so many with no ATGATT!!

[DoD#i]

Might be a good time to mention the (evidently not known to some) existence of cooling vests, either inexpensive and ice-based, or the more expensive wax-based types. Stuff one under your coat and be cool like cucumber for hours. The supposed advantage of the wax is it's easier to cool quickly (dump in a tub of ice water) and it melts at a more comfortable temperature (around 60-70F/16-21C), but I suspect the ice types would be fine if you get the right amount of clothing between you and the ice. I keep not quite buying one because I live far enough north that's it's usually not much of an issue, though it's become more of one lately.

I'm not talking about (even less expensive) evaporative cooling vests - those might be worth looking at for desert-climate folks under a vented jacket. Where I'm at when it's hot, it's humid, so evaporative cooling is almost useless.

[Homer]

So many opinions. 
Yet... there was no support when I was criticized for owning this:
http://motoport.worldsecuresystems.com/_product_106904/Ultra_Trek_1-Piece_Air_Mesh_Kevlar_Suit

Spent $1400 on it, with liner, upgraded reflectivity panels, emergency info pocket, reversed zippers, and shipping.  I use it every single day, and it's saved my @ss more than a few times. 
And, I'm about to upgrade to the Stage 4 armor. 
Most of you don't even wear pants. 
Or, only if you "feel" like it.  Your "jacket" is an off-the-rack Joe Rocket made from panty hose, or your helmet is the coolest looking thing you could find. 
I have a dual-beam headlight modulator, with Silverstar Ultras.  Taillight modulator with turn-signal running lights.  I still have the OEM reflectors, and will never take them off.  My helmet is covered with retroreflection, and I'm upgrading to a high-vis pretty soon.  I'll put retroreflection on it, as well. 
My new bike has an air-horn on order.  My wife's buying me a SPOT personal tracker that calls 911 automatically.  I'm installing sprockets to SLOW DOWN. 

I don't own a BMW or hard luggage.  Nor do I have a survival fetish.  I do like being alive. I don't like worthless opinions.

[Electrojake]

It's good to see you guys are passionate about your gear.
I use a double insulated Frank Thomas jacket & pants for the cold Northeastern winters and a RevIt summer-mesh jacket & pants for the summer.
Also, an Arai helmet, gloves, boots, and this little goodie shown below. . .



LINK>>> http://www.safermoto.com/products/vest_ys/index.html

John at SaferMoto was so nice during the transaction process it was unbelievable. During the deal I also upgraded the back protector and added optional rib-crush protection.
When I first started looking into the available AirBag jackets and vests about 2 years ago they were over $1000 for a generation one unit. Since then the price has come down to well under the $500 mark and I think they are on gen-3 now.
Yeah, its a tad heavy but it is very well built. Outstanding workmanship at every seam and zipper. Truly a nice vest and adjusts to fit over summer or winter jackets, (or over just a tee shirt if you wish).

As for the cooling vests. . .
I've seen them the in the bike shops but just assumed they had to be soaking wet to work.
If there is such a thing as a dry version, I may have found an answer.
Thanks for the info!
-Ej-

[Homer]

Here, weenie:
http://entrosys.com/

Otherwise,
http://www.shockdoctor.com/product/shockskin-5-pad-sleeveless-impact-shirt.aspx

[Electrojake]

Here, weenie:
http://entrosys.com/

Otherwise,
http://www.shockdoctor.com/product/shockskin-5-pad-sleeveless-impact-shirt.aspx

Thats FANTASTIC!
You DA Man 
You just gave me a link to the Mother of all gadgets... and that second-skin thing looks kinda' interesting too.
I'm in Off-Topic Paradise

[Eklipse]

I don't get it for you northern folks. I get it down here, though. 100*F 120% humidity; helmets and gear are so hot that even at night, you can arrive at your destination drenched in sweat.

I ride with helmet, boots, jeans, gloves, mesh jacket in the summer. I'm guilty of riding in shorts once to go to the beach and occasionally I ride without a jacket. Always with a helmet, though. I at least want my family to be able to have an open casket funeral (even if I get decapitated, they can still reattach my head for the funeral )

[Homer]

Heat is relative. 
Antarctic researchers wear short sleeves when it gets up to -20 F. 

I'm acclimated to my CyclePort.  108* NC summers, plus the reflected heat from long asphalt highways. 
I get the shivers when I take it off.   

Takes about 2 weeks to get acclimated to new gear/climate.  Sometimes more. 
Underneath, I wear jeans/slacks, a t-shirt, and usually a business-casual button-up.  Shorts are for bicycle cops and little boys playing in the sandbox. 
And, since I have red hair, the hi-vis CyclePort reflects UV for me.  I'm MORE comfortable in it. 

[redhawkdancing]

Nice vest, EJ. John is a really nice guy. Here is my  second favorite piece of gear, next to my helmet! Not heavy at all in my opinion. The Tpro replacement back protector I put in my scorpion hat trick jacket is probably heavier than the vest.

