It seems to me that everyone here gears up all the time when they ride.

I am just not comfortable without gear on.

How do you feel?

I am Full Helmet, Gauntlet Gloves, Jacket,(leather or Textile depending on season, and at least draggin jeans (or other touring or leather pants) and boots.

I wear everything except for pants. I know I should but the trouble for me far outweighs the damage that "could" be done. But I never ride without Helmet, Gloves, Jacket, and boots.

I have always been a Full Face Helmet guy, yes even on a Harley.
I'm am moving toward the ATGATT position. I've never been down (yet) but a couple friends have and I have seen first hand the differences with and/or without.

I never ride without over the ankle boots.
I never ride without gloves.
I never ride without my full face helmet.
If cooler, I always wear my JR pants and jacket with pads.
I am working on a pants/jacket combo for hot days.

I'll take any recommendations.

I'm a firm believer in weighing the risk & making the decision. By that I mean I am NOT an ATGATT guy. I've ridden in jeans & T-shirt & sneakers many times. If you feel uncomfortable riding without gear, by all means, wear the gear.

Full face helmet, gloves, light or heavy depending on weather (Mechanix Impact Pro gloves for warm weather..$25, much better than $80 for Icon or whatever logo, Tourmaster Polartec for cold weather), Herman Survivors Commander Waterproof SWAT style boots ($40 at Wally World, and very nice!) Firstgear Kilimanjaro jacket, with my own liner depending on weather, and Alpinestars Cargo pants. The Pants I especially like, they have kept me warm in 40 degree nighttime hwy rides and cool enough in 70 degree city traffic!!! Super comfy too!!!

I'm an ATGATT guy, but I make adjustments in the weight and ventilation capabilities of the jacket, pants and gloves to fit the weather. Thirty-six years ago, I got pushed off the highway by a semi while riding a Kawasaki Big Horn on my way up into the Colorado mountains. I'm here today, with at least a few of my marbles left, thanks to the Bell helmet I was wearing (along with a heavy leather jacket, gloves and boots). It looked like a hard-boiled egg that had been dropped on pavement from a couple of stories up!

I agree that everybody is free to make their own choices, but along with throwing your own tolerance for risk into the choice-making process, I hope you'll also consider the impact of your choices on your family and friends. Wearing a helmet can make the difference between being an accident survivor who is still a happy, witty, warm and loving father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or friend . . . and a person who could have walked away, but instead lingers in a persistent vegetative state.

Cautiously,
Kevin

I'm a newbie, so be gentile with my decisions...

Shoei full face helmet, Frank Thomas all weather 3 in 1 jacket, firstgear all weather pants (which work great over my dress slacks to and from work!), gloves with the carbon fiber knuckles (don't get in a fist fight with me), Icon over the ankle boots with straps.

Having been down once hard with all my gear on and still ending up with a couple dozen stitches in my arm, I never ride without it. Frank Thomas lined jacket (nicely vented for summer and waterproof for the other 11.5 months in BC), Joe Rocket pants (but I do wear my double knee Carharts to and from work sometimes), full riding boots, Joe Rocket winter gloves or older kevlar summer gloves and my absolute favorite Arai XD helmet.

The great thing about all this ballistic nylon and stuff is the waterproof/breathable feature. Suit up in the morning and ride all day no matter what the weather throws at you. Sure beats the old days of wet leather jacket or a restrictive and sweaty rainsuit.

28c and sunny tomorrow, going riding!

I'm an ATGATT rider as well. It's the deal I made with myself when I decided to start riding a few years ago and I haven't once broke the promise to myself - no matter how hot it is.

Yet, I feel it's up to the rider to decide but at a minimum I think you should have the basics a helmet, jacket and gloves. It's hard for me to go to the no-helmet-law states. I just keep thinking to myself - even if nothing bad happens them bugs and stones really hurt.

My gear consist of a Scorpion Full Face helmet (EXO 1000), Tour Master Pivot Jacket in Black/Yellow, Tour Master Caliber pants, Tour Master Boots and Marsee Adventure Gloves.

I think I may go Aerostich next.

Everything every time.

Let's say I am casual in putting my gear on and off, and I mean everything. It takes about 30 seconds to put on and another 30 to take off. One minute of extra time every time I ride.

We sit through umpteen commercials, red lights, etc, that eat up so much time and yet we can't allow a minute that can make a HUGE difference.

Jeans wear out in about a half second when sliding on concrete. Road rash is like a third degree burn. It is BAD. Google motorcycle accident pictures and get a taste of reality. When you're begging for your next morphine shot because of the severe pain at least be thankful you saved yourself a minute per ride.

People, including most bikers, think I'm nuts. What they think does nothing but what is, is, and that IS something.

If it is too hot for gear then I drive plain and simple.

Here in Oregon you don't have a choice - must wear a helmet. Back when I was 13 (yes 13) I was heading to get gas when some old lady turned left right in front of me. Smashed the windshield real good with my Helmet! Never ride without one!!

I think I may go Aerostich next.
Aerostitch is nice stuff but I hear the one-piece suit leaks a bit and I think Aerostitch admits to this on the website. They feel it's a compromise between quick access and full waterproofness. I was going to go with Aerostitch but they didn't have a one-piece suit that would fit me - too tall and too skinny is my problem. They suggested I'd go with a two piece suit. I passed and got an Olympia outfit in lime-yellow. I wore that for two years and beat the heck out of it. Worked pretty good but I decided to try out the Tour-Master gear - no lime-yellow, I went with plain yellow instead.

The TourMaster isn't absolutely waterproof either. I went through a rain storm yesterday and my crotch got wet like I was pissing myself. My Olympia had the same problem. I think they need to put seam-sealer on like they do with tents. The tour-master jacket did Ok but I had some vents open and that didn't help.

Here in Oregon you don't have a choice - must wear a helmet. Back when I was 13 (yes 13) I was heading to get gas when some old lady turned left right in front of me. Smashed the windshield real good with my Helmet! Never ride without one!!
I started riding when I was 16 y.o. on a moped. It doesn't sound like much but that thing would still do 50 mph and thats more than enough to scramble your eggs. I used to ride without a helmet and for that matter no gear at all. This bus driver used to chase me with her bus and yell at me to get a helmet on. I'm lucky I didn't have an incident like this - I wouldn't be be here today or cognizent enough to write this. Since then I've changed my mind about riding gear and now I'm ATGATT. I don't feel bullet-proof anymore and I have more to lose now.

It is amazing - I've never wore a helmet, not even for a bicycle. Then got into motorcycling. Was concerned that it would be uncomfortable; it was for a short time but now I don't even mind it.

Helmets are nice and not just for crashes either - keeps your head warm when it's cold, keeps it cool when it's hot (with the vents). The full face one's do a good job of keeping bugs out of your teeth and rocks out of your eyeballs.

I always wear at a minimum...

Helmet- Arai RX7-RR4 Dani Pedrosa replica (signed by Dani himself!)
Jacket- mesh in summer and Olympia winter jacket when its colder
Boots- Dainese

My favorite jacket I have recently sold due to putting on some pounds and not being able to fit in it anymore. For years I have used a Motoport GP2 Kevlar jacket that is absolutely wonderful.

Motoport jackets and gear have for a while now been compared to Aerostich. I just cant seem to get into the whole Aerostich thing. They make nice gear but it is really pricey. The Motoport kevlar line isnt cheap either but after owning one for around 7 years I can say that they hold up incredibly well. I actually just sold it to my boss for $250. Thats right, 250 for a 7 year old jacket that I must have put around 60 to 70k miles on. The great thing about kevlar vs leather is that you can throw it in the washing machine when it gets stinky and it takes no special substances to maintain it. Just ride, wash and ride more.

Here is a good link to a gentleman who bought a whole motoport 2 piece suit.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80138&highlight=motoport+kevlar

He had the suit custom made to his colors. The guys who runs motoport is really nice and will help with any purchasing decisions you have. The only bad thing is that their web site has to be the CRAPPIEST SITE EVER MADE!!! God, its like something from the early days of the internet. Are you listening Wayne, fix your site!!!

LOL...thats funny...I just went to pull up the Motoport site and its not even up and running!!! Hopefully they are re-building it. Or maybe Motoport is out of business. That would suck, as I am currently saving to get a new kevlar jacket to replace my old one. Damn....

Oh well, check out the adv site comparison. You will see that its good quality stuff. Heres the way I feel about it-

Nothing beats leather, hands down. But leather can be a bitch sometimes in the heat, its incredibly bulky and you have to condition it from time to time.

