Saftey Gear You Wear

[Tipstall]

Guys,

What do you wear while riding?

Myself,

full face hemet, HLC, soon to be Arai
gloves, 2 different Joe Rocket versions
boots, currently work boots, buying something else soon
jacket 95% time, Joe Rocket with some armor
pants, 75% time, jeans otherwise, Joe Rocket with some armor (see a trend)

Ken

[Promethean]

I currently use


JR Meteor 4.0 Jacket
JR AlterEgo Overpants
HJC CL-14 helmet
Steel toed boots
No-name leather gloves


This will change to

AeroStich Roadcrafter one-piece suit
Caberg Justissimo modular helmet
Shoes/boots (Not sure which, I'd like to get a pair which I won't have to change when I get to work)
Lee Parks Deerskin gloves


-Abhijeet

[Moose]

This is one of those endless subjects we tend to bat around. Like most, I will have to say that the one big investment I've made is the jacket. A couple years ago I bought a MotoCoolStuff Liberator leather jacket with armour. The jacket is perforated with temperature Phase Change lining. Excellent for warm and hot weather riding. Comes with liner for the cold times. Everyone I've recommended the jacket to has been very pleased. The Harley riders like it 'cause it cost about $250 less than a comparable Harley leather. The protection qualities, I can attest, are outstanding.

[Acacia]

I have and always use gear that matches the lists above - but the most important, in my opinion, are the following;

1. A well prepped bike and tires, and the knowledge on how to use them.
2. The correct tuning between the ears - for the ride you are on and the events you will encounter on that ride.

Don't leave home without those two!

[BobFV1]

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/53337688-M.jpg

[BMWChef]

Bob,
I'm hoping you drive a BMW otherwise that boa could easily get caught in a chain drive and that parasol must cause a lot of DRAG...pun intended!

As for myself:
Shoei X-11 helmet w/ Hi-def shield, either a BMW Savanah 2 Jacket and Darien pants, or my one piece "stich" Roadcrafter, Held or Thurlow gloves, Spidi boots.

Chef

[BobFV1]

Okay - I'll fess up:

When riding BMW:

Schuberth Concept flip-up helmet
Held Steve gloves
Savanna II or Venting Machine Jacket and Pants - Jeans in town
BMW Airflow or Winter boots
I like the BMW gear

When riding sportbike:
Arai Signet GT helmet
Vansom Racing gloves
Gericke leather jacket and pants, or jeans
The Same BMW boots

On Track:
HJC One-Piece leathers (currrently temporarily too small :embarassed:
Revenge racing boots
Arai Signet GT helmet
Tourtech racing gloves

I never wear other than aa full-face or flip-up helmet, and never ride without gloves and over the ankle boots. Almost always wear a jacket, even a mesh jacket in the Arizona summer heat, but sometimes wear jeans and a tee shirt on very short rides around town in the hot summer here.

I just cant bring myself to wear a 3/4 helmet, even when teaching the MSF course - just doesn't feel right...

[GPM]

Hey Bob,

Is that umbrella Snell rated??

My gear:

Shoei X11

First Gear Leather Jacket or
Belstaff Challenger

Helimot Gloves (replaced Held Steves)

First Gear leather pants or
Draggin Jeans with or without First Gear HT Overpants

Sidi boots, or if just cruising around town BMW City Boots.

Wicking type shorts, oops, sorry to much information eh??

[Bones]

As the admitted armored gear freak in residence:

I. Riding the street bike (Currently R1200GS)

Arai Quantum/f helmet
Vanson Cobra II Jacket with street armor or BMW Savannah II Jacket with Armor and enhanced back protector
Vanson Traveler leather pants with street armor
Vendramini Marathon Boots
Alpinestars SM2 Gloves or Alpinestars GP Plus gloves

II. Track

Arai RX7 helmet
Alpinestars GP Pro Gloves
Vanson Volante II Racing Leathers (1 pc suit) with full armor
Sidi Race boots

III. If it is colder, I also have a Cortech/Tourmaster 3/4 jacket into which I have installed hard armor, and I wear the leather pants as noted in I. above.

Gerbing heated jacket liner if needed.

Tourmaster over pants with hard armor added at knees/shins.


All armor, all the time.

"If it is too hot to wear protective gear, it is too hot to ride." And it is almost never too hot to ride.

