Motorcycle rider protection and stuff

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Rice Nuker

Let the Coal Roll!
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Well, i am getting a street bike tomorrow morning unless I die in a car accident en route or on the way home.

I am looking into high-vis jacket and helmet plus a bit of reflective decal crap too. I am thinking a reflective American flag on my helmet and some other small but bright decals on my shocks.

http://www.streetglo.net/

http://discounthelmetfactory.com/hj...otorcycle-helmet-hi-visibility-yellow-medium/




Not too interested in hearing that helmets are stupid or that all black is cool when the apocalypse hits because I already know that but unfortunately there are millions of idiots on the highway that love being behind the wheel while simultaneously doing zero actual driving.

I'm loading up on modulated headlights and bright turn signals.

What is everyone wearing and doing for physical and visibility protection?

Thank you.
 
Main thing for protection is yourself. Don't do anything dumb. I don't care how skilled you are. As far as high vis stuff goes, I have seen guys dressed like highlighters going down the road. That's the extream end though. I would recommend bright colored gear and helmet. And red reflector tape on shocks and sides. I can't tell you that this is what I would do because I'll never swing my leg over a bike again but you know the risks and I'm not here to preach.

Be safe!!
 
My thoughts

Too many drivers are inattentive, cell phones are the biggest reason I do not enjoy riding today

But if you do plan on riding, watch EVERYTHING MOVING! Do not take for granted they see you no matter how reflective you are.

Coming up to an intersection and you have the right away, still be prepared to stop in case the moron coming up on your right decides to blow thru the intersection. Someone backing up in parking lot. Stop I case they don't see you. (I was stopped in aisle as guy backs out, instead of him going forward he continued backing up without looking and damn near hit me)

I have been riding something motorized for 50 years, I do not recommend a motorcycle to anyone. I have a 1986 & 1993 Goldwing a honda CT70 that I can ride anytime I want. Yes I like riding but not comfortable enough to enjoy it.

Please be safe
 
My thoughts

Too many drivers are inattentive, cell phones are the biggest reason I do not enjoy riding today

But if you do plan on riding, watch EVERYTHING MOVING! Do not take for granted they see you no matter how reflective you are.

Coming up to an intersection and you have the right away, still be prepared to stop in case the moron coming up on your right decides to blow thru the intersection. Someone backing up in parking lot. Stop I case they don't see you. (I was stopped in aisle as guy backs out, instead of him going forward he continued backing up without looking and damn near hit me)

I have been riding something motorized for 50 years, I do not recommend a motorcycle to anyone. I have a 1986 & 1993 Goldwing a honda CT70 that I can ride anytime I want. Yes I like riding but not comfortable enough to enjoy it.

Please be safe

I got some friends that are like that. They claim they enjoy riding but it seems to be one of the most stressful things they do. I don't get it but to each his own.
 
something i posted earlier in the year. we lost a rider here a few months back also.

i got this from a website many years ago. the website is long gone, but i'm reposting it here, today, if it saves even 1 person's life it's worth it.

UPDATE 2007: I have come back to this site 3 years later to say: I keep
hearing stories of people being killed on bikes on the street. Number 1 story
is always "they pulled out in front of him." So logic says, if you are riding and
someone is in a position to pull out, being it be a left turn or pulling out from a
intersection, or alley or anywhere, you can't trust for a moment they will not
pull out. You simply have to slow down so there is no way they can get you. I
see bikes keep going all the time in blind faith that they wont pull out. Bikes
blowing past people turning in oncoming traffic trusting cars. Death wish. If
you don't ride like they are out to kill you, they will kill you. You have to plot
like they are out to kill you even from the rear. Always be ready to use
yards,sidewalks and shoulders to escape them. Plot countermeasures every
second you ride. This is surviving on the streets in traffic.




