Riding in hot weather

Originally Posted by H-Gerickemark

sorry, was'nt trying to say it would have stopped injuries

I wasn't "having a go" it was just the first thought that popped into my head after reading it, but it does seem that some people get this idea that just because you are wearing full leathers that you can't get injured.

I've stepped off the bike in jeans and a light jacket, full leathers and in my winter / rain gear (crash happy me ) and to be honest my injuries were similar in each case. It's more to do with the circumstances of the "off" and how / where you land. Infact the crash that left me the least bruised was when I was wearing jeans.

Yes leathers give better protection, but just because someone decides to ride in jeans and a jacket isn't reason to point and shout. It's their choice after all.

That's not aimed at anyone, just my view on the whole "I saw someone riding in jeans, lets go get the pitch forks" brigade. As I said earlier I wear leathers, but on the odd occasion I will ride in jeans and a jacket (always wear gloves and boots).

Always wear everything but the leather trousers in this weather unless its long distance. I'm happy enough in jeans and willing to take the risk. At the least i'm 65% protected.

Always in full 1 piece leathers in hot weather, as they are summer leathers, they are very cool... also have 1 piece 'undersuit' and that keeps me very cool.... recommend them...

[Balky001]

I was out riding for 3 hours yesterday around Braintree/Colchester/Chelmsford/Southend and I reckon about 80% of people I saw has shorts or jeans and t-shirts. Got to say it was tempting but I stuck with my leathers and it wasn't that bad. The plus side of leathers outsweighted the negatives for me - mine are perforated though.

Always bike gear... just got some armoured jeans which are still hot (2 layers of material and so quite thick) but a bit better, and wearing jacket partly unzipped. It only gets really bad in town and when just getting on/off the bike. Tempted by one of them mesh jackets with the armour!

Always always the proper gear. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean leathers until later this week when they turn up. It was kinda warm in Rukka's and shorts yesterday.

All I need to think about is that I wouldn't have a kneecap or shoulder if I hadn't been wearing full gear, then it doesn't seem a hardship to get kitted out.

Yesterday I tried riding with my jacket vents open, but that was still too hot. I ended up taking the out layer of my jacket off (so it was just a motocross-style mesh and armour, on top of back protector) I was wearing shorts underneath my normal bike trousers and there was a pleasent windblast there.

I suppose it comes down to the argument of comfort versus safety. If you're massively uncomfortable/fatigued due to wearing hot full gear, sweat is running into your eyes, you're more likely to crash, but better protected if you do.

I've noticed a lot more people in jeans/shirts of late. Either the fair weather riders coming out to play, or proper bikers who are risking it because of the heat. I saw a pair of chavs (basketball vests, white trainers, gold chains ) 2-up on an old blade with no protective gear other than their lids. Ridden like an amateur and really pushing it on the straights to keep up with me. Don't know if the rider was timid in the twisties due to his vulnerability, or if the guy just wasn't a very good rider, but I had visions of them coming off and having adjacent beds for a series of skin grafts.

Originally Posted by Cronos

If you're too hot in proper gear then you're not riding fast enough!

Correct sir . You shouldn't get hot unless you're sat at lights.

What do you thinks better?

if your not going to wear full gear

good amoured trews and boots and a thinish/denim jacket

or jeans, boots and a good amoured jacket?

I ride in a proper armoured jacket, proper gloves and boot (and Lid obviously) but I quite often wear jeans around town but that is the least kit I wear. Had two accidents while filtering. The first one my leg was under the bike as I slid a short distance the jeans didn't tear and all I had was bruising which I dare say I would have still got wearing leathers, my ankle however would have probably snapped if I hadn't been wearing proper boots. Second I was fully kitted up and I broke my right thumb and left wrist. Leathers won't guarantee that you will be protected, of course you will be a lot worse off if you come off in shorts and a t-shirt.