When did all the scooter kids get big bikes...?

[Balky001]

I usually always wear leathers except when I've dropped my bike off for servicing and walked the 1 mile back. There's something liberating about riding with minimal clothing although I don't condone it, but I can see why people do.

well this is what happens to denim in a 25mph slide down the road.



Luckily they have kevlar lining so my legs were untouched. So unless you're pushing the bike down the road in standard jeans, how much slower are you realistically gonna ride when you're not fully protected? I used to ride round London with just jeans on. After coming off at relatively low speed, I've realised if you wanna enjoy the ride just kit up fully. Sub 30mph spills can still leave you nice and skinless.

But each to their own I guess. I know I used to think 'Well if I wear jeans this one time, what's the chance I'll be crashing"? But then one time becomes a recurrence as you get lazier and fall into a false sense of biking security.

I'm sure the wind and freedom of flip flops and shorts must be fun, but not worth the risk IMO. But then again there are probably people having this discussion on a four wheeled forum about how you'd have to be a nutter to even consider getting a bike.

[timwilky]

About 3 years ago, the lad across the road (Paramedic and owner of 2 blades and an R1) banged on my door demanding beer and talk.

It turns up he had been sent home after a particularly nasty one where the vest wearers chest cavity had split open as he went down the road a silly speed, most of his internal organs had spilt and my mate had to pick up and bag.

He needed reassurance that his wife and daughter would never have to think he had died in such a manner. On a bike yes, but simply because of stupidity no. His opinion a the time was that the guy in proper gear would have been badly hurt but would have survived. Over a rack of beer that night I resolved never to compromise my safety.

Being up to stand up unassisted and worry about my now-smashed bike instead of myself is a good reason to wear always wear full gear.

[Paul the 6th]

this thread officially marks the start of summer! Yippeeeeee

i have to admit i dont where full gear on the way to collage (15 miles), i just cant stand sitting down in a hot computer room all day in leathers, and i cant fit stuff under mine so cant just wipp them off, but i do where boots gloves and helmet

i also pop to the shops without leathers but thats about 2 miles down the road :/

Originally Posted by G

I rode to the petrol station today 0.4 km down the road in jeans and a hoodie, I didnt go over 30mph and I sure as hell not fully kitting up for that short trip. Gloves helmet and boot for me.

Each to their own, If I'm going for a long hoon then its leathers.

Yeah see I thoguht that once, I'm only going 1 mile...then a 30mph slide later I'm lucky to still be walking, the pics or on this site somewhere but my normal storage is filtered at work so I can't upload them again =p.
Even short trips can do you in