Motorcycle Gear

[ethics]

I know what you are SUPPOSED to wear but I am wondering what you guys wear in the 100+ degree weather when riding?
\
Also, any advice on helmets? 3/4 and full face?

[Elspeth]

We always went with full face, especially after Braz's parents dumped their bike and took their helments down to the the last layer. We wore long sleeves and long pants. Also sunscreen is a must unless you want to look like a raccoon.

[ethics]

Long sleeves... jackets? In 100+ degree weather? Or just shirts?

I definitely would be riding with jeans no matter what the weather. But on top?

[tke711]

Just DON'T ride wearing only your thong.

[Elspeth]

Long sleeves... jackets? In 100+ degree weather? Or just shirts?

I definitely would be riding with jeans no matter what the weather. But on top?


Rode across the Mojvae in a long sleeve shirt with a shirt under it. I did wear a light jacket. Sunburns with wind suck

[Biker]

Long sleeves are a must. Sunburns suck, majorly!

Helmets........ Full face in 100+ degree weather can be a royal pain. Even the fancy, vented ones can get very hot inside. If I MUST wear a helmet in the summer, it's usually a half shell.

Good boots are a must, good heavy jeans, and a good, long sleeved shirt. Bugs hurt like hell and the shirt DOES help a little.

And yes, we can debate the helmet issue until the cows come home, but it's personal choice to the rider. If you are going to wear one, get the best you can afford.

[ethics]

Some good advice. So wear long sleeve no matter what for bugs, weather... What's a half helm look like?

[Biker]

Half shell is just that.. Covers the top of your noggin. The better ones have leather that come down and cover your ears (another bit of bug protection).

Get some soft saddle bags. Carry a rain suit and jacket at all times. Weather changes in an instant when you're on the road.

Remember a trip I was taking from Jal, New Mexico to Alamagordo, NM. 100+ degrees in the flats. As I hit the mountains, it started to cool off and mist. Pulled over and tossed the rain suit and jacket on. By the time I hit Cloudcroft, it was snowing. One trip I don't care to repeat any time soon.

[ethics]

Get some soft saddle bags. Carry a rain suit and jacket at all times. Weather changes in an instant when you're on the road.

Saddle bags will be purchased with the bike. I think those are a must no matter what.

But I am glad you mentioned rain.

1. What do you do when the rain is heavy?

2. What do you get for rain as far as clothing? Do they have something that goes over your current gear or is it separate gear?

[Biker]

As I tend to ride a full dresser, I get a lot of protection from the elements. But rain suits are an item that I spend big bucks on and they're worth their weight in gold.

I like the one piece suits you jump into at the first sign of rain. Only draw back to 'em is they're a pain in the ass when you have to go. I buy mine a little big so I can wear my leather jacket under it as well.

Heavy rain?? Pull over. When visibility is that bad, you're a rolling target for every other idiot out there. Find an overpass, pull well off the road, and sit it out.

[Violet1966]

Even in sweltering hot weather, you want long sleeves if you're gonna be going for a long ride. The wind hitting you, you're not going to be as hot, but like others said, you will get sunburn and chapped easily. Pants are a must. OMG I can't tell you how many times I've heard of people burning their legs or getting hurt when something flies up, while on a bike. A must.

I also hate helmets, but I own a full face. If you've ever been on a bike when something kicks up on you, or it's buggy out, you'll understand this one. LOL Husband too, he has a few helmets. He's got a peanut shell as well, which are smaller half helmets, for local riding, and a full face for highway. Bugs hurt. Bad. Goggles also a must with half or less helmets. It's the law actually, to protect your eyes while on a bike. Even in no helmet states like NH, you have to wear eye protection.

Hubby has owned bikes all his life, but we got rid of his a few years ago after his back surgery, and are now just doing the atv thing with the kids involved.

I've owned my full face for over 20 years now, and even though it's hot and sweaty, I don't mind wearing it. It's better than bugs in your mouth.

Rain hurts on a bike too. Painful. Great advice from biker. Raincoat in bags is a must too. Also a tool kit.

[Cariad]

Doesn't matter what the weather, cover up (http://www.speedfreakinc.com/safety/extreme_roadrash_cause_effect_and_lesson_learned.html).

