All the underdressed bikers out again

[metalangel]

I've seen way too many SQUIDs (it can mean many things, but I guess it's Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Imminently Dead) in the last week or two - guys on nice sports bikes but wearing just a t-shirt and jeans or t-shirt and shorts or whatever. Some are even in sandals, which must hurt when shifting gear!

Yeah, it's hot, but losing your skin isn't going to cool you down either!

Anyone know what posesses someone to be so careless?

:sunny:

[gruntygiggles]

Have a look through IB and you'll find a few threads that have gone into this in the last few details, but, I for one am an, "always wear your ferkin leathers" person!

[TC3]

People have the right to do what they want and take the risks they want in my opinion.

[Tara]

its their choice i guess but it does make me cringe when i see it knowing the damage falc did in his gear at very low speed

[skeetly]

Down the path of sensible but restrictive laws lies a bus ride...............

[Jayneflakes]

I always ride naked. Luckily though I am bullet proof and thus safe from accidents! :thumbsup:

My Psychiatrist worries when I tell him these things, can't imagine why... :nomore:

Took my bike out today, was boiling in my gear before I got going, but at sixty MPH, that wind is lovely and cooling and I am aware that if the worst happens, I will be better protected than the folks in shorts and a T-shirt. Also if I did not wear proper gear Carol would give me a talking too about making her worry. :smt021

[Samurai Penguin]

Personal choice. If people want to ride wearing flip flops and a tee shirt then so be it.

[gruntygiggles]

People have the right to do what they want and take the risks they want in my opinion.

They do, but they make the job of the people then looking after them a lot harder.
It just makes me cringe so so much and I really do hate seeing pillions on in vests and flip flops as well.

Each to his own I guess though!

[Bri w]

I hate it when someone tells me i can't do x,y,z but it's the numptys with the wrong gear who boost our insurance premiums and we end up with new laws that .......:mad:

Breathe in 2,3 hold and relax:cheers:

I can see flowers, in a meadow....

Seriously, wear the gear

[Bluepete]

I went to a single bike bump, the lad had come off due to a complete lack of talent. He didn't care about the GSXR-750 (which was fubar), he was more bothered by the fact that he had just scrubbed £800 worth of tattoos off on the tarmac.

Skin grafts and scuffed tattoos - now there's a look to impress the girls...

Pete

[madness]

Personal choice. If people want to ride wearing flip flops and a tee shirt then so be it.

I personally don't agree with that statement. Who has to pick up the tab for all the hospital care and the numerous skin grafts that must be required. The tax payer. Plus there's always a shortage of hospital beds for people who have no choice about being there.

I'd sooner roast in my leathers than lose the tiniest bit of skin/flesh to the tarmac.

[Magnum]

If it only round the corner i dont think its much of a problem. I went to the shops in just shorts and a hoody, and absolutely loved it. But for any longer distance or faster roads i wouldnt even think of doing it.

[instigator]

Whinge, whinge, whinge.

I went out in t shirt, shorts and trainers on my firestorm in London yesterday for a few hours.

It was 'kin' ace.

I personally don't agree with that statement. Who has to pick up the tab for all the hospital care and the numerous skin grafts that must be required. The tax payer.

Well let's just say I'm perhaps taking my share of my state pension earlier than planned because by the time I'm 70, they'll have upped retirement age to 70 easily. :P

[urbane1]

If it wasn't for these guys organ transplant operation numbers would plummet

[captainsmelly]

I cant afford leathers so I am currently wearing full winter textiles! In black with a black lid on a black bike. I swear I'm radiating so much heat this heatwave is all down to me..
But I'd rather be a boil in the bag fish then a grated squid

[Swin]

I saw two lads tonight on the way home, both in shirts and trousers, with flip-flop type sandals, both riding R1's I think - the silly thing was the first guy was giving it all the "weavy-snakey warm up tyres like I'm in a moto gp race" routine - this was in the Blackfriars underpass...
I suppose if you want to ride with the minimum level of protective clothing, then do so and be mindful of what's going to happen should you fall off - doing GP stylee tricks and stuff isn't really adding to the safety experience in my book!

[Milky Bar Kid]

Personal choice. If people want to ride wearing flip flops and a tee shirt then so be it.

Yeah yeah, all well and good and if you ride like than and hurt yourself, then "nae luck" but, what about us nice people who have the job of scraping the idiots up and informing the families?