Kevlar is ALMOST as good as leather and is actually stronger then leather depending on how it is torn. (I dont remember which way). And its soooooooo much more convenient and cooler in the heat. If it gets to cold, put in the liner and throw over a thin windbreaker type moto jacket. I have on old Fieldsheer 3/4 jacket I would put over my GP2 if it was to cold. Worked perfect.

Everything else is Textile. And pretty much sucks. Even the 1600 denier cordura in my Olympia feels cheap next to my kevlar.

Just my 2 cents worth. Sorry if this sounds like a promo for Motoport Kevlar but the stuff is just awesome. And worth the price.

I just tried the Motoport web site and got a login page. Hopefully, it will be up soon so we can take a look at that gear.

I rode with Olympia gear the first year - I bought it because it came in Lime-Yellow. While learning to ride I really wanted to be visible and I'm glad I did. I think it saved my butt a few times from stupid mistakes I made.

After two years of the Olympia - the pants were totally shot. Not all the fault of Olympia. I burnt one leg from a tip-over while doing parking lot practice and a zipper got caught in a heat shield and just snapped off.

The jacket is still in good shape but I just wanted to try something else and I went with TourMaster and I chose bright yellow with black - still want the visibility thing. I think the TourMaster is better built and has better armor than the Olympia.

When I'm ready for another jacket in a few years - and if Motorport is around, maybe something I'll look into if it is as good as you say it is.:D

I am street riding again after a hiatus of 30 years. Long ago I wore a full coverage helmet, regular street clothes, and only whatever else was needed due to weather. In hindsight, I think I was very foolish. Now I am wearing full coverage helmet, boots, gloves, jacket with armor, and pants that, although are not made for motorcycling, are heavy duty. I wore MSR Enduro pants when it was colder in March and April. It is a hassle changing at work, but I think it is worth it.

I'm also a new rider, and I only use my V to commute to and from work.
I wear a Joe Rocket mesh jacket (It's been in the high nineties for the last two weeks here in South Texas), mesh motorcycle gloves, my military issue combat boots (steel toes and mesh sides over the ankles) and a full face Akuma Stealth helmet.

I'm pretty diligent about sticking to ATGATT...Shoe x-11, Dainese Wave V (Neck) body armor, Revit Off Track Jacket, Revit Dakar pants, leather gloves, and BMW boots... with an UnderArmor undershirt to stay (relatively) cool. I'm mostly a weekend rider but would imagine all of this would get to be a little much for a commuter / everyday use.

Same here, I go full suit. Jacket or mesh jacket, full face helmet, riding pants, leather glove and steel toe boot.

I love to go riding, but I also want to come back to my 2 boys and wife after every ride. you can be the best rider around, you never know what the other people on the road will do!

You guys make a strong argument for ATGATT.

I'm a new rider, and have been riding with just a helmet and gloves. I think I better get a jacket and pants.

Anybody got suggestions for big guys?

Briar Rabbit, I'm not sure what you mean by "big guys" but I would go to a good motorcycle store and try things on. Find somethat you are comfortable in and either buy there, or get all the details and order on-line (personally I'd buy there, they are giving you service, and deserve the sale.)
The real key is find the right balance between comfort and protection. Yes it is a trade off as the the most comfortable thing would probably be nothing! But if you are too hot, too constricted or too uncomfortable for any other reason, you soon stop wearing the gear, probably just when you need it the most.

Just my $.50 worth (inflation you know). (;-{)

Monte

I have to wear a helmet in NC and wear one in SC when I go there which is were I work. I commute, so I am on the road about 80 miles a day. I was just wearing my helmet and well....I was wanting to wait to buy some gear but decided to go ahead and splurge. You can never splurge on your safety. I bought a Joe Rocket Alter Ego, fantastic jacket, mesh and very cool, as in weather friendly. It has the armor, waterproof and so on. Modular Fulmer helmet. Alpinestar SMX gloves. Waiting for the pants that match the jacket. Have plenty of 3/4 safety shoes from job. I did happen across a website courtesy of youtube. Ride2Die.com. Sobering. Something anyone who rides or drives needs to look at in order to understand and appreciate the art of just paying attention, and not DD. It is however GRAPHIC.

Ride2Die.com. Sobering. Something anyone who rides or drives needs to look at in order to understand and appreciate the art of just paying attention, and not DD. It is however GRAPHIC.

Sobering. I have a dear friend that I speak to regularly about motorcycling and we discussed this site and how it makes us feel. This is part of her response:

"Everyone I meet who says to me, "Aren't you scared?" fail to realize that I'm scared on a regular basis by the daily events in my life that have nothing to do with a motorcycle and that on it I feel safer than riding the elevator up with most of them. "

Ride safe - stay alert.

You guys make a strong argument for ATGATT.

I'm a new rider, and have been riding with just a helmet and gloves. I think I better get a jacket and pants.

Anybody got suggestions for big guys?


Good idea - most of the time of the time nothing is going to happen. And you'll return home from your ride just fine. But, at that moment IF something happens you'll be thinking I wish I had my gear on.

Look at TourMaster - they have x-large and long sizes. I'm 6'4" tall with a 34" inseam and need long pant lengths. TourMaster is one of the few that offers them. TourMaster is also offered at many motorcycle shops so you'll be able to try them on. Be sure to get something in a bright color - don't wear black unless looking hip is more important than being safe.

I just ordered a TourMaster mesh jacket - they didn't have it in yellow. I bought a blue one and I'll modify it when I get with lime-yellow stripes.

This guy just likes his white nikes

Ouch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC6q1bpqLks)

looks more like a girl to me... :D

Dainese leather jacket with back protector, Dainese boots and racing gloves, Shoei X-11 helmet and BMW city pants (cargo pants with reinforced padding at the knees and hips. I also bought (I don't know the exact term in english), but it's like armored boxers...with padding in the seat area, so on top of adding extra protection to the lower spine it's more comfortable on long runs too and it doesn't look like your wearing a diaper :P

I always wear all the gear. I sometimes open the jacket when Im in the city and it's hot...but rest of the time everything is fully zipped. Ive seen people seriously injured and the last thing I want to say "dawm I should have put on all my gear, stupid, stupid, stupid!".

Next year Ill buy a Rukka suit. Expensive but you don't have to worry about rain, hot or cold weather anymore.

Right now because it is 112 out here in Phoenix I am riding with a mesh First Gear armored jacket, Full face HJC carbon fiber helmet, denim jeans, ankle covered hiking boots and leather Castle gloves with padding. And let me tell you it is hot but worth it. It only really sucks while waiting at a traffic light.

Full gear every time. If I had not had on full gear in 06....I would not be here. Some doofus did a U-turn in front of me on a 2 lane mountain road.

Helmet - Shoei X-11 Rainey edition
Jacket - Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 Armored Mesh
Gloves - Joe Rocket 2.0 Mesh/Leather
Knee/Shin - Fox - Raptor Hinged Guards
Boots - Alpinestars S-MX2 Short

WHEN: Every time I ride! Too many stupid drivers to watch out for in Houston!

First - what does ATGATT stand for? I'm guessing "all the gear, all the time" but it's just a guess.

I literally have ridden once in my life without a helmet. Clutch cable snapped just as I was putting it into gear, bike reared up, I hit my head, spent 3 days in the hospital. My wife says "That explains a lot" every time I mention it. :huh:


Now I wear an HJC full face helmet and Fieldsheer mesh jacket all the time. I typically, but not always, wear leather gloves and often a set of 1000d Cordura chaps I made. I must admit I usually ride in sneakers. When it gets cold I find that my Frogg Toggs jacket on top of the mesh works great down to about 40F (about 4C). If I put a fleece top over the mesh and under the rain jacket, I'm good to about 25F.

A story I tell my brother (who wears one of those novelty helmets with a fake DOT sticker on it) - If you have a dollar, you stick it in your pocket, if you lose it or wash it, big deal. If you have a million dollars, you take care of it and put it in a bank. I then tap his helmet and say "pocket", tap mine saying "bank". He laughs but still rides open headed whenever it's legal.

First - what does ATGATT stand for? I'm guessing "all the gear, all the time" but it's just a guess.


Yip, you got it. ATGATT is all the gear, all the time.

You might want to consider something better than sneakers. Full motorcycle boots may be a bit much for where you are at due to the heat. But, you can find alternatives that will save your feet. I had a pair of BMW sneakerboots that I wore for the first two years of riding. Only problem is watch out for laces - they get caught on the levers. I moved over to a pair of TourMaster boots without laces More waterproof as well.