Jeff

[TorqueMonsterMT-01]

Arai XD Motard insilver and black like the MT-01

Unknown brand high grade and thick leather jacket with double ply shoulders and zip in quilted liner. Zippered vents for warm day usage.

Firstgear HT overpants.

Oakley ELITE SPECIAL FORCES SI ASSAULT BOOT
http://mi.oakley.com/site/media/cache/4355903ea055b.png_0_0_0.jpg

Cold weather gloves - Teknic's top performing cold weather glove from two years ago. Don't know the name.
Midweather gloves - FirstGear "Montana" 3/4 all leather glove
Summer glove - FirstGear "Kevlar" glove. (I bought a pair of Icon "Chassis" gloves, but I haven'T had the occasion to use them yet.)

http://www.rideicon.com/GLOBAL/images/CatalogManager/showImage.jsp?class_id=3333&image_type=fullsize&rank=100

[Big Papa]

Scorpion 400 lid
Alpinestar SPS gloves
Joe Rocket leather/mesh jacket
jeans
BMW sneakers
lucky undies

[socalrob]

Commuting - 8 miles each way, light freeways

Arai Corsair RX helmet, white with silver/white reflectors added & earplugs

Held Steve 'roo skin gloves
Dianese leather jacket with liner & elbow/shoulder/back armour

or

BMW Commuter Jacket (cold days - in LA that means sub 55 F

or

BMW Airflow II jacket (hot days - in LA that means over 80 F

Draggin Jeans (about the only pants I wear now), if its cold I wear the BMW Commuter "overpants" with knee & hip armour over the Draggin Jeans

Dianese D-dry boots

On longer trips, trips on freeways into the congested areas of town, long freeway rides, or mountain rides

I wear the same as above but will always wear the BMW Commuter pants over Draggin Jeans or wear the BMW Airflow pants (which by the way, allow so little air I've worn them on pretty cold days.


I also have a BMW leather jacket that is unlined, that I wear on mild days. Its great quality but not real warm, but I suspect it would hold up well if put to the test.

One of my current worries is riding so much in just Draggin Jeans, with no hip/knee armour, but its just such a pain to put on overpants. Sort of re-thinking this & may need to improve.

[jamming]

My Bike is my transportation. I'm on it 60 to 80 miles a day just during the commute of heavy in town freeways, 75 MPH out of town freeways( yea right!) and country roads.
My gear is as follows.
Scorpion 400 lid
Joe Rocket Phoenix Jacket in summer
Joe Rocket Winter Jacket in winter/with matching lowers
Joe Rocket Phoenix pants in summer or armoured jeans
Armoured jeans in winter AFTER 0900( hey our highs in winter are in the 70's)
Hi-Tec Magnum boots( ALL the time, 2 pins in my ankle from a motocross accident)
Deerskin gloves/ I carry 2 sizes in the winter, a larger size I use with liners in the winter, and a smaller size for use without liners
Roger

[R4R&R]

Most of my gear is at least 5 years old, and getting ready to start replacing it.

Arai Quantum E full face helmet
First Gear Kilimajaro jacket (3 seasons, dry/wet/cold)
First Gear HT overpants
Fieldsheer mesh jacket (summer)
Olympia leather gloves (summer)
Olympia medium leather gloves (fall/spring/most winter)
Olympia thick astronaut-like heavy winter gloves (rarely worn)
Alpinestar boots
and finally a Gerbings electric jacket liner (for those really cold days)

I should have a new jacket in the next month or two (I need to decide what I want) and a new helmet by the beginning of summer (again, I need to decide what I want). The kilimajaro jacket/pants have really been worth their money and kept me warm and dry over the years, but the wind has really taken it's toll on the jacket.

I don't feel right when I go riding without at least boots/helmet/jacket/gloves. The overpants are the only thing I skip during the hottes summer days.

[bum-bull BMW]

I have gotta tell you BobFV1, I am just getting back to riding, and with sincere interest reading the info and trying to absorb the best bets for gear this spring.When that picture came up, I bet I laughed for 5 minutes straight.

[GPM]

Well b-bBMW, you should have seen him pull out on to the track at Firebird in that get up on his R1. I think he lost the umbrella at about 125 mph.

You should join us in AZ, no waiting for spring time.

BTW, welcome to the cafe, we're just getting started. Glad to have you aboard.

[supermotoC]

Dainese "Luce" 2 peice suit, Dainese "Full Race" boots, AGV TiTech bucket, Dainese "RR" leather/carbon gloves (long days).

