Wear. Your. Gear.

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by cooltimbers

Please estimate the speed of this accident. I also have textile gear, and I am concerned.

Thanks in advance.

Don't be.

There have been multiple reports of people having lowsided at highway speed with many types of textile gear and had very minimal injury. You're not going 100+ like guys at a race track (at least I hope not). Those guys wear leather because they'll slide much further, faster and risk getting hit by another bike going 100+.

This accident was an impact incident, not a speed incident. His injuries would not have been lessened by leather which contains the same armour. His gear did what it was supposed to, but gear can't account for every circumstance, like flying up over a curb and having your passenger land on you.

Remember: textile gear will look like crap after a wreck not because it didn't do its job, but because it did.

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by CTRider

Don't be.

There have been multiple reports of people having lowsided at highway speed with many types of textile gear and had very minimal injury. You're not going 100+ like guys at a race track (at least I hope not). Those guys wear leather because they'll slide much further, faster and risk getting hit by another bike going 100+.

This accident was an impact incident, not a speed incident. His injuries would not have been lessened by leather which contains the same armour. His gear did what it was supposed to, but gear can't account for every circumstance, like flying up over a curb and having your passenger land on you.

Remember: textile gear will look like crap after a wreck not because it didn't do its job, but because it did.

Very true.

My reason for getting leather has changed: if I lowside, I want the gear to survive. I want to be able to wear the gear again after an accident.

Now, that said, I will say one thing I don't like about textiles period: in the event of flame or high heat from friction, textiles will melt, and anything melted to the skin isn't a good thing.

However, even leather gear has a textile liner, and if it catches on fire, it will not be pleasant. However, with a leather outer shell, I feel that there will be a decreased chance of the inner liner melting because of the heat of friction. The heat of the asphalt won't damage the gear. The heat from friction, caused by sliding on asphalt, will melt the textile. I counted a few spots on my jacket that had melted from the sliding on the concrete.

However, my circumstance was different. I was carrying an extra 180 lbs of rider & gear on my back. If I hadn't been carrying the passenger, then I would have fared much better, and probably would be wearing the same textile gear still.

No gear is perfect. As I admitted several posts back, no leather gear will prevent broken bones (CTRider, I like how you conveniently missed me admitting that a few times, and still you think I believe leather gear will prevent broken bones, even though I don't believe that), but leather will not melt because of friction or flame.

I wear leather gear now so that the gear won't melt due to friction or in the rare event that I have a tank rupture, which could happen.

Gear is gear, wear what you want. I have exercised my ability to choose leather over textile, because I feel better knowing it affords me a slightly better level of protection above textile.

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by ozyran440

No gear is perfect. As I admitted several posts back, no leather gear will prevent broken bones (CTRider, I like how you conveniently missed me admitting that a few times, and still you think I believe leather gear will prevent broken bones, even though I don't believe that), but leather will not melt because of friction or flame.

No, I didn't miss it.

I was just pointing out to the other poster that your particular circumstance is not a reason why someone shouldn't wear textile gear. He was worried it wouldn't protect him and I was letting him know that your particular incident would have been the same no matter what type of riding gear you were wearing.

BTW: I have yet to hear of any fire incident involving a bike that wasn't already a fatality. Fuel leaks, certainly, but I have yet to hear of a rider catching fire that wasn't already dead on impact. Also, while the out layer of textile jackets can melt from friction, I've never heard of it melting to the skin. Under extreme conditions, it has worn through and resulted in some road rash, but most people have found the protection to be quite adequate during a wreck.

However, if leather makes you feel more comfortable, you should wear leather. You shouldn't be worried about your gear when you're riding. One advantage leather does have is a consistant contact zone: shifting of a sleeve won't result in landing on non-reenforced parts which can cause premature failure of the garment. You really do have to have a proper fit with textile jackets to keep the elbow and shoulder surfaces in place during a slide.

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by CTRider

BTW: I have yet to hear of any fire incident involving a bike that wasn't already a fatality. Fuel leaks, certainly, but I have yet to hear of a rider catching fire that wasn't already dead on impact. Also, while the out layer of textile jackets can melt from friction, I've never heard of it melting to the skin. Under extreme conditions, it has worn through and resulted in some road rash, but most people have found the protection to be quite adequate during a wreck.

Dude, you gotta go to ADVRider sometime and check out their "face plant" section: Face plant - ADVrider. Lotsa stuff there regarding bike accidents.