Tell your brother that salad bowls are for lettuce and not heads unless you want a haircut.

tank top, shorts, no gloves, sandles, and a helmet that covers as little of my head as possible...........

the truth is i am an atgatt person my self. in michigan (where i live) you have to use a helmet. I live near the ohio border. Ohio does not have a helmet law. I have seen riders pull over on the side of the expressway and take the helmet off as soon as they cross...... If you crash at 70mph and do not have a helmet on what do you thing is going to happen?

Almost ATGATT. I always were a helmet, gloves, and a jacket. I am still looking for pants that don’t make me look like I have a diper full of crap. As far as boots go I wear my steel toe boots…I know what you are going to say but here me out. I was looking for regular boots but can not find any that have the same ankle support and padding. Plus I can wear these boots all day long. I just tuck the laces and I’m good to go. Besides at $175 and the fact that my work pays for them, why not.

I went down to Vancouver today, highway 99 from Squamish to Vancouver - used to be an amazing mountain highway, but at the moment is one giant construction zone as they gear up for 2010 Olympics. I am not sure why the weekend riders still do this run, since it is so slow and rough. I was stuck in traffic and started trying to count all the bikes, and noticed how 100% of the sport bike and dualsport riders had full gear, but I would say less than 50% of cruiser and harley riders had full gear, an alarming number had bare minimum (and at least three had shorts, shoes, helmet and nothing else!). There was one suicidal 50cc scooter rider with almost nothing on.

I am an ATGATT guy, but ride2die.com disturbed me a lot, mad me want to upgrade some of my perfectly good gear. It should be mandatory viewing for new riders.

I myself attended the school of stupidity coming back from the beach when I was 19. By stupid I mean riding 110+ on a secondary road in swim trunks, t-shirt and surf socks-no helmet either. To say I am lucky to be here is an understatement. I will ride without my riding pants- But always a jacket(the road rash burns quite easily after 20 years of healing) boots and gloves. Road rash is basicaly a 3rd degree burn the way it is treated. I always wear my helmet now too. I have 2 young children to think of. Yes I could get killed walikng across the street and that is why i still ride-But the level of respect from then to now is a whole new ballgame. BTW I never quit riding and recognized the wreck as my own stupidity.
I like the Joe Rocket gear-Ihave found some amazing deals on the meteor jackets
Blue Meteor 4.0- $39.99 brand new from newenough on ebay.(KLR 650 was blue)
Red Meteor 4.0- $45.00 Brand new off of clearance rack at local dealer(they Have more!)
Red Joe rocket mesh jacket $25.00 brand new off of same clearance rack-Couldnet pass it up
Joe Rocket Ballistic pants
Nolan N100e Flip up helmet-Never owned anything but a nolan!!
Joe rocket ballistic gloves for cold weather
Joe Rocket vented gloves for warm- Cost more than the jackets!!
Hiking boots-Looking for some riding shorty riding boots

Im not a big guy 6' ,140#, 31'' waist So its usually easy to get some off sizes that have sat for a while. My stuff was and is a couple styles old-But it still looks cool and the ballistic gear(meteor) is waterproof and very warm. I do not do cold well and the ballistic gear is fine by itself for 45-50 deg riding for me.

I'm ATGATT too.

I wear either my Alinpinestar Octane one-piece leather suit or my Olympia Moto Sports Bushwacker Jacket and pants . Rev'It GT Corse gloves, Alpinestars S-MX Plus boots and a Shoei RF-1000 helmet.

Hi, I will ride in town with only gloves. I will do short distances with only my jacket.
Most of the rides, I wear everything. It's my first year of riding, got 4500 km on my V and so far, everything is fine.

My gear: Rukka Steel Jacket (gore-tex), Rukka Unit pants (gore-tex), BMW long gloves (Gore-tex), Dainese B.B.2 D-Dry Boots, Shoei Multitec Full face modular helmet.

I am an ATGATT guy, but ride2die.com disturbed me a lot, mad me want to upgrade some of my perfectly good gear. It should be mandatory viewing for new riders.

ride2die.com is a great site. Anything that will give people a sense of reality. Today was a hot day in Texas with the sun shining. That means about 90% of the riders were just wearing street cloths. I SELDOM see a rider in all the gear. But to each their own. To each their own pain, along with the pain it puts everyone associated with them in, too.

ride2die.com is a great site. Anything that will give people a sense of reality. Today was a hot day in Texas with the sun shining. That means about 90% of the riders were just wearing street cloths. I SELDOM see a rider in all the gear. But to each their own. To each their own pain, along with the pain it puts everyone associated with them in, too.

MSGroup (http://www.msgroup.org) is a good site too. Lots of safety tips and encouragement for ATGATT

I always wear my lid (http://www.shoei-helmets.com/road/helmets_road.aspx?h=3), boots (http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-Combat-Lites-Boots-p-16559.html), jacket (http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=62&cat=5), and gauntlets (kevlar knuckles). I'm still looking for pants and armor... I need to get a rainsuit too...

MSGroup (http://www.msgroup.org) is a good site too. Lots of safety tips and encouragement for ATGATT
...

Yes, it is a good site. I used to belong to it until I angered the moderator and banned me from it.

A discussion came up about the riders and drivers in the Miami area and how bad it was there. After about 10 posts or so I chimed in about my experience there and noticed that the drivers were much worse. The moderator said he'll have nothing to do with "bashing", and said he wanted proof that riders that are not ATGATT have a higher injury rate.

I'm not making this up. WHO in their right mind has to see statistics that ATGATT vs street cloths riders show a difference, and he is supposed to be the moderator of a safety site?!!!

What I sent is a poll taken by drivers who have ridden the country a lot and voted the Miami area as the worse drivers. That was it. He removed the entire thread and banned me from connecting to reply ever since then.

It is a very good site. Good poeple on there. The moderator is an ass, though. Don't even try to prove him wrong. I don't go to the site ever since.

Supposedly a couple state reps from PA are trying to reinstate our helmet law. Currently only those with less than 2 years experience and under 21 have to wear them. Studies here have shown a large increase in deaths (by checking hospital records) since the law was repealled. Hopefully the law will be reinstated

Although people will still probably buy those little chrome bowls and slap a $1 DOT sticker to illegally put on it.

I always laugh when i see someone with no helmet and no eye protection riding down the road squinting. I bet the wind noise would be unbareable at speed.

Unless I'm bringing my bike around front from my carport, I always wear my boots, jacket, gloves, and full helmet. I would wear riding pants, but I haven't found a pair that fit me well.

I always laugh when i see someone with no helmet and no eye protection riding down the road squinting. I bet the wind noise would be unbareable at speed.

Just think of the bugs. What must their face look like after a ride - my visor looks like hell, they must have bug skids all over.

Unless I'm bringing my bike around front from my carport, I always wear my boots, jacket, gloves, and full helmet. I would wear riding pants, but I haven't found a pair that fit me well.

You could look into Bohn Under Armor.

I ALWAYS wear my HJC full face helmet, Olympia Bushwacker Jacket w/ armor, Cortech armor gauntlet gloves, foam earplugs and hard shoes at the least. I just purchased TCX Matrix boots and Fieldsheer Adventure pants for some more protection so we'll see how that goes.

Over 80 degrees I wear a Power Trip mesh jacket and JR Mesh pant coupled with boots and mesh gloves. I use an open face touring helmet with a full face shield.

When its cooler the JR Balistic jacket, my Tourmaster pants, and full face helmet are added to the mix.

The trade off as always is comfort versys safety. In hot weather my scale still slides slightly toward comfort.

ATGATT only! I wear Motoport Kevlar jacket and pants, TCX Air Tech boots, Sidi scorpion gloves, and GMax helmet. With average temps of 90, I am usually the only one in town who is covered head to toes and I had many "funny" comments from Harley riders that are in shorts and tees (I even saw one in flip-flops). I love the gear and my 2 little kids, and I promised to myself that I would never ride without full gear.

ARC Full face helmet (flip-up)
Lookwell Jacket
AMA armored riding pants (Took out the lining, using as overpants)
RS Taichi Gloves
Hiking boots

Haven't bought other boots yet as some of the boot's I've seen offer even less protection than my hiking boots. I thought I'd see more armored ankles, but most of the boots have the clasps on the ouside that is the "protection" :huh:. If that is the case then my Hi-Tec hiking boots offer more ankle protection.

I love my wife and I'm looking forward to out firstborn, if I have to look like the michellin man then so be it.:thumb:

vintage Belstaff all the way!

