It appears that there is some research to now back up what most of us already know about wearing good gear when riding. The following was sent to me by a medical colleague who found this in the latest British Medical Journal:
"What motorcyclists wear could mitigate the long term consequences of injury. In the six months after a crash, riders who were protected fully (motorcycle jacket and trousers) or partly (jacket only) reported less pain immediately after the crash and spent fewer days in hospital than unprotected riders. After two months, fully and partly protected riders were less likely to have disabilities or reduced physical functioning. At six months, both protected groups were more likely to be fully recovered and back at work than unprotected riders."
And to think, I just wear the stuff cos black leather makes me look cool ... and just a tad evil
Burt Munro + John Britten + Kim Newcombe + Ivan Mauger = Kiwi Street Cred
From my point of view. Those that don't wear proper gear and lots of it. Know next to nothing about any kind of motorcycle. I also look at it this way. I love motorcycles way too much to not be able to ride one tomorrow. As well I love to walk, hug my loved ones and breath on my own. Thanks to gear I have survived 6 serious crashes. 4 of them at speeds well over 100 mph on a track. One with a car and one with an 8 point buck. 5 of those crashes I stood up and walked away with no more than a few scrapes and never broke a bone in any of them. The one and only time I couldn't walk away. I suffered a severe concussion. Had I not been wearing a proper helmet. Without a doubt in my mind. I would have been dead. I also live in a state that doesn't even require a helmet. So, yeah Im a big gear fan.
Last edited by pearljam724 on Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
Its not the fall that will kill or injure you, its what you hit before you stop that will.
Dont tempt fate, wear gear, skin and bones are very fragile, they were not meant as devices to slid on or absorb impacts at ANY speed.
I always tell people, did you ever accidentally hit your knee on a table etc, it hurts like a b***h doesn't it, they all say "oh yeahhh".
Ok imagine how it will feel hitting asphalt at speed where it gets destroyed along with other parts that are unprotected.
"ATGATT" use that as your motto and you will have yourself covered, literally.
True, Allan. Many people die or are seriously injured on motorcycles traveling under 55mph. Speed is rarely the dominating factor. However, its extremely common for people to break collar bones, fingers and wrists at any speed fall. Many people also don't wear gear on short rides. Not knowing that 9 out of 10 accidents happen within 10 miles of where one lives. So, if your putting around the corner. Wear it.
What amuses me to no end is riders who leave Florida going into Georgia and begrudgingly put their helmet thats stored on the bike onto their head. Then once they return to the Florida state line they take it off and store it.
I'm not an ATGATT guy. I also don't believe that the law should require me to wear a helmet. That said, when I ride, there is a good quality helmet firmly planted on my head. I will go around the block to a neighbor's house or just to test a bike and not wear a helmet, but if I'm going out on the road, there is ALWAYS a helmet on my head. I always wear shoes/boots that are over my ankles. The only shoes that I own that don't cover my ankles is a pair of house slippers
I admit that I will ride with just a t-shirt, but I'm always wearing long pants. When I wear a jacket, it's either leather or one of the textile bike jackets that I have, but I will admit that I've removed most of the armor from them. I do wear gloves and a jacket if I'm going to be traveling at highway speeds for any length of time.
I'm like you Jeff, I'm not an atgatt rider either. We all know it's the right thing to do, but for me it's a comfort issue. I hate the cluttered up, can't move feeling of wearing heavy leather gear, and I can definitely ride a bike better without it. I'm under no illusion though, fall off at pretty much any speed, and you will be sorry if not properly attired. I have fallen off twice at over 70mph, wearing a bike leather jacket and gloves, and jeans. All the loss of skin was needless to say on my lower half. Fortunately I didn't break a bone on either occasion, which is miraculous really.....as the first time I was high sided, and the second, I hit a wall and a high kerb.
titan performance wrote:I'm like you Jeff, I'm not an atgatt rider either. We all know it's the right thing to do, but for me it's a comfort issue. I hate the cluttered up, can't move feeling of wearing heavy leather gear, and I can definitely ride a bike better without it. I'm under no illusion though, fall off at pretty much any speed, and you will be sorry if not properly attired. I have fallen off twice at over 70mph, wearing a bike leather jacket and gloves, and jeans. All the loss of skin was needless to say on my lower half. Fortunately I didn't break a bone on either occasion, which is miraculous really.....as the first time I was high sided, and the second, I hit a wall and a high kerb.
For the cluttered up and better riding feeling. Everyone starts out feeling that way. If you ever grow accustomed to wearing gear. You feel very naked and fragile without it. Proper gear gives high performance and the average Joe rider a ton of confidence and comfort knowing if something bad happens most likely he'll skate through it. Making that person feel he can ride better with it. Nothing personal, I haven't a clue why you would feel thar way without it. You can't say range of movement.
Well said Pearljam, it comes down to being able to buy gear thats functional and comfortable, with modern materials its possible to walk around with gear on and be able to bend over etc quite easily.
Its also possible to not sweat to death as well if its warm, due to the well engineered vents and flaps that allow air to circulate in and out of the clothing.
Only a few years ago the average piece of biker wear was a lot more restrictive than whats being made today.
I respect someones choice not to wear gear. But, dont try to justify it by saying you ride better without it. Just say you dont like it. I understand that on a 70 's two stroke forum you're gonna have a lot of guys that dont agree with gear. For the simple fact that during the 60s and 70's guys weren't pushed on gear. It was the norm to not wear a helmet. Let alone good boots, a jacket and gloves. Very few start riding geared head to toe. I know I didn't start out wearing full gear, at all times. But, as I've grown older. I like to think I learned a little and become a little wiser. Not to mention, my bones and muscles dont recover like they use to. LOL ! I did not intend to bash anyone.
Last edited by pearljam724 on Sun Feb 03, 2013 12:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
[quote="Suzsmokeyallan"]Well said Pearljam, it comes down to being able to buy gear thats functional and comfortable, with modern materials its possible to walk around with gear on and be able to bend over etc quite easily.
Its also possible to not sweat to death as well if its warm, due to the well engineered vents and flaps that allow air to circulate in and out of the clothing.
Only a few years ago the average piece of biker wear was a lot more restrictive than whats being made today.[/quote
Truth is, without the slightest exaggeration. I own track boots that are by far more comfortable than any shoes Ive worn. Just to give you an example of how comfortable modern gear is. Same goes for the rest of good present day gear. There are also outstanding wicking fabrics that absorb sweat and keep you cooler than if you werent wearing it. Some brand helmets are so lite,
you hardly feel them on your head, etc. Check out the new models by HJC. They are insanely lite and comfortable. The best and most affordable helmet on the market.
