Most controversial post yet.

[PolygonFla]

As most of you know by now I started riding in the mid eighties. Back then if there was body armor it wasn't widely available. So I didn’t form good habits early on. I know it can work in some situations, because a close friend of mine had a mechanical failure while riding a GXR in the mountains of New Mexico. He rode the bike off of a 600-foot cliff. He was wearing a Nolan N100 helmet and Joe Rocket gloves and jacket. He was airlifted to a hospital with a concussion, two broken wrists, a broken shoulder and broken kneecap. He is convinced that the helmet and gear saved his life.

As adults I believe every rider has the right to make his or her own choice. I will never berate someone the choice they make. Just like I expect the same respect. When I had the motorcycle endorsement added to my license the clerk took it upon her self to tell me that “riding a motorcycle is stupid and that I am likely to get killed.” I don’t know what she was expecting. Was I supposed to say, “Oh I didn’t think of that, thanks for your time I changed my mind goodbye.” I had obviously just spent $270 bucks on a MSF course; it must have crossed my mind at least once that I was increasing my risk level.

Ok so I am starting to rant. Here is the place to do it. I invite everyone to rant here.

[John22j]

Well, I guess I should say I wear full gear and armored jacket but it's not like street armor, but close enough (EVS Ballistic Jersey)... you couldn't pay me to ride on the street anymore, just a choice and I'm not willing to take it.... I had my time and now I just stick to the dirt where I don't have 1 1/2 ton beasts hunting me down.

Even after a car crossed double yellow and hit me head on I didn't hesitate to get another bike... then I took on many more responsibilities and I started to re-think how many cars almost hit me or how many close calls almost happened.... I have a responsibility to others now, so I just can't take that risk -- again, it's a choice... I fully understand why people ride against cars, I just choose not to do it anymore.

They don't call 'em donar-cycles for nothing. :wink: Some of the best organs come from cyclists... so actually bikers save lives in a sick twisted way.

[culcune]

When I first got my Jetmoto registered (and before :wink: ) I rode around sans helmet. To be honest, I didn't purchase a helmet until I was going to cross the state line into California to check out the Imperial Sand Dunes. After that, I used the helmet full-time, and then the bike broke, and I haven't had use of it since late August.

When I get back into the swing of things, the helmet will be used 90% of the time.

[PolygonFla]

It gladdens my heart John that you have found a way to enjoy the sport and care so much for your family that you try to keep your risk level low.

I just started commuting 5 miles each way on my bike this week. Yesterday was beautiful. Cool but not cold, dry and no one attempted to kill me. I even had a car stop short at a traffic light and wave me in front of her from the bank parking lot.

On the other hand, on Tuesday I was making a left turn with a green arrow and a car made a right turn from the opposite side of the intersection across three lanes in to the lane I was in. Thankfully the dualsport is skinny because for a moment I was lane splitting with a cage. I down shifted and pulled ahead of her and I could tell she was very surprised when a motorcycle suddenly materialized right in front of her.

She never saw me sitting across from her waiting for the light. I have a feeling that I could have been driving anything. If I had been in my car I think she would have hit me. I didn’t send any rude gestures her way, she either knows she screwed up or she doesn’t.

[RPM]