I have not been riding long but ever since day one I have worn at least minimum. Full helmet, riding jacket, gloves and boots. I will admit that I have been riding in jeans. But this week I have picked up my new olympia air something or other riding pants. Not been able to try them yet but will soon. I am or would like to think that I am in some way frugal. I always buy gear that I can use all year long. The olympia pants are mesh pants outer layer with protection and wind and rain proof inner liner. Also have a firstgear kilamanjaro jacket with the same type of protection. I can ride during the summer without the liner and hopefully in the winter with the liner in. Both of these are a little pricey but hopefully will be an all year riding outfit. Have talked to a couple of people and they highly recommened the kila jacket for durability. And I can attest to the keeping you dry part. Very well made and I have been through some heavy rain and dry as a bone. Also I know I got off the subject a little but my brother who lives in Florida was going home through Georgia over the moutains and a car took the inside lane on a sharp turn. He had to straighten up his bike to avoid the car and then try to get back down to make the curve. He does not drive fast. But he lost it on the curve and as best as he could remeber he slid until he came to a stop on the other side road when the boulder would'nt move. He broke both wrist badly and had a scratch on his face. When we visited him in the hospital the next day I looked at his gear. Full face helmet scraped the side and face sheild off. Leather chaps badly scraped; blue jeans fine. Leather jacket badly scraped up plus it did'nt help that they had to cut it off. Upper body no cuts, road rash, nothing. There is no doubt that he would have been one really banged and scraped up person if not for his gear. Broken wrist had to have 9 pins put in them. And took several months to heal. But he is better and he is riding again. Just took a trip to new mexico and back to florida. And yes he wore his gear the whole time. Just remeber that we can be the most careful people in the world but we can't control what the other guy is going to do. We can just hope that we make it through.

HJC full face helmet; Usually a Fieldsheer Highland II ($329 list) one piece suit instead of an Aerostich Rodcrafter (Over $900 list); Oxtar Matrix boots; Elk skin or deer skin gloves; Revision Sawfly protective glasses; Moldex Rockets ear plugs; Hadwear neck gaiter; Wicking tshirt; LD Comfort shorts or tights for long rides. Super-Visor visor I use on my face shield as I ride into the sun on my way home from work in the morning. I take it off at night and in the rain; A lime-yellow safety vest.

Hot weather gear includes Joe Rocket mesh jacket and pants; wicking tshirt over a long sleeve wicking shirt. I can soak the tshirt with water to help keep me cool without feeling clammy; Nylon convertible pants with zip off legs.

Cotton under my suit sucks winter or summer.

Big Guy? I just bought a 5X Fieldsheer Jacket at motorcyclecloseouts.com for about 1/5 the price my local dealer wanted. Their prices are real good and they do have some big stuff. It is closeouts though so you have to look around. No dealers around here carry anything bigger than 2X.



You guys make a strong argument for ATGATT.

I'm a new rider, and have been riding with just a helmet and gloves. I think I better get a jacket and pants.

Anybody got suggestions for big guys?

Alipinestars Leather Gortex boots
Alpinestars SMX gloves
EVS knee/shin guards
Icon Anthem pants (Aramid reinforced denim)
Joe Rocket Pheonix mesh jacket
Shoei RF1000 helmet

I was wearing tennis shoes when the following happend. Should have been wearing my boots...
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/GregScuba/CIMG0986copy.jpg

HJC full face helmet; Usually a Fieldsheer Highland II ($329 list) one piece suit instead of an Aerostich Rodcrafter (Over $900 list);

Snipped...




What I should have included in this post is the fact that I spent less than $500 for all of the gear I now own. I bought most of it used on Ebay or on closeout from various sources such as Newenough.com.

I've always wore a jacket and helmet, usually gloves but some days its too hot and when I know I'm going threw a toll bridge or toll highway I'll take them off before getting there. Right now I have Bering Hurricane jacket (love it) and a scorpion exo 1000 helmet (kind of loud but excellent features at a good price). I have a pair of nice boots that I never ride without either, though I would like to buy a pair of waterproof ones.
I always recommend, to new riders especially, to wear all their gear, a buddy of mine spilled and t-boned a 2500 series ram, he thanked me once he was back at work for insisting he wore everything even when its hot out.

Long pants jacket gloves and helmet the whole shebang

First time poster here so go easy on me! I pick up my Versys next week!

I've tried a buncha stuff over the years. Some worked-some didn't.

This is what worked well for me on a 10,000 ride to Alaska this summer.

Aerostich Darien Light Jacket and Pants.

Shoei RF 1000 full face

Lee Parks DeerSports thinsulate gloves

Danner Fort Lewis 600 gram Goretex boots NMT

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q278/balou44/ak%2008/IMG_0653.jpg

Really the only rain I had was a 36 hour stretch and I stayed dry.

Always full protection. All Weather Evo suit and Nolan/Xlite full helmet. For the summer days a thin jack but filled with protectors. Protection saves lives.

Paul

I'm a full gear guy. Love my joe rocket mesh suit and my new ballistic 7.0 winter gear. always geared up from head to toe. I do find my khaki's more comfortable under my riding pants than jeans...but I'm an office rat though.

MotoGP 4 season armored ballistic jacket, tee shirt underneath
Joe Rocket Alter Ego armored pants with normal pants under them
Thor 50/50 boots
full face HCI helmet

....wifebeater shirt....flipflops......shorts....no helment...:):thumb::thumb::D

ATGATT I just don't feel like I am able to go without,that and the fact of you don't plan accidents makes me wear it all. And FYI gear has saved my hide in the past

Supposedly a couple state reps from PA are trying to reinstate our helmet law. Currently only those with less than 2 years experience and under 21 have to wear them. Studies here have shown a large increase in deaths (by checking hospital records) since the law was repealled. Hopefully the law will be reinstated

Although people will still probably buy those little chrome bowls and slap a $1 DOT sticker to illegally put on it.

I always laugh when i see someone with no helmet and no eye protection riding down the road squinting. I bet the wind noise would be unbareable at speed.

I TOTALLY disagree with helmet laws, but I STRONGLY BELIEVE that anyone who rides without one is a FOOL :huh: , and I'm an ATGATT kind of guy! :yeahsmile:

Reason I disagree is that by the time it matters whether or not you're wearing a helmet, the accident has ALREADY occurred :( and you're flying thru the air :eek: , so it's a PERSONAL decision even though it impacts your friends and family!

On the other hand I TOTALLY agree with seat-belt laws, because by using one you MAY be held in a position where you can control the 'cage' and avoid a secondary accident that MIGHT INVOLVE ME!!!

Cheers,
Ed

I've only been riding since August 2008.
I "play" what many feel are dangerous high risk activities-rock climbing, ice climbing, caving, paragliding, backcountry skiing, downhill mountain biking. I always go by the adage: "Get the training, wear the gear and play within your comfort zone".
Needless to say I took the training and am ATGATT.

Everytime I clean the shield on my helmet I laugh at people without helmets. I can't imagine getting those bugs off of my face much less how it feels when some of the big ones hit you!

To improve motorcycle safety many countries mandate the wearing of protective clothing by motorcyclists, especially a helmet. Other protective gear may include certain types of jackets, gloves, boots, and pants. Jackets meant for motorcyclists are typically made of nylon, leather, or Kevlar. These jackets typically include heavy padding on the elbow, spine, and shoulder regions. Gloves are generally made of leather or Kevlar and some include carbon fiber knuckle protection.
__________________________________________________ _______
Carhartt Sherpa Lines Jackets (http://www.workwear1.com/browse.cfm/2,105.html) property in dubai (http://www.choicepropertyinvestment.com/international-developments/dubai-property-investment/)

Mesh armor jacket, modular helmet, gloves, ankle-high hiking boots. I wear mesh armor pants if I have to wear dress clothes to work - otherwise Duluth Trading heaveyweight "firehose" or heavyweight jeans - lined in cold weather. After seeing that denim tested badly in the Cycle Magazine test, I will not wear the denim jacket anymore.
I crashed at 60 and the gear described above limited the damage to about 3 square inches between my left knee and left elbow.

I get so many strange looks from people who see me suiting up in 90 degree weather. They say isn't that uncomfortable? My standard answer is... sometimes, but then again, so is a body cast. Or somestimes I say " Well i've grown attatched to my skin. Once I was touring through Ark, in service station the kid asked me if I was hot, and I replied "I'm probably cooler than someone riding with just a t-shirt on." I know.... I tried to explain the theory of water evaporation vests and I lost him. Oh well, you can't save all the K-feds of the world. My gear: Rev'it Turbine jacket, Rev'it rotor pants, Shoei RF-1000 & Shoei Multitec. Rev'it gloves and Bates Zip up boots.

They say isn't that uncomfortable? Or somestimes I say " Well i've grown attatched to my skin.

