as for me it would be like putting lipstick on a pig, but it's not too bad looking, either. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by weracerc on 05/09/12 at 07:49:15 i cant stand to be hot! so no jacket of any kind for me from April 1 thru October - i do wear jeans & this stuff though: http://www.worktoolsanduniforms.com/catalog5/images/HVK003.jpg http://www.themanstoreonline.com/OK-1-TO3-04-TL3-04-ANSI-Class-III-T-Shirts-p/to3-04%20tl3-04.htm Brahma SWAT boots $34 Walmart in stores only. http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/87/75/48/00/0087754800534_300X300.jpg Vega Sumitt II modular helmet - white for vis and to reflect the heat http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31jMot-DvoL._SL500_AA300_.jpg hi vis MX gloves keeps the hands cool with some protection http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDMyOQ==/$(KGrHqN,!ksE9WVR(htKBPoZkoqrjg~~60_12.JPG |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/09/12 at 09:24:33 595D4D5A524D3E0 wrote:
Cool. So, one thing I'm not liking about the mesh jacket that I picked is that it doesn't have any sort of waist adjustment...and without that, it just has to be tight to stay in place during a potential fall or slide. I think a waist adjustment would be much better. Dave |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by gcsdls on 05/09/12 at 09:31:28 Yes...waist adjustment...and what mine really needs...sleeve adjustment. Some of the jackets here have snaps to tighten the sleeves up a bit...but mine didn't. Wish I'd seen that before I ordered it. |
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Title: Re: Summer safety gear? Post by Dave Sisk on 05/09/12 at 11:12:07 I just returned the mesh jacket I had gotten and exchanged it for one size larger in a slightly different model. I hadn't noticed, but both have waist adjustments. The one I had was just too tight, and in thinking about it, I really don't need the zip-out liner (if it's that chilly, I'll use a different jacket). The one I exhanged it for has a waist adjustment, plus has snaps on the forearms to tighten things there (which I think is good, will keep the elbow armor from sliding around even though the jacket is one size larger). This is one of the two models with snaps on the arm...this isn't the one I got but almost exactly the same. The one I have is solid black, but has some reflectors built into it, and the sleeve size snaps are on the forearm instead of the biceps. http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/sport_mesh_motorcycle_jacket/web1001097 Dave |
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