Homer, I'm ordering reflective stickers this week for my helmet and bike. I don't ride that much at night time, but I'm starting to more and more. The bright orange helmet already gives me lots of visibility during the daytime.

I did compromise on the pants. I don't wear jeans, but I wear double front carhartts with armored shorts and knee pads. Some say you should wear quality race boots, but I wear touring boot.

at some point, and everyone's is different, you realize no matter what you wear, your biggest protection is riding defensively, and if you believe in a higher power of any sort, making sure they know your going for a ride! 

[Electrojake]

So many opinions. 
Yet... there was no support when I was criticized for owning this:
http://motoport.worldsecuresystems.com/_product_106904/Ultra_Trek_1-Piece_Air_Mesh_Kevlar_Suit

Spent $1400 on it, with liner, upgraded reflectivity panels, emergency info pocket, reversed zippers, and shipping.  I use it every single day, and it's saved my @ss more than a few times. 
And, I'm about to upgrade to the Stage 4 armor. 

My God Man!
I just checked out the www.motoport.com web site for a look at your armor.
$900.00 for an outfitted riding jacket and $495.00 for a pair of armored jeans!?! <gasp> 
That must be some high quality riding gear you've got.
I guess my $450 HitAir vest isn't that impressive after all.
Very nice gear indeed Homer.
LINK> http://www.motoport.com/Home
-Ej-

Nice vest, EJ. John is a really nice guy. Here is my  second favorite piece of gear, next to my helmet! Not heavy at all in my opinion.
Homer, I'm ordering reflective stickers this week for my helmet and bike.

. . . your biggest protection is riding defensively, and if you believe in a higher power of any sort, making sure they know your going for a ride!

Exactly!
-Ej-

[Homer]

I turned down a fishing trip with Barnacle Bill, in the new boat his wife bought from Goodwill. 
Yes, that Barnacle Bill.
That's how much I love my MotoPort.

He's retiring soon, so if anyone wants a piece of American history - they should go see him.   

[tykho]

I want Ghostrider's outfit :>
I think that kevlar suit is a little overkill, but that's just me. I really should wear protective pants, but I commute to work daily on the GS, and I cant wear my kevlar reinforced jeans with our dress code, so I only wear the jeans a few days a week. And then there's times when the jeans are dirty and I just rock some silvertabs. I love my joe rocket jacket though, I'm pretty sure it's going to protect me from road rash as well as any other textile jacket, and isn't that all anyone wears safety gear for?

[romulux]

I want Ghostrider's outfit :>
I think that kevlar suit is a little overkill, but that's just me. I really should wear protective pants, but I commute to work daily on the GS, and I cant wear my kevlar reinforced jeans with our dress code, so I only wear the jeans a few days a week. And then there's times when the jeans are dirty and I just rock some silvertabs. I love my joe rocket jacket though, I'm pretty sure it's going to protect me from road rash as well as any other textile jacket, and isn't that all anyone wears safety gear for?

Yeah, I think a jacket is a jacket is a jacket.  A one-piece suit is great for commuting cause you can wear your work clothes underneath.

The motoport won't save your life wear another jacket or suit wouldn't, but it's got a great feature: it flows a lot of air without sacrificing much protection, probably better than anything else from what I've read.  A one-piece motoport would be perfect all year round for commuting.  I don't have the coin for one, though =/

[Homer]

Here we go...   

[hambonee]

So many opinions. 
Yet... there was no support when I was criticized for owning this:
http://motoport.worldsecuresystems.com/_product_106904/Ultra_Trek_1-Piece_Air_Mesh_Kevlar_Suit

Spent $1400 on it, with liner, upgraded reflectivity panels, emergency info pocket, reversed zippers, and shipping.  I use it every single day, and it's saved my @ss more than a few times. 
And, I'm about to upgrade to the Stage 4 armor. 
Most of you don't even wear pants. 
Or, only if you "feel" like it.  Your "jacket" is an off-the-rack Joe Rocket made from panty hose, or your helmet is the coolest looking thing you could find. 
I have a dual-beam headlight modulator, with Silverstar Ultras.  Taillight modulator with turn-signal running lights.  I still have the OEM reflectors, and will never take them off.  My helmet is covered with retroreflection, and I'm upgrading to a high-vis pretty soon.  I'll put retroreflection on it, as well. 
My new bike has an air-horn on order.  My wife's buying me a SPOT personal tracker that calls 911 automatically.  I'm installing sprockets to SLOW DOWN. 

I don't own a BMW or hard luggage.  Nor do I have a survival fetish.  I do like being alive. I don't like worthless opinions.

Wow!! Ok, I have a big bonus coming early next year and I think I may set aside a bit for that suit. I comute a lot and that looks great for all weather etc..!

As for heat, I know that suit may be optimal but lets be realistic..not everyone can afford that. On the other hand, why someone wouldn't spend every cent they can on good gear they CAN afford I don't get. Heat sucks but I own the following:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/20105/ITEM/Teknic-Chicane-Jacket.aspx?SiteID=CSE_Gbase_20105&WT.mc_ID=80003&zmam=88421133&zmas=1&zmac=45&zmap=20105

and for pants:

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/Dainese_Drake_Air_Textile_Pants--614173.html

The pants are a bit heavier than normal being Cordura fabric 750 denier. I also had a zipper sewn into the pants so they mesh up with the jacket. A must in my book.

