(no need to respond unless answering the question - not looking for feedback from my mom or lectures on the evils of going gear-less)

When I started riding way, way back in January of '09 :), there I was, MSF trained and putting around with a loud, armored jacket, armored over-pants, riding boots, leather gloves and of course a my full face helmet. As time has gone by and my comfort level has improved, along with my skills and willingness to accept more risk, I've changed my level of commitment to wearing ATGATT. The jacket got lighter and over time armor free, the riding pants got hung up for good, and finally the boots are gathering dust in the closet.

I can now be found on the streets and highways with a full face helmet, mesh gloves, surgical scrubs or hawiian print shirts, my favorite jeans and sneakers. (I even wore shorts one day last weekend but don't think that will happen again) If it's cooler I'll slip into my hoody, and if real cold I add the leather jacket and chaps if needed to keep out the chill, along with timberland-like boots. I also plan to try and open face helmet - you never know.

So when did you stop wearing your gear?

I won't lecture -- just tell you that I never ride without full gear. So in order to answer your question -- "not yet."

As for the question... not yet either. I may go for lighter stuff in the heat but always on.

never worn it when I started riding i used a 3/4 helmet a friend gave me, no license, amd no tags. These days I wear 8 inch waterproof logging boots, not only for the waterproof, but to save wear and tear on my tennis shoes. I have just always worn jeans i like they feel

I can always be found AGAT... always have, always will...

When I started riding my old zx6 I always wore my 9 inch work boots jeans, textile jacket with armour, full face helmet and gloves. Now that I have the Vulcan and have slown down a bit the armour has been taken out the gloves are weather depending and I'm considering a half helmet (probibally in the next couple of weeks). Some times I'll opt for a hoodie in place of the jacket.

So far, I'm wearing a modular helmet (I like it with glasses), textile jacket with armor, Jeans, Hiking boots, and gloves. On occaision I will omit the jacket on short hops, but usually have all the above gear. I've only been riding about a year and a half. My gear is comfortable, and has become a habit. I don't really think about it much, but I like to wear it most of the time.

Riding on the highway or on the way to work I always wear my leather jacket, engineer boots, gloves, jeans, and a full-face helmet. My jacket is 10 years old, totally broken in, and sweating in it doesn't bother me because when I was younger and trying to be part of the "metal scene" i wore it every damn day regardless. Gloves are just because my hand grips are old and feel gummy, and the boots and jeans are really just sorta comfortable every day wear. Now the full face is pure function over form. 2 factors came into play on my decision there: when I first started riding at speeds above 30 mph it would feel like my contact lenses were going to lift off my corneas. And the day I got my permit I rode home in a nasty dust storm being pelted by rain. I had wanted a brain bucket before, but I changed my mind fast after that.

HOWEVER, I tend to be kinda dumb, and if I'm just putting around my neighborhood or down to the parts store or w/e, I usually just wear a bandanna and sunglasses along with a sleeveless T, hiking boots and cargo shorts lol. I imagine not the most brilliant decision, considering how people around here drive.

I noticed that the rider's cllimate seemed to correspond to what he wore. NC wears less, Il. wears more.
Right now I wear my leather jacket to work at night, when it is uncomfortably warm, and am glad to have it when I go home at six a.m. I have a nylon mesh Joe Rocket thingy with foam pads in the elbows, shoulders, and spine, but it looks wrong on a cruiser. When it gets consistently warmer this summer I'll have to decide if I'll wear that or just my work clothes, gloves, and modular helmet. It only takes one 60 MPH locust in the face to sell you on a helmet.

I've never really been into the get so dressed up to ride that I am uncomfortable idea... But, I also do like the idea of having at least some skin if the worst should happen... So, I ride with a half shell (didn't like the feel of a full face, so I don't use one...), thinking about getting a modular for the winter on long rides, but that is it... I always ride with long pants, either jeans, thick khakis, or ****ies... I almost always have a short sleeve shirt on, and in colder months throw on a hoodie or comfortable jacket and chaps and a pair of gloves. If taken a longer ride in the summer I might throw on a hoodie only to save on sunburn. I always wear eye protection, usually cheap shades that cover well and stay on when turning my head. I ride with 8" tactical boots, most comfortable for me and I don't like burnt ankles... LOL Oh yeah, need not forget my vest with colors, always ride with that on. (Nothing funnier than a rabbi with tzitzit- the little tassels hanging out the bottom of the shirt- flopping in the wind on a motorcycle, pulling up and removing a half shell with a yarmulke underneath, and a giant Star of David on the colors)

But, I've never go ATGATT... I prefer comfort on my rides, and if the worst happens, at least most of me will have skin... But, all the riders I've ever been around are the down and dirty bikers that tend to either be or hang out with the 1% and 2% (as a friend of mine calls the support clubs who hold down real jobs too)... So... I guess that's what rubbed off on me in terms of gear...