Her Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/brit2morrow) page, photos are half way down on the right

[ethics]

That is some visual writing! Nicely done! I can't see the pix since Myspace is blocked from work but I can only imagine what she looked like. Essentially, I would never think of even getting on a bike with the gear she had on.

Another difference here is that I won't be a passenger nor carry any--at least that's not the plan. But lesson learned no matter what. I've read instances like that, most of the people did not survive though, not sure what's worse. :(

[MNeedham73]

Here's one pic from her Myspace page, Leon. Not pleasant at all.

[Elspeth]

My mother in law has a small (roughly 6 inches) road rash scar. Ground through a glass bead jacket. Their accident is why I refuse to wear anything but full face helments. And ask Braz about bugs in Yosemite

[ethics]

Oof...

[Violet1966]

Yeah and keep in mind that jeans and a long sleave shirt won't keep that from happening. I wear my leather jacket any time I go on the back of a bike just to feel a little safer, and that's even false sense of security kind of. I have it as long as my full face and they go hand in hand on any bike.

[ethics]

MOST of the time, that's what I will be doing. Good leather jacket, full face helmet, and heavy jeans. Even that is not anywhere full proof but it's much better than a T, a coconut shell, and shorts.

[Violet1966]

Yup. :)

So you're gonna get a bike? Whatcha gonna get? :)

[ethics]

The Vulcan 2000.

[Biker]

Live long and prosper.. :haha:

[ethics]

Exactly. :)

[Violet1966]

Vulcans are nice bikes. I like them. Best of luck with it when you get it! Sturdy looking and classic looking too.

You find out what insurance is going to run you in NY? Just curious what they're getting. We used to pay like 90 bucks a year for our policy when we lived in NH. I'm sure NY has to be a bit more.

You going to do the training thing? Like take a training class?

[Biker]

You going to do the training thing? Like take a training class?

He better. Or I'll come out there and kick his ass........

[ethics]

You going to do the training thing? Like take a training class?

Yes. My cousin is my mentor here, he has been riding for like 5 years. He went to the class and won't go riding with me UNLESS I go to the beginner's class and expert later on.

On top of that, going through the class allows me to bypass the road-test.

[ethics]

Insurance would run for 1000 per year on the new Vulcan 2000.

[Violet1966]

That's not bad considering it's NY. If and when you plan on having a passenger at any time on back, be sure the plan covers them. I know some policies it's additional for a passenger coverage.

I can't remember what me and the ex used to pay in NJ, but I know it was a lot. I want to say like 700 bucks a year and that was a long time ago. 1000 doesn't sound bad for that area. :)

Yeah classes are a very wise thing to do. Good to hear you're going to take them. :)

[Brazbit]

What to wear: The most protection you can stand given the weather condition. You might at first cringe at the thought of wearing long sleeves or heavy gear in hot weather but proper layers can insulate you from heat not just cold. If done right you can wear a decent amount of protection even in high heat.

Helmet: I will not get on a bike again without a full face helmet. When my father went down the pavement ground through layers of fiberglass and such in his helmet. The remaining layer at his jaw's location was thin and flexible. At the minimum he would have lost all the skin and meat on his jaw. Frankly I think he would have looked more like the jawless undead model in WoW and I would not have my father today had it not been for his quality full face helmet. He went down at a mere 35mph. I can't even imagine freeway speeds.

I have seen two motorcycle accidents in person. Both involved my parents.

The first one we were on our way to Glacier National Park and the road was rollercoaster like hills and valleys. I had fallen about a hill behind them and when I crested a hill and traffic was at a dead stop. I hit their bike at about 5-10 mph and the impact tossed them from the bike. It was around 90 degrees out and they were in short sleaves and shorts. Even though the impact was minimal they had some nice road rash from that one.

The next one there was roadkill being picked over by carrion birds. My dad swerved to avoid but one of the birds flew straight at the bike so he deepened his swerve and the footpeg caught on a pothole. This caused the bike to buck them both off and it's trailer righted the bike which continued about 1000 feet down the road before nose diving off a 30' high embankment. My parents slid about a hundred feet or so down the road which ground away their jeans and glass bead jackets (Glass bead jackets were highly reflective and advertised to have the same wear resistance as leather.) Most of my mom's damage came on her arm which had the jacket wear away and caused some serious road rash, still visible to this day. Most of my dad's damage was to the jaw area of his helmet (described above.)