As you have already stated, I, respect anyone's decision also, but always insist on a helmet, boots, gloves and a jacket when I ride.
After riding bikes for 33 years, I have seen many accidents and been a part in some of them and I can say for certain that I wouldn't be here today if it was not for wearing a helmet. The guys that did wear helmets that I knew had injuries, but pulled through except for one that even a helmet wouldn't have made a difference, my cousin was picked up in plastic bags and one who decided to not buckle his.
I have split two helmets myself and scarred many more, after all, there's two kinds of bikers, those that have gone down and those that haven't gone down yet. I have crashed into 3 cars, none my fault, and even survived a crash against a semi on the highway about 7 years ago, which was nobody's fault unless you figure in mother nature. There's no way I can recount all the trail accidents over my time, but I still walk with gravel in my knees to this day. It's going to happen so I always try to prepare for it, Lord knows I ain't going to stop riding ... not as long as I can lift one leg over the saddle!
I attended a bike rally once a while back that was sponsored by the Vietnam Vets, who I very much respect I might add, about a 1.5 hour ride from me, only to find out when I arrived that the purpose in the entrance fee of $20.00 was to raise money to help change the helmet law in my state. I just couldn't make myself pay to go in after that, again, please respect my decision as I do yours. I agree that it is a very touchy subject with all bikers, and I can manage with or without the state telling me how to ride, as long as I can wear a helmet!
This same issue rose up when the seatbelts were invented, if the old timers can remember. I remember when the belts were an option.

[CathastrophiX]

, after all, there's two kinds of bikers, those that have gone down and those that haven't gone down yet.

-Yes, that is correct.... ALWAYS wear protection, even if you´re just going on a short ride. A helmet and protective clothing will save your fragile body a LOT better than no protection. I stopped riding for six years because of my last accident. I have demolished two helmets and one protective suit, (while wearing them :wink: )
By the way, use a back protector too.

Yes, I also think it´s a pain to put on all the gear, but sliding down the tarmac in shorts and t-shirt is more painful....

[culcune]

I hear you, Tom. I grew up in the 70's (born in '69), but do remember the older cars that people still used that didn't have seat belts to buckle. Being a teen in the 80's, I remember growing up in what I thought was paradise, the greater metro area of L.A., California. There was still the 60's mentality in the air--no seat belt laws, no helmet laws, legally riding in the back of pick-ups, those street legal dune buggies (VW-based), assault rifles, etc. Slowly, the state started becoming a "STATE" and these freedoms were slowly eroded away, into the 90's, and even today if you count the fact that the 1 state that you can't register a 49-state DOT approved Lifan GY-5 is California.

I know the danger is there for no helmets, but if that fundraiser was held in California, and if I knew then what I have experienced up to now, I would have paid the $20 more out of rebelling against the Kommunist Peoples Republik of Kalifornia, than being against helmets. Then again, I would hope to overturn all the restrictive laws, just because it is California telling me not to, and my resentment for that.

That being said, there is a possibilty of me moving back to that socialist state to be closer to my family, and my wife's family, if you can believe that!

[culcune]

Yes, I also think it´s a pain to put on all the gear, but sliding down the tarmac in shorts and t-shirt is more painful....

It gets to be thousands of degrees Faranheit in the summer here (ok, it just feels that way--118 to be exact for a big part of July/August/September), and I still wear a helmet, long pants and a long sleeve shirt. I know that it's not completely protective clothing, but I do plan on obtaining it--yes, hopefully before I need it!

[John22j]

A friend of mines dad use to say: "Asphalt is undefeated" - I've gone down on interstates, gravel roads, trails, and mx tracks - sometimes really hard. (and sometimes with nothing but a helmet, shorts, and shoes on -- no shirt, just skin waiting to be ground up like nobodies business... still I always had a helmet, even in my "crazy days".... unfortunately I have the scars and gravel forever in my body to prove it as well... but we learn and move on.)

Helmet, neck roll w/ wedge brace, boots, knee/shin guards, protective jacket (chest, back, shoulders, elbows, arms, kidney belt), reinforced pants -- even in 95 degrees you won't see me on the trail without all of the above. It's a personal choice that comes from experience, not just being overly cautious.

[PolygonFla]

It is my experiance riding in Florida that I am actualy cooler when I wear a mesh jacket with intigrated armor. It keeps the sun from hitting the skin but as long as I'm moving more than 5 mph the air keeps me cool. In a tee shirt I simply roast.

[ambassador]

Simple fact- Helmets save lives...