I noticed that the rider's cllimate seemed to correspond to what he wore. NC wears less, Il. wears more. ....


It doesn't matter so much where you live. I rode to Houston last summer when it was well over 100 degrees every day, and I wore my full (mesh) gear. I DID welcome the sight of a Sonic so I could get one of those icy drinks, though. Of course I have warmer stuff for the spring and fall (and occasionally winter) when it is colder, but you won't find me out on the road without full gear no matter what the temperature. I've been riding for 10 years. The first couple years I rode sometimes with jeans and t-shirt, but since I discovered mesh riding gear, those days are over. And always a full face (or modular) helmet. The other drivers (and wildlife) don't get any smarter when it gets warm, so I need to protect myself just in case. I don't mind sweating a little.

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like a sermon!

When I first bought my baby in July 05, my wife insisted I wear a full face helmet. I also wore a great pair of gloves and a sturdy boot. That's about it. After about a year and a half I ditched the helmet once, and loved it like that so much I haven't gone back yet. Usually wear regular clothes and usually sneakers now, but always the gloves. Looking for a good pair of light-weight riding shoes with reinforced toe & heel, but haven't found one yet.

I've been toying with the idea of taking some of my light-weight baggy clothes and sewing in some protection that can be removed for washing. I find ALL the available riding gear is way too restrictive, hot and heavy, even the mesh stuff.

Been riding off and on for around 25 years now, liscenced for the last 10 and wear a helmet wherever required but here in Maine no lid. The gear goes with the time of season. Wear the lined leather jacket, jeans, sweatshirt, Yankees hat, and steeltoed boots in colder weather and lately temps being 90 to 100 riding with jean shorts, sleevless T, sneakers and LOTS of sunblock on the domb. Oh and of course the shades in all seasons. So basically the only SAFTEY gear I wear is the sun block and shades to keep bugs and crap out of my eyes. haha

I will add not yet to the responses. I do wear a mesh jacket when it gets hot, but always wear my leather chaps, full face helmet and gloves no matter what.

Usually I ride with an armored mesh jacket (summer) or thick leather jacket (the rest of the year). The latter saved my skin last October when I crashed in rush hour traffic, though I still needed 15 stitches to close the gash in my elbow caused by an impact injury (the jacket itself was lightly scuffed but not damaged). My ankle was also injured (a tendon that's still sore, but no break or wound), and I'm sure it would have fared better had I been wearing over-the-ankle boots.

However...

The last couple of days I've ridden with only full-faced helmet and gloves because it has been in the 90s and very hot/humid. It felt weird, like I was half-dressed, and a little vulnerable. But I took my chances for comfort, and tried to ride even more cautiously/conservatively than usual.

Like most sins, I'm sure there's a slippery slope at play here. You get used to riding without all the gear in the hot days, then it becomes easier to do it on the warm days... Pretty soon you're on the pavement with your skin worn to the bone.

Of course, riding a motorcycle at all is a calculated risk...

For me, depends on how hot it is.

For Fall / Winter, I wear my full-faced modular helmet. Leather gloves (with cuff), full biker leather jacket, long bdu pants, leather boots.

In the hot times, I ditch the jacket for my leather vest, and the full gauntlets for my leather fingerless gloves. Still wear the boots, pants, and helmet.

If I have to wear full armour just to "feel safe" to ride, but am so uncomfortable that I won't enjoy the ride, then either I make a trade-off...or I don't ride.

I sort of went the other way. Back when I got the Vulcan in 2002, I picked up a 3/4 helmet, some goggles, and that was the extent of my gear other than gloves.

I would always wear jeans, but on hot days did wear T-shirts. Shoes, usually my New Balance sneekers.

Now, I ALWAYS wear an armored jacket, and full face helmet. And gloves.
So that is MY (minimmum) level of comfort. Most times I do try to be ATGATT.

(I do on occasion skip the armored mesh pants and wear jeans, and I am afraid to say I still usually skip the boots for the sneekers. )

As Reactor said, it is always a calculated risk, the bad part is you are calculating your safety or your very life, but I understand the concept of comprimises. With the availability of good mesh gear out there, and taking into consideration that your torso and head are the two most important parts you need to protect, I just can not see wearing anything less than the best you can find to cover those areas.

