With the first of the decent weather upon us the amount of bikes out last night was great to see. I'm proberbly far from the right person to lecture anyone on safe road use any many would suggest my riding style on the road isnt appropriate. But, why would anyone get on a bike without the right gear on? Even worse why would anyone take someone on the back of their bike who hasn't got the right gear on? I'm not talking full leathers here, but partners on the back with jeans that don't even reach the ankle, some flimsey Karen Millen number of a jacket, what look like a pair of flip flops on their feet and no gloves. Btw the dudes riding the bikes are normally kitted out better than Stoner. Don't get me wrong I'm no cave man who thinks bikes are only for big buch men, my wife comes on the back of the 929 (no rear pegs on the RRA) and has a bike herself, my 14 year old boy also comes on the back and has a pit bike. But if anything happens at least I've made sure they have suitable kit on. Am I just getting old and boring and missing the whole biking experience thing?
No its not just you, I could not agree more ! Its amazing that both riders and passengers seem incapable of protecting themselves, I am sure some would not wear a lid if it was not compulsory ! I watched a guy fly past me on a R1 the other day in flip flops, Chelsea top and shorts, having seen injury's and sustaining them in the correct gear it amazes me how people can be so frivolous with there own and other peoples well being. At the end of the day they can do as they wish, the only legality is a helmet, but I feel better wearing the right kit and anyone coming on the bike will as well
I guess it all depends on the trip for me. If its just a mile or two to the shops well I for one am happy to jump on the bike with my trainers, jeans and a light jacket and I would be happy to take the mrs on the back wearing much the same. At the end of the day it's me controlling the bike not the bike controlling me. I don't have to ride fast and if someone is driving or riding like a c@ck near me I am mature enough to let them get on with it.
Agree with you Dave, but Si, It's not what you do , it's them other twa%s on the road that will hurt you, whether it's a 100 mile blast or a half mile trip to the shops!!!
Fair point, my views are not based on the speed I'm doing or my ability to control the bike, more other divs and their ability to control the car their in. Seen and heard of plenty of people getting knocked off at slow speed, or even not moving. Each to their own
Alot of accidents on bikes happen within 5 miles of home, either coming or going... It's when your mind is relaxed and just warming up, or already cooling down...
I often pull people over I see not wearing kit to give them a bit of friendly advice! Where I work is Chavez city seen that many lads in shorts n vests on bikes n quads, some kind of pumps and a helmet, it's ok though because they have the obligatory man bags lol. It makes me cringe to see it!
Not saying i disagree with any of your views as said each to their own and i for one know 1st hand how well leathers can protect you in an off
As said I agree with how daft it is not wearing protective gear but as said said each to their own Also the law only says you need to wear a lid. which I think is daft.
I learned my lesson when i was 17. Had an off whilst wearing jeans and trainers and ended up loosing lots of skin. now i only wear dull kit no matter where i am going. i dont have much sympathy for people who get injured and they were not wearing proper kit even if it wasnt there fault
whats defined as proper kit though? i will post this vid as it shows a guy not wearing proper kit and look what happens at the end.......... I have probably posted it before on here and i know its done the rounds a few times but it still makes me laugh all the same. Squid On Suzuki GSX-R Owned - Speeders Fight Back - YouTube
Hmmm – No comment! But I can’t say much either. Totally agree though, I find it madness that someone can be conscious enough of the risk (or just want to look cool) to wear their dianese all in one yet stick the mrs or young lad / lass on the back with poor fitting lids and no real protective clothing…. They would think twice if they had to take the nail brush to the mrs and scrub the gravel out of her grazes themselves… I’m all for dressing down slightly on a quick poodle to the pub or cafe but as a min always proper leather jacket (not some wafer thin lookalike) gloves and boots as I am confident in my own abilities and will ride accordingly, but wouldn’t be prepared to take the risk with someone on the back not wearing the right gear. As said – it’s not down to your riding ability, it can easily go wrong completely out of your control, like a 40mph diesel spill, or someone doing a U-Turn in front of you etc etc etc etc etc…and even at those speed you can easily do yourself some serious damage, wonder how banged up Colin and the Mrs would have been if they were in Jeans and T-Shirts…. Again totally out of his control and nothing to do with him riding like a knob, it can and does just happen.
Dave, Only just seen this & couldn't agree more. I saw 2 guys yesterday riding in t-shirt, jeans & trainers. Both on a busy dual carriageway during rush hour. Personal opinion - our chosen hobby is dangerous enough, why tempt fate?
I'm off out in a mo, six mile trip to work to drop the oil out. I'll be wearing Rukka jacket, Draggin jeans, SIDI boots and A* gloves. A young lad recently purchased a new YZF-R125 and his gran blew a wad on all the gear for him. When he collected the bike he couldn't be bothered to get changed so rode off with jeans, trainers, jumper, helmet and gloves on. Just thought I'd share.
I can testify 1st hand as to the benefits of proper gear........more safe and a lot less likely to get a pull, surely these have to be benefits no matter how far you are going?
Dudes- The title of my thread is Just don't get it. At no point have I suggested those that decide to do it are right or wrong and I cernatrinly haven't called anyone a c.ck for it, unlike some posts I read regarding various topics of which I could easily take personally. Apologies if some think i'm having a pop for their choices in life, that wasn't my intention.
Hey, This has been brought up further down the page but my experience from only few days ago when Colin was traveling at no more than 10mph when a crazy fiesta driver pulled a U turn on him (only 8 miles from home too), both him and his missus were all kitted out in clothing boots, jacket, trousers, gloves & helmet and there clothing is fecked!!! I for one would never wear jeans n light jacket no matter where or how far a was traveling! Please be safe guys n girls. Even the draggin jeans only last seconds before its your skin thats gettin ripped off during a crash!
As said I am happy in my abilities and judgement of my surroundings and other road users and so long as I am happy in that I don't have a problem in riding in jeans and a light jacket.