OR

1 of 2 Kushitani fully - or partially perforated "Airmaster" jackets w/ above gloves, Frey-Daytona "Journey XCR" boots. (commute)

Cold weather - Dainese "Nation" Dry-Line pants, w/ either Kushtani Enduro jacket or Dainese "Transformer" jacket (both Gore-Tex/Textile).

All expensive, all very much worth it.

All the gear, most (if not all) of the time.

[Deans BMW]

Speedo, Flip Flops and shower cap.

[Dallara]

Well...

First and foremost, before anything else - My eyes, ears, and brain... Along with my own ABS, my two right forefingers.

Oh, and my glasses... I ride terrible when I forget my glasses.

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara)

[DarthRider]

I wear all the usual...Arai Qf, full line of FirstGear, Oxtar boots, various gloves, Widder vest, etc. but I'm gearing up to try something new.

Stipulation: Yes Virginia I realize this is "not as good" as full zoot leather, armor, Kevlar, Titanium, etc., etc. but that's not the point.
As with the analogy of armored, vented mesh jackets not being "as good" in the Summer as full leathers, but being much better than a t-shirt, it is much the same.

High end safety gear hanging in the closet is of very little value.

I'm working with one of our venders - EVS - a leader in off-road armor and "technical protection devices" such as articulated knee braces for MX racers, to see which of their products have application for street riding. They would certainly not have the ultimate protection afforded by highest-end racing and street apparel, but...

The advantage comes with riders who can not afford, or do not wish to spend a couple of G's for a riding outfit. Or, are not fast, aggressive riders. Or, like me have a 7 mile commute with light to no traffic. Or just want to go for a nieghborhood putt after work.

What I'm looking at is a "compression jacket" that is a comfortable, light weight pull-over or zip-on "jacket" with rigid armor (not CE, but very good) on shoulders, elbows, forearms, lower & upper spine, with a supportive kidney belt. These retail for $150-$180 and can be worn alone (a bit extreme looking!) or under an oversize jersey, sweatshirt or un-armored jacket. Many Super Motard racers use these as do some stunt riders. I have a couple of high-end MX vented jerseys I think will work well with this in hot weather.

They also have very comfortable pull-up knee pads with a rigid knee cup and light semi-rigid shin protectors. These can be worn under jeans or Draggin' Jeans and would greatly up the protection of either. They can be worn with or without any height boot. They are lined with "wet suit" material for comfort & protection and some are further secured with Velcro. These retail for $40-60.
Also, elbow armor similar to the knee armor which would be a quick, easy "upgrade" to a favorite un-armored jacket or sweat shirt. Retail $30-60.

The idea is not to encourage anyone to "move down" from top line armor to this, but to "move up" from shirts, light jackets & jeans to good quality, effective, "much better than nothing" armor. And to have an alternate to the top-line stuff on occassion. This may/may not be suitable for any given person, depending on their circumstances and acceptance of varying cost & convenience VS risk ratios.

They also have an array of heavy-duty elastic supports for ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders & wrists for protection of old injuries.

The ultimate outcome of my evaluation may be a "sub-line" of this armor designed, styled and better suited for the street.

Great KUDOS for the guys who can afford, and are willing to invest in top shelf only gear...and never, ever, never leave home without it. For the rest of us this might be a good option.

I'm not trying to sell this to you and EVS is not the only quality manufacturer. If anyone is interested I'll keep you posted on this.

Dave

[Deano]

Scorpion EX700 (with Respro insert as needed)
Marsee Adventure Jacket (winter)
First Gear Mesh Tex II/ Marsee Full Flow (summer)
Marsee Adventure pants (winter)
First Gear HT Air/Marsee Full Flow (summer)
Marsee 2 in 1 gloves (winter)
First Gear mesh gloves (summer, w/ wiper attachment as needed)
Oxtar Goretex boots
Disposable ear plugs for +50 mph (my commute rarely exceeds this)

Keeping an eye out for good deals on BMW gear, to give it a try.

[MidlifeMark]

Shoei RF900
Aerostitch Roadcrafter, hi-viz yellow, w/armor
Aerostitch Combat Touring Boots (by Sidi)
Olympia gel gloves
Hearos reusable earplugs

[Ed K]

Hey Guys...I am always looking for quality and safety, but not willing to pay a penney more than I have to.

1) Even though the Arai fit a little bit better, I got the RF1000 Shoei 'cause it's quiet, and that's important to me. Got it NEW on eBay for a fantastic price.