A broken back, torn organ or smashed skull can easily kill you. A shattered leg or crushed foot likely will not, so protecting extremities is really more to avoid the months of pain resulting from damage there as opposed to protecting your life.
This to me is where one needs to draw the line, as your head is THE most important item to protect, wearing anything less than a full face helmet is to me , taking too big of a risk.
But you have to make your own desicions here and not try and poll others here to see if "it's OK" , which sounds like the intent of this thread.


KM

I sort of went the other way. Back when I got the Vulcan in 2002, I picked up a 3/4 helmet, some goggles, and that was the extent of my gear other than gloves.

I would always wear jeans, but on hot days did wear T-shirts. Shoes, usually my New Balance sneekers.

Now, I ALWAYS wear an armored jacket, and full face helmet. And gloves.
So that is MY (minimmum) level of comfort. Most times I do try to be ATGATT.

(I do on occasion skip the armored mesh pants and wear jeans, and I am afraid to say I still usually skip the boots for the sneekers. )

As Reactor said, it is always a calculated risk, the bad part is you are calculating your safety or your very life, but I understand the concept of comprimises. With the availability of good mesh gear out there, and taking into consideration that your torso and head are the two most important parts you need to protect, I just can not see wearing anything less than the best you can find to cover those areas.

A broken back, torn organ or smashed skull can easily kill you. A shattered leg or crushed foot likely will not, so protecting extremities is really more to avoid the months of pain resulting from damage there as opposed to protecting your life.
This to me is where one needs to draw the line, as your head is THE most important item to protect, wearing anything less than a full face helmet is to me , taking too big of a risk.
But you have to make your own desicions here and not try and poll others here to see if "it's OK" , which sounds like the intent of this thread.


KM

km is right in the end it is your decision. Wear what you think you need and what you are comfortable with.

Reluctantly I have stopped wearing my mesh/armored jacket for the work commute as it is just too freakin hot here in FL on the way home. Could wear it in the morning, but no way to take it home without wearing it.

Always full helmet, riding gloves, long pants.

Jon

I also went backward from the question. When I first started riding, I was wearing only a full-face helmet and forearm length gloves. I rode the bike to work, so I wore work clothes to get there.

Unfortunately, trying to grow my skin back after a 97-degree Sept. 2007 day crash (eff-ing cagers) caused me to change my philosophy. I was thankful to have the full face helmet and gloves on at the time; but now, I have also added either armored mesh jacket or armored cordura jacket (depending on temperature) and non-startrek riding boots. I still mostly wear jeans or other heavier material pants (no more dress/suit pants for me). After the crash, I have not ridden without the jacket, helmet, and gloves regardless of temperature/humidity. If it is going to be too miserable to ride with the gear, I just don't ride.

I gear pretty much always on the highway but let it slip sometimes for short runs in town. I do wear jeans - just throw knee armour on for highway runs.

When I got my bike I started with a full face helmet and gloves. Never taken the MSF class but I've been intending to. I then picked up a mesh jacket with armor, then a hand-me-down leather HD jacket with vents. The wife bought me chaps for my birthday last month. Worn them twice and only on real trips, not the commute. Always wear the jackets on the commute.

However...

The last couple of days I've ridden with only full-faced helmet and gloves because it has been in the 90s and very hot/humid. It felt weird,

Like most sins, I'm sure there's a slippery slope at play here.

Sorry, I just had a flash of some guy riding naked with a helmet & gloves. :pepper:

I'm horrible. lol

Oh, thanks for that vision!

Good thing he didn't say only with a helmet, gloves, and chaps. Hows that for a vision? lmao

Yeah, it crossed my mind too, when I wrote it. But decided to let it ride!

Sorry, I just had a flash of some guy riding naked with a helmet & gloves. :pepper:

I'm horrible. lol

I live in FL, So whenever it's blistering hot out(like right now!) I'm wearing my full face helmet, jeans and a tshirt. I think if I did wear full gear I'd be more likely to get in an accident from over heating myself. No joke.

...But you have to make your own desicions here and not try and poll others here to see if "it's OK" , which sounds like the intent of this thread. KM

wrong... <insert loud buzzer sound here>
I wasn't polling anyone for approval of any kind. Perfectly capable of making my own decisions for many years now, I was just making conversation and sharing what's happening with me. (btw - looking at your avatar I can see why you're wearing plenty-o-gear) No need to passively aggressively bust my balls KM, which sounds like the intent of your reply.

wrong... <insert loud buzzer sound here>
I wasn't polling anyone for approval of any kind. Perfectly capable of making my own decisions for many years now, I was just making conversation and sharing what's happening with me. (btw - looking at your avatar I can see why you're wearing plenty-o-gear) No need to passively aggressively bust my balls KM, which sounds like the intent of your reply.