Boots:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/36/17782/ITEM/Diadora-Avenue-Boots.aspx

Gloves are some Teknic older ones. I need a new set as they are my backups and my mains got persnickerd up on a slow fall...ummm..yeah....

Anyways..I get crap at work for wearing my "outfit" and I have the same response to all of them. GO to hell! My skin my gear. I know it's not the top of line but I stay pleanty cool when it hits 100 degrees and I dang sure never want road rash again. I had some when I was a teenager riding and stupid as hell. Never again..that stuff sucks!

I also have a cute girlfriend, two great kids, and an awesome job.

You can't remove risk..but you sure as hell can mitigate it.

[tykho]

I really need to get some boots, I've been riding with just my etnies on and I know I'm going to regret it. I love my kevlar jeans, I want to try out a pair of textile pants, they seem like they would be really comfortable and just as cool as anything else. I'll keep an eye on craigslist for a used pair :p

[Homer]

The people that need gear the most:
1) can't afford it
2) won't buy it because it's not "cool"


Instead of government regulations, there should be a reward system.  Like the stimulus check.  
If you buy gear, we'll give you a check to cover most of the cost.  
No gear - no check.  
Or a tax write-off.  But, that's something few 20-somethings use, anyway.  

It's like I just told a local kid:  Buy 5, 6, 7 riding outfits, upgrading from each one.  Never able to sell them for what you paid, if even at all.  
OR - just buy one single VERY NICE piece and be done with it.  


Edit:
As far as riding in Etnies.... You've seen the video of the guy's shoe flying off as he hits a Chevy Blazer. 
Everyone has.  It's one of the first videos everyone watches when they start riding. 
You know it's bad, yet you talk about it.  Like you keep talking about your lack of pants. 
I was on the debate team - I know when I'm being baited. 
Find someone else to argue with. 

[hambonee]

The people that need gear the most:
1) can't afford it
2) won't buy it because it's not "cool"


Instead of government regulations, there should be a reward system.  Like the stimulus check.  
If you buy gear, we'll give you a check to cover most of the cost.  
No gear - no check.  
Or a tax write-off.  But, that's something few 20-somethings use, anyway.  

It's like I just told a local kid:  Buy 5, 6, 7 riding outfits, upgrading from each one.  Never able to sell them for what you paid, if even at all.  
OR - just buy one single VERY NICE piece and be done with it.  


Edit:
As far as riding in Etnies.... You've seen the video of the guy's shoe flying off as he hits a Chevy Blazer. 
Everyone has.  It's one of the first videos everyone watches when they start riding. 
You know it's bad, yet you talk about it.  Like you keep talking about your lack of pants. 
I was on the debate team - I know when I'm being baited. 
Find someone else to argue with. 

I like the tax idea. Funny that people won't give up a few cents in their taxes to keep people out of the hosptial but when they do end up in it anyways due to no gear a lot of times we end up paying anyways

As for riding in anything other than boots made for Motorcycles with zippers or laces that tuck in...enjoy 

http://www.kawiforums.com/newbie-corner/116620-new-rider-crash-amputee-please-read.html

[Electrojake]

This thread is getting better not worse.
The EWOOD420 story on http://www.kawiforums.com/newbie-corner/116620-new-rider-crash-amputee-please-read.html was sweet.
What's not to like? A noobie on a super-bike with a set of steel balls. Nice!

And Homer, Just cause your being baited doesn't mean you cant work the crowd. Your posts have been most of the meat & potatoes in the thread all along.
(I mean, ya know, I'm just sayin'). Ya' got good input and it is refreshing to "not" be talking about ebay headlight mounts, valve shims, and carburetor jetting stuff all the time

This ATGATT conversation has produced a lot of interesting info IMHO.

[romulux]

I like the tax idea. Funny that people won't give up a few cents in their taxes to keep people out of the hosptial but when they do end up in it anyways due to no gear a lot of times we end up paying anyways

As for riding in anything other than boots made for Motorcycles with zippers or laces that tuck in...enjoy 

http://www.kawiforums.com/newbie-corner/116620-new-rider-crash-amputee-please-read.html

To be fair, it sounds like his problem wasn't his choice of gear, but that he was an idiot.  Gear is an absolute last resort, way behind good judgement.

Really, jump off the bike because you can't control it after you accelerate close to 100mph?

[hambonee]

Yah Yah..the common sense factor was the main culprit...but it bled into gear. The idjit MAY have still had his foot with proper gear..but hell..never should have been riding in the first place.

However, I do agree that Homer's post have been good stuff. Some good info in this thread!  

oh..and the brother story to the not too bright crowd:

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/96249044.html

Superbikes and new riders...gotta love em...thats why I loved my gs500f. Broke me in nice and easy..