[NewEnglandTrails]

I wear a helmet 98% of the time and would never advocate for someone not to be as safe as can be while enjoying two wheels. However mandating that one has to wear a helmet to ride legally is something I have a problem with.

My main point of contention is being legislated too. Y'all are right to promote safety. Just don't shove it down my throat with legislation mandating me to do so. As well I would caution against supporting any further regulation of 2 wheeled vehicles and atv's or we will run out of places to ride.

As an Enduro lover, I prefer going off road. Where I live.. the same people that want to make it a law for me to ride legally (With a helmet on) also have decided I can no longer ride "legally" on an abandoned railway on which I have been riding for 20 years because they want to designate it a "Green Zone" However horses can ride the trail and unlike me with my quiet 4cycle bike.. they don't always leave just a footprint. Steaming piles of methane exuding horse poop litter the trail. They are also spending money to block access to powerline trails with public money.

Anyway you asked for rants... thats my two cents.

Question: Im curious what are the helmet laws in Canada and in some of the other countries represented by members in our forum? Does anyone else have issue with their eroding rights as a Motorcyclist?

Enjoy it while you can.

NET

[mdsuave13]

Data on materials against highway surfaces:

Skin=0 feet sliding

cloth=1 foot sliding

jeans=6 feet sliding

armored cloth materials= 15-30 feet depending on surface

leather= 80-100 feet depending on surface

kevlar/leather combos= 160-200 feet

kevlar/cordura/lycra combos= 200+ feet

its also good to note that its not all about abrasion resistance either, a lot of injuries come from the actual impact of the roadway or other, crash padding is JUST as important as abrasion resistance. So if you offroad a lot, you may want to look into a chest protector (think about all the important stuff you have inside there along with your head...)

it also said that the best way to go is to look around classifieds or call up motorcycle racing schools and ask if they have any old leather suits they are selling.. most racing leathers that have been used or down still have much more safety then just jeans, granted you can look pretty silly riding a 200cc enduro with race leathers, but if you can get them cheap, its good insurance...


I personally never leave on a bike with anything less then a leather jacket, riding boots, kevlar/cordura/leather gloves with wrist armor, and a full face helmet. I have been down a few times, 2 not serious (just some cuts and bruises) and one pretty close to the end of my life (leg shattered below knee), thigh bone broken in 8 places, wrist, fingers, collar, 2 ribs and a dislocated disc in my spine, not to mention my helmet split after i went down and the bike somersaulted onto my head causing my brain to be bruised, my head to be rashed pretty bad and lots of other stupid things...

i was wearing a leather jacket with a turtleshell, gloves, boots, jeans, full face hjc helmet (which i personally wont get again) i slid for about 70 feet and my joe rocket jacket is still in damn good shape.. i will be wearing it for good luck with my new bike.

sorry for the long post, but after all the shit i went thru of not walking for what seemed like forever, and what could have been my life.. i highly recommend safety gear to everyone.. even if its just around the corner for a quick ride... otherwise it could be your last..

RIDE SAFE.. KEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN!

[liverchip]

Always wear my gear....even on my quads...Kinda a wuss in that way I guess. Trying to set a good example for my little ones. About 8 years ago I took a a good spill at about 40MPH going up a paved mountain road in Mexico on my 700 Nighthawk. Due to my gear I sustained only a minor road-rash on my knee and thigh. Helmet, jeans and leather jacket saved my booty.

[PolygonFla]

Hey N.E.T., get it all out man, that’s what we’re here for, rant away.

Seriously though I remember when Florida passed its helmet law in the late eighties and I was totally amazed when it was repealed a few years ago. Part of the politics that got the law repealed is the popularity of bike week in Daytona and the legislators concluded that being able to ride without a lid would attract more riders.

I haven’t been recording numbers but my casual observation is only about one in five of the riders of the big cruisers wear helmets and then they are likely to have a half helmet on. It seems like two out of three sport bike riders have a helmet, usually full face or modular. The scooter crowd rarely has helmets on. Finally I haven’t seen many dual sport riders around here, I’ve only seen two and they both had a helmet on.