Sorry, no offence meant, but it did seem to be a pretty loaded question:.."When did you STOP wearing your gear?"

As you may have noticed that most posts here talked about the pro's of wearing gear as opposed to the opposite, and I do admit your thread did sound to me as an attempt to find acceptance in your "new" choices...or at least for you to read that others have done the same.

Again , sorry if that was not the reason you posted this, and as I have said before, I support anyones choices in what they wish to wear or not wear for protecton while riding.

I know many that wearing ATGATT is religion and they look down on those with lowly blue jeans and 1/2 helmets and laugh at them. (And of course those in the other camp laugh at them too for looking like "Power Rangers" or whatever)

You go ahead a wear whatever you want and do not be influenced by either camp.


KM

So far I have worn my gear all the time. Its a habit i am forcing myself to continue. I have been developing my gear though...picking and choosing more comfortable things like underarmour tshirts/underwear(boxer cut so the seams to dig in when sitting), cooling vests/evapodannas/cooling neck thingys, underarmour socks, and leg straps to keep the 100+ temperature wind from blowing up my leg when i am on highway pegs. All these things are helping me stay cool and comfortable which results in my compliance with the original plan of ATGATT.

I've known this for a while, but never admitted it. I am in the minority here.

I have never worn much in the way of gear and I doubt I will. I never have worn much gear. When I started riding, I had a huge fear of bikes as my uncle was run over by a semi truck 2 different times on the same bike and he survived. Seeing what happened to him made me fear riding until I was in my early 20s. When a friend talked me into riding, it was the most free I'd ever felt and I instantly fell in love with it. I knew that I would spend the rest of my life on the back of a motorcycle.

I rarely wear a helmet. Simply because I don't like them. Full face helmets prevent me from hearing and seeing my surroundings, and half helmets or the like force me to fight the wind as the helmet acts as a sail. I bought a rain suit in my first year of riding after a road trip from Columbus Ohio to Snowshoe West Virginia where I rode in jean shorts and a wife-beater tee shirt.. in the rain the whole way.

Now, I am riding with a Motorcycle Club and I love it. Aside from boots, jeans, and my cut, I wear very little. I accept the fact that I WILL go down at some point, but as with anything in life, I'm not keeping myself from enjoying my time on this rock just for fear of "what if".

if i go on the hwy i ll throw the helment on . when it got hot out last week i rode to work with my sunglasses hat and shorts .. ( its only 2 miles) its a horrible attitude but if its my time its my time. i told my family if i get hurt let me go dont keep me plugged into a wall if it comes down to it ...

Hey man, no lectures here! I'm like you. Started out with a bunch of gear and as I got better and it got hotter out.... I started wearing moderate gear: half bucket, shades, gloves (sometimes fingerless), t-shirt (usually with skulls on it...lol), jeans and boots of some kind. I have worn tennis shoes on occasion which is odd....I don't even play tennis! I wear my leather jacket and ff helmet on cooler days.

The way I look at it....you can't wear enough gear to actually be safe on a motorcycle so why not just be comfortable? (save the lectures for the next osha meeting.....)

I've come full circle twice. When I first started riding, I was all about good gear. Riding jeans, armored jacket, gloves, FF helmet, etc. For a while I switched to wearing a mesh riding vest, BDU pants or shorts and tennies.

That started getting old between the debris leaving me with little cuts on my legs and arms, and some oh s**t moments where I woulda lost serious skin if I had gone down, I went back to full armor.

Then it got hot again, and I started being lazy on wearing my riding pants. All it took was one low side in my work pants (docker type khakis) and several layers of knee skin for me to go back.

Now I wear knee/shin armor under my lightweight pants most commute days, and always on my weekend fun rides if I don't wear my riding jeans or leathers. Crashing sucks in general, but it sucks more when you're not geared up for it. I'd hate to see what my shoulder would have looked like had I not had my jacket in my low side. As it stood, I broke my collar bone and 2 ribs, and the outside fo the jacket got shredded. Had I been wearing my vest, it woulda been my skin that got shredded a lot worse.

Stop wearing gear? Why, did the roads suddenly become safe? Are 'accidents' now planned far enough in advance to know when you won't need the gear? Is asphalt not abrasive anymore?

ATGATT. Anything else is pure denial.

I'd rather sweat than bleed any day. -Sloppy

Somebody didn't read the original thread post did they?

Somebody didn't read the original thread post did they?