What a great quote; I love it!:clap:

I'm a slacker. typically jeans, armored jacket, gloves, thick leather boots and helmet. i have armored over pants but wear those when its cold

I'd like to say I'm AGATT, but I'd be a liar. Every time is Shoei Helmet, Jacket, Gloves, Boot's and earplugs (yes I consider earplugs essential safety gear), but tend to wear jeans when commuting. When joy riding I do wear textile or leather pants. But since 80% of my riding so far is commuting, I'm a partial squid.

I always wear: full face helmet, Textile jacket with armor (one for fall and a mesh for summer), gloves, over-the-ankle boots and pants with armor.

To me it's like driving without a seat belt ... just feels weird to me without it on.

Until I bought my versys and joined this site, I usually rode my Triumph Thunderbird in jeans, a leather jacket only if it was cold, and some 'cruiser' style leather boots or tennis shoes depending how I felt. Rode in jeans and a T-shirt a lot.

Since the V and this forum, I always wear boots, (just got a set of Icon Superduty 2), Olympia jacket, (still sometimes wear the leather), gloves, and I just bought a set of Olympia pants to match the jacket. My plan is to wear them all the time too. I always wear a helmet. It's required in Nebraska. One time a couple years ago while riding in Iowa, I rode for about 15 minutes without a helmet and I didn't care for it one bit. I just didn't feel safe. I suppose if I were riding around a campground or something I'd be fine without a helmet but aside from that, it;s always on my head.

I just read a comparison between Aerostich and Motoport riding gear - by a rider who owns both. All at http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motoport/

Very interesting. Makes me want to look carefully at Motoport gear. Also a big warning to stay away from any clothing that has any kind of "poly......" content. It melts (possibly into you) when subjected to hear - like sliding on a road.

Head to toe:

Shoei Multitec -
Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0
Troy Lee Gloves
Gaerne GRT Aquatech waterproof boots

Protective gear is vital.:thumb:

NO Gear No Ride. Safety First!:goodidea:
:cheers:

Image: Stlee29 and me.

Full Face HJC CL-15 made dealer throw in the deal.Getting EXO-900 Transformer Helmet (modular) Tomorrow. Use to race motorcross when i was a kid helmet saved on a few ocassions,rode a street bike many time without a helmet in my 20's how stupid was I now it always helmet on. Sidi Doho Boots Looks like sneakers but with lots of support When you put your foot down it grips to the road like glue.Gloves,Leather Jacket for now.

When your family has witnessed first hand just what it takes to
watch a member die because of the lack of gear it will get your attention.
High quality on-road or off-road gear always.

I had a minor spill in NoCal couple of years ago, I was only going about 5mph. Even though temps were over 100 I had armoured jacket, full face modular helmet, good m/c boots and gloves. Only thing that got hurt was my knee, was the only part that wasn't protected, (just jeans).

Took about 3 months for my knee to recover. I now wear all of the above plus BMW summer pants with armor regardless of temp or length of trip.

Before my spill I had often ridden in T shirt and jeans (always a helmet and boots).

I've witnessed a couple of minor spills while on group rides and the damage, even at speeds below 10mph to the body, can be catastrophic-road rash, buggered joints, broken limbs. You wouldn't think it could happen at very slow speeds, but it does.

The 3 extra minutes it takes to fully gear up are much shorter than the potential days of sitting in a hospital with grafts or plaster casts or worse.

Machog

Icon Automag jacket, Olympia armored pants, AlpineStars short boots, Shoei X-11, and Cortech Winter Scarabs.......every day now that it's cold. Underneath business casual.......

Think I'm turning into a gear whore :)

I now own 3 jackets - 3/4 length heavy textile, perforated leather and mesh as well as textile pants and riding jeans and which I wear with knee pads. I also have shorty and regular boots. I feel naked riding without gear. Maybe is psychological thing, but I can't get those images of rashed skin out of my head when I riding without gear :)

I have to say when you have good gear that is suitable for the conditions it makes riding a lot more comfortable and enjoyable.

Think I'm turning into a gear whore :)

Maybe is psychological thing, but I can't get those images of rashed skin out of my head when I riding without gear :)


twowheels, lately I've been "lazy" and just putting on knee/shin guards under my jeans for local rides, but my ass and hips could get some bad road rash. Your sage reminder will get me to just put on my riding pants that offer much more protection than just the lower leg area.

Believe it or not, I live in San Diego and I wear my one piece Aerostich Roadcrafter on almost every ride, including to work and back every day. Of course a full face helmet and boots as well. I love the Roadcrafter because I can wear my work clothes underneath and it's on (or off) in less than 20 seconds.

Hello, all-

Brand new here. Was lurking for a bit & will likely pull the trigger on a '09 versys in the next day or so. Good deal to be had (around $5800) and since I have not bought a bike in over 30 years I figure some equipment is in order. Spent a year restoring an old Suzuki TS bike bought new as a teen & remembered how much fun riding was.

Anyway, age has brought some wisdom, or maybe fear, so I thought new equipment is in order. I've got a new full face HJC helmet & decent gloves, but was thinking of a jacket & maybe gloves.

So far, I like what Fox Creek Leathers has for a jacket. A little $$, but nice. I have NO idea about pants, though. Wasn't even a factor 30 years ago.

What are people wearing for riding pants, etc? Any suggestions? While I am asking, what about boots. Quality is more important to me than price.

Thanks to all in advance. The Versys looks like a decent bike. Not too big, not too small and reasonably priced for a guy who might put on all of 500-700 miles per year just for fun.

Aerostich Roadcrafter One piece---Shoei X11 with tinted shield--BMW GS Gloves--Oxtar Boots.
This is what I use 90% of the time. Sometimes a Tourmaster 3/4 jacket--Levis--work boots--Always Helmet and Gloves.
With the one piece suit and waterproof boots the weather is not as much a factor. You just ride.

Did a fair amount of reading here and on the web. The kevlar backed "Motoport" brand seems to be quite good from what I see. A bit pricey, but then again so are skin grafts.

Arai Corsair V full face Helmet
Alpinestar RC-1 Jacket ( lots of padding and super comfortable ..still looking for a hot Weather Jacket tho)
BMW leather / Gortex boots (getting some Sidi ones soon ...when we get a better exchange rate)
Alpinestar Leather (Gauntlet style) Gloves
Draggen Jeans with Knox armor Kneepads for Commuting daily to work.
Alpinestar Trackpants for country Jaunts and track days (makes the seat bearable for over 3 hour rides)
long sleeve t shirt coz it makes it easier to get the jacket off if i get sweaty :D
Modified Reflective Fieldsheer On-base vest 2 for Commuting.
RJays Wet weather over Jacket and pants. looks outrageous but i stay dry

'I cant ride without my gear'

After my last little off i was speaking with the paramedics that came to my aid (...just as a precaution) They informed me of the many motorcycle accidents that they had been to, where the rider and or passenger didn't have any gear on (bar a Helmet) and they said that it didn't matter how much pain suppressing drugs they gave them they still kept screaming from the road rash.

I'm not trying to preach about riding gears merits, but its food for thought.

Arai Corsair V full face Helmet
Alpinestar RC-1 Jacket.......


'I cant ride without my gear'

After my last little off i was speaking with the paramedics that came to my aid (...just as a precaution) They informed me of the many motorcycle accidents that they had been to, where the rider and or passenger didn't have any gear on (bar a Helmet) and they said that it didn't matter how much pain suppressing drugs they gave them they still kept screaming from the road rash.

I'm not trying to preach about riding gears merits, but its food for thought.

"Last little off"?? Have you gone down more than once? That's what scares the hell out of me & why when I do ride I'm like an old lady! Now, when I drive my BMW 335 I have a little fun, but on a bike..... Not so much.

I still have my ancient Suzuki TS bike owned for over 30+ years. Only now am I looking to buy a new bike. The TS was fine as a teen, but several inches in height, plus a bigger & heavier build make it woefully underpowered, which is why the Versys looks good. I'm just a pleasure rider who might put on 1000 miles per year--if that.

Totally agree on the need for equipment. Only a fool would ride in shorts, etc. I call it the Darwin effect.

Right now I am considering "Motoport" brand Kevlar pants/jacket. Pricey, but from what I read among the best one can get.