I’m just glad to know that I can make my own choice.

[msRandi]

Been riding for over 40 years now, And I think a helment is a must. Now do I wear one all the time? NO. and I do ride in flip flops,Hell it's Hawaii.

[blimpman]

Rode alot as a kid & teenager in the deserts of Southern Calif. Always have ridden with full gear. Crashed at 45MPH on a powerline road in Indio, Cal wearing a lightweight jacket and bluejeans... Slid 25 ft on the road "superman" style. Leather gloves saved my hands and the jeans and jacket helped some. No broken bones but alot of scrapes... THAT was my wake up call.... I'll never ride without full gear again. It's just a personal choice for sure and I am against Gov'ment telling me how I should ride. I think the people who crash hard without gear either quit riding or start wearing gear ( providing the survive) 8O I have no animosity towards people who ride without helmets or gear.

I ride back and forth to work everyday on my KLR, sometimes on the freeway but mostly on back streets. I really ride defensively and expect every driver to not see me and do something dumb. I ESPECIALLY watch for cell phone use. You don't have much distractions while riding so it is easy for me to eagle eye the cages. If you are gonna travel the country on a bike you can't avoid the street.

Riding off-road is usually much slower and the ground is a little softer and this is where I will spend most of my time on the Lifan. Still with all the gear though. I will be taking some videos of off-road rides and posting them this spring and summer.... as long as no one laughs... :wink:

[tzrider]

Not enough choices. While I said "always wear a helmet", fact is, if I'm just going down the block to the local WalMart for food, I never put it on. I ain't in second gear before I turn to the road to the parking lot. I often ride around town without a jacket and sometimes in tennis shoes, sneekers, whatever they call 'em now days. But, heading out of my small town, I wear ankle covering boots, summer jacket in summer (Brosh with soft armor and mesh) and helmet. I accept the risks just running around my small town for the convenience. I never get up fast enough to cool in mesh in the hot summer and I ain't going that far, so I don't mess with it, but do wear the helmet if I'm going farther than down the block.

Anyway, anytime I'm going further than 200 yards, I wear a helmet. I don't often wear a helmet off road, though, just if play riding is all I'm doing. If I'm out working on my place, I wear my hunting hat. I'm never out of first gear, not high risk. I don't have a MX type helmet, just wear my full face flip up AFX, on road or off. I have some MX stuff, but only wear it when I'm riding' real serious. Need a set of MX pants and a jersey and I'll be fixed up for hot summer flat tracking. Those leathers are oppressive on hot Texas summer days.

[fratermus]

I feel naked and weird w/o armor when riding.

I have been doing fullface helmet, armored jacket, armored gloves, armored boots and regular jeans. I finally got some Tour Master armored overpants, and really like them. They zip down the sides so you can strip out of them quickly after the commute.

All the Gear All the Time. Cheaper than skingrafts.

[msRandi]

I think we all should think about safety. and ride safe. I hope you all have fun and wright about rides soon.

[westcoaster]

Hey guys.
I for one always wear a helmet gloves and a thick jacket. I have a brand new pair of MX. boots but unfortunatly the chinese have little feet and I can't shift at all with the boots on. So I just wear my steel toe work boots.
It is funny, when you grow up and have a family and see who is counting on you how carefull you become.
Also I dumped the son's 2 stroke bike last year (trying to do what I did when I was a kid) and the bruises on my leg took about 4 months to go away.
The first 2 power slides looked realy cool. The third......not so cool

[mdsuave13]

Hey guys.
I for one always wear a helmet gloves and a thick jacket. I have a brand new pair of MX. boots but unfortunatly the chinese have little feet and I can't shift at all with the boots on. So I just wear my steel toe work boots.
It is funny, when you grow up and have a family and see who is counting on you how carefull you become.
Also I dumped the son's 2 stroke bike last year (trying to do what I did when I was a kid) and the bruises on my leg took about 4 months to go away.
The first 2 power slides looked realy cool. The third......not so cool

your mx boots will be a pain in the arse until you wear them a bunch to soften them up. Once you wear them in, they will be perfect, just give them some use so you can get them where you need them.