2) Searched far and wide for months before I got these boots...Oxtar Matrix. And just love 'em. Was able to get the salesperson to knock 10% off the list price. A close second, but more money, were the medium level Daytonas.

3) BMW Venting Machine (summer) - expen$ive, but worth it.

4) BMW Summer Pants - reasonable price, great pants...comes with armor

5) APS Leather Jacket and Leather Pants - man I love this jacket and pants...see more info below. You guys might be saying...who or what is APS? Well, I think its one of the best kept secrets around...$240 for a full armored 1.2-1.4 mm Top grain cowhide construction jacket with full armor...$230 for leather armored pants. Highly recommended...check it out...

http://www.brocktoncycle.com/eshopprod_cat_755-17059-17063-12359_product_149431.APS_Pro_Sport_Leather_Motorc. htm

6) APS Gloves - great shortie glove, at a great price.

http://www.brocktoncycle.com/eshopprod_cat_755-3029-12356_product_149399.APS_Performer_Motorcycle_Glo. htm

7) BMW heated vest (what more needs to be said)

Happy shopping...

[jc wms]

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/53337688-M.jpg
FAB-U-LOUSSsss! I bet you're the envy of all the guys

I wear a Belstaff suit or Leathers
Arai (Signet GT -- it is the only one that fits my grape)
Super Hearos
Held gloves
ApineStar boots

I'd like to invest in a Aerostitch for commuting, eventually.

When living in the desert I was asked "how can you wear that in this heat?" Faster = cooler! (I hadn't heard the reply of, "I think my skin looks better on me than on the street" line.

[GPM]

Hey jc,

When that Arai wears out you might try a Shoei X-11. The Signet was the only helmet that I could find that fit as well. When it was time for a replacement, the guys at Helmet Harbor (local here), had me try on an X-11. Great fit, and excellent venting, a bit plus in Arizona.

[fnfalman]

I wear all gears 95% of the time, top to bottom. The only time that I would wear denim or khaki pants is when I know for a fact that I'd ride on the streets only to a nearby joint. Otherwise it's full leathers when it's temperate and cold to full mesh when it gets nice and hot.

Arai Quantum II helmet fits me perfectly.
Shoei RF1000 fits decent but not perfect.
Z Custom Leathers touring/all around two-piece.
Z Custom Leathers racing suit two-piece for track and serious canyon cutting.
Z Custom Leathers sport riding suit with reflective textile upper portion of the chest and shoulder for casual canyon riding and for riding during warm weather because the textile provides some ventilation.
BMW Airflow II jacket half mesh/half textile for hot weather.
First Gear MeshTex pants for hot weather.
First Gear mesh sport glove, Olympia gel glove, Z Custom sport riding gloves and Held Akira (for the track and serious canyon cutting).

I'm upgrading the pants to BMW Venting Machine all mesh though. I think that I have more faith in heavy cordura than cheap nylon for abrasion resistance.

[MRB]

Hi
I have just returned to motorcycling after a break of 25 years (BMW R1150R).
Feeling my age and mortality, apart from rider training that I have done and will do more of I have started with-
Nitro flip up helmet (need to do more research and find something better there)
Spider touring boots
Draggin Jeans
Jacket - HIT AIR air bag jacket (believe it or not) It is vented (very humid on the Gold Coast - Oz) armoured and I am convinced the air bags are worthwhile even though I hope to never use them.
http://www.hit-air.com/english/main.html
Gloves, also HIT AIR with kevlar palms and hard carbon fibre pads on the heel of the palm as well as the knuckles.
I certainly don't have the recent experience of the others posting here but this is my starting wardrobe.

[bmwdave52]

Arai Quantum f
Motoport Ultra II Kevlar jacket and overpants
Cruiserworks boots
Held gloves in summer
Gerbing heated gloves in winter
I wear shorts under the Motorports in summer

[Road Dog]

HJC flip up helmet or Shoei RF
I wore out an aerostich, now I wear a Firstgear Soroco in the winter or a Kilamanjaro Air otherwise.
Cycloak pants
Oxtar boots
Gerbing gloves in the winter and Mechanics gloves in the summer. The mechanics glove was crash tested by a friend and held up well on asphalt.
Silver Eagle cool vest/Gerbings jacket liner

[aframen]

full face helmet (Shoei or HJC)
armored textile jacket and pants
Oxtar boots
Rev-it gloves