[simesb]

Yeah yeah, all well and good and if you ride like than and hurt yourself, then "nae luck" but, what about us nice people who have the job of scraping the idiots up and informing the families?

Maybe people should stop commiting crime so you nice people don't have to arrest them? Seriously, it's their choice - I don't agree with it, but still their choice.

[dizzyblonde]

at weekend going up to the GMII, think on the M74, five SVs not slow in the least, loaded up, full gear, fair bit of traffic...........

........anddddddd woooooossssshh, weaving in and out at a gaziiilllion MPH was a gixxer or a CBRRRRR or something, tshirt flapping, jeans,and trainers.

The first thing that cropped up in my head, apart from WTF as it went from left to right in amongst us was...'I hope he falls off and injures himself'.
Seriously, its what I thought as A) he was riding irratically with no care and attention to other road users B) wrong gear to be doing speeds like that in.

Bleddy eeejit

[Jamiebridges123]

Tbh I think everyone's just feeding their own anger.

Just let them get on with it, I say. It affects no-one else other than themselves and otherwise just leave them to crash and hurt themselves more.

[gruntygiggles]

Tbh I think everyone's just feeding their own anger.

Just let them get on with it, I say. It affects no-one else other than themselves and otherwise just leave them to crash and hurt themselves more.

That's where you're wrong though. It does affect other people. SOme poor person that first on the scene of an accident where one of these bikers has come off and has to look at half a leg and arm spread up the road......that's affected someone else. It affects the hospitals, it affects insurance...so on and so on.

Liek i've said before, I do agree each to his own as we can't be a nanny state, but noone can say that it only affects that person when he/she comes off.....it doesn't!

[sauluk]

I have only done it a couple of times to put petrol in the tank at the station 200m down the road but am generally against it.

I've just come back from Italy however and they really don't give a toss, I was in the south of Emilia Romagna in the mountains in a village where hundreds of bikers poured through and not many of them were in proper gear (was also immensely jealous because of the frankly breath taking roads)

[plowsie]

I'm not gonna be hypocritical, I used to do it, I'm now paying the price for it after two damaging off's. A completely buggered left ankle and a left knee I cannot still rest on or get rid of swelling.

I shall not be ever taking any chances when I get back on a motorcycle.

I think for me, it was lazyness more than anything.

[21QUEST]

It's their choice....end off :D

More often than not, I'm all geared up...not 'ard enough you see ;)


Ben

[thedonal]

I agree on the 'choice' thing to a fair degree- but I strongly think about the people who have to deal with the mess and I agree about the health/insurance costs.

Honestly, when I see people riding down the A3 in shorts and t-shirts, I don't look favourably on it. And I had to do a sweltering ride into Shepherds Bush last night- it was unbearable in the gear.

And have you noticed how many of them are the ones on R1s and the like? It's like they're SUPER confident they won't have an incident... Curious.

[wizurd]

Do agree that it does mean that if they crash they will be in a much worse state and that the people that have to pick up the pieces ,so to speak, will have a much harder time of it.

However it is still their choice. I don't like the sound of the idiots riding like loons when they ain't got the skills to do it, but if someone wants to ride around in shorts and tshirt within their skill levels i dont think we should look to change that.

Let them get on with it.

Another point too is that it must be horrific having to deal with the aftermath at an accident but also the people that are employed to deal with these things do know what they are getting themselves into when they take the job.

Personally i don't ride without me gear on, but thats my choice.

[skeetly]

Someones going to notice that motorbikes are dangerous in a minute.
Be safe. Travel in a government designated public transport vehicle.

Fred Hill anyone?



*Seriously; some law maker is going to spot this and say 'Even motorcyclists say protective clothing is essential. lets make it mandatory! If it saves one motorcyclist from injury. Do you know; I do believe these poor vulnerbale road users woudl be much better off if they they weren't subject to travel by motorcycle. Lets ban the sale of them. Save them form themsleves as it were..*

[thefallenangel]

they should add to the law that a jacket at the very least should be worn which has a CE standard similar to a helmet.

As has been said, you pay your taxes which pay for their police/nhs/fire brigade when they come off.

But how far do you go? Should they be allowed a IL41000 to ride for 500 miles a year which they just straight line and don't know how to ride.

But imo a law should be brought in to wear a jacket at least if not trousers too.

[Lou M]

I actually had a friend try to tell me this week that it's the law that we have to wear full leathers! How naive these cage drivers are! (or should I say none bikers)


Personally I never go out without leathers on though, don't care how hot I am.