[ambassador]

MX boots take alot to break in, I've looked all over the net for any tips and didn't find much.. The best way to break them in is to go riding, hard... It's still a pain in the butt to shift with my boots but they are getting there, they use alot more plastics on them than they used to.. If I'm just running to the store or something I wear steel toe boots...

[mdsuave13]

its funny, i was wearing steel toe above the ankle work boots when i wrecked my ninja, i somehow ground my ankle all the way down to the bone, but yet it was covered by the boot, and the boots showed no signs of wear... hmmm...

if you take your mx boots and soak them in water and ride for a bit with wet boots, it will help break them in, it depends although what material they are made from...

[ambassador]

Did you ever notice that most motorcycle accidents seem to knock the riders out of their shoes, I wonder why that is??

[mdsuave13]

i was going 90 when i went down, i lowsided and slip thru oncoming lanes pinballing off the back of a jeep grand cherokee.. i did about 10 flips in the air before finally sliding, but i still have no idea how i messed my ankle up under my shoe.. maybe the shoe just ripped my skin off??? i have noooo idea. but that was probably the least damage i suffered, i shattered my leg, ankle and ribs.. fun times.

[dlunt]

Helmet always, unless I am riding around my little bitty yard warming up the engine.
Ever since I saw my buddy back in the 70's flip head first off of his mini-bike, I knew it was a necessity. He had a helmet on but it still knocked him out.

If commuting: helmet, leather or mesh soft armored jacket, Cordura type outer pants that zip onto the jacket and boots and gloves.

Back roads and short trips, I may occasionally skip all of it except for the helmet.
Never shorts or flipflops. Funny thing, the same guy that flipped his mini-bike, about ripped 2 of his toes off a few years later riding his bicycle with flip flops on. Lots of stitches.

Steel toe workboots may not be as good as some other boots (no padding) but they can still help. I had a pair years ago that I wore off road. My foot slipped off the peg and hit a small stump. I was going about 30. Kicked my leg back into the rear fender. It put a little bend in the top of the steel toe. I wore them for years after that and it actually wore a dent into my toe. But I smiled every time I put them on because I knew that boot kept my foot from getting crunched.

But I agree that each needs to make his/her own choices in this matter.

[ambassador]

Helmet always unless I'm tooling around the yard, back in 85 Me and a buddy were riding some fire roads 3 days after X-mas in N.Y. Small dusting of snow on the ground, we were coming around a fast turn, I just shifted into 4th (CR125) my buddy was beside me, his front tire hit a small patch of ice that you could'nt see under the snow and he slid into me and took us both out, my leg got caught between the bike and the ground, tearing out my right knee cap, I was wearing jeans and didn't really think it was that bad until I saw the amount of blood.. 2 screws, 4 pins and 136 stitches.. Months of rehab once they took the screws, pins and cast off (7 months in a cast so the muscle and cartilidge could re-attach its self to my knee cap). Anyway, I bought a 86 ATC 200X as soon as I was back on my feet and realized that they make riding gear for a reason... I do still wear jeans on short jaunts but I have leathers, an armored jacket, own a chest protector, MX boots and a kidney belt ever since.. Ironically I started riding street bikes not too long after that...

[mdsuave13]

i have a favorite pair of jeans that remind me about riding gear.. it has a hole where my wallet would go, the knee is ripped out and about a half dozen other holes.. they look pretty cool (rocker dude style) but serve as a reminder to the time i almost died... i will never throw them away.. they will be hung in a frame once i cant fit them any longer, or they fall apart too much.

[ambassador]

And that's why I still talk too you...