My current gear:
Shark Evoline Absolute Helmet
Motoboss Mercury Waterproof Motorcycle Gloves
Firstgear HT Overpants II
Puma Desmo Boots
FieldSheer Moto Morph 3-in-1 Textile & Mesh Jacket

When summer rolls around, I'll be switching to
Shift Fuel Boots
Diamond Gusset Jeans Defender Jeans
Bohn Cool Air Bodyguard Adventure Pants
Also, a pair of summer gloves (still looking for a descent pair)

:dgi:Old Spice or nothing at all...
Actually, Shark Evolone Helmet, BMW Dakar jacket or Tourmaster/Transition or Carhart lineman jacket, Tourmaster gloves (Winter), or goat skin, reigns gloves-The ones use for cutting cattle out of a herd (Spring/Summenr) or bicycle cotton weave fingerless gloves )when temps are > 100F/38C.

Arai Astral or HJC carbon on hot days
Scorpion Commander jacket with Dainese air back protector insert
Scorpion Awe pants
Dainese Hellfire 2 evo gloves (3 season) or Olympia waterproof winter gloves
Dainese Visoke boots

tourmaster transition2 jacket.
afx dual sport helmet.
tourmaster riding pants... Forget the exact model.
armored gloves.
boots.

"Last little off"?? Have you gone down more than once?

Twice in fact both within 2 minutes of home one at 2mph one at 30mph,
both involved Inattentive Lassies in black cages pulling out in front of me.

First one i was going so slow i just stepped off the bike as it fell down, (wet road and tried to turn around the front of her) then proceeded to fall over myself.

2nd one, no hope in hell of stopping in time as she pulled out within 25ft of me I slid the bike on its side into the front wheel of her car, leaving a nice little dent where my helmet hit under the drivers side door. (I <3 Arai)

I get within 3 blocks of home now and I take it real easy.

ATGATT... ALWAYS!!!:goodluck:

It's hard to beat a full face helmet in the rain!

Every time I ride I look like an armored highlighter on a weird bike. And I love it.

I wear:

Helmet - White Shoei RF1000.
Jacket - Neon-yellow Olympia AST when it's cold or Olympia mesh when it's warm (both jackets with CE armor).
Gloves - [oops! forgot to mention] Held Steve.
Pants - Olympia Ranger (cold) or Olympia mesh (warm) (both pants with CE armor).
Boots - Oxtar Matrix, now called TCX X-five.
Grin - Wide, needs surgical removal if worn too long.

3/4 helmet (saving for a new Nolan)
Brookes leather bike jacket (for the cool rides)
Vanson VentMax jacket w/ CE armor elbows and shoulders (for the hot rides)
Icon Hooligan pants (kevlar knee inserts & thick + double layer denim side panels)
AlpineStar Boots
off brand leather riding gauntlets

I am something of a gear whore :o, but I enjoy the ride and that means wearing the right gear at the right time. So here goes:

Helmet: AGV Stealth (comfort and great protection; I know as I went down at speed in one and didn't even get a headache!)
Jacket: Mostly my Alpinestar T-Stunt, but I will also use the T-Stunt Air jacket I got in very hot weather. If it is going to be real cold, I have a Alpinestar Titan WP (water proof) jacket, but that is really just a winter jacket (no ventilation to speak of)
Boots: I have TCX Synergy boots for most rides, but wear Alpinestar Octane shoes to work as they are easier to walk around in at work.
Gloves: My regular gloves are Held Thuxton gloves, but I also have a pair of Alpinestar Apex Drystar gloves for wet/cold weather and their Sledge model for hot weather.
Pants: Mostly use Hood jeans from the UK (they have some awesome looking pants that you can wear to the office and not feel out of place), though I also have a couple of pairs of Sliders from Competition Accessories for warmer weather.

I have found that NOTHING beats good gear, so I will save on other things and buy the best gear I can afford (though with New Enough closeouts, that doesn't have to be too much). Gear is replaceable, my skin isn't. It is dangerous out there so ride safe and keep the rubber side down. :thumb:

Ordered their "Marathon" jacket & Ultra II kelvar pants, all with the Quad Armor and more.

The price was SHOCKING--Almost $1400!! Still cheaper than skin grafts and being unable to put my kids through college if I can't work due to injuries, though!

I can only hope I never need to find out just how good it is said to be.....

Matching cape not shown:
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5639&stc=1&d=1267599911

Ordered their "Marathon" jacket & Ultra II kelvar pants, all with the Quad Armor and more.

The price was SHOCKING--Almost $1400!! Still cheaper than skin grafts and being unable to put my kids through college if I can't work due to injuries, though!

I can only hope I never need to find out just how good it is said to be.....

Hope you will post a review of your gear once you have a chance to ride with it.

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/ This leather jacket, it was a steal-
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll76/elementSC/jacket.jpg

Matching cape not shown:
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5639&stc=1&d=1267599911



Hope you will post a review of your gear once you have a chance to ride with it.


The is something disturbing about that picture. I guess he is supposed to be the old macho guy with the chick, but it sets of my gaydar alarm!:D

I think they were lot of ads like this before. Where macho guys were posing with the girls to promote new bikes and cycles. The most leather jackets were selling from this kind of ads.

After years of "research" looking for gear for the widest temp range I have settled on this combination for 40 to 90 degrees F:
Arai Quantum II helmet
Cortech armored, mesh "air" jacket with removable liners (quilted and waterproof)
Alpine Stars armored, mesh inside the boots pants
Gaerne dual sport boots (look like MX but half the weight) & waterproof
Gloves to suit the temp.
Tour master rain jacket worn over the Cortech for rain and as a windbreaker when the temp drops.
Tour master rain over pants over the Alpine stars for rain or as a windbreaker.
The rain gear doesn't take up much space to carry and you can wear one or both to suit the temp.
If it's 100 F, I make a concession and wear a MX type jersey with the mesh pants and a Vemar CKQI helmet with removable facepiece.
If it's below 40 F, I have a snowmobile suit and warm gloves.
That's the whole wardrobe and pretty much covers everything.

If you're on a trip, you can adjust your wardrobe as you go.

Rev'it. I can't say enough about it. I don't want to lay in a hospital bed wishing I had better gear. The key IMHO is fit and high-tec not economy. You must figure it in to the price of the bike. I get a lot of looks in the summer, but NO one deny's your professionalism, or caution. Just my take is all, safe riding.... Mark

You know what they say about crashes...There are those who have and those who will. I low sided when I was first learning to ride after hitting a loose patch of gravel around a tight corner - had on a helmet, long sleeve shirt and gloves. Luckily, only ended up with roadrash on the knee and elbow.

Since then it's ATGATT. Aerostich Roadcrafter suit, Nolan N103 Helmet, gloves, boots...

High viz yellow is key for maximum visibility too...I ride paranoid and always assume that the cagers are oblivious to my existence. Being seen and being protected are very good things... :thumb:

I ride paranoid and always assume that the cagers are oblivious to my existence.

That is ABSOLUTELY unnecessary.

Most cagers are aware of your existence shortly after turning left into your right of way and you impacting their vehicle.

I prefer the flip up helmets. Had a Nolan at first, but they are for round cranium folk. It gave me a sore spot on my forehead. I bought an Arrow Mono Convertible (Jarow * no longer mfged) and it's a fair flip up helmet. I use it strictly for commuting. I bought a new helmet when I bought the V, a Scorpion EXO-900 "Transformer". http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/scorpion/exo-900/ It's a much better helmet, but I could do without the inner flip down sun lens. It's a much quieter helmet than my daily rider, and I think I read somewhere a snowmobile sheild w/heat element can be used. That would be VERY nice on these cool/cold mornings. I hate a fogged up faceshield.
I also have an Arai RX-7RR3 that I hardly ever use anymore. Worn very little and it's like new, except for falling off my Beemers side case and chipping the paint.

Jacket... I have four. For the daily duty, my trusty Tourmaster. It's gotten a lot of mileage and getting a little ratty. It's their first gen fabric coat that's served me well. What do ya want from a fifteen year old jacket? My cold/cool weather jacket is a Cycloak. http://www.epinions.com/reviews/Cycloak_GT_Pro_Jacket Great jacket, well insulated. Still haven't had it out in the wet though, so I can't say how it will do. My warm/hot weather jacket is new as well. It's a closeout Firstgear which will get tested this year... if it ever gets warm. My forth is an inexpensive no name leather riding jacket. It's on a hanger most of the time, and is for dress occasions when riding. It gets more use as a winter coat than anything.

Gloves, have I got gloves. Summer, winter, waterproof and the latest addition, heated Gerbings.

Pants (over pants), my trusty old Tourmasters (first gen and no longer waterproof). I'm looking into getting a new pair.

When it comes to gear, I like to have the right article for the right occasion. Most of my gear does have removable features to allow for changing conditions. That way I'm not bringing along the closet. But If I think I'm gonna need it, I've got space for it.