ADVRider is where I learned about the problems the early F650GS has with the front forks - as in, the front forks on quite a few bikes have spontaneously catastrophically failed, but the mileage varied for each rider. on the F650GS forum I found out that one rider had a catastrophic failure of his front forks at only 5,000 miles.

Anyways, I don't remember exactly where I came across the thread, but a rider did a lowside and his bike actually caught on fire, and he lived to tell about it.

[lilredridingliz]

Ozy, this is the first time I have read this.

Besides wearing the gear, the other thing that stood out to me about your story is that you let the bike go.

I have heard stories of more serious injuries due to people continuing to hold onto their bikes, instead of trying to get as far away as possible. The bike can be fixed or replaced: the human body can't, necessarily, depending on the extent of injuries.

I'm glad you had a relatively "good" outcome. Have you now also given your wife the pointer to stick to you like velcro, especially around corners?

Safe riding!

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by lilredridingliz

Ozy, this is the first time I have read this.

Besides wearing the gear, the other thing that stood out to me about your story is that you let the bike go.

I have heard stories of more serious injuries due to people continuing to hold onto their bikes, instead of trying to get as far away as possible. The bike can be fixed or replaced: the human body can't, necessarily, depending on the extent of injuries.

I'm glad you had a relatively "good" outcome. Have you now also given your wife the pointer to stick to you like velcro, especially around corners?

Safe riding!

Thank you!

The "velcro" discussion will take place down the line when we start riding tandem once more - I'm taking time to really familiarize myself with the bike so that I can really learn how to control the Versys.

I don't know why, but I really thought it a good idea to distance myself from the bike when I went down. It just...happened. Hopefully there's no next time, but if there is, I hope to remember the same thing - let go of the bike if I go down.

[Naptown Pete]

How are your hands?
Those gloves look like they went through the shredder.
I'm buying a good pair of gloves for my next gear investment.
Thanks for sharing.
Godspeed!

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by Naptown Pete

How are your hands?
Those gloves look like they went through the shredder.
I'm buying a good pair of gloves for my next gear investment.
Thanks for sharing.
Godspeed!

Thanks for reading the thread! My hands came through with only a tiny scrape - incredible, considering that my left hand was pinned under the combined weight of my wife and I as we were sliding about 20 mph for 20 or so yards. Believe me, if I hadn't been wearing the gear it would have been extensive trauma care and skin grafts galore. To this day I am thankful I was wearing the gear.

My wife came through with a bruised knee and a little shaken - amazingly - shockingly is more like it - she still enjoys riding with me.


And in spite of what I said earlier in the thread, I have since calmed down about the gear. Considering what it went through, the textile gear did an amazing job, and I owe my skin and my life to the jacket and pants I wore that day.

[arceeguy]

I know this is an old thread, but thanks for sharing your story. Last week, I bought a Shift Dyer Hybrid jacket and a full face helmet. (I had a 3/4 helmet) The jacket has both leather and textile, and the dealer gave me a good deal. $250 for the jacket and fulmer helmet. Not too shabby. Next is a couple of pairs of draggin' jeans and I think I'm adequately prepared for the street.

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by arceeguy

I know this is an old thread, but thanks for sharing your story. Last week, I bought a Shift Dyer Hybrid jacket and a full face helmet. (I had a 3/4 helmet) The jacket has both leather and textile, and the dealer gave me a good deal. $250 for the jacket and fulmer helmet. Not too shabby. Next is a couple of pairs of draggin' jeans and I think I'm adequately prepared for the street.

First, thanks for reading the thread. It's good to know people notice the thread

Sounds like you got an excellent deal for the jacket and helmet combo! I don't know much about Fulmer but I'm guessing they're a quality brand.

I use kevlar-lined jeans as well for my local commuting. They're not as protective as the overpants I was wearing, but I also wear a set of knee protectors under my jeans for a somewhat better level of protection. If the creator of the Draggin' Jeans can sit on his butt and slide for quite some distance and still not get road rash, then I imagine they're great jeans for protection.

[OrlandoArbie]

Glad you're OK, Donnie. Great testimony to God's providence in your life also.!

[sunschild57]

Wow, I need to go out and buy more gear. I flipped over my bike, landed on my back (skidded and lost some skin-no gear), some how rolled and ended up on my stomach and the next thing I knew, the bike was coming right at me. The bike landed on my back and bounced off. It landed on some grass. The only thing I had on was a full face helmet which i'm convinced saved my brain. I ended up with a couple of fractured ribs and missing skin on my arms, back and rear end. My hubby is convinced that the bike bounced because most of it landed on my rear end ha ha.