[mdsuave13]

true that.. i still wear the joe rocket leather jacket that i went down in, there is some blood stains on the checkered flag on the arms, but who cares, it saved my life.. considering i was ready to leave the house in windbreakers and a t-shirt, i am glad that i for some reason decided to put more gear on that day... i ended up in all my gear before i left....

some things just happen for a reason..

ps. is there a good time to call you ambassador, im sure i've asked this question before, but i figure i'll ask again. just to make sure im not intruding on anything when i do call.

[FMYStreetRacer]

i really need to buy atleast a mesh armored jacket. all i wear is just a helmet and i seriously fear the day that i have a tube go flat.

[jeffhei]

I bought a new helmet when I bought my china bike. I still need to buy a jacket, gloves and boots. These jackets with armor in them are something new to me. Anyone know where to buy this stuff at reasonable prices.

[Akonababe]

We bought $200 jackets from Dennis Kirk on clearance for $45, it was a really good deal came with all the armor and all. Just look around on ebay, dennis kirk and jc whitney. Clearance items are the best deals.
Ride hard and have FUN!!!!

[mdsuave13]

i've always heard that you can get armoured jackets and leathers from racing schools, they are usually worn, but you can get 1000 dollar race leathers for 100 bux..

[PolygonFla]

I am wearing a Komodo mesh jacket. I think it is low-end armored jacket. I like the fit in the arms and chest but the waist is just too tight for my big American beer belly. The jacket has a material at the waist that has absolutely no stretch.

I took mine to a bridal seamstress and had her add two triangles of black elastic cloth behind the Velcro adjustments on both sides. Now it is still tight but I can zip it up without sucking in my gut.

The sewing is not as good as say on a Tour Master or Joe Rocket but I like the bright color and the shoulder panels stay cooler in the Florida sun.

Now that I have one I will never ride again without it.

[IronFist]

Helmets are mandatory throughout Canada, Government pays for hospitals. For myself, construction type boots over the ankle.(not steel toe) Gauntlet gloves, thick leather. Thick leather jacket, but it's black. Because of temperature, I want the mesh and armor. For Safety and heat I want to wear white. Looking at getting something better than denim for pants.

ATGATT. All the gear. All the time. I don't want to look like a hockey goalie going down the street on a bike. But I am on the street with speed and the hard hard ground.

If you check out ride2die.com you start thinking about safety. N2R-150cc.

[molypod]

leather= 80-100 feet depending on surface

without going into too many details a rider just last week on a rocket hit a minivan head on and was thrown over the minivan flipping and landing face down, sliding 100+ feet wearing a helmet & full leathers. Yes his skin was abrasion free but the impact caused fractures and internal injuries, He survived the trip to hospital but not much longer.

All your internal soft tissue organs are anchored to your skeleton and any sudden deceleration can tear them from their positions resulting in major internal hemmorages without any impact injuries. Alot of brain injuries in MVA's are caused by the brain tearing from the back of the skull and striking the inner front of the skull causing major internal bleeding and swelling without hitting the head on anything.

[Jim]

Molypod, you are a paramedic or something? I've been getting that idea from your posts, just wondering specifically yah know...

That definetly doesn't sound pleasant (brain tearing from the back of the skull).

I've been watching accident investigators on tuesday nights lately... interesting show... Though they haven't gotten into a motorcycle on yet.

[molypod]

Molypod, you are a paramedic or something?

:)
http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=842&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

quoted from above thread:
37( two weeks ago), paramedic, second marriage, blended family of four kids from 4 to 18 yrs old, my first chinabike and first dualpurpose.
have owned dirt and street bikes since I was a wee one.

[Jim]

Ahh gotcha, missed that thread... Well thank you for doing your work, you are one of those real everyday heroes :)

[molypod]

Ahh gotcha, missed that thread... Well thank you for doing your work, you are one of those real everyday heroes :)


Well thank-you Jim,
my work is very rewarding and I couldn't think of a career better suited to me.