In both of those accidents my parents received roughly the same amount of injury. One was at a dead stop, the other was at 35 mph. The clothing choice and helmet was the only thing that kept the second one from being deadly and the first from being limited to mere bumps and bruises.

At a minimum I wear denim pants and a denim jacket (Denim is not as good as leather but does have higher wear ratings than most fabrics.) For footwear I try to always wear boots, for summer travel I even went to the army surplus store and picked up a pair of jungle boots which are well ventilated yet provide proper support and traction. I ALWAYS wear a full face helmet.

A little discomfort is far outweighed by the alternative. Until you have seen it for yourself you can not grasp the importance. It is tempting to play it down but if you see what happens even once in that situation while riding it will drive home that all the effort was well worth it.

Anyway that is my two cents on the subject.

[ethics]

Wow! Thanks!

[Biker]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-clothing/Motorcycle-clothing.htm

Links to a ton of companies/reviews that make motorcycle clothing, including boots.

[ethics]

Thanks.

I should be good for now. Might need a mesh jacket for the summer but that's about it.

Got a new EXO 1000 Scorpion helmet recently. Should be fun. :)

EDIT: Wow, that site is pretty awesome!

[Biker]

Yeah... TONS of links to good stuff!

[MNeedham73]

Just bookmarked that one myself. Thanks, Tom :)

[dsl987]

I know what you are SUPPOSED to wear but I am wondering what you guys wear in the 100+ degree weather when riding?
\
Also, any advice on helmets? 3/4 and full face?

ALWAYS wear a full face helmet, why wear something that would protect your head but let your face take a beating?

In the Summer I wear a mesh jacket, which lets plenty of air flow through and has plenty of padding for impact resistance. I always wear gloves with the armored fingers and 90% of the time I will wear riding boots, but will sometimes substitute for other heavy boots. I always wear jeans, but should wear something thicker over them, but NEVER shorts.

If you ever had an accident on a bike (and I have) then you will always wear protective gear. I've had two accidents that could have killed me, but I literally walked away from both with minor injuries. The first accident involved a lady turning right across me which resulted in me T-boning her car and me flying over it. My only injury was a broken wrist. My second accident which I don't remember resulted in me hitting a car almost head on. Somewhere along the way my head hit something pretty hard, because there was a nice crack and scrape along my helmet. The Emergency room folks said if I had not have been wearing it I would probably be dead or have received a major skull/brain injury. MY injuries from that were a crooked finger (tendon damage) and a compressed T2 segment in my spine. My bike was pretty much destroyed in that accident and the last time I saw it, it was laying in the road in 2 pieces.

Always, always always wear your gear. Being how and sweaty sucks, but its much cooler looking than being in a wheel chair.

[ethics]

Don't have to tell me. :) Always do, man, always do.

[Kluge]

Does anybody have experience with a mesh jacket? I have a standard waterproof with removable liner, and it's ok at highway speed in 80 degree weather as long as the liner is out and all the vents are open. At red lights, though, it's like a toaster with a fine line between brown & burnt.

I think of the mesh providing the pads but more vulnerable to the road rash or even prone to catch on a protruding object, though a lot better when stopped. Is the liner on a mesh waterproof? Warm enough at night?

[ethics]

Hmm, good question. I, too, would like to know.

[Kluge]

This one (https://www.leatherup.com/p/Fabric-Motorcycle-Jackets/Tourmaster-Intake-White-Dark-Armor-Link-Mesh-Motorcycle-Jacket/50994.html) from the web site above has a waterproof liner and an insulated one under that, and it looks kind of like the jacket I have now. I recall the ones in bike shops have a fine slippery-feeling mesh, not like a fish net or anything.

Would still like to hear from somebody who has one.

Also, I wonder about the pants issue. In summer I wear my work pants, which are your basic sears-roebuck grease & stain resistant polyester thin stuff, and I have roll-up rubber rain pants from a sporting goods store. They roll up into a sleeve the size of a totes umbrella and I bought a size that fits over my regular pants. I guess I don't want to look like a ninja bike racer or a Jim Morrison clone with leather pants, my protection is purely the fear of crashing.