I'm going to buy the overpants and protective jeans. I already have a riding jacket and I think I might buy a leather one too. Glad I happened onto this thread!

Ozyran440, were you stationed at NAS Atlanta? I work on the Dobbins side of the field. I sure miss you guys. MAG 42 is still here, that's it.

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by sunschild57

Wow, I need to go out and buy more gear. I flipped over my bike, landed on my back (skidded and lost some skin-no gear), some how rolled and ended up on my stomach and the next thing I knew, the bike was coming right at me. The bike landed on my back and bounced off. It landed on some grass. The only thing I had on was a full face helmet which i'm convinced saved my brain. I ended up with a couple of fractured ribs and missing skin on my arms, back and rear end. My hubby is convinced that the bike bounced because most of it landed on my rear end ha ha.

I'm going to buy the overpants and protective jeans. I already have a riding jacket and I think I might buy a leather one too. Glad I happened onto this thread!

Ozyran440, were you stationed at NAS Atlanta? I work on the Dobbins side of the field. I sure miss you guys. MAG 42 is still here, that's it.

Sorry to hear about your accident! I hope you recover quickly and get back on the bike soon

As for NAS, nope, not stationed there. I'm actually down at Auburn University going through a commissioning program to transition from enlisted to officer (Lord willing!). Chelsea and I were visiting her family the day of the accident - we rode up on the bike and rode in the MIL's car on the way down. Not fun.

Anyways, I hope you get up and riding again soon! Thanks for reading the thread.

Originally Posted by OrlandoArbie

Glad you're OK, Donnie. Great testimony to God's providence in your life also.!

Thank you on both counts

[kopcicle]

Originally Posted by ozyran440

Sorry to hear about your accident! I hope you recover quickly and get back on the bike soon

As for NAS, nope, not stationed there. I'm actually down at Auburn University going through a commissioning program to transition from enlisted to officer (Lord willing!). Chelsea and I were visiting her family the day of the accident - we rode up on the bike and rode in the MIL's car on the way down. Not fun.

Anyways, I hope you get up and riding again soon! Thanks for reading the thread.



Thank you on both counts

Donnie I refuse to salute till you reach 10,000 posts

I may have mentioned that I use two sets of leather . In winter I use leather pants and chaps with a slightly larger jacket that has armor retrofitted into it and still allows room for a wool sweater . In summer I have a lighter jacket and use a smaller set of chaps . The gloves are gauntlet with liners I can take in and out . I have helmets from DOT beanie to full face Simpson kevlar . I've had two long slides at speed that resulted in more damage to the bike than myself on the street . On a flat track or closed course pavement track the worst I've had is friction burns and sprains . The two worst I've had were a high side into a van spread eagle at 45ish when I was in my teens and an ill advised pre delivery test ride of a customer repair in a parking lot that nearly killed me in '85.

My choice in gear evolved over 30+ years of riding and I'll admit to looking at textile gear with some disdain just because I'm a dinosaur .
I'm glad this thread got the attention it deserves . We all need to teach what we learn . Never more important than when attempting to stay alive to ride another day .

~kop

[insolentminx]

Originally Posted by arceeguy

I know this is an old thread, but thanks for sharing your story. Last week, I bought a Shift Dyer Hybrid jacket and a full face helmet. (I had a 3/4 helmet) The jacket has both leather and textile, and the dealer gave me a good deal. $250 for the jacket and fulmer helmet. Not too shabby. Next is a couple of pairs of draggin' jeans and I think I'm adequately prepared for the street.

i popped back after Dennis linked to his message above.
C'mon Donnie, hurry up with your 10,000 posts!!

But to Arceeguy, i'd consider looking at Hood Jeans. Hood Jeans.co.uk
They're made in the UK (Draggin are Aussie) but Hood Jeans have a lot more kevlar coverage than Draggin's for a lower price (over here)
Pretty much all of the inside of the Hood jeans are kevlar until you get to mid-shin height... and from there, most riding boots will offer the rest of the protection.

If i recall, Draggin just cover your butt and your front thighs.

I love my textile and kevlar gear for my cruiser, but am looking at getting a full set of leathers now too as i'm considering buying a sportsbike.