[wizurd]

i really hope they dont start bringing in laws about what you have to wear. Like i said i always wear my textile stuff but once they put a law in for one thing it'll only get worse. Next it'll be "only leathers" and then god knows what. No biking allowed lol

[Milky Bar Kid]

they should add to the law that a jacket at the very least should be worn which has a CE standard similar to a helmet.

As has been said, you pay your taxes which pay for their police/nhs/fire brigade when they come off.

But how far do you go? Should they be allowed a IL41000 to ride for 500 miles a year which they just straight line and don't know how to ride.

But imo a law should be brought in to wear a jacket at least if not trousers too.

Yeah, people pay taxes which go towards funding the police/nhs/fire service etc but folks, we are people too! It's not nice!

Anyway, I personally have the attitude that it shouldn't be made law, hell mend the eejits who ride about in t-shirt and shorts. Firm believer you should suffer the consequences of you actions.....

[wizurd]

Anyway, I personally have the attitude that it shouldn't be made law, hell mend the eejits who ride about in t-shirt and shorts. Firm believer you should suffer the consequences of you actions.....

Totally agree with that. You pays your money you takes your chance.

[Ed]

Tsk, usual summer thread. About 3,500 people die on British roads every year. That's 3,500 too many of course, but it doesn't look very many compared to the 110,000 who die a miserable death of smoking-related diseases. Or to the - is it 10,000? who die of alcohol misuse. So let's ban smoking and drinking first, because they kill more people.

This is a (supposedly) free country and we are still free to wear what we like, including on a motorcycle. I choose to gear up all the time, but it's personal choice and I wouldn't dream of inflicting my decision on anyone else.

[Samurai Penguin]

When did it become the job of the government (acting on behalf of the tax payers alliance) to eliminate any risky activity by feckless citizens?

Vivre Libres ou Mourir!

[Mr Farley]

I've seen loads of people in the last couple of days wearing next to nothing around Croydon.

Saw a guy on a RS125 in just shorts and trainers :eek:, loads of people on GSXRs/CBRs etc in jeans and T shirts. Also saw a girl on the back of a sports bike in just shorts, t shirt and flip flops. If a rider wants to take a risk then it's down to them, but I personally would never take a passenger unless they were pretty geared up. I wonder if these semi naked passengers hardly even consider the consequences of what would happen if they fell off...I reckon it's the driver's responsibility to say no.

I have to admit I used to ride my old scooter in just shorts/t shirt and trainers in my younger days (17 years old). I put that down to laziness and just the naievety and over confidence of youth ;).

I only passed my bike test a couple of months ago but always wear armoured textile jacket, gloves and obviously crash helmet. But since coming on this forum and reading some unfortunate stories I've now bought a forcefield back protector, knee tubes and draggin jeans. Don't ride atall now unless I have all my gear on. Thanks orgers for the safety tips :).

[gruntygiggles]

The government would never ban the use of motorcycles or the sales of them. They might not make as much in taxes as they do on cars....but it all adds up to a nice healthy amount, not to mention the amount of fuel taxes they get as well.

Just ride safely guys!

[skeetly]

The government would never ban the use of motorcycles or the sales of them. They might not make as much in taxes as they do on cars....but it all adds up to a nice healthy amount, not to mention the amount of fuel taxes they get as well.

Ooh I wouldn't bet on that.
I've been around long enough to hear 'they'll never ban it...' too many times.
You'd just pay road and fuel tax on whatever road vehicle you'd buy instead.......
An outright ban may be unlikely but anyone who has ever been on a speed awareness course will probably know how the safety nerds fail to comprehend 'motorcycling' as anything but a must for very strict regulation indeed.

Lets not give them ideas..

[wizurd]

The government would never ban the use of motorcycles or the sales of them. They might not make as much in taxes as they do on cars....but it all adds up to a nice healthy amount, not to mention the amount of fuel taxes they get as well.


Government would loose out big style. Was only messing when i suggested it :-) Just incase any government people decide that this would be a good idea

Worst ive done i think is wear jeans instead of armoured textile trousers. Taking a risk i guess but there ya go

[gruntygiggles]

Ooh I wouldn't bet on that.
I've been around long enough to hear 'they'll never ban it...' too many times.
You'd just pay road and fuel tax on whatever road vehicle you'd buy instead.......
An outright ban may be unlikely but anyone who has ever been on a speed awareness course will probably know how the safety nerds fail to comprehend 'motorcycling' as anything but a must for very strict regulation indeed.