UPDATE: Mini Vans are the Sworn enemy of all motorcycles! Have ya seen the
pics/videos where crotch rockets wind up in the back seats of these things?
Yep...The truth is, mini vans are piloted by women. Double Wammy... Have
you ever looked for your car keys only to find they are right in front of you?
Well these mini van drivers have a simular mental gliche but with
motorcycles. Even if they see you right in front of them, you are still not there.
Like the car keys, you and your bike are not part of their current mental
process, because they are simply creatures of habit. Motorcycles are not part
of these creature's daily ritual of waiting for objects to pass before they
go. They will look you right in the eye, they will see you, they will wave at you
holding up a sign that says "I SEE YOU!", but they will pull out anyway. Then
they will lie to the cops and press saying "I just didn't see them". Expect this
sort of hum drum ritual mentality from anyone on the road that isn't on a
motorbike. Unless of course they ride a bike but happen to be the pilot of a 4
wheeler at the time. In that case they will be aware and eager to see your

bike.


Rule #1: Never trust anything with more than 2 wheels on the road. Never trust that they won't pull
out in front of you. Because they will. Slowing down to avoid these people may seem like an
inconvenience at the time, but we are talking about protecting your investment here. You and your
life. Plain and simply ride like none of them can see you. Like you are in a different world where they
can't see you but you can see them only. Take pride and have satisfaction knowing you avoided
these enemies and steered your way to rider freedom. The best street rider anticapates and avoids
every bad situation. As you ride create 'what if ?" situations in your mind. What if they pulled out?

What if they swerve in my lane. Entertain in your mind with every possible thing that could go wrong.

Doing this for weeks will lead these "what if thoughts" to become second nature. When you
overcome these drivers mistakes and stupidity it makes you look good. It makes them feel stupid as
they should. If you flip them off it distracts them from the original sin they commited and promotes
anger towards future motor bikers. We are all the same to them. Think about what you represent
when you ride. You represent the love for the freedom and performance of motorcycles.


Rule #2: Ride within your ability. Be patient. Better to live another day to ride than to ride outside of
your ability and crash and burn.

Rule #3: Have you ever slowed for a stop light to put your foot down and your shoe/boot string gets
caught on your foot peg. You fall over or almost fall over. If it hasnt happened to you it will. Unless
you are the velcro shoe type. I am not and I almost fell over. Lucky for me the string broke and I
caught the light bike before it fell over. You won't be so lucky. Secure Those Strings!!!!!

Rule #4: Wear the gear! I know we all have been guilty of riding in shorts. Yes you should feel guilty.
The more we don't wear the gear the more freedom we will lose in the future. From the law and
maybe freedom from doctors and pain. If you refuse to go all out leather in the hot summer weather
then at least wear long sleeves and a good glove with kevlar in the fingers. Never ride without a
helmet! Duh... Only ride as fast as the gear you have on will allow. Nevermind, just wear all the gear
all the time. If it gets too hot just don't ride.


Rule #5 keep the eye protection going. Keep your visor down at speed. A direct eye shot from a bug
at speed does not sound good.

Rule #5.5 Always wear eye protection when working with fuels,fuel lines,sprays,cleaning
carbs,springs etc. It would be a good practice to wear the safety goggles or glasses working with
anything. Filling up tires etc etc etc...


Rule #6 A fire extinguisher is a must around any fuel. Especially 2 stroke premix!!!! Premix is whats
used in a molitov cocktails. Get one for the garage and the house. Be a hero.

Rule #7: Take the time to do a once over before you ride. Check filter connections,check for leaks in
fuel lines etc. Kick the tires for pressure and check for nails etc. Check chain tension.

Rule #8: Ride with a cell phone.

Rule #9: Never forget about all that oil that these dirty 4 wheelers are spitting all over the street.
Much of it is at stoplights in the middle of the lane. Its a good practice to not ride in the center of the
lane. Riding left of center towards the middle of the road is out of the oil but you are more likely to
encounter chuck holes. Riding right of center puts you closer to a dirty four wheeler on the right.
Remember road conditions that you normally travel.