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by kopcicle

Donnie I refuse to salute till you reach 10,000 posts
I'm working on it, I'm working on it! Still though, you outrank me, so you're not supposed to salute me anyways

I may have mentioned that I use two sets of leather . In winter I use leather pants and chaps with a slightly larger jacket that has armor retrofitted into it and still allows room for a wool sweater . In summer I have a lighter jacket and use a smaller set of chaps . The gloves are gauntlet with liners I can take in and out . I have helmets from DOT beanie to full face Simpson kevlar . I've had two long slides at speed that resulted in more damage to the bike than myself on the street . On a flat track or closed course pavement track the worst I've had is friction burns and sprains . The two worst I've had were a high side into a van spread eagle at 45ish when I was in my teens and an ill advised pre delivery test ride of a customer repair in a parking lot that nearly killed me in '85.

My choice in gear evolved over 30+ years of riding and I'll admit to looking at textile gear with some disdain just because I'm a dinosaur .
I'm glad this thread got the attention it deserves . We all need to teach what we learn . Never more important than when attempting to stay alive to ride another day .

~kop

I agree, I think we all have a great wealth of knowledge to share with our combined experiences. It's great to see so many people detailing their experiences - I've learned (as well as reinforced) my own beliefs reading other people's experiences.

Originally Posted by insolentminx

i popped back after Dennis linked to his message above.
C'mon Donnie, hurry up with your 10,000 posts!!

I'm working on it

But to Arceeguy, i'd consider looking at Hood Jeans. Hood Jeans.co.uk
They're made in the UK (Draggin are Aussie) but Hood Jeans have a lot more kevlar coverage than Draggin's for a lower price (over here)
Pretty much all of the inside of the Hood jeans are kevlar until you get to mid-shin height... and from there, most riding boots will offer the rest of the protection.

If i recall, Draggin just cover your butt and your front thighs.

I love my textile and kevlar gear for my cruiser, but am looking at getting a full set of leathers now too as i'm considering buying a sportsbike.

Draggin' also makes a kevlar liner, but the thing runs $150.00. Admittedly, that's probably well worth the road rash protection, but you're still left trying to find some type of armor to protect the knees.

Leather is good and I partly wonder how leather would have fared in the crash. Maybe better, maybe not. There was a great deal of force in the slide so who knows?

Any gear is better than no gear.

[insolentminx]

Originally Posted by ozyran440

Draggin' also makes a kevlar liner, but the thing runs $150.00. Admittedly, that's probably well worth the road rash protection, but you're still left trying to find some type of armor to protect the knees.

geez, for that price on top of the jeans themselves you may as well get the Hood Jeans.

they have full kevlar lining as standard and velcro in place which takes the Knox knee and hip armour they sell at a good price.

they also make kevlar lining pants and shirt which means you can have kevlar protection under whatever clothes you choose to ride in. (not thick enough to be bulletproof though )

[ozyran440]

Originally Posted by insolentminx

geez, for that price on top of the jeans themselves you may as well get the Hood Jeans.

they have full kevlar lining as standard and velcro in place which takes the Knox knee and hip armour they sell at a good price.

they also make kevlar lining pants and shirt which means you can have kevlar protection under whatever clothes you choose to ride in. (not thick enough to be bulletproof though )

Drat! I wanted to put all that gear on and charge a machine gun nest!

Seriously, though, those Hood Jeans sounds pretty impressive. The only thing I change when I'm wearing my kevlar jeans is the armor - I wear a combination knee and shin guard that fits pretty well under the jeans.

[chronicent]

Damn.. Thats a hard hit... few years back i used to drive without a helmet but after a major accident i always wear it when i ride a bike, no helmet no bike riding now

[arceeguy]

Originally Posted by insolentminx

......But to Arceeguy, i'd consider looking at Hood Jeans. Hood Jeans.co.uk
They're made in the UK (Draggin are Aussie) but Hood Jeans have a lot more kevlar coverage than Draggin's for a lower price (over here)
Pretty much all of the inside of the Hood jeans are kevlar until you get to mid-shin height... and from there, most riding boots will offer the rest of the protection.

If i recall, Draggin just cover your butt and your front thighs.

I love my textile and kevlar gear for my cruiser, but am looking at getting a full set of leathers now too as i'm considering buying a sportsbike.

Thanks for the link to Hood Jeans! I didn't know there was a similar (and superior) product out there!