Lets not give them ideas..

I hear what you're saying, but I really can't see them wanting the headache....can you imagine it.

[Specialone]

I must admit on short journeys or when its really hot i wear jeans but a leather jacket and gloves, never dream of going out without them.
That said, i was watching 'real rescues' last night and they featured a guy who'd come off his bike with jeans on and he didnt come off well.
The bike slid for about 100 ft or so and wore through the engine case so imagine what it can do to your flesh.
After the progam last night, i went for a little blast and you bet i put my textile bottoms on even though it was only a short blast.
Made me think anyway...

[hovis]

I've seen way too many SQUIDs (it can mean many things, but I guess it's Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Imminently Dead) in the last week or two - guys on nice sports bikes but wearing just a t-shirt and jeans or t-shirt and shorts or whatever. Some are even in sandals, which must hurt when shifting gear!

Yeah, it's hot, but losing your skin isn't going to cool you down either!

Anyone know what posesses someone to be so careless?

:sunny:

do you mean me?

in my cut of combat shorts, boots, lid, trainers and white vest, in cearphilly?

[metalangel]

I will admit, when we were in Mallorca and had our rented bike (Dragstar 250) I was in jeans and t-shirt (brought gloves from home) and rented helmet. We'd have used up our entire luggage allowance bringing all our gear so that was the best we could manage. I did one short ride in shorts and burned my shin on the engine (LOL) and felt nervous as hell cos I know what could happen. Jeans back on the next day, felt a bit safer.

So I hold my hands up to being careless once too but I'd never go riding around at the speeds these guys do dressed like that nor would I do it every day.

[Lozzo]

I've seen way too many SQUIDs (it can mean many things, but I guess it's Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Imminently Dead) in the last week or two - guys on nice sports bikes but wearing just a t-shirt and jeans or t-shirt and shorts or whatever. Some are even in sandals, which must hurt when shifting gear!

Yeah, it's hot, but losing your skin isn't going to cool you down either!

Anyone know what posesses someone to be so careless?

:sunny:

Who cares, it's their skin they'll destroy. I say it's Darwinism in action, so let it be.

[Samurai Penguin]

Ooh I wouldn't bet on that.
I've been around long enough to hear 'they'll never ban it...' too many times.

+1

More likely we would see some kind of ban relating to individual roads due to high casualty rates.

[metalangel]

do you mean me?

in my cut of combat shorts, boots, lid, trainers and white vest, in cearphilly?

I've never eyeballed you unless we've been out riding... so no.

YOU NUTTAH!

[G]

I say let people where what they want, anyone who rides must know the risk and if they dont they they must have no braincells at all.

Only yesterday I was driving home speaking to the girlfriend on the handfree and a lad poulled up in shorts and tshirt, girlfriend on the back wearing some form of summer dress and sandles.......I may have screamed with laughter and said on the phone look at these complete ****s and they may have heard me lol.

[yorkie_chris]

they should add to the law that a jacket at the very least should be worn which has a CE standard similar to a helmet.

That's 80+% of full racing leathers which would be illegal then.

I think you're talkling bollix. Freedom of choice is something in short supply with todays government, and more expensive, freedom sapping red tape is NOT what we need.

[dizzyblonde]

haha
I just remembered, whilst riding over to Squires on my own on Wednesday night, a Lambretta pulled out of a side road. I laughed at the plop plop of its exhaust. He got in the way a bit, but we pulled to a stop, then a guy on a Bandit appears in my mirror, and nods.
We're all stood there at the lights, I start cooking in my textiles(with all vents open and inside ajcket taken out) and draggins, the bandit guy looks like hes cooking as he was in full leathers. I looked at Mr Lambretta guy with his faded red Tshirt and loud Hawaiin shorts, he looked at me, with his crizzened tanned face peeping out of the white helmet that wasn't done up, then I noticed these

http://www.freeclipartnow.com/d/17001-1/green-flip-flops.jpg

yup he were wearing them alone. He was obviously just nipping to the shop or something, but it made breath in through my teeth!

[yorkie_chris]

Cool kit is out there and isn't too pricey, I've got a jacket made of mesh and armor plates, you look like a bug, but it does flow lots of air. And some "well ventilated" (crashed) draggin jeans.
Vents in lid don't flow enough air though, I keep meaning to get a motoX lid for this time of year.