Rule #10: Learn to use the front brake. There is nothing worse than a rider that has been riding for
years but gives the advice "don't use the front brake in the corner" This is so far from the truth its
pathetic. Newbie riders(and experienced) should practice hard braking in a clear big parking lot.
Practice heavy braking while turning in both directions. Learn to corner with brakes on heavy and
suddenly get off the brakes and stand the bike back up straight. You will need this skill to suddenly
avoid obsticals while cornering. Try to think of situations that might go wrong and practice them
before they happen. Use your imagination.


Update Sept. 7: I was traveling east bound on my street headed home today. I was traveling at a
steady 35mph. I begin to noticed a DOG walking from the sidewalk to the street so I begin non panic
braking. 1 second...NO!!! He is in the street start panic braking. 1 second...That could have been
a tradgedy that only had taken 2 seconds ro play out. Panic takes time. Didn't have time to panic.
Training took over and I went from 35 to 0 in that time period. I must admitt braking was sloppy and I
did start to panic. You can't really plan for these things. But you can practice reflex braking
scinereos. In the final second of braking I do remember a flash of "Don't smash the front brake and
upset the bike, get on the rear and front hard with rear tire slide" And thats how I did it. Usually
Stoppies are only possible in a controlled planned environment for non expert riders. It's not exactly
a street braking technique. I find that leaning back a bit and extending arms a bit as well will give
you better braking balance in full all out 2 wheel lock up braking. You want your body to be in
goldwing touring bike position when extreme braking. Knees squeezing the side of the gas
tank. Most rookie braking accidents occur when people slam on the front brake and dump. Practice
proper position during panic braking. The key is to almost lock up both wheels with equal wait on
each wheel and steady balance side to side. You never know what surface you are working with
during an accident. So if you have the proper braking technique down to a motorskill reflex
automatic leve, sol you can avoid the dog or car or truck or worse..a child. Wear the gear and
practice braking. Could you stop if you were going 35 and suddenly a dog was in your lane just 30-
40 feet away?
BTW: I think the 2003 GSXR Front Master cylinder and lever is one of the best performance

mods (simple bolt on) you can do to a stock bike/brakes. One finger on the lever can send the rear
wheel in the air if you desire.

Update: Dec 1 2003 COLD TIRES ARE NASTY SLICK! With a set of BT45 Batalax's(or any good
street tire I assume), anything below 45-50 degrees F and they are slick. Even after an hour of riding
trying to warm them up they will still not respond. DANGER!!! It's like rain riding. When the power
band hits the rear wheel spins and skitters accross the ground. Braking is that of rain riding. The
rear wheel will lock often and want to learch out sideways on heavy braking. For the first 15 minutes
of riding in dry freezing weather they are the worse they can be. They grip better in the rain at warm
temps than they do in the dry & cold. Beware. The bike is so light that the tires never have a chance

to warm up..

Update: Dec 1 2003 COLD TIRES ARE NASTY SLICK! With a set of BT45 Batalax's(or any good
street tire I assume), anything below 45-50 degrees F and they are slick. Even after an hour of riding
trying to warm them up they will still not respond. DANGER!!! It's like rain riding. When the power
band hits the rear wheel spins and skitters accross the ground. Braking is that of rain riding. The
rear wheel will lock often and want to learch out sideways on heavy braking. For the first 15 minutes
of riding in dry freezing weather they are the worse they can be. They grip better in the rain at warm
temps than they do in the dry & cold. Beware. The bike is so light that the tires never have a chance
to warm up..


Update; Sunday, Sept, 21,03: I have drawn many new conclusions since I started this page a couple
weeks ago. Here is one example:
According to a press release, Myers crashed on a backwoods highway when a small animal ran
out in front of him as he entered a turn. To avoid striking the animal, Myers swerved and lost control
of his bike and struck the guardrail. Initially he believed he suffered only a broken arm, but during
examination and treatment he died due to massive internal bleeding.
This is yet one example. These are highly skilled motorcycle riders/racers dying on
the streets. Now, what is a street rider to think of this? Trying to make some sense of this I have
drawn a few cheap conclusions.
Trying to avoid something and use heavy braking increases the chances of upset. To be honest if
the brakes didnt stop me in my braking experience (above) that dog would have a broken back or
worse. Dead. I am not going to lay down my bike to avoid the unlucky. It sounds selfish but "better
them than you" I would rather hit an animal at 20 mph after some heavy braking techniques. Then
trying to avoid them and crashing and burning at 45. You don't have time to panic. As mentioned
above heavy braking becomes part of reaction because of training. Because whatever happens, you
want to be going slow when it does happen. There are cases where there is steering in panic to
avoid something, but it is usually a heavy moment of braking and then feather the brakes out for a
quick sharp turning gesture to avoid impact.
Think of it this way. The only way you could practice avoiding things would be if you were
riding and had 2 people up ahead rolling deer sized beach balls in your path. Honestly, do you want
to tangle with such things and try to outsteer them? Hell NO!!! LOL You want to be aware of them
coming so you can stay uprite and get on the brakes. You would rather hit one at slowing speed
then try to avoid and bust. Because when it happens in real life. You won't know what will hit you.
You will not have time to think or panic. So you better have some parking lot high speed braking
practice if you want to survive. The training it takes to get a motorcycle liscence isn't enough to keep
you alive for a week in the real world.
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I occasionally drive a 18k lb lift truck that likes to over steer in a mild curve and I never take my eyes off the environment while driving from sac to sf in that thing so I do generally understand keeping an eye on what others are doing.

What I am looking for mainly is jackets, helmets, full body carbon steel armor or other useful experiences of what works.
 
I occasionally drive a 18k lb lift truck that likes to over steer in a mild curve and I never take my eyes off the environment while driving from sac to sf in that thing so I do generally understand keeping an eye on what others are doing.

What I am looking for mainly is jackets, helmets, full body carbon steel armor or other useful experiences of what works.

Leather is very nice. A racing suit is the best way to go. Here is the vest you can wear and more less required to ride on a military base.
http://www.revzilla.com/product/icon-mil-spec-mesh-vest

You can also by the armor to wear armor as well.
 
I'm sure many of you remember this but since we are on the topic of bikes and safety I'll go ahead and tell my story.

I was over at a friends and we left to grand some food for the grill. He had been on two wheels since he could walk. Raced flat track as a kid then got a street bike at 19. The kid was on a bike at least twice a month for years besides in the winter. We pulled onto a main road and he felt like having some fun so he got into it. Probably 115 mph. No cars around so he was just having a blast. He slowed down for a turn and got back into it. 100 feet after the turn hit a piece of small debre. Bike started to wobble bad. He lost control and went into the median hitting a light pole and snapping a small tree in half. When I got to him I told my friend not to bother calling an ambulance just call the cops. They said the speedo on his bike was stuck at 110. I can tell you I'm not a fan of seeing a body that has hit a tree and light pole going 110 miles an hour.

The accident happened on April 12 and Tyler was getting ready to turn 23. That night changed the way I look at motorcycles and speed forever. I do not care how long and straight the road is or how few cars are on a road.

There is not a thing you can do to change the way others drive but you can deffinAtly keep yourself from becoming another story for someone to tell.
 

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What is good armor?
I mean I see that shoulder protection, back protection and elbows are important but do you guys have suggestions on design or composition or specific build of jacket?

Experience speaks more than bs marketing. I have seen lots of marketing lately.
 
Just be careful and the eyes wide open. Super defensive riding is a must. Bigger the town/city, the more careful you must ride.

Good luck with the bike and many many happy care free accident free miles to you.
 
DONT get a full face helmet. unless you want to break your neck.

Gee that's weird, how come every sanctioned motorcycle racing organization on the face of the planet uses full face helmets? Must be to break the rider's necks? Completely false. Utter BS. Worse than useless information. :violent1:

The info that moparlover posted is great stuff. Defensive riding is a must, at ALL times. It doesn't take as much imagination as defensive driving, because everyone out there really IS trying to kill you. #-o Seriously. Those clueless minivan and SUV drivers with their phones and tv screens are trying to kill you.