The is something disturbing about that picture. I guess he is supposed to be the old macho guy with the chick, but it sets of my gaydar alarm!:D

He strikes me as one of the village people... Macho macho man. lol

Yeah, but caving in the side of a car with your scoot is more like being heard, not seen...:)

After fueling up after work yesterday I was walking out of the convenience store and the lady behind me smiled and asked "Isn't it hot wearing all that?". I smiled and pointed out that my gear was mesh and that those of us who rode that way (atgatt) had a saying that it'd be a lot hotter sliding on the road without it were something to happen. She agreed.

Guess I just wanted to vent how ironic it is that people on four wheels who are strapped in their car with x number of air bags and crumple zones and abs etc... comment about riders in gear.

TGIF btw.

Boxers ... :D
















































... usually :rolleyes:

Hi-Viz T-Shirt (Love It), Bluejeans, Full Face Helmet, Cruiser Boots, Icon Gloves.

Heat index in Florida today: 105F -110F

I honestly tried the jacket, but could not bear the heat at stop lights.

I have an Armored Air vest; a vest with co2 powered airbag. Safety approved and tested, but I hope and pray I don't ever need to find out how well it works. It's really no more trouble than fastening your seatbelt in your car.
http://www.armoredairjackets.com/index.php

El Tig,
:clap::thumb::clap::thumb::clap:

Element,
I like the idea:thumb:, but no mesh jacket option.......It's :censored: hot down here in Houston!

The weather finally got nice here after a week of 90s. For this mornings ride:

Motoport armored lycra jacket under

Fox Creek vented jacket

Brosh kevlar knee protectors with Tpro knee armor under

Carhartt double thick front jeans

new TCX Synergy boots

Held gloves

Shoei Syncrotec helmet, I wear glasses

Perfect for the 65 degree ride.

Today, it's a gorgeous day for a ride. So I'm wearing a pair of beat up top siders, shorts, tshirt, sun hat, and sun glasses.

Forgot to mention its the lawnmower what I have to ride today :(

Today, it's a gorgeous day for a ride. So I'm wearing a pair of beat up top siders, shorts, tshirt, sun hat, and sun glasses.

Forgot to mention its the lawnmower what I have to ride today :(

If you low side that thing your gonna wish you had gear on ;)

Mike

Shoei TZ-R (Black)
Shift mech jacket (white) or a Tourmaster 3-season (grey)
Tourmaster 4 season pants w/o liner (black)
Alpinestars boots (black)
Icon hot weather or Gerbings c/w gloves

May be a little warm at times, but just like the troops in the middle east: when it's hot, you still need protection! :usa:

I've got Cycleport pants and jacket--just wish the pants weren't so HOT! The "Marathon" jacket is quite nice as are the kevlar/armored overpants.

But.... the pants are so HOT, even over shorts.

Anyone know of decent riding pants good for hot weather?

I have boehm undergarment pads followed by jeans and leather chaps. Boehm undergarment top tee shirt and a CE rated joe rocket jacket with back elbow and shoulder pads. full face helmet, boots, gloves. Once you buy them it costs you nothing to wear them. I also wear a high vis green vest and decals on my helmet and high vis patches on my jacket. The number one reason we get in accidents is because they don't see us !! I'm an older rider and the aches and pains of an accident won't go away quickly. Better safe than sorry.

Lawn looks great, no low side. Trim the bushes and clean the patio too. Wife is happy. Nice sun tan to go with it. The V chain is clean and lubed ready for the daily commute to work tomorow. Not a bad day after all.

99.99% of the time I ride with a riding jacket (mesh for summer/textile for cooler weather), gauntlet gloves, a helmet, and riding boots (keeps the shoe strings from catching on the gear shift!). The .01% of the time that I don't fully dress, I feel naked!

Considering how wild I used to be (on public roads) I feel like I'm one of the luckiest people alive. I've only had a few minor mishaps on pavement (at low speed= thanks to oil in road/lil ole lady pullin out in front of me, etc), and the safety gear really paid off! I'd hate to think how I would have fared without it!! Would have have some rash for sure.

When I was younger, my philosophy was that my skills were more important than safety gear and my skills would keep me safe. While there is some truth to that, but I've learned that sh@# happens! With more experience behind my belt as a driver, I have seen numerous things that could cause a real problem & possibly a crash on a bike (i.e.- a fallen bundle of tobacco sticks in the middle of a blind curve, several ladders fallen from a painters truck that spun uncontrollably down the road, and that darned pea gravel that you can't see but you know when you hit it, etc, etc.)

IF I go down, I want the odds stacked in my favor. Like the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". And there's another saying, "there are 2 types of riders...those who have fallen, and those who will". Better to be safe than sorry. I encourage everyone to wear it.

Ride safe,
BW

I ride everyday. Got my V in September 09 and fast coming up on 20 K. Never swing a leg over with out all the gear even to just get a gallon of milk at the local market because thats when "cheese head" turns left in front of you.

I ride everyday. Got my V in September 09 and fast coming up on 20 K. Never swing a leg over with out all the gear even to just get a gallon of milk at the local market because thats when "cheese head" turns left in front of you.

Hey Doug,
In your avatar - is that YOU checking the headlight...? :huh:

No thats a 125 GP class rider Alex De angelis. I did take the photo for Allsport Photography agencie when I was based in London as a shooter. I got to cover all the MotoGP races and no it was not a dream job more like a pain in the ass and a ton of work.

El Tig,
:clap::thumb::clap::thumb::clap:

Element,
I like the idea:thumb:, but no mesh jacket option.......It's :censored: hot down here in Houston!

My vest is mesh, of course the bag is not, but it breathes fairly well, with no sleeves. On cooler days, I wear the mesh padded jacket under the vest, and that works well for me. I don't think I will ever wear it over the leather racing jacket, but maybe.

full face helmet, gloves, jeans and umm.... working on the over the ankle boots. (stuff is pricey)

Full Face Helmet - Aria Profile helmet
Jacket - Olympia AST or AirGlide (hot weather mesh)
Pants - 4 Season Touring textile pants - Revit Dakar pants (cooler than jeans), occasionally just jeans on short trips.
Gauntlet Gloves - Cortech
Boots - Sidi On Road

I'm a firm believer in weighing the risk & making the decision. By that I mean I am NOT an ATGATT guy. I've ridden in jeans & T-shirt & sneakers many times. If you feel uncomfortable riding without gear, by all means, wear the gear.

Full face helmet, gloves, light or heavy depending on weather (Mechanix Impact Pro gloves for warm weather..$25, much better than $80 for Icon or whatever logo, Tourmaster Polartec for cold weather), Herman Survivors Commander Waterproof SWAT style boots ($40 at Wally World, and very nice!) Firstgear Kilimanjaro jacket, with my own liner depending on weather, and Alpinestars Cargo pants. The Pants I especially like, they have kept me warm in 40 degree nighttime hwy rides and cool enough in 70 degree city traffic!!! Super comfy too!!!

Boots- bmw goretex
jacket- ixon
new pants- (still in shop) Ixon
helmet-shark RSX
Used to ride in jeans and sneakers not that long ago!

I've only been riding since August 2008.
I "play" what many feel are dangerous high risk activities-rock climbing, ice climbing, caving, paragliding, backcountry skiing, downhill mountain biking. I always go by the adage: "Get the training, wear the gear and play within your comfort zone".
Needless to say I took the training and am ATGATT.

I also rock climb and ski, so I hear ya. Extreme sports are dangerous enough, would I free solo a 4 pitch climb? I love my ropes and I always use them, just like I always ride with a helmet.

I am looking for women's riding pants, as I am six one and mens stuff never fits. I already have to wear men's jackets, which is fine, but shucks something in pink would be nice..LOL

I also rock climb and ski, so I hear ya. Extreme sports are dangerous enough, would I free solo a 4 pitch climb? I love my ropes and I always use them, just like I always ride with a helmet.

I am looking for women's riding pants, as I am six one and mens stuff never fits. I already have to wear men's jackets, which is fine, but shucks something in pink would be nice..LOL

Expensive, but the best fit. Motoport will make pants based on a pair you send them. Stretch kevlar (Schoeller Keprotec), mesh kevlar or cordura. I had a pair of stretch kevlar jeans made and can recommend this vendor. Pink is not an option. They also have a woman's 3/4 length on their site, also custom fit. I am 6'3" and on the edge of off the shelf fitting.

