Body Armor

[Arthurwg]

Yes, I'm an old geezer. And I've noticed lately that even a slight injury can take several months of pain before healing. I'm also thinking that as much as I love bikes and riding I'd rather not risk spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair-- or worse. So I'm considering a full set of body armor as regular kit. What do you think? Any recommendations?

 

[Big Lad]

I'd buy a car. or just stay indoors. . If those dodgy bones can take it though, Dainese make some nice body armour.

 

[gasman]

I think the most important thing is to have good boots. The worst injuries I see are fractures of the lower tibia. This area heals very badly, and is at high risk in bike accidents. I'm unconvinced that offroad style, or even Dianese style body armor does much good.

 

[sani]

Yes, I'm an old geezer. And I've noticed lately that even a slight injury can take several months of pain before healing. I'm also thinking that as much as I love bikes and riding I'd rather not risk spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair-- or worse. So I'm considering a full set of body armor as regular kit. What do you think? Any recommendations?

Have a look at this
http://www.raisonsbrassband.com/html/Round_Riveted_Aluminum_Chain_Mail_Shirt.htm

 

[Roger Chatterton]

Have a look at this
http://www.raisonsbrassband.com/html/Round_Riveted_Aluminum_Chain_Mail_Shirt.htm

and this might be handy too..

 

[Dusan]

Larfin out loud!

Now that was funi Sani, still larfin out loud!!!!

 

[Deleted account 210214001]

For what it's worth, I always ride in my Rev'IT! kit: Off-Track jacket and Dakar pants. I swapped out the standard back armour with a larger pad from Knox; this was a normal upgrade, at least in the States. No on-road get-offs, but I've taken a number of spills off-road and on green lanes with the armour doing its job just dandily!


Bohdan

 

[russ996duke]

Yes, I'm an old geezer. And I've noticed lately that even a slight injury can take several months of pain before healing. I'm also thinking that as much as I love bikes and riding I'd rather not risk spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair-- or worse. So I'm considering a full set of body armor as regular kit. What do you think? Any recommendations?

hi mate, body armour from one of the top makers, is good but the problem can be how hot you will be wearing it!!!
it will mean you need to review the type of m/c jacket you use, maybe going to one of the "air" types.
I use dainese body armour off road trail riding, would not wear for on road trips, make do with armour in jacket.#
whatever you use armourwise(yippee,an americanism) has got to better than nothing tho'

 

[wonky]

if you want serious body armour....

the ufo scorpion or acerbis koerta are the most serious pressure suits on the market, as used by the proportion of rally raid/dakar competitors. these are the most 'substantial' torso and arm protectors available.
As far as your legs go, again the majority of rally competitors use knee braces, often CTI (search CTI knee braces, i use C180 and they're great, if you dont need to support a previously injured joint). Padded shorts from forcefield or whoever for hip and arse protection.
Leatt brace for neck injury protection.
All the above are highly recommended if you ride off road, but probably wont help a great deal if you hit a dry stone wall in the dales at 80.
If you want the most protection available i believe the above are it.

 

[Arthurwg]

I read a thread on ADVRIDER the other day about a guy who set off from Oregon on a KLR650 to tour Mexico before going to law school. Seems he came upon a group of donkeys standing in the road and tried to speed around them. One bolted in front of his bike and, long story short, the rider ended up paralyzed from the upper chest down. He later committed suicide. I couldn't help but wonder if body armor would have saved him.

 

[gasman]

i doubt it. I believe these back protectors are to prevent bruising. Brake for donkeys !

 

[st247]

I read a thread on ADVRIDER the other day about a guy who set off from Oregon on a KLR650 to tour Mexico before going to law school. Seems he came upon a group of donkeys standing in the road and tried to speed around them. One bolted in front of his bike and, long story short, the rider ended up paralyzed from the upper chest down. He later committed suicide. I couldn't help but wonder if body armor would have saved him.

I read the same thread, by his own admission his mistake was speeding past rather than slowing down. As to whether body armour would have helped i doubt it. Body armour may well reduce impact injuries but broken spines are more often caused by flexing,twisting and compressing forces rather than impact, and even with body armour your neck is still very vulnerable. I still wear body armour when out riding, but it can't stop all the injuries, and it won't make you ride any better.

Theres some good information about standards here and a study about spinal injuries here

 

[swissrob]

have you looked into getting one of the air bag jackets or vests????

 

[Shep]

On the road, I use good quality riding kit with spot CE rated armor, strong boots and good gloves and a quality helmet. Beyond that I feel any money would be better spent on rider training.

Off road I used to use those mesh vest type protectors with a motocross top over that. Really sturdy boots and lightweight gloves and a lighter helmet (still full face though) quality padded over-trousers with knee and hip protectors were always worn (and tested on a regular basis)

Shep

 

[Big Lad]

Beyond that I feel any money would be better spent on rider training.Shep

The best 'body armour' money can buy

 

[PIGGLET]

Fortunately never had a really big off but good body armour has definitely allowed me to ride home in un-injured comfort as opposed to grazed and bruised on quite a lot of my off-road rides and races

 

[Voyager61]

Hi Everyone

Well I never ride without a pair of these, with Pro armour:

http://www.tprobodyarmour.co.uk/action_shorts.asp

Very high quality, comfy ... light ... but can get a bit hot ...

Hope this is of interest.

 

[Arthurwg]

True, the poor chap in Mexico was inexperienced, and seemed intent on making the most miles each day-- probably not the best way to tour. And yes, he admitted to making a very bad decision.

I'm currently riding with BMW's Santiago boots, a short Dainese lower back protector w/ elastic waist belt, and various jackets with CE protectors. True, that's probably enough. Anyway, I've just bought a 2008 Speed Triple to go with my R1200GS, so I guess I haven't been adequately frightened off as yet.