In winter, I have felt-lined blue jeans from wall-mart that also are a size larger than my work pants. I bought some Tyvek tape, the kind that builders use to splice rolls of building insulating sheets, and intend some day to apply it to the felt-lined blue jeans to create riding pants. I've noticed that the tyvek envelopes slide like heck all over the postal machines to the point that they have to be handled by hand, and I think that would be a great characteristic for the outside of motorcycle clothing. The tyvek tape has some kind of ultra-sticky glue on it and I think I could apply it in layers to add wear protection along with wind-proofing. I'd like it if it came in colors other than white with corporate logo, but that's big-business stuff.

[Biker]

If I'm going to wear a jacket, it's leather. Won't even think of wearing anything else.

[ethics]

Does it get to 100+ degrees where you are?

[Biker]

If it's over a hundred, I don't wear a jacket. Don't know very many people that do.

[ethics]

Mesh is better than no protection of a t-shirt, dude.

[Biker]

When temps in Texas get over 100, the interstate feels like a blast furnace. Granted, you're going to get best protection with full leathers and full face helmet, but I rarely see anyone ride with that when it's that hot. I'll ride with a long sleeved shirt and gloves, but that's about it when it's that hot. At that point, the "old timers" tend to rely more on riding skills to mitigate the lack of helmet and leathers. It's all about risk management and what risks you're willing to take.

I haven't ridden in Florida during the summer in years. However, I do know the humidity is far worse here than in Texas. Different set of heat factors and again, will most likely not be wearing things that will decrease the comfort level during the ride.

[ethics]

Point taken. It really is about risk acceptance and the level you agree on with yourself.

[dsl987]

Does anybody have experience with a mesh jacket? I have a standard waterproof with removable liner, and it's ok at highway speed in 80 degree weather as long as the liner is out and all the vents are open. At red lights, though, it's like a toaster with a fine line between brown & burnt.

I think of the mesh providing the pads but more vulnerable to the road rash or even prone to catch on a protruding object, though a lot better when stopped. Is the liner on a mesh waterproof? Warm enough at night?

The mesh is not quite as wear resistant as full leather, but the padding adds a lot of protection as well as impact resistance. The liner on my mesh jacket is not waterproof but they are available.
If you ride in an area were temperatures dip quite a bit at night you might want to keep the liner handy.

In Texas 100F heat the mesh jacket is heaven.

[Kluge]

I bought a mesh jacket but I probably won't try it until I expext temperatures over 60 for the entire ride. I'll let you know what the results are. I bought the 'Nitro Racing' brand off the rack, it has padding at elbows etc and a zip-in removable liner that came with the jacket. Some of them just came with zippers that you can sew to your own liner, but I'm not much good at sewing stuff.

I mail-ordered some of these pants (http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/department/mens/mens2/mens_pants/86125.aspx?feature=Product_3), with an endorsement that they didn't wear through after a 45 mph bike-drop. They aren't riding gear exactly, just supposed to be good pants.

[Kluge]

Tried the mesh jacket today with liner in and 48 degrees reported temperatures.
It's a little bit breezy even with the liner in, so the ride was a little bit chilly (2 legs of 22 miles with a break between).
Got a significant rain on the way back, too, and the liner kept my shirt & cell phone dry.

Not bad but I think 50 degrees is about as cold as you'd want to get with it.

[ethics]

Kewl, thanks for the review.

[dsl987]

Tried the mesh jacket today with liner in and 48 degrees reported temperatures.
It's a little bit breezy even with the liner in, so the ride was a little bit chilly (2 legs of 22 miles with a break between).
Got a significant rain on the way back, too, and the liner kept my shirt & cell phone dry.

Not bad but I think 50 degrees is about as cold as you'd want to get with it.

As you have already noticed those things are not too warm. I'd wait till it hits 60 before using the mesh. I rode with mine yesterday, and with temps already hitting 100F here in San Antonio I was sure glad I had it :)

[Kluge]

Today I came home from work wearing the new mesh jacket and got real close to a bird. It must have shxt feathers because there were feathers stuck to the headlight, cables, clutch lever, and some on the jacket that blew away before I stopped but they stayed on quite a while.

It occurs to me that I want to be real careful to avoid wildlife and such because it will be real tough to clean everything out of that mesh structure.

[Biker]

Try center punching a buzzard at 60 mph.. :haha: