Do you wear protective clothing?

Question

I'm still a fairly new rider, so I tend to put on my protective jacket, pants, gloves, and boots whenever I go somewhere. But now that I have about 800 miles of experience behind me, I've started to forgo the protective gear when just making short trips into town (5-10 miles or so round trip). Still, I know that most accidents occur close to home, and that if I do take a spill, I will be kicking myself for loosing my skin because I left my leather at home. I am wondering what other bikers do. Do you guys wear full protective gear all the time, or just on the highway? Do you wear jackets and pants? Just jacket when in town? Do you ever bike short distances in sneakers?

Answer 1

I've become a believer in "ATGATT"--all the gear, all the time...especially after my b/f recently hit a deer on his way home from work. Had it not been for the protective clothing, he for sure would have been in critical condition and in need of skin grafts. But as it was he only had 2 small patches where his glove and pants rode up while he slid 100-150 feet! He did have a torn shoulder and broken ribs and ankle...but to look at him it is hard to believe that that is all that happened to him after hitting a deer at 55mph. You never know!! I used to not bother ALL of the clothing, but that few extra seconds it takes to put it on can save an awful lot of agony. Possibly your life.

Answer 2

I wear an Arai full face, one of three jackets depending on temps, gloves, and either BMW or SIDI boots. Riding pants go on when the temps dip below 55 degrees. Otherwise I wear jeans. I intend on looking into Dragon Jeans for next year.

So far I have yet to go down while riding on the road. That has been many years and many miles of riding.

My suggestion, always wear the helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots.

For hot weather, I wear a mesh jacket by Joe Rocket. Not the same protection of a textile or leather jacket, but better than a tee shirt.

Remember, 800 miles of experience is better than none, but not a lot. Never be over confident. Always be thinking "What if....?". That mindset has kept me out of danger for many, many years.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Regardless of whether I'm on the highway or on a short trip down the road, I always wear boots and jeans. I never ride in shorts, sneakers or sandals. I wear a leather jacket and gloves when the temperature is cool and ride without a jacket when the temps go up. I always wear eye protection, but never a helmet. Right or wrong, that's how I ride.

Answer 4

Not to knock you bro, but 800 miles isn't much experience. I always wear my helmet, jacket, and gloves every time I ride, no matter what. It gets to be a pain in the *** sometimes, but I still do it. I always wear boots if I'm going to be riding out of town. The only thing I slack on is pants... I don't have any actual dragging jeans, but I usually will wear normal denim jeans when I'm riding. The only exception is during the summer (I'm in Florida) when it's hot and I know that I'll be spending a lot of time outdoors at whatever my destination is, then and only then will I wear shorts.

Answer 5

I left my riding jacket at home because I was headed for a state park 100 miles out of town. I thought I wouldn't need it since I wouldn't be in city traffic.

One mile from my destination I low-sided on some construction sand. I had to get a couple of stitches in my elbow, right where my armor WOULD have been. I kicked myself.



Other than that, I always wear boots, helmet and gloves.

Answer 6

MINIMUM: Leather jacket, full face helmet, leather gloves, Sidi race boots, jeans.



COLD/RAIN: Boots, insulated leather gloves, textile jacket & overpants, Gore windstopper neck gaiter, helmet. (good to about 20 degrees).



CANYON CARVING: Alpinestars 2-pc leather suit, Teknic race gloves, Sidi race boots, Full face helmet.



In short, I have a few different things I wear, but AT NO TIME do I EVER ride without the minimum above. There is no IF when it comes to crashing, it's WHEN. 800 miles isn't squat, and you are NOT a skilled rider yet (I promise). It's when you start getting cocky that something surprises you, and by that point your lack of experience could kill you, i.e. DEAD, get it?



If you want to know what your fate is, O Squidly One, take a look at these:



http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/top-7-things-will-happen-motorcycle-crash-nsfw-pics-video



http://home1.gte.net/res0ak9f/bike.htm

Answer 7

Because I'm a newer rider (I have about 800 miles too) I feel more comfortable in my protective gear. It just keeps my mind on the road and less on the "what ifs". I had a friend who had on a t-shirt and no gloves. His chest, back, wrist, knees and hands were badly scarred. I think of him and his painful recovery every time I think it's too hot to wear my textile jacket.

Answer 8

Like said below...800miles isn't ANYTHING.

You could say you had 3,000miles and you still don't know everything you need to.

Even if you said 98,000 miles you'll STILL be learning. You will ALWAYS learn.

You know the answer to this question! Who the HELL cares what OTHERS are doing bud, AGATT (All Gear All The Time). It doesn't matter if you're going to your friends house that is one mile down the road or 22miles down the road.

The road you smash your face against isn't going to say "hell, I'll be forgiving since he is only going a short distance"

Keep in mind skin/bone wears down 2" a second @ 60mph.

You make your own decision.

Answer 9

Jacket (with armour) and Helmet are essentials, as are jeans at the very least.



I sometimes go without gloves and wear comfortable synthetic boots (RJays: bit like hi tops).

Answer 10

News flash! 800 miles is still just a little bit. Certainly not enough to get cocky and forget about the consequences of a mishap.

Hopefully, you and I will never need our protective gear, but just in case, I hope you will have yours on. I know I will.

Be safe. and Happy riding.

Answer 11

id definitely wear a helmet and the protective gear isn't a bad idea to keep wearing for a couple more hundred miles.

Answer 12

i used to wear pretty much the simple things then had a big crash and got all the protective gear even if it's not long I feel safer with all the gear.

Answer 13

All of 800 mi, wear a suit of armour if you can find one. No seriously do yourself & the biking community a favor wear your gear.

All of it !!

Answer 14

May not look it by my avatar - but full protection -

whatever the weather whatever the journey -



(Lol) My **** looks this good because I protect IT !!

Answer 15

i usually wear a condom on first dates