Bright gear helps does help, but its more important that you wear gear all the time. I ALWAYS wear a leather jacket, kevlar reinforced riding jeans (at the minimum), gloves, boots, and a full face helmet. ALWAYS. If I'm going for a long ride to enjoy some mountain roads I will usually wear full leathers, same as on the track. I don't even understand how people ride in shorts and a t-shirt. Sunburned, wind chapped, burned from your engine and pipes, I fail to see how its more comfortable even when it is 100* out. Regardless, it won't be more comfortable when they're taking a deck brush to your roadrash.

Typically for armor you want stuff that is CE rated. Quality still varies some, but that's usually an indicator that's its decent. It has a hard outer shell with softer foam inside. Most motorcycle jackets will have shoulder and elbow armor, some have back armor. I put a CE rated back protector in my jacket, it originally just had a foam pad, not CE armor. Padding is good, but CE armor is better, especially in a slide. My jacket is an older ICON and has held up wonderfully, even through an accident where I was hit and punted over the handlebars. I wear Dainese gloves, they're expensive, but they have better dexterity than the Alpinestars I used to wear. Nothing wrong with the Alpinestars, they also survived that same crash just fine, but the Dainese's are more comfortable for me. My race suit and boots are Alpinestars. My street boots are just old steel toe work boots.

I have several helmets, ranging from ICON's and HJC's up to a Suomy that I use on the track. I look for helmets that are both DOT and SNELL, since DOT also endorses those completely useless half helmets. Snell doesn't, its a higher standard. My Suomy also meets British Standard. Get a helmet that fits, all of the different manufacturers use slightly different shapes, so some helmets will fit you better regardless of price, because they will have a shape that matches your head better. Some manufacturers, like Arai, use different shapes for their different model lines. If you're just riding on the street any helmet that fits you well and is DOT/SNELL will work just fine. Cheaper (usually in the $200-$300 range) helmets are fine for the street, but typically will start to cause problems at higher speeds. If you're going to do trackdays, you may want to go out and get a Shoei, Arai, or Suomy. Yes, they cost 3x as much, but they also are aerodynamically tested and won't start buffeting at 100+ mph like the cheaper ones can. I have an HJC that I use most of the time on the street. Its great, but buffets starting at about 75mph. My Suomy has been good up to 140+ :D (on the track).

I've now been hit twice. First time was 7 years ago right after I bought my bike, some A-hole rear ended me while I was stopped for traffic while making a left turn. Tossed me over the handlebars, subluxed my shoulder, and almost totaled my bike. I was wearing all my usual gear, so other than the shoulder and some bruises I was fine. Last week I was merged into on the freeway at 65 mph by some guy not paying attention. I saw him out of the corner of my field of vision as he came in, I accelerated and turned away, and just got clipped on my foot. Took half his plastic bumper off, tore up my boot, and tweaked my ankle. But I stayed up and the foot isn't bad. Had I been wearing something other than steel toe boots I may have lost some parts. Wear all your gear.

And have fun. Accidents and close encounters aside, I still love riding. :D

HT4U3554.jpg

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Speedy108-1-1.jpg
 
One other thing

In the area I live have lots of deer, so deer whistles and look out for these creatures

Just be cafeful
 
Hey! Congrats on the Bike!

I've been riding a long time (since I was 14).

What I've learned is Always wear your gear warm or cold. Gear is a good investment. It's your *** not theirs. I sport ride so it was a no brainer for me, I had a few big offs and Thanks to God and gear I am here to do so more

I always had multiple setups because I'm in the North East and the temp ranges from 100* to 18*.

IMHO. If you're going to ride get a good quality stuff and wear that ****!