[Swin]

if your draggin' jeans are "crashed", will they protect you any more?

I haven't got any of these, but following all the recent chat (and they guy on Real Rescues the other night) about how unsafe jeans are, I'm thinking I should get some additional protection

[yorkie_chris]

Yeah they're fine, the kevlar's still in one piece.

The first set I had general use took the knees out of them down to the kevlar, and then I crashed, ended up sliding down the road on my knees, toes and lid. The kevlar held up fine.

[dizzyblonde]

if your draggin' jeans are "crashed", will they protect you any more?

I haven't got any of these, but following all the recent chat (and they guy on Real Rescues the other night) about how unsafe jeans are, I'm thinking I should get some additional protection

You can get Halvarssons Fokker pants that are kevlar lined, but the kevlar is pocketed so that you can fit armour in the hips and knees. My other half has a pair of these, and are IMO better made than the Draggins, the pants material is better quality. We both have had Draggins for many years and have stood very well( I think the Fokkers are slightly more expensive). If you come off at 60mph on Buell only the rear pocket stitching will tear in Draggins..this is a fact, our mad mate has tested them;)

[yorkie_chris]

The fokker pants are better quality but totally different! They are actual textiles, whereas the draggins are normal pants with a bit of slide protection. You'd sweat nearly as much as in leathers in those...

[Swin]

Ah well, another bike-related item to spend my yearly bonus on!

I shall tell the missus that I'm buying jeans instead of a bellypan :)

[Kinvig]

Atgatt!

[dizzyblonde]

The fokker pants are better quality but totally different! They are actual textiles, whereas the draggins are normal pants with a bit of slide protection. You'd sweat nearly as much as in leathers in those...

Your wrong there. They are 100% cotton outer with kevlar inside. They are completely unwaterproof. They are far from textiles chris.
They are completely different material to my Textiles. Trust me I wash enough Draggins and fokker pants to know the difference ;-)

you'd have to ask him about that sweaty feeling. Hes never mentioned it, Unlike his textile pants that he calls the stinky pants:smt107

[Stig]

Always wear protective gear. If you don't want to, I don't care. It's not going to hurt me if you come off.

[Grinch]

I have full body hair... I'll be fine.

[Viney]

I am wearing jeans whilst riding at the moment. as said personal choice, ride accordingly,

[keithd]

took the bike out t'other night, 3 miles there and back, rode with leather jacket but jeans. think its the first time in years since i've done that, regardless of how hot or uncomfortable i've always put the leather trolleys on. didnt feel good i have to say, felt nekid. but am with the stigmeister, always wear your leathers, but do what you want

[custard]

the other half binned it in france whilst wearing draggins, prolly bout 30mph, bit of gravel rash where her jacket rode up but other than that absolutely fine. draggins only very slightly marked where she slid.

top banana i reckon.

[Specialone]

Yeah they're fine, the kevlar's still in one piece.

The first set I had general use took the knees out of them down to the kevlar, and then I crashed, ended up sliding down the road on my knees, toes and lid. The kevlar held up fine.

Yc, are they worth the money?
Was thinking of buying some the other week, but seemed quite thin, i didnt think they seemed like they would offer much protection.
Obviously, they do

[Mr Farley]

Yc, are they worth the money?
Was thinking of buying some the other week, but seemed quite thin, i didnt think they seemed like they would offer much protection.
Obviously, they do

They might stop you getting gravel rash, but they don't have any impact protection. I wear draggins, but also seperate knee protectors underneath, they don't have a slot to put pads in.

I reckon they're okay value. I don't want to wear leathers and can't get textiles to fit properly, so they're ideal for me :).

[anna]

Yup, I think the only people who I have seen wearing leathers or protective jacket, jeans are touring bikes from other countries.

Wearing leathers between 11:00 and 6pm here is unbearable, although a quick way to loose weight ;)

Personally not wearing protective gear isnt an option, the times that I have worn jeans on the bike it feels very, very wrong.

As has been said though, personal choice, however I do know that nurses getting gravel out of skin aren´t too kind about the way they do it if you haven´t been wearing the right gear ;)

[Specialone]

They might stop you getting gravel rash, but they don't have any impact protection. I wear draggins, but also seperate knee protectors underneath, they don't have a slot to put pads in.

I reckon they're okay value. I don't want to wear leathers and can't get textiles to fit properly, so they're ideal for me :).

