Minimum protection

[Frank Warner]

Hat, gloves and jacket was what I started out with. I found my knees suffered in most falls.
There has been some talk over on adventrurerider here
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76406
(this has some data on the protective properties of various materials - including jeans)
And that links to

http://www.bmf.co.uk/briefing/bmfBr...orcyclists.html


and that is a very small part says

" by law all CE marked PPE must be supplied with detailed, printed information on selection, care and maintenance of the product. Protective motorcycle clothing and impact protectors must be supplied to the consumer with such information and it must describe, for example: how the product was tested, the test data generated, how to remove and reinstall protectors (as may be necessary when cleaning the garment) and the anticipated service life or how to recognise when the PPE requires replacement. Contact details for the European Notified Body responsible for the testing and certification will also be provided, from which you will be able to contact them to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the manufacturer's claims. "
If that documentation anit there then I'd say it was a'CE' mark only - in other words it aint CE armor.

 

[swebb]

Re: Re: Thanks

Because when you fall off, you will be doing most of your sliding on your torso, arms and bum, I suspect.

Phew!!! Glad thats made all the sense in the world then for slipping jeans in before jackets ???? LMAO....

In my opinion, there are no second chances... if you want to be cooler (temp) wear less/the right gear, mesh jackets and trousers are readily available....

If speed is the issue... i suggest perhaps a motorcycle is the wrong mode of transport... speed + non-proper protection = nasty mess and long stints of hospital food!!! mmmm tempting.

Each to their own and all that... but IMHO... one chance only, lets not find we were wrong, the hard way!!

stay safe, ride forever !!

 

[Tarka]

I won`t even 'go around the block' in anything less than an armoured jacket,armoured trousers,good gloves and boots.
I only ever wear Motocross type gloves..the nearest to road going boots are my Sidi Couriers.

This decision was vindicated mid-February when I crashed.

(search the Beakchat if you don`t know the details)

I cracked my ankle,but the doctor said that any kind of softer boot would have led to a totally mangled (or even LOST ) foot, as the foot was folded inwards under the bike,but the boot only flexed slightly,then stopped.

Apart from that,I had a tiny graze on my shin,and a bruise on my head,from landing headfirst. (The helmet was chewed to feck)

It doesn`t stop hurting because the sun is shining,and you can`t choose when you will or won`t crash.

 

[sparkplug]

Well said Tarka

When I first started riding people took the p*ss out of me for wearing full leathers on my MZ 125 but falling off at 60 (although usually only 55) doesn't hurt any less because the bike is small...

By the way, Matron says it looks like you are winning the "who'll be up first?" contest. I think you should keep us in the picture.

Hope the continuing recovery is going well.

 

[brassmonkey001]

Re: Thanks

Jeans instead of bike specific trousers seem to sneak onto the list before anything else is compromised. I wonder why a biking jacket comes as a higher priority than biking leg protection?

Perhaps because most of your important bits are kept inside your torso?

At the bike sheds at work t'other day a colleague getting on his C90 said to me 'Why are you wearing all that? You look like you're going scrambling or something.'


Guess his job.




Go on.




You'll never guess.

 

[gasman]

I usually wear the full works, but when it's really hot eg in spain, I'm happy to wear shorts and tee shirt, trainers and gloves.
I reckon that if I'm going slow and careful, the risks of a crash are very low, and are outweighed by the pleasure and coolness.
Also, you have to consider what protection a jacket and leathers is going to give you. At best, armour and leather is going to stop a broken bone and road rash. It is not going to save your life. Back protectors won't stop your spine being broken, and if you hit a tree or a lorry going fast, you're toast whatever you're wearing.
There's the 'Volvo' effect, too, whereby wearing all the gear makes you go faster and take more risks, but it's a false sense of safety.
Personally, I think the best thing you can wear is a hi-viz vest, which I rarely go without even on the scooter. Just a tiny flash of orange in the corner of the Volvo driver's eye may be enough to make her pause for that vital millisecond.

 

[guitarman]

When I first started riding 30 years ago armoured stuff wasn't even invented - afaik.

Riding only a 125 I didn't think I needed gloves unless it was cold. Then I saw a chap fall off a Honda 50 at all of 5mph (he locked the front wheel on on some mud as he pulled into the kerb). He was rushed to hospital with his hands completely wrecked (he wasn't wearing gloves either)

Armoured stuff might not save your life but if it stops your skin from being separated from your body then it's a must.

Personally I've got an armoured mesh jacket for the summer and an armoured goretex type jacket for colder days.

"Proper" gloves and boots are essential as is a full face helmet. Why bother to wear full armoured gear then leave your face unprotected?

Anyway, I was going to say that "as always it's down to the individual. You're all grown ups and you know the risks" but I've thought about it and I'm not sure that's the case.

Even if you have a cavalier attitude to risk you must have some consideration for those that care about you and those that might have deal with you in a medical capacity.

It's worth thinking about......

Cheers

Dick