Just because the OP stated :

"no need to respond unless answering the question - not looking for feedback from my mom or lectures on the evils of going gear-less" ....

does not mean we can't if we want to....;) After 36+ replies one would figure it would begin to veer off some .......as always.

KM

I am required to wear all the gear as I work on a military base. It's good in the morning and I know I'd appreciate the armor in the jacket if I went down but I just don't enjoy the ride as much without the gear. When I go out and ride on my own it's usually just the helmet, jeans etc... Got so hot the other day I rode in shorts. Felt pretty good but I'd hate to go down with bare knees. Certainly always want to be on my game out there riding and to expect the unexpected.

I just don't enjoy riding as much without safety gear. I will do the mail run in street clothes and helmet. But we're talking about a speed limit of 40 kph (25 mph) in Banff, which is no faster than a bicycle can go.

ATGATT, jacket is a ugly blinding yellow/lime impossible to miss.

only wore my helmet three times, even with permit. and once was was to take the test cause it was manditory. once was in missouri, and once was before my test so i knew how to put it on. started wearing boots recently. they feel better on the toe.
wear gloves wen it gets below 65f

I started riding w/a full face helmet & bmx gloves - hot days, shorts, cooler days jeans, always sneakers, t-shirt, hoodie, light "mechanics" jacket, or leather/ski coat - all weather dependent decisions...

I removed the face shield of the f.f. since it got too hot in the summer, and would wear sunglasses for eye-protection. Until last spring. A butterfly hit me in the face & got stuck in the hollow of the f.f., completely blocking vision in one eye.

Since then, I've been wearing a half-helmet - skid-lid, but DOT approved thing in the summer, full-face in the fall/cold weather. I'll put on a pair of Doc Marten boots in cold weather, but still wear sneakers most of the time. I have grown very fond of the reinforced jeans the wife got me for christmas - but there's no armor in them, and I've still ridden in shorts on occassion this summer...khakis when I'm riding to work.

I did buy a "motorcycle" leather jacket last fall that I now wear in the cooler weather as well, with reinforced elbow & back padding.

I have never owned a full face helmet. I take that back I had a dirt bike helmet. I ride With a half helmet, year round, DOT appproved. I have recently however, considered buying a modular helmet only for winter. I have a nice heavy leather jacket. I have leather chaps but they dont fit right and I have a problem wearing leather chaps. lol. I do however wear my snowboarding pants. They are lightwieght, waterproof and they do a great job blocking the wind. You can get them in all kinds of cool designs. Mine are black. They fit right over my pants and they roll up pretty small. I live in FL so most of the year I ride without my jacket. It is just too hot. I however, only own my VN. I do not own a 4 wheeled vehicle annd dont plan on it. I ride EVERYWHERE, rain or shine, hot or cold. I have been for 2 years now and I still love it. If you ride with or without gear, we all love to ride.

I typically only wear full gear when the temps drop into the 60's or below. I have a full-face helmet, but that's for 40's and below. I wear a half shell and goggles the majority of the time. Wear gloves all the time. Less fatigue on the hands.

FF, gloves always, armored mesh jacket 90% of the time, padded mesh riding pants 60% or just jeans, boots usually or shoes.

I though this was a thread about when you stopped wearing gear, not how much or how little you wear. Or a thread for those that are ATGATT, to scold those of us that aren't for doing so.

If you wear ATGATT, that's your choice. If you ride without ATGATT or some gear some of the time, that's your choice.

what is ATGATT? I am MSF trained, and i Usuallly have Jeans, Columbia Hiking boots, leather gloves, full face helmet, and a leather jacket. My other question is, what is a good "summer" jacket that will still breath? but wont break my wallet...and what do you reccommend for pants?

ATGATT = All The Gear All The Time

I had a strange feeling it was that!! lol

Mesh pants and jacket for summertime. Lighter colors won't be as hot as black gear when you're stopped.

I haven't had to deal with summer yet... I have no idea what I'm gonna do when summer gets here... maybe start using public transportation lol.

It gets up to and above 120 degrees, very dry.

All I can hope is that I get a job very soon and I can save up enough for a beater car to get me through summer.

Maybe I can make an A/C riding suit? lol

N.A.S.A has some Air conditioned suits i believe... cools to 2,000+!!! that'll work!

That will work indeed... just gotta become a multibillionaire and see if I can afford one.

The two most important pieces of protection I have as a rider will never be omitted. That is life and disability insurance. Not for me, but for my family.
Beyond that, I started with clod bustin' boots, jeans, leather jacket, full face helmet, and leather gloves. I rode that way for three years. No riding for 12 years. Now, I ride with clod buster boots, jeans, canvas jacket, half face skid shield helmet, and no gloves. I think I will get a set of light weight gloves.