1. Pants - I always wear reinforced Jeans such as AlpineStar or Dragin riding gear. they are lined with Kevlar comfortable and you don't look like racer boy or one of the village people when your hanging out at the Spot.
2. Jacket, Ballistic, or leather. I have 3 one of them is a convertible that can be ridden in all conditions which I used for long road trips. All with good density armor in the shoulders, arms, back and waist.
3. Boots Summer and winter styles I always stay away from flashy stuff so I can get off my bike and look casual for the destination.
4. Gloves Must have and they must fit well... you'll want to get two pairs warm and cold weather
5. Comfortable Helmet ( I like full face and convertibles ) I have a few.
6. Soft luggage to tote your crap around

Here is a pic of my Convertible Shark Evoline.. I took this on a 5000 mile road trip through Europe. IT's a full Helmet and the jaw can be rotated all the way back to open the face. Easy operation, great balance, awesome versatility.

Closed
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/28273_1339825854394_7002536_n.jpg

Open

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t1.0-9/37443_1339826214403_6260327_n.jpg

release button in red single hand operation

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net...=a4e171107c4b8e1d3223155bc2be39e6&oe=546667D2

For style reference here is a pick of me with My Icon warm weather setup (helmet, Jacket and Boots, Oakley combat gloves with AlpineStar pants. It was 87 at deals Gap a.k.a tail of the dragon

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd...._=1417394538_d0afc990a7b0960d6752104e60a069c3

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/l/t1.0-9/1935830_1113065385524_6982296_n.jpg

Here is a picture of me in Europe with the Evoline Helmet, First gear ballistic convertible jacket, Draggin jeans, Oakley combat gloves and Alpine star boots.

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t1.0-9/35073_1362466300391_7041185_n.jpg


Why I wear my gear all of the time.... Perspective.

This is my Duc

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd...._=1417780246_52b117d2787af044aa2162d8cb9ab58c

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t1.0-9/2957_1074717426849_1559804_n.jpg

this is what I walked away from in 05

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/1918366_1176603773944_7969730_n.jpg

This is my Gixxer

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/1918366_1176604133953_1199620_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/2957_1074775668305_2407031_n.jpg

This is what I walked away from in 2012

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/256372_3492475789297_1824520847_o.jpg


I still Ride and love to do it.
It will be a mistake that takes you down, be it yours or someone elses.
Respect the Ride, Have fun and be alert. I always was and I still got into trouble.

If you love to ride nothing will keep you away, you may just slow down a bit ;)

Take care, have lot's fun, take Lot's of pictures and enjoy the ride.

WEAR your Gear!

AlV
 
+1 on boots
I always tell people to wear as much gear as they can afford


I understand that you live in CA so this might not ring a bell but I always use the example of the snow plow
here in MI we see the snow plow come by about 4 months out of the year
they will be doing 55 MPH and their blade will be throwing sparks up 2 feet into the air

if a steel blade being drug about the pavement at 55 MPH get reduced at such a speed consider what would happen if you wiped out on a bike doing 55 MPH wearing only a denim jacket and a shirt

on a side note, I managed to brake my ankle on a dirtbike once, doing only 40 MPH wearing fox comp 5 boots
I think I paid $200 for those
now I wear alpinestar tech 10s that retail for $600

don't cheap out on gear
 
I have been riding bikes pretty much my whole life (dirt and street both) on big bikes and small ones, and I can tell you a couple of things that will save your life.

ALWAYS expect other vehicles to do the worst possible thing they can do at the moment. (and try to keep an escape route in mind just in case)

ALWAYS look other drivers in the face and then keep an eye on thier front wheels
(this tells you if they see you, and what they might be considering doing)

NEVER assume that where you can't see ahead of you is safe before you get there.

NEVER spend any more time than you have to beside, or in a vehicles blind spot.

Unexpected lane changes, and cars pulling out in front of you (even if looking right at you) are the two most common causes of disaster.

Ocillating headlights and flasher style brakelights help others see you, but sometimes it doesn't matter at all because they will look right at you and decide that they are in a car and you are on a motorcycle, so you will HAVE to let them do whatever they want. (These are the A holes I hate)

Only you can keep you safe when it comes down to it.

