Lets talk spine

[hang man]

Well while i was hording information from forums all around  it was brought to my attention that your back needs to be protected too , the spine is a fragile thing against hard objects or  surfaces in a crash , so i got to thinkin and was recommended a back protector , apparently that foam pad inside the jacket wont do a scrap of good impacting something with your back so i got a Knox Ageis from www.sportsbiketrackgear.com you can see a video review on it here  (just scroll down to the bottom of the page) http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=4157

They have all sorts of protectors and i was a little sceptical about it but i tell you what , it is very comfortable and really does conform to the shape of your back.
  Here are a few pics i just took of it compared with that foam pad in the jacket







In any case this product gets a thumbs up 

Check out the web site and see the different ones they have , i got this model cuz i'll be riding in warmer climate but they have some that are built into a vest that would be perfect for colder riding conditions.

 BTW here's the thread that had me dropping 160 beans on it

Some of the pics are a little graphic but necessary for a reality check  http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=64746

[Puppysnake]

I wear a Spidi Back Warrior...





"The Warrior technology is based on highly shock absorbing light composite materials cells. The tangible result is a cat. 2 CE certification with an average shock absorbing factor of 9 KiloNewtons. During certification tests for this kind of protector, the required value of residual energy must not be over 18 KNs. The residual energy of the Back Warrior is 7.8 KNs. Surprisingly light, thin and comfortable, this protector evolves the idea of the improved comfort as a factor in improving safety, because it makes riding easier and lets the rider concentrate better. The air canalization and the internal mesh are aimed at improving air circulation, about 50% more than regular back protectors. The implementation of comfortable advanced material and an innovative design allowed the Back Warrior to stay under 560g total weight, this against an average 900g of traditional protectors. Great focus on ergonomics: a double fastening system on the belt and different size scales for man and lady guarantee a custom fitting from 145 cm to 195 cm height. This customization is also aimed at always having the protector to adhere at rider's back and to not interfere with the jackets worn. Back Warrior will be available in 4 different sizes for men and 2 different sizes in the Fit-For-Lady version."

http://www.buymotogp.com/Spidi_Back_Warrior_H145_160/products/38206/

[luckylindy]

apparently that foam pad inside the jacket wont do a scrap of good impacting something with your back

I can vouch for that.  I think those back protectors would have made a huge difference in the injuries I had in my crash.  I had a 1st gear jacket with the foam and I still had many broken bones, but thank God my spine was OK.  I say that is $ well spent Hangman and Puppysnake.

[JordanA]

I have to say that your choices to purchase those back protectors are excellent. 

As soon as I can, I am going to pony up the money for one as well.  I don't like having only a foam pad on the rear of my jacket.

[RussellH]

I see this armor vest everywhere which is apparently designed for street riding:

http://www.amazon.com/Icon-Field-Armor-Vest-X-Large/dp/B001AMQWLS/ref=pd_bbs_7?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1235507951&sr=8-7

However, I don't see any of these offer much protection for other parts of the body. Is there something that protects the spine as well as the ribs and the whole upper body in general? Something with hard plastic perhaps?

I do see some armor for off-road use not sure what the ramifications are for using those on the street?

[Puppysnake]

The Back Warrior is a new design Spidi introduced last year that replaces the Air Back, which was previously their big seller. It's manufactured in Italy and the quality of construction and stitching is better than some other protectors that are manufactured in Asian countries.

I don't purchase the optional back pad that's available for many jackets, since I wear my back protector. I figure the cost savings from not buying the optional pad offsets the cost of the back protector a bit, and I get better protection in the bargain. I always wear mine under my jacket, even when I'm just putt-putting around town slowly. I consider protecting my spine as essential as protecting my noggin.

[Puppysnake]

Is there something that protects the spine as well as the ribs and the whole upper body in general? Something with hard plastic perhaps?

Those options are available. The Spidi is available as a more complete set. With the integral chest protector, it's known as the Defender...

http://www.buymotogp.com/Spidi_Defender_Back_Chest_160_170/products/38201/

The drawback to this model is that the waist adjusment straps don't have as much 'adjustability' as the back protector by itself with it's long straps. Probably not a problem if you're a slim-medium build, but it might not be able to accomodate those with a larger mid-section.

Then if you want some serious armor, there's this, which is the Defender with shoulder, elbow, and forearm armor included...

http://www.buymotogp.com/Spidi_Defender_Armour_H145_160/products/38198/

There are other brands that also make more complete armor like this, you just have to shop around a bit to find them. So to answer your question, yes, you can get more complete armor coverage if you're willing to pay for it (although I'm not sure about side armor for the ribs, since you mentioned that).

[Bumblebee]

The foam padding is a joke. Useful but pathetic compared to what could be installed. It's just somewhat protective foam.

After my tumble off, I'm looking into back protectors that won't let your spine bend the wrong way. Several rounds at the chiropracter is more expensive than properly designed crash gear...not to mention the most important bit which is the owie involved.

[JordanA]

I really like the defender full body protection... spine, chest, arms and shoulders.  $350.00.  I could sell my Tourmaster Jacket and wear that thing underneath my leather coat anytime and feel much safer.

[RussellH]

After my tumble off...

Did I miss something?  or are you talking about a past incident? I hope it's the latter.

[Bumblebee]

Did I miss something?  or are you talking about a past incident? I hope it's the latter.

Past incident several years ago. A cager very deliberately ran me off the road in a manner that can only be described as intentionally malicious attempted murder. I still have a standing reward out on his head. Just his head, nothing else, do with the body as you wish as long as it's not attached to the head.

When you go over the bars and essentially come down on your face, your back tries to bend the wrong direction...thus the quest for a real back protector.

[RussellH]

Glad to hear it was a past incident.

Here's one option I came across, looks pretty serious! What do you guys think?

http://www.bohnarmor.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=BGCRM

[cgage]

Glad to hear it was a past incident.

Here's one option I came across, looks pretty serious! What do you guys think?

http://www.bohnarmor.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=BGCRM

That one looks less comfortable than the spidi. I could see wearing the spidi, and I am not trying to throw stones, but that one looks right out of the movie Dune. We could all save arakis though.

That being said, if i took off on a trip somehow KNOWING that i was gonna crash, i would probably want the bohn armor.

[jonnypockets]

I ride with this: http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1975&id=7850

It's got great spine protection, but that's about it. I usually wear it over a denim jacket, but when it's warm out, I probably live a bit more dangerous than I should, and just put a flannel on under it.

[Bumblebee]

I usually wear it over a denim jacket, but when it's warm out, I probably live a bit more dangerous than I should, and just put a flannel on under it.

Denim or Flannel == Zero protection against an angry 4-grit belt sander.

[jonnypockets]

I usually wear it over a denim jacket, but when it's warm out, I probably live a bit more dangerous than I should, and just put a flannel on under it.

Denim or Flannel == Zero protection against an angry 4-grit belt sander.

Yes, but appearance is far more important than safety... right? 

[Bumblebee]

Yes, but appearance is far more important than safety... right? 

Right up to impact.