I guess I would have to answer like someone else did - not yet.

My typical gear consists of full face helmet, textile jacket with armored elbows/shoulders and back pad, gloves and boots. About the only thing I don't really wear riding specific is pants - typically those are just blue jeans or my work pants. If just riding the surface streets, I will sometimes go 'sans gloves', but always wear them on the freeways.

In the summertime here, I still wear all of the same gear - the only exception being that I have a much lighter, cooler mesh jacket, but it still has the armor.

I guess I have worn my gear for so long that I feel much more comfortable with it than I do with without it.


AZ Kev

In my case I guess it should read "When did you start" I got my first bike in 82 and never owned any riding gear (except a helmet) Hell, I didn't even have a MC/DL until 92 or 93..
Now that I'm a little older and wiser this time around, I bought a heavy leather jacket and I'm looking for another one I can use in the summer. I also bought boots and now thinking about a pair of chaps.

Over the past 30 years I have lost a few buds and a few others got hurt bad.. Most of the time it was the fault of the rider by going to fast, improper passing, or just plan stupidity.. PLEASE, Ride safe and stay in control so you can enjoy many more years on two wheels.

I am required to wear all the gear as I work on a military base. It's good in the morning and I know I'd appreciate the armor in the jacket if I went down but I just don't enjoy the ride as much without the gear. When I go out and ride on my own it's usually just the helmet, jeans etc... Got so hot the other day I rode in shorts. Felt pretty good but I'd hate to go down with bare knees. Certainly always want to be on my game out there riding and to expect the unexpected.

I wore a bucket for awhile when there was a law that said so. But, you mention the Base. I used to tick off the sentry's all the time with my chopper in the 70's. I found a way in around a gate that was untended. Then I'd deliberately leave through the front gate! No front fender. no mufflers. No helmet!
I'm in agreement w/Flaco as to principle. Always where jeans and leather shoes/boots. Helmet on freeways though! Too crazy there even for me!

Helmet on freeways though! Too crazy there even for me!

You are 80% more likely to go down on local roads then on a highway. Saving your helmet just for highway use is thus a bit pointless. Wear it ALL the time or never....you can not pick where or when you have an accident.... But you are more likely to get nailed at an intersection in your neighborhood.

KM

X2

Been in two accidents, one was a lay down on the freeway at 60 mph, completely my own dumbass fault when I was only riding 2 weeks. Slid on my a$$ and hands for bout 150 feet before coming to a stop, glad I was wearing jeans and leather gloves.

The other was on a local road 1/4 mile from my house. I was only going 30 mph and it was a left turn in front of me kinda accident where neither me nor driver of the car could see the other one. I did a superman flight right over the trunk of his car and kinda plopped/rolled when I hit the pavement. Sure glad I was wearing Full Face, Leather jacket & gloves, jeans, and steel toe boots.

I walked away from both of those with nothing more than a bruise or mild sprain, thank god.

Needless to say, from my experience I won't get on a bike with less than full gear. My life (and skin) is just way to important to me.

Just my 2 cents

I took a slide on the last day of last season after four hours of nice riding and only a few miles from my home. As it was late in the season, I had on several layers of just plain old stuff. I was still recovering from the initial $$ outlay for my first bike and only had a full helmet as proper gear. I survived the road rash after several weeks of healing but did invest in proper boots, a jacket with removable armor, and chaps over the winter. (Thank you Santa) I feel that I had my fair warning and my ususal riding buddy also reminded me why he has been without his leg from age eighteen to now (sixty). He never preaches about such important matters but does strongly suggest and now I listen much better. I rather be a little warm and enjoying the scenery than the other option. It took me a long time to start riding but I am not going to give it up any time soon. When I am on the bike my gear is on me.

When I first started riding again I wore tennis shoes. Then my wife told me I looked stupid wearing tennis shoes and I should go get some boots, so I did. I wear the boots pretty much all the time now, even when I'm not riding. I wear blue jeans, and if it's cool I wear insulated underwear and if it is cold I wear insulated, goretex, armored riding pants too, to stay warm. I always wear a tee shirt, and if it isn't hot, I'll wear another shirt on top of that, and if it's cold I'll wear that and a heated jacket and if it's really cold all of the above and a heavy insulated body armored riding jacket. If it's hot I don't wear gloves, or maybe gloves with no fingers. If it's cold I wear insulated gloves. If it's really cold I wear heated gloves. If it's hot, I wear a skull cap. If it's not hot, I wear a 3/4 helmet with a face shield. If it's cold I wear a full faced snowmobile helmet, dot approved of course officer. Been down, slid a long way, lived to tell about it. I say, wear what you want to.:)

Since I am a newbie to riding, ATGATT.

