Worst riding gear...evah

[bajakirch]

OK, maybe not as bad as the shirtless squid in shorts and flip-flops. Let's call this poor planning.

This morning I waffled on taking the bike in, as we'd had a line of T-storms roll through and there was a chance for more. But switching around my vehicle plans would have caused hassles for my son and SOQS, so I decided to head in. With a waterproof jacket, pants and boots, I can handle most weather Mother Nature decides to throw my way anyway. I set off.

As I pulled onto the main highway I take most of the way in, another rider passed in front of me. Other than a half-shell helmet and sunglasses, he was wearing casual clothes. This included a brilliant white polo shirt.

I followed for a good 20 miles, so I had plenty of time to mull over his clothing choice. His Victory MC had no windscreen or faring, and I imagined the polka-dot effect he would find on his white shirt at the end of his ride -- the bugs were thick on this warm, humid morning. Plus, he was following some other vehicles, so you know they had to be throwing up a nice spray of debris.

Then the rain started. It wasn't long before I was treated to the-wet t-shirt look, as I watched his back-fat jiggle at every bump. Ewwww...

Now you know that's a guy that doesn't do any regular commuting on his MC.

[Xavias]

For me: ATGATT, plain and simple. 

But seriously, I get the whole "freedom" feeling of riding in regular clothes.. but I'd rather be safe than feel free.

Worst I've seen - two quite overweight people on a crotch rocket (probably a 600, judging by the size.)  He was wearing shorts and low cut shoes, with a wife beater.  She was in a bikini, and barefoot.

I was about ready to puke, because I knew they would both be toast if the guy had to lay it down.  Both would have at least broken ankles, even if they were just standing still.

A bit off topic - Michigan launched a campaign for motorcycle riders recently.  While it is kind of fail in my opinion, it does put forth a couple good points.  It can be found here: http://ridesafe2rideagain.com/

[ariwhiteboy]

Then the rain started. It wasn't long before I was treated to the-wet t-shirt look, as I watched his back-fat jiggle at every bump. Ewwww...

I'm confused ....you were on a Honda and he was on a Victory, yet you stayed behind him long enough for that show?! 


As it gets hotter I again get to entertain the "You aren't hot in that jacket?!" question from idiots...if I'm feeling in the mood to confuse them further I just tell them "Yep, it keeps me a toasty 98.6 year round!" 

[JB1290]

The worst I've seen was a guy wearing a wife better and spandex bicycle shorts on a NH. I had second thoughts about wearing it but, I thought I looked so good in them.      

[wjlafrance]

I've noticed a distinct group of riders that I don't think will be around very long. They're always on sport bikes with shorts, sandals / tennis shoes, and no helmet. Usually, these people will pass me in my car while either doing a wheelie to show that they are superior beings, or passing on the center line between two cars on a non-divided highway.

[coffee_brake]

It only takes a half-second of memory, of the asphalt grinding into my knees and the sound of my own body scraping along behind my low-sided motorcycle, to push me right into real mesh armored riding pants, and a real mesh armored jacket. They slip right over my shorts, and I carry my sneakers or sandals in my backpack.
 Seriously, within 30 seconds of stopping my motorcycle, I have dropped my gear, slipped on my flip-flops, stowed it all in the backpack, and have gone on my merry way in comfortable summer clothes.

Mesh gear is cheap. The pain of that low-side lasted over a year. There is no excuse not to....

I hear some folks say, "Well I don't plan on going down." Well neither did I. And if you think you won't ever make a mistake like I did, just watch the drivers and animals around you. Isn't that all the convincing any of us need?

[n5tbu]

I been down with no gear,got to moon all the emergency room peeps without trying.
I still ride in comfy clothes.
To each his own.

[dbracing]

I found some crash pants that are 2 piece in that they zip apart just above the knee. They aren't the biggest name brand, but they have served me well now for 2 years. I bought them mostly for the winters in the keys. It is just so easy to zip the bottoms off and toss on the filp flops to hang at Key West. What Jen said......

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Leather-Chaps--pants/Xelement-Street-Rider-Convertible-Motorcycle-Pants/99221.html

[gammer]

I get the "aren't you hot in that?" question all the time. I reply: "Its mesh and actually I find it more cool then wearing shorts and a t-shirt...and I love my skin". That's usually enough.

[Snoopy]

now that i have the pants from soup, i find myself riding more and more with everything rather then just the coat, or nothing at all.  I plan on getting a pair of boots and better pair of gloves and ill be set... another year older and i guess im getting smarter...lol i value life and no pain..

[HandsomeSteve]

Had guy go screaming by today in a sportsbike wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals.   The surprise - he was actually wearing a full faced helmet.  I suppose his mom makes him wear that....

[coffee_brake]

Heads up: I have a size 12 pair of women's riding pants. Firstgear, with the knee armor. They are big on me now but they are perfectly intact. They are by no means new, but they have never been crashed and they have a lot of life left in them.