I have got some ixon textile bottoms which are ok when its mild and they have plenty of armour in and seem well made etc.
But they are not as comfortable as jeans to wear, was considering leathers as well as kevlar jeans.
I Dont know how the power rangers get on in them 1 piece jobbies:smt010

[Specialone]

As has been said though, personal choice, however I do know that nurses getting gravel out of skin aren´t too kind about the way they do it if you haven´t been wearing the right gear ;)

My wife used to work in A+E, she said that sometimes bikers have to be knocked out because the skin has to be scrubbed and its too painful.
That some scary ****...

[urbane1]

If you can stand the gory images take a look at this thread on sv rider

forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=105585

[gruntygiggles]

If you can stand the gory images take a look at this thread on sv rider

forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=105585



Here you go guys...

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=105585

Wow.......I've seen road rash before but some of those pics REALLY get a good message across.

My fave is the line at the end, "you can wipe off sweat, but you can't wipe off road rash" or something like that!

Glad I always suit and boot up!

[Von Teese]

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=105585


Ohhh nasty nasty, Im so glad I have been suffering in my leathers, makes it worthwhile after seeing that....oh god, the last one, I will be suprised if they will be able to save that hand, degloving injuries can often result in amputation if they are that severe.. and the scalp injury, just horrid...thats why expensive lids are worth the money :(

[STRAMASHER]

The less I wear, the better my riding.

In town with jacket, jeans and gutties, I'm Stramsher, li'ol' lady.

All the gear(?) and i'm fecking melting and cutting about like a loon to get home and peel that full gear off.

Out in the sticks and its full gear cos speeds are higher (eventually, even if I set out with the best intentions of having a gentle bop).

If there is some point to this ramble its if you are wearing less kit, ride accordingly. ie more defensive.

[BanannaMan]

Last year on this very weekend I had my first opportunity in over 25 years to do some serious tarmac body surfing. (rubs collarbone)
Some serious abrasions, twisted leather and busted stitches everywhere.
Any less gear and things would have been much worse.
Tore up everything but my boots.
In a remote mountain area, "All gear, all the time", most likely saved my life that time.

And let me assure you....
There's nothing like your a** sliding down the road to encourage you to ride in a bit more protective gear.
Er.... providing you live though it....

Be careful out there!

Ride smart, ride safe.

[rob13]

I had to take the bike for a service this week. Wednesday and Thursdays heat was most unpleasant but even for just the 5 miles to the dealers I kitted fully up. I swear I was slowly cooking by the time I got back as I was completely soaked inside leathers. These were supposed to be vented!

[-Ralph-]

Shorts and T'shirt a bit silly IMO, but thats just my opinion, everyone is entitled to choice. The NHS still treats lung cancer free of charge does it not?

One of my first motorcycle crashes took most of the skin off the right hand side of my body, so I'm well aware of the risks, but I regularly ride in Jeans, old leather biking jacket from before the days of built in armour, and a pair of walking boots. I just limit my speed accordingly and keep in mind that I'm a bit more vulnerable.

It's a bit of a British obsession this, I'm in France and have been all week. Due to the weather the bikes are out in droves, but I've yet to see more leather than just a jacket, and loads of shorts and t'shirts. In how many countries do the cops ride like this FFS?

http://www.ultimatejourney.com/ChainCops2.JPG

and when a cyclist bombs down a hill at 50mph dressed like this, nobody says boo

http://www.uksport.gov.uk/assets/Image/newsArchive/Tour_de_mai.jpg

[maviczap]

Shorts and T'shirt a bit silly IMO, but thats just my opinion, everyone is entitled to choice. The NHS still treats lung cancer free of charge does it not?

One of my first motorcycle crashes took most of the skin off the right hand side of my body, so I'm well aware of the risks, but I regularly ride in Jeans, old leather biking jacket from before the days of built in armour, and a pair of walking boots. I just limit my speed accordingly and keep in mind that I'm a bit more vulnerable.

