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03-13-2009, 11:00 PM | #1 |
Viceroy of Chewie Toys
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Milford MA
Moto: 02 Victory V92 TC
Posts: 20
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Definitely full face, my buddy laid his bike down and slid a LONG ways and the helmet burned all the way through. If it was skull cap, he's be missing half his face. As far as gloves, I have regular Simpson driving gloves but I am guessing they would burn through instantly in a crash.
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03-14-2009, 03:47 AM | #2 | |
Wanting to Go Back!!!!
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: North Louisiana
Moto: A Twin
Posts: 4,067
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Depends upon the crash and/or landing. I've went down in a low speed low side in Olympia gel palm gloves with good knuckle protection and they tore at the seems (weren't made well, IMO). I slid/rolled/tumbled about 200 feet in MX gloves and they didn't even look like they even a part of the crash. It all comes down to how well they're made, just like anything else. I do not, however, suggest wearing MX gloves on a motorcycle. I do in the summer, but that's my choice. I have problems finding gloves that fit well, provide decent protection and still be able to feel the controls. But then...I have issues finding ANY gear that fits properly.
You asked earlier about mesh. If you're leaning toward mesh, especially during the summer, I suggest you look at how tight the weave is. Some mesh has a looser weave which could mean easier to rip apart if you do crash. The crash I had where I slid about 200 feet, I was wearing a mesh and it held up well enough for me to continue riding in it, although some people would probably chunk it and get another. Someone's opinion who I trust told me mine was good enough to continue riding it so I do. There's a reason alot of people call them one time slides...because they usually don't last but the one crash. A jacket should also fit snug. You don't want a loose fitting jacket that stands a chance of riding up during a slide. Road rash is a bitch. I think most of us started out wearing some sort of boot that at least came to or a little over the ankle, then later moved on to a more motorcycle specific boot. Pants: I'd love to find a pair of leather pants I can wear that fit properly with all the protection where it's supposed to be but it's impossible at my short stature. I'd prefer to wear leather or even some textile overpants...but that's not going to happen. So I wear jeans. However, I do suggest some overpants over if jeans, if nothing else. Or, if you can afford it eventually, maybe some draggin' jeans, although I've heard mixed reviews with them. Helmet: Full face - where what fits well. Every brand and even their models seem to fit different according to head shape so be sure to try them on. They should also fit snug...almost tight...when they're new. The pads are extremely stiff when new and after a while of wearing the helmet will fit comfortably and still good. If it's too big, it can pop off your head if/when you go down. Look for the DOT and SNELL approved stickers on the back of the helmet. Until you know your sizing in gear, it's recommended that you try on gear before purchase. In some places, it's cheaper to purchase gear online so if you go that route, make sure you check out their return policies. Some stores have excellent return policies, some have restocking fees, etc. Other than that, welcome to the biking community, have fun, ride smart, and watch out for those damn cagers! Keep the rubber side down.
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The key to living a full life is to live dangerously, yet not dying stupidly. My knee pads may be Air-Ride and chrome plated but I have standards as to who I use them on. Quote:
Last edited by rogue; 03-14-2009 at 03:52 AM.. |
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03-14-2009, 06:41 PM | #3 | |
formerly known as tdah
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Moto: 06 R1, 01 600R
Posts: 110
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i'm suprised by some of the responses here.
