[nogard]

(sorry if there is a topic on this already, but couldn't find one)

With it well over the 85 degree mark, I was wondering what most riders wear. During longer rides, I try to always wear my helmet, but i can't seem to put the jacket on. I know the risks are great, even in town from being smashed by some asshat. I feel wearing the jacket isn't as big a deal in town, but the helmet should always be on.... and i try to.

I guess my question is: Do you wear full gear in 85+ weather, or do you start to neglect the safety do to the heat. In the 90s or upper 90s i'd rather not even ride the bike - because at that point a helmet isn't getting put on.

 

[WildFan]

I've laid my bike down before wearing a jacket, gloves, and full face helmet - I was rounding a corner going about 30 mph, hit some sand, and the bike came out from under me. After seeing what the asphalt did to the helmet (scraped and cracked the chin and side), jacket (tore up the shoulder, arm, and side), and gloves (scraped and torn), I don't go anywhere without full gear. I still got a bit banged up but the gear saved me big time.

I have a jacket from Scorpion that has 3 layers that are removable depending on weather - outer shell, rain liner, and insulated liner. The outer shell is about half mesh which is great in the heat, and holds all the protective pads (elbow, shoulder, back). This gives me the protection I need but keeps me comfortable as well.

Helmet is a full face HJC with good venting, and I have a few pairs of gloves for different weather.

 

[biggtimber]

I should wear long pants and a jacket all the time, but for short 5 mins trips I will do the shorts and T-shirt.
Right now I where a cheap leather jacket, even in the 100 degree days, on long trips. I'm looking at getting a Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 mesh jacket with Armor to replace the leather jacket for most riding.

I always where the full face helmet. Was thinking about getting a half helmet soon to help with the heat. For now I just leave the front shield open to let in the air, but I also added ear plugs because the wind noise left my ears ringing at the end of my rides.

 

[nogard]

So it sounds by you both, either wear the gear or don't ride? I know it's completely personal opinion, and what matter of risk you want to take. I don't actually have gloves right now, but do have a 2 layer jacket (with pads) and a full face helmet. If it's just too hot for them, i may just not ride.

 

[MY LIFE]

I put my luck to chance. Beanie helmet, jeans, high cut runners and a T-shirt. Its a thrill to feel free of restrictions. Give thanks at the end of the ride.

 

[nogard]

After Jester624's post, it really made me think - wtf am i doing not wearing gear? Most super hot days i'd just wear safety glasses, boots, pants and a tshirt.... one car or one dump of the bike, and i'd be in a world of hurt.