It's a bit of a British obsession this, I'm in France and have been all week. Due to the weather the bikes are out in droves, but I've yet to see more leather than just a jacket, and loads of shorts and t'shirts. In how many countries do the cops ride like this FFS?

http://www.ultimatejourney.com/ChainCops2.JPG

and when a cyclist bombs down a hill at 50mph dressed like this, nobody says boo

http://www.uksport.gov.uk/assets/Image/newsArchive/Tour_de_mai.jpg
yes, but cyclists shave their legs for the very good reason, that if they do crash their leg hair doesn't trap all that road dirt, which causes infections and all manner of nasties. Plus a Carbon fibre bike weighs 15lbs which won't hurt as much as the bloke I saw riding a CBX1000 prolink wearing flip flops, shorts etc. :smt018

Tour de France rides don't have to worry about traffic coming the other way, or Doris Blindspot pulling out on them. Plus the Doctors are part of the race covoy, so they don't have to wait for the meat wagon to turn up :reaper:

[-Ralph-]

yes, but cyclists shave their legs for the very good reason, that if they do crash their leg hair doesn't trap all that road dirt, which causes infections and all manner of nasties.

Tour de France rides don't have to worry about traffic coming the other way

Oh, shaved legs, perfectly safe then, just like having leathers on... :rolleyes:

Given that in most accidents with a slide long enough to create serious gravel rash, the rider separates from the bike, weight ceases to be a factor.

The picture may be from the race, but it's only to demonstrate the clothing worn, I didn't mention the Tour de France. Plenty of times I've followed cyclists down a long hill through the middle of London, Birmingham or Edinburgh.

Second worst skin loss injury I've ever had was the surface of both my hands, plus various other bits and pieces.... from falling off a bicycle at speed.

[leebex]

As the hot weather continues so do the shorts wearing bikers, in colchester today, saw a bloke coming the other way on a large older bike, couldnt tell what it was, but shorts and trainers, although was bothered about his upper body with a decent coat on, or the guy in clacton this avo, cbr 600, t shirt, but decent boots, least his ankles would be ok :p

[Ed]

I can't bear leathers in the heat. I'd rather not ride at all. So, I have just bought some Weise mesh stuff. I know it offers rather less protection but otherwise the bike is staying in the garage.

[Rorshach]

just my two pennith, but speaking as one who does the picking up and working out which bit came from where.....

PLEASE WEAR YOUR PROTCTIVE STUFF.

if you dont i have three kilos of salt in my truck , to "clean wounds with".........(its a personal choice apparently)

seriously , ive seen one too many bikers hurt , that the only reason they are in one piece and alive is due to their kit. its not just the road you have to worry about its cars , people, trucks , road furniture....all of which hurt i assure you

[lukemillar]

I personally don't agree with that statement. Who has to pick up the tab for all the hospital care and the numerous skin grafts that must be required. The tax payer. Plus there's always a shortage of hospital beds for people who have no choice about being there.

Do you smoke or are overweight?

[cF^]

As i've yet to purchase any leathers, i'm in textiles at the moment and fail to see what the fuss is about! All my textiles have zip out warm liners so those are sitting in the wardrobe at the moment.
It's by no means cool but i'm not sweating buckets or wishing I was in shorts and t-shirt. It seems silly to wear unprotective gear when there's plenty of hot weather motorcycle clothing out in the shops.

[yorkie_chris]

I personally don't agree with that statement. Who has to pick up the tab for all the hospital care and the numerous skin grafts that must be required. The tax payer. Plus there's always a shortage of hospital beds for people who have no choice about being there.

I'd sooner roast in my leathers than lose the tiniest bit of skin/flesh to the tarmac.

Paying 103.9p/l for fuel, and nearly £10 for a pack of tobacco. I'll wear what the f**k I like!

But, I still ride in mostly full gear...

[Mgaffz]

I always make a point of wearing me gear when im going to be on the bike for more than 2 mins. I never really bat an eyelid at this sort of thing as people can and will do whatever they want, if someone comes off wearing shorts and a t shirt thats thier look out, aye fair enough its tax payers money n that but they also keeping someone in a job lol.

I must say i was less than impressed the other night after work when i passed someone on a fireblade with a young lad on the back he must have been about 6 and he was wearing the local football strip and a helmet totally wreckless and if thats not against the law it should be.

mick

[Jamiebridges123]

Paying 103.9p/l for fuel, and nearly £10 for a pack of tobacco. I'll wear what the f**k I like!

But, I still ride in mostly full gear...

:stupid:

[maviczap]

Oh, shaved legs, perfectly safe then, just like having leathers on... :rolleyes:

Given that in most accidents with a slide long enough to create serious gravel rash, the rider separates from the bike, weight ceases to be a factor.

The picture may be from the race, but it's only to demonstrate the clothing worn, I didn't mention the Tour de France. Plenty of times I've followed cyclists down a long hill through the middle of London, Birmingham or Edinburgh.