jeans are sufficient only if you enjoy the excruciating pain of having hundreds of tiny pieces of them scrubbed out of raw flesh in the ER. if you're lucky, you'll be unconscious. if you're not, the 4mg of morphine you'll get will do little to make you happy with your decision to not protect your legs. Timberlands (or any other similar boot) are sufficient only if you don't mind having your ankle shattered. yes, the leather will protect from most of the rash, but as you tumble down the pavement for 4 seconds, remember you'll be limping for months (if not permanently). mesh jackets are the absolute bare minimum - i don't recommend them, and haven't worn one in several years. even in summertime in Miami, i rode in ventilated leather. i would trust myself in modern moto-specific textiles, as they are made pretty well. we all know someone who'll say "i crashed in jeans and sneakers and i was fine!" no, you were an idiot who got lucky. next time you might not be. it's so not worth the risk. story of a friend of mine on another forum i help admin: Quote:
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03-14-2009, 07:22 PM | #4 | |
TWFix Legend
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Denver CO
Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar
Posts: 15,677
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Quote:
that being said... the truth is not everyone is gonna wear a full leather suit. it's too inconvenient... too expensive... and in many places... too hot. so we all sacrifices in safety for convenience, price, and comfort. am I saying Jeans are fine for all types of riding... no. but I wear jeans when I ride in town. I know... if I go down they're gonna shred and tear extremely quickly... but it's a choice I'm comfortable with... and I ride accordingly. I also have Alpine Star knee Armor that I wear under my jeans to protect from impacts... so really all I'll be getting is rash and embarrassment when I have a scar on my ass cheek... if I'm out riding... just to ride... I'll throw on my textile or leather pants with armor under. but for in town... jeans are enough for me. as for boots... again motorcycle boots with ankle protection will be better... and will survive a more serious crash... but any over the ankle boot will be better than a pair of puma running shoes... if you do go with something not motorcycle specific... I'd suggest getting something with a thinsulate liner (to keep your feet warm in the winter) and a steel toe. just more protection. I personally wear my Alpine Star SMX4 boots 90% of the time I ride... with the 10% being when I'm riding to work in which i wear my combat boots... I ALWAYS wear my leather Alpine Star jacket... Full face helmet... and full gauntlet(meaning past the wrist) gloves... again Alpine Star GP Pro's... (Alpine star just fits me well... not pushing them... but they're a great company) again... I'm not saying this is gonna be as good as motorcycle specific stuff... but it's better than a shorts and flip flops... and it seems as though when talking to new riders... it's easier to sell them on buying a little bit of gear.. that will at least offer SOME protection... then telling them to buy full gear. in my experience... they look at the price for full gear and get turned off... yrmv... personally I think if they're a first time motorcycle rider... the motorcycle purchase should automatically include a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots. given as a single price with everything added in. but then again... I don't see why anyone would not wear a helmet... yet people argue against that every day |
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03-14-2009, 07:47 PM | #5 | |
yellow don't corner well
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kansas City, KS
Moto: 06 ZX10R
Posts: 1,243
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03-15-2009, 12:33 PM | #6 | ||
DefenderOfTheBuelliverse
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Parts Unknown
Moto: Buell XB12R
Posts: 18,585
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Quote:
I agree 1000%.
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03-15-2009, 11:11 PM | #7 | |
Viceroy of Chewie Toys
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Milford MA
Moto: 02 Victory V92 TC
Posts: 20
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Quote:
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03-15-2009, 11:38 PM | #8 |
yellow don't corner well
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kansas City, KS
Moto: 06 ZX10R
Posts: 1,243
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I think I'd rather had my leg broke than my ankles screwed up. I've got a piece of bone floating in my left ankle and the other one was twisted good enough that it still hurts.
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03-16-2009, 09:02 AM | #9 | |
TWFix Legend
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Denver CO
Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar
Posts: 15,677
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Quote:
AFAIK... it takes longer for a broken ankle to heal than a broken leg too... and has much longer recovery time... the "splinting" process... ie pins and shit... isn't as easy either... here's a decent selection of boots... it's sorted by type... but you can go back and browse by brand, type, and price I believe http://www.newenough.com/boots/all_types/ Last edited by Mr Lefty; 03-16-2009 at 09:05 AM.. |
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03-16-2009, 07:43 PM | #10 | |
formerly known as tdah
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Moto: 06 R1, 01 600R
Posts: 110
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Quote:
if you're worried about causing different fractures, picture it this way: lie on the pavement, and lift your leg two feet in the air. now, slam your bare ankle to the ground as hard as you can on its side. yeah, i don't want to either. now, put on a pair of the boots i have pictured below and do it again - you probably won't even feel any discomfort at all. also, the type of protection the offer will help do things that ordinary boots don't: they usually come with a limited range of motion, so there is less twisting and over-extension or over-flexion of the ankle joint. in addition, they can help prevent or minimize crushing injuries b/c they have such stronger lateral support. these are what i wear most often. see the lateral support brace and the plates in the back? they allow enough flexion/extension for walking, but limit it beyond natural movement. also, they allow nearly no lateral torsion which will sto you from "twisting" your ankle. they also help prevent a crushing injury, as does the front shin guard. Last edited by Evadd; 03-16-2009 at 07:48 PM.. |
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