Since I am a newbie to riding, ATGATT.

I'm 55 and been riding since I was a about 16. When it's hot, I wear armored mesh pants and an armored mesh jacket. When it is cooler I wear heavier armored pants and jackets. I ALLWAYS wear leather gloves... With covered fingers....always a full face helmet. Leather shoes or boots.

I started out riding with less gear, but now am pretty much an all the time guy.

However.... As said.... Wear what you want.

KM

KM I thought you were younger... you're freakin old man!! lol In about 30 years I'll be saying... wow, that KM guy was freakin young! hahaha.

KM I thought you were younger... you're freakin old man!! lol In about 30 years I'll be saying... wow, that KM guy was freakin young! hahaha.

80 is freaking old. 55 is just...old.

The advantage of course is old fks are "wise"... But I've forgotton more crap than most young men know...;)


KM

80 is freaking old. 55 is just...old.

The advantage of course is old fks are "wise"... But I've forgotton more crap than most young men know...;)


KM

lol yea, I was just kidding around... I did think you were something like 30 though, I dunno why.

I do enjoy having a conversation with people older than me... you can learn a lot if you just listen. It's also usually a much more entertaining and substantial conversation than with people my age or younger.

I am required to wear all the gear as I work on a military base. It's good in the morning and I know I'd appreciate the armor in the jacket if I went down but I just don't enjoy the ride as much without the gear. When I go out and ride on my own it's usually just the helmet, jeans etc... Got so hot the other day I rode in shorts. Felt pretty good but I'd hate to go down with bare knees. Certainly always want to be on my game out there riding and to expect the unexpected.

one good live wasp too close the cahones:wow: makes shorts a very last option now!

80 is freaking old. 55 is just...old.

The advantage of course is old fks are "wise"... But I've forgotton more crap than most young men know...;)


KM

Isn't 55 the new 40?:smiley_th

You are 80% more likely to go down on local roads then on a highway. Saving your helmet just for highway use is thus a bit pointless. Wear it ALL the time or never....you can not pick where or when you have an accident.... But you are more likely to get nailed at an intersection in your neighborhood.

KM

After about 25 all that bucket does is keep the mess contained.(NHTSA) Where it on the hiway cause I can't hear after stopping if I don't.
Just sayin

I've only wear a leather jacket and a helmet. I know I should use more, but I don't ride enough for it to be financially possible. Being a poor college kid is a large chunk of it too.

Fortunately, cold weather has passed for us. So now I ride in boots, overalls, fingerless gloves, bright colored shirt depending on the weather about the sleeves, and a 1/2 helmet with the 1/2 shield. Of Course I live in the country so that cuts down the accidents by, say, a smiggit. If I was in or near a city of any size I would be dressed in Styrofoam or bubblewrap. With the humidity here in Bama, in another month you will pass out if you are wearing to many layers. And yes, I did survive a crash when I was younger. 65 mph and a 160ft jump off a hill side does hurt when the bike lands on top of you.:loser1: Lessons learn, street bikes are safer for me. In those days if Evil Knievel could do it..............Lets just say that sh!t Hurts!

Fortunately, cold weather has passed for us. So now I ride in boots, overalls, fingerless gloves, bright colored shirt depending on the weather about the sleeves, and a 1/2 helmet with the 1/2 shield. Of Course I live in the country so that cuts down the accidents by, say, a smiggit. If I was in or near a city of any size I would be dressed in Styrofoam or bubblewrap. With the humidity here in Bama, in another month you will pass out if you are wearing to many layers. And yes, I did survive a crash when I was younger. 65 mph and a 160ft jump off a hill side does hurt when the bike lands on top of you.:loser1: Lessons learn, street bikes are safer for me. In those days if Evil Knievel could do it..............Lets just say that sh!t Hurts!

Man it was rough in Birmingham today with full gear.

:wow:

I got rear ended 6 times in 10 years in Jefferson co. Ain't about to ride a motorcycle in that county no matter what I'm wearing. 5 times in the same truck: state issued tag number 52AC911 52 my county, AC my initials backward, 911.....cops laughed at that!

This is totally off the topic, but seeing that the 2 of you are from AL, I hope you and yours are all OK after the horrible storms out there. My prayers go out to everyone affected.

AZ Kev

X2 here!

AGAT. that's all i got to say about that. :doh:

To be honest,i have never figured out the point of this post,It was a loaded question to begin with and what was the point ? I could understand "how much gear do you wear?" a lot better.