Like I said above, "Try to anticipate the worst possible thing another vehicle can do" in a given situation and you will be amazed how many times that excact thing happens.


I sold my big bike about a year after I moved here because these people are friggin crazy.
They won't use signals, and there are more stop signs being run here than anywhere I have ever been.
(on an average day I'll watch four to six cars run the stops within four small town blocks)
 
Gee that's weird, how come every sanctioned motorcycle racing organization on the face of the planet uses full face helmets? Must be to break the rider's necks? Completely false. Utter BS. Worse than useless information.


I agree on the aspect of the full face from a racing standpoint.

Personally I would not wear one "on the street" as they tend to limit peripheral vision. Just my experience.
 
Folks crash into school buses...can't get much more visible than that. That being said I have one of these on my chopper....

http://www.namzcustomcycleproducts.com/badlands_pro-iii.html

I have an older version but does the same thing....turns your rear blinkers into running/stop lights.

Years ago I had a very bright pink (was the wife's bike) neon plate light. After getting pulled over numerous times I pulled it off. While explaining it to the 4 different judges about how safe it was...and having them agree with me...then tell me that sadly "the law is the law" I gave up.

I do have to say that if one is as concerned/paranoid (?) about getting squashed as you appear to be perhaps a bike is not for you? It may be very difficult for you to get comfortable enough to relax while riding....which in itself is very dangerous. Take this statement for what it is worth, I have only been riding on the street for 30years covering close to 300k in that time frame....
 
I agree on the aspect of the full face from a racing standpoint.

Personally I would not wear one "on the street" as they tend to limit peripheral vision. Just my experience.

They also keep the helmet from rotating away from the impact, exposing your face and head. Even the "good" open face helmets move away from the impact, although not as much as the "bad" ones. And then of course there's the small matter of your jaw and all of your teeth.

All of the newer full face helmets, and by that I mean pretty much all of them designed in the last 10 years or so, provide for a very good field of vision. The good open face helmets come just as far forward on the sides as the full face helmets do, the only real loss of vision is straight down in front of you, which isn't where you need to look anyway. I know I always seem to have much better vision than all of the cars around me...:banghead:

I work as a firefighter/paramedic, and unfortunately have seen plenty of motorcycle accidents and fatalities. I would never wear anything other than a full face helmet. I've seen exactly what other types of helmets won't do for you in an accident. Including several fatalities of rider's that were wearing DOT approved helmets, only to have them slide backwards and provide no protection. It's not fun trying to maintain an airway on a person that has broken their jaw, teeth, cheekbones, and lower portions of their skull.

I can tell horror stories about open face helmets all day, but ultimately its your decision. I know I've made mine.
 
http://www.smartcarguide.com/listim...tage-Springer-Softail-1945-actual-miles_r.jpg

Crashing hurts, and is usually caused by stupidity, either yours, or someone else's.
I don't ride for the "trill", any more, I ride for the pleasure.

I have, and use both open face and full face helmets, depending on the type of riding I'm doing. Interstate, I use full face, local and county riding, open face.

Usually if my wife is riding with me, we both use full face, because of the intercoms. At least we can talk to each other without yelling.
 
Thank you all! I am really happy to see such informative details and people speaking with lots of experience both technically and with wisdom.

I have to read it over more but I am definitely going full face, jacket with armor on all the key points and also going to look at armored jeans or pants and proper boots. Now I just have regular heavy jeans and leather boots but it sounds like that wont do very well at all.

So I just made it home with my first bike since I was 16 years old. Back then I had a honda 185 twinstar. Wow, I thought it was cool as hell but it wouldn't go over 88mph ever.

Last bike I rode last year was an R1200C but only on back gravel roads.

And here is my machine. It is a year 2000 bandit 1200 with 16k on the clock. Wow I feel like a kid. Cant wait to get it off the truck and tool down the gravel road.
 

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Bikes like that don't handle very well at ALL on gravel. :D
That and sand.

The front end will be trying to wash out on ya.
 
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