These pants ain't gonna fit a man. They're long through the thigh and definitely made for a woman.

They're free for the shipping to any forum member (or member's lady) who can fit them, and will wear them. Super-cool in hot summer riding, comes with a nice liner that is all you will need for the 18-degrees we experienced this winter.

I modified them two ways: I sewed an extra hook-type waist button on them, as I was snapping the stock button regularly. Just an extra hook over the existing snap, no big deal.
I also sewed up the "d"ring on the sides so it wouldn't slip. It was going sideways, so I stitched it up so it would stay upright. Again, no big deal, just a little fitment help to a very nice Firstgear product.

Lemme know...

[coffee_brake]

The riding pants have been claimed.

[mattrowe19]

  thanks Jenn! My wife will appreciate it!

[draco_1967]

I've seen a couple interesting trends in the Salt Lake valley recently.
First, there is a group of sport bike riders who I see regularly wearing shorts, t-shirts, and sandals/tennis shoes. Some wear helmets, some just backwards hats., but the funny thing is, they are wearing an armored vest of some kind.
The other thing I've seen is full-face helmet, jacket, gloves and....shorts.  Really?

[wjlafrance]

I've seen a couple interesting trends in the Salt Lake valley recently.
First, there is a group of sport bike riders who I see regularly wearing shorts, t-shirts, and sandals/tennis shoes. Some wear helmets, some just backwards hats., but the funny thing is, they are wearing an armored vest of some kind.
The other thing I've seen is full-face helmet, jacket, gloves and....shorts.  Really?

From what I've been told, fresh out of MSF's Basic RiderCourse, the helmet is the absolute most important part. Of course, going stupidly undergeared on the rest of his body isn't a great idea, but at least his head's safe.

[bajakirch]

From what I've been told, fresh out of MSF's Basic RiderCourse, the helmet is the absolute most important part. Of course, going stupidly undergeared on the rest of his body isn't a great idea, but at least his head's safe.

It definitely does help in identifying the body.

[Soupskin]

now that i have the pants from soup, i find myself riding more and more with everything rather then just the coat, or nothing at all.  I plan on getting a pair of boots and better pair of gloves and ill be set... another year older and i guess im getting smarter...lol i value life and no pain..

 

Glad to see them out of my closet and keeping a friend safe.

[Messorius]

Saw a girl on an old Magna yesterday in a beanie helmet, high boots, long scarf and a miniskirt.

[NicholasDM]

Had guy go screaming by today in a sportsbike wearing a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals.   The surprise - he was actually wearing a full faced helmet.  I suppose his mom makes him wear that....

That's unfortunately all too common here in SoCal. The one addition might be a back protector, but these weenies don't even know what it's used for. It's not a replacement for a jacket, that's for sure!

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[n5tbu]

Wait till she takes a bee up that skirt

[NicholasDM]

There was once a time when I decided I'd take my KZ440 to a parking lot to screw around some without my jacket on. And a short sleeve shirt. After some time of aformentioned screwing around, I hit some hot paint- maybe it was a bit of tar- and my standard D404's gave way on the few-month-past-fresh hot-topped surface. Bike went down, I went on my left elbow and forearm at probably less than 10mph.

That was 3 years ago. The road rash on my elbow is still visible and still healing.

I always have and will always gear up. No exceptions ever again. Bad stuff remains resulting from a very slow down and on a fairly smooth surface.

Even when I practice in parking lots or doing moto gymkhana, I always gear up. Doesn't matter if I'm drenched in sweat 10 minutes in... I like my skin.

I personally have a pretty low opinion of people who don't protect themselves correctly, especially since it gives a bad impression of all motorcyclists. But I accept their choice of it, just chalking it up to squids being stupid, idiot squids going hand in hand. What else can one do when it comes down to it?


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[flynavyj]

Two days ago my wife and I were having ice cream when i pointed out a guy at the gas station. He was standing next to his KLR, wearing tennis shoes, cargo shorts, gloves, and a full face helmet. I tried to take a pic w/ the cell phone but I was just to far away. Really should have walked over there to get a photo. Had he not been paying with a credit card, the "No Shirt" rule would have kept him out of the gas station to buy the fuel. lol.

[Xavias]

So I went on vacation this past week and a half to Colorado springs. We drove from grand rapids,MI to Indianapolis for our flight there. Michigan is a helmet law state, but I still saw several wife beaters plus shorts on a crotch rocket riders. Then we got to Indiana... Oh man it was a culture shock.... Most the people were t-shirt and shorts with tennis shoes (even saw a pair of crocs!) And we get to Colorado springs where EVERYTHING is a crotch rocket or a Harley. Basically, most weren't wearing helmets, some were smart enough to wear jeans, and no one wore a protective jacket... People can be dumb!