Hero: perhaps to some, a professional to most I hope.


Kevin

[lipsee]

Hello all,I ride to work across one of the most dangerous cities in Europe "London",the protection I use is open face helmit and armoured jacket and pants, ankle covering hill walking boots,,ie all the kit,,but its not worth a damm,because if you are knocked off and run over "you are dead" just squashed in your armour.Slow defensive riding is the best protection.Use your eyes and ears expect the unexpected.I prefair open face helmit bacause they make me more aware of my surroundings,as oppoused to full faced which is like living in a gold fish bowl,and I read about the guy and his jaw...phil

[elroyjetsn]

Was doing a little trail riding at Sleepy Creek recently and toppled over trying to bunny hop a fallen tree on my DR250(steet geared) and found my noggin wedged between handlebar and a tree or something like that.

Fullface helmet (cheapo Hawk) made it painless-if not dignified. :lol:

[TurboT]

This is a great thread and good discussion. Some horrific stories from some of you and happy to hear you've made it through those disasters. Some not as lucky who are no longer with us to share stories.

I'm a novice rider, first time on a motorcycle for me was last year, and I am 33. I have no interest in street riding, I've been almost taken out too many times in my car can't imagine being on a bike. Two kids and responsibilities will keep me from attempting the street.

I always wear my helmet, gloves and long pants while riding my MX bike. No trails yet, just some light riding in open fields. Although I did have the thing up to close to 80km/hr, and Bambi jumped out in front of me from the trees which caused me to come on the brakes hard. Was pretty close for both of us.

Building up my gear now, have gloves, goggles, mx helmet, riding jersey and pants. Need some good boots and a chest protector and I expect I'll be good.

My kids are just into the quad riding now, and they are not allowed on their quads without long pants, boots, helmuts and gloves and goggles. Now they don't go very fast yet, but I'm trying to instill the habits now.

You buy the riding toys and think you're past the expense, then you start outfitting them in gear and the price goes up up up, but no cost on safety.

Ride Hard but ride safe all!

[elroyjetsn]

The funny thing is, is that wearing armour and FF helmet releases me from much of the anxiety of street riding and let's me focus better on the road ahead. You may sweat some, but the ventilation keeps you cool and cozy.

Riding with the FFH is much quieter, too. :)

[chriseck]

Been riding on the dirt for 40 yrs, but the street called me last year as we put a tag on the Roketa dual sport. I have since purchased two other brand dual sports adding to mine and my sons selection for enjoyment. The streets are dangerous here in Pinellas county Fl. Just read the paper or listen to the news as there are weekly deaths in the Tampa Bay area involving motorcycles. But Im still drawn to riding the streets and loving the ability of the dual purpose bikes for there capabilities on and off road exploring. These bikes to me stop better,can recover better if forced of the road and have limited top speed which gives you a edge in reaction times to a potential hazard I dress the part with my motorcross style helmet and scott gogles. I wear a bright color matching moto shirt and gloves, jeans and work boots. If it wasnt always so hot here in Fl Id have armor on. There will always be a higher risk on a bike but we all knew that when left for a ridethat day. Chris.

[Weldangrind]

I've been riding in the dirt and on the street on and off for 27 years, and I always wear a helmet. In my younger days, I was dumb enough to ride in a t-shirt and FFH, but not anymore. I ride mostly in the dirt these days (with an occasional street test-ride), and I wear a FFH, gloves, safety glasses (bloody prescription), a roost protector and boots. I don't necessarily wear all of that on the quad, but it depends on what the riding style will be. On a leisurely cruise with my lovely wife (she describes her style as "driving miss daisy"), I'll wear a long sleeve shirt, gloves and a FFH, maybe shoes, maybe boots.

[Jim]

I have some "armored" mesh pants, leather jacket or mesh jacket depending on the weather, gloves, and helmet... Looking into some comfortable riding boots.