Second worst skin loss injury I've ever had was the surface of both my hands, plus various other bits and pieces.... from falling off a bicycle at speed.

I wasn't saying shaved legs were safer than leathers, just pointing out the benefits of shaved legs ;)

But if you're going to ride a heavy bike in flip flops don't expect them to save your ankles or legs from a good mashing if you don't happen to part company with the bike. At least a pair of stout boots might give you a better chance.

When I go out cycling I wear a pair of cycling gloves & helmet for the very reason you pointed out. Too many crazy cage drivers out there:smt071

[etuna]

yes, but cyclists shave their legs for the very good reason, that if they do crash their leg hair doesn't trap all that road dirt, which causes infections and all manner of nasties. Plus a Carbon fibre bike weighs 15lbs which won't hurt as much as the bloke I saw riding a CBX1000 prolink wearing flip flops, shorts etc. :smt018

Tour de France rides don't have to worry about traffic coming the other way, or Doris Blindspot pulling out on them. Plus the Doctors are part of the race covoy, so they don't have to wait for the meat wagon to turn up :reaper:

this is a joke right - so if I ride my motorbike at 30mph everywhere in lycra its a no no but if I shave my legs it is ok? Piffle. Ultimately no-one gets high and mighty about cyclists yet they do about motocyclists.

[BanditPat]

this is a joke right - so if I ride my motorbike at 30mph everywhere in lycra its a no no but if I shave my legs it is ok? Piffle. Ultimately no-one gets high and mighty about cyclists yet they do about motocyclists.



I got some tight boxers ;] I think Ima shave my legs and wear them and a li next im out on my bike :D woooooo

[maviczap]

its you body do what you want :-$

[maviczap]

this is a joke right - so if I ride my motorbike at 30mph everywhere in lycra its a no no but if I shave my legs it is ok? Piffle. Ultimately no-one gets high and mighty about cyclists yet they do about motocyclists.

I think the general line on this thread wasn't aimed at people ridin at 30mph. More like the the 70 - 90mph brigade in flip flops & shorts:smt021

[etuna]

I think the general line on this thread wasn't aimed at people ridin at 30mph. More like the the 70 - 90mph brigade in flip flops & shorts:smt021

In that case I agree ;):rant:

[maviczap]

In that case I agree ;):rant:
s'okay,:smt023 cool

[matt_rehm_hext]

Best one I saw recently was a guy on an R1 I think it was, or some kind of large capacity sportsbike, with a helmet on, no gloves and his clothing consisted of board shorts, a tank top and flip flops.

Obvious things aside, I'm thinking it would hurt a bit when upshifting!

And it's pure common sense to wear proper protective bike gear at all times, on long or short journeys.

[maviczap]

Thats exactly what saw the guy on the CBX riding in. Was the same guy:?::?:

[aarond]

there all a bunch of chavs! who like to show off

[BanditPat]

there all a bunch of chavs! who like to show off


Or could be that they don't want to slowly boil ;)

[aarond]

nah chavs up here mate! we get hot but not that hot!

[Nobbylad]

Took my bike in for a quick check up after the last service on Saturday. Whilst I was there (it was quite humid, was about to rain) a guy pulls up on a 'Rossi replica' wearing shorts, t-shirt and a pair of crocs.

Hangs around for 10 mins having a chat, then decides he's on his way. He got half way down the pavement before his short ar$e legs couldn't touch the floor and his bike fell on him.

Damaged his crankcase, fairings, indies and lid as well as cuts to his bare legs, elbows, hands etc.

Apparently he started to go over and when he put his foot down, the crocs just slid away from him and he hit the deck.

I helped him get the bike up, even though I was in my power ranger suit and I was quite warm, the question had to be asked why he didn't kit up. Apparently he never goes far and when it's hot, he doesn't see the need to.

Twit

[Milky Bar Kid]

That'll teach him!

[yorkie_chris]

Aye, wearing crocs is not only silly, it can cause skin loss.

[joshmac]

:stupid:
Explain :confused:


It does make me cringe a bit seeing people riding in just shorts and a T-shirt, but as long as it doesn't affect me (i.e seeing them have an accident and slide down the road in front of me) I'm not too fussed. Personal choice I s'pose. 'Though what I don't get is the people on a brand new sportsbike costing them over £9K and they didn't fork out a bit for some gear.

[metalangel]

Just think of them having to clear the bits of gravel out of the abrasions on your skin with a steel wire brush.

*dry heaves*