Has anyone got the Patrol suit from ICON? :feedback:
http://www.iconmotosports.net/patrol/

Nothing but a smile!:thumb:

















:joke:
Arai profile.
Olympia Phantom
Olympia gore tex
Sidi Mx boots

I wear Vanson's leather in the summer and aerostich with gerbings heated liner and gloves in the winter. Sidi boots, fullface helmet.

scorpion exo1000 helmet. my first street helmet and i love it. great customer service too.

scorpion all in leather jacket. armored, race weight leather. very comfy once broken in. pretty comfy for a leather jacket in the hot southern weather, very comfortable in the cold with the liner in and a thermal on underneath.

compacc sliders brand quest pants. a little hot in the summer but it's worth it for safety. great in the winter, especially with the liner.

bates m9 combat boots. not ideal but its all i have right now. every now and them i'll wear my 14 eyelet doc martens, but only when im making a short hop and i'm wearing jeans instead of the sliders.

i have 3 pairs of gloves. ironclad work gloves for warm weather. scorpion SG leather gaultlets for warm weather. fieldsheer aqua sport 2.0's for cold/wet weather.

the sliders pants are waterproof (verified) and when it's raining i toss my columbia mountaineering jacket on over the leather. great for cold weather too as an extra layer. plus, that jacket is white so i'm easier to see.

next gear purchases are a pair of good boots, some bohn pants to wear under regular jeans, and a mesh jacket for next summer.

i'd love to get an olympia suit at some point but we'll see.

i'm also working on my own DIY heated clothing. we'll see how that goes. thread forthcoming :)

KBC VR2 full face helmet
Fieldsheer mesh or AGV leather jacket
Full gauntlets, either AGV, Shift or Cortech
Boots, either BMW or Teknic racing boots
1 piece suit (Fieldsheer) for the track
... and a grin :)

Has anyone got the Patrol suit from ICON? :feedback:
http://www.iconmotosports.net/patrol/

Stee29,

Icon makes very nice products and judging from the video and description this gear is very high quality and functional. I would strongly recommend trying on with clothing. It is not insulated and should be used with a layering approach. You could use this as a outer shell and layer with what the elements require.

Stee29,

Icon makes very nice products and judging from the video and description this gear is very high quality and functional. I would strongly recommend trying on with clothing. It is not insulated and should be used with a layering approach. You could use this as a outer shell and layer with what the elements require.

This may sound like a cheap "redneck" approach, but when the temperature drops I usually end up wearing my Fieldsheer mesh jacket (full CE armor) and my Columbia outer shell for wind and rain protection. The outer shell is more than big enough to cover my mesh jacket and a long sleeve thermal shirt. The bad side... the outer shell is dark green and black. Great for invading hostile territories, not so great for being seen by Grandma and her oversized Buick. :D

Has anyone got the Patrol suit from ICON? :feedback:
http://www.iconmotosports.net/patrol/

I can only give feedback on the Patrol gloves which I own but will only use them in pouring down rain. I thought they'd make good regular gloves but they are for extreme duty. It is a double layered glove, interior/exterior and I can feel the seperation between the two, I'm not fond of that feel, so I just got me a pair of Alpinestars Artic Drystar gloves, weather and waterproof, these are precurved and allow me a much firmer purchase on my grips, I like them a lot! Can't vouch for them keeping my hands warm as it's snow out... But from what I've tested around the house, these will work perfectly for what I want, I'm looking to add Alpinestars Drystar boots after the holidays :-)

I do own Icon PDX rain gear and can affirm that they work as expected, just remember that fully waterproof gear will get you hot real quick when not riding... I use it as a layering item when the weather turns. If you are looking to use the jacket and pants as daily riding gear, I'd look into the patrol line as it's more functional and contains the necessary armor and protection.

I am an Icon fan!

Rob

This may sound like a cheap "redneck" approach, but when the temperature drops I usually end up wearing my Fieldsheer mesh jacket (full CE armor) and my Columbia outer shell for wind and rain protection. The outer shell is more than big enough to cover my mesh jacket and a long sleeve thermal shirt. The bad side... the outer shell is dark green and black. Great for invading hostile territories, not so great for being seen by Grandma and her oversized Buick. :D

Redneck or not, it's a reasonable approach for keeping dry and warm. My East Coast family use to wonder what's up with ALL those coats/gloves/hats in my closet. They found out the hard way and now rely on my wife and I to have the perfect gear when visiting the NWest....My neck isn't what you would call red. I just hate being cold or wet or both. Good example Mike. You just need some good HI-VIZ tape,:cheers:

Redneck or not, it's reasonable approach for keeping dry and warm. My East Coast family use to wonder what's up with ALL those coats in my closet. They found out the hard way and now rely on me and my wife to have the perfect gear....My neck isn't so red. I just hate being cold or wet or both. Good example you just need some good HI-VIZ tape,:cheers:

HI-VIZ tape... I like that. :goodidea:

Any suggestions on were to purchase? Surely they sell something like Scotchbrite that can be sewn onto gear...

aerostich.com
motorcyclesuperstore.com

aerostich.com
motorcyclesuperstore.com

Thanks! :cheers:

Redneck or not, it's a reasonable approach for keeping dry and warm. My East Coast family use to wonder what's up with ALL those coats/gloves/hats in my closet. They found out the hard way and now rely on my wife and I to have the perfect gear when visiting the NWest....My neck isn't what you would call red. I just hate being cold or wet or both. Good example Mike. You just need some good HI-VIZ tape,:cheers:

that's exactly what i do.. luckily my columbia jacket is white :)

I dress for the weather that day.
could be full leather, or levi jeans and my fav T-shirt.
Always wear a full face helmet.

This this for sew-on.

http://identi-tape.com/solas.html

:thanx: Guys!

Had 3 pairs of Aerostich roadcrafters and presently using Joe Rocket's ballistic 7.0 suit. I'm impressed with the Patrol especially the vents and exhaust.

It's only wet or dry here and need only be cool in the scorching heat. I does rain a lot coming the end of the year like now. I might not need a 4 season suit but just 2. The ICON patrol jacket and pant price comes up to USD 620 and shipping about USD 120 here. Wish they had grey pants to go with that grey jacket!

Josh, nice green V with the er6n pan. :thumb:

When i started riding a few years back, i sometimes wore the gear and i sometimes didn't, depending on the length of the jaunt. until...a friend of mine had a very low speed wreck on his bandit 1200. he was exiting off a highway in phoenix, coming to a stop at the top of the ramp to turn right onto the surface street. at about 10 miles an hour or less his peg clipped a curb and he was instantly torqued directly into the sidewalk. first thing to impact was top right side of head and right shoulder. He had his helmet and jacket on and ended up sitting on the side of the road for a few minutes until he could ride home. without helmet and jacket on he would most likely be a blithering idiot with back problems today. For a 10 mph mishap. I remember that incident everytime i get on the bike. i put my helmet and jacket on for everything including riding around the block to test out any work done. I try to remind kids that ride with nothing on, that anything can happen. I don't push it, but i recommend it.
also...i don't know how folks can ride without their helmet on at speed. To me it's not even comfortable. I love my helmets. They allow me to stay comfortable and safe while enjoying my motorcycle.
The Gear is currently....
Scorpion Exo 1000
Shadow Distributing 3/4 leather jacket ( i need to write a review on this jacket. It's awesome...worth every penny).
or
Hein Gericke 3/4 leather jacket (This jacket is the best thing i have ever worn in my life...absolutely beautiful.)
or
Fieldsheer Corsair textile. (best textile jacket i have ever seen)
Compacc Kevlar Slider Cargo Pants
or
Fieldsheer riding pants with armor.
or
Jeans.
Combat Boots
Gloves

Been down a few times, never fun, but i always get back up. Gear survives.

I love Motorcycles!

Decided and had ordered a Aerostich Roadcrafter after debates with my brothers. They all use Roadcrafters anyway .
Suit is now in Singapore so there's an excuse to ride down south....;)

Thanks for your views, Guys. :thumb:

i was lucky enough to work for revzilla.com when I bought my gear, otherwise I would not be able to have afforded it.

Rev'it! Dragon Jacket Hi-viz
Rev'it! Zip Pants
Rev'it! Rival Boots
Rev'it! H20 Gloves

In the end, I would HIGHLY recommend Rev'it! products, I might have gone with a different pant that had removeable insulated liners or vents but the quality in Rev'it! gear is outstanding.

I'm new to the ATGATT mentality, but so far am loving it and feeling much more comfortable on my bike (butt pads are awesome!).

Scorpion exo400 helmet
FirstGear Kathmandu Jacket
Olympia AirGlide 2 Pants (liner in when raining and during the colder months)
TCX X-Action Waterproof Touring boots

Not sure about the gloves, but they are basically just plain leather with carbon fiber styled reinforcements on the knuckles.