The way the question is worded it makes an assumption,that everyone starts out with all the gear and at some point becomes lax in doing so.

So I'll attempt to answer as honestly as I know how.Back when I started a open face helmet,gloves and boots and you were pretty well equipped,I actually wear a lot more now than I used to,Most of the time,FF some times half helmet sometimes and no helmet some times,usually one of three jackets,A heavy denim that has been with me for years,a textile with armor and a leather jacket with soft armor.I am thinking about a pair of leather overpants ,I do have a gore-tex pair for windy /rainy days but usually just jeans.Almost always full fingered leather gloves one pair perforated for summer, another not, but they have good knuckle armor in them and are quickly becoming my favorites.

who knows what i'll be wearing at any time,there is no rhyme or reason.

I hope some one feels superior to me because of my choices,I do what I can to make others feel better,even if I don't always take care of myself as well as I should.;)

I wear a leather jacket (a little big for the air flow) but I put on one of my 2 oversize Red Wings jerseys over the leather. I've got a white home Yzerman, and it's amazing how much sunshine/heat it reflects; so I wear that one when it's hot/sunny. The other one is red (Osgood) for all the other times. I figure since I'm a pretty sane rider (usually) that it's a good thing that the cops know who I am by these shirts. Plus the visibility seems to be good; no one's come close to rear-ending me at a stoplight in 10 years.

I wear pants, Leather jacket (when its cool) or a wind breaker, Skid Lid 1/2 helm, jeans, cheap yellow uv glasses (i know they dont look good but with my work i ride alot at night and they seem to help) and my steel toe work boots .. believe it or not thats alot more than most around here wear, I used to work for ODOT (Oklahoma Department Of Transpertation) Hiway division and ive seen what happens when u dont wear a helm. I dont mean to lecture but every rider should see what happens to a skull at 60mph with no helm. i hope you all have a great time this season and be safe .... with or without your ATGATT ! :D just an fyi ive been down twice 1st time was an 18 wheeler that decided to change lanes in the hiway w/o a signal .. that hurt i hit a fence end post/tightner ... broke 4 ribs an elbow and leg ... no armor was gunna help me there .. second was a rearender from some dumb chick texting in her suv .. i was so mad at her i diddnt even feel the cracked collerbone .... if god calls you home you cant put it on hold ... be safe no matter what you wear .. remember you may be the safest driver in the world but the other guy is a teenager in a hummer with his music up loud and no glasses cuz he thinks it makes him look nerdy... ride .. love .. die .. just not all in the same day

I wear pants, Leather jacket (when its cool) or a wind breaker, Skid Lid 1/2 helm, jeans, cheap yellow uv glasses (i know they dont look good but with my work i ride alot at night and they seem to help) and my steel toe work boots .. believe it or not thats alot more than most around here wear, I used to work for ODOT (Oklahoma Department Of Transpertation) Hiway division and ive seen what happens when u dont wear a helm. I dont mean to lecture but every rider should see what happens to a skull at 60mph with no helm. i hope you all have a great time this season and be safe .... with or without your ATGATT ! :D just an fyi ive been down twice 1st time was an 18 wheeler that decided to change lanes in the hiway w/o a signal .. that hurt i hit a fence end post/tightner ... broke 4 ribs an elbow and leg ... no armor was gunna help me there .. second was a rearender from some dumb chick texting in her suv .. i was so mad at her i diddnt even feel the cracked collerbone .... if god calls you home you cant put it on hold ... be safe no matter what you wear .. remember you may be the safest driver in the world but the other guy is a teenager in a hummer with his music up loud and no glasses cuz he thinks it makes him look nerdy... ride .. love .. die .. just not all in the same day

Well said.
:smiley_th

Always wearing at least a full or half helmet. Most of the time my leather jacket. I have 3 different thicknesses so I can wear one no matter what the climate. Sometimes boots, sometimes sneakers.

I guess the only real answer to this threads question from me or maybe others other than me would be one of these:

So when did you stop wearing your gear?


1.Many times within seconds of pulling my bike into the garage. Seems on a hot day I start peeling off my gear the second I lean it over on the side stand. Most times I wait until I get inside.


2.After I crashed and the paramedics wanted to cut it off. I said I am not hurt that bad .. let me get that.

3.When I realized I was imortal and indestructable like Superman.


4.When I desided that I just don't care if I get hurt bad or die, I just want to do what I want and not have others getting on my case for desicisions I have made that only effect my life.




I think that covers the whole gambit here. time to put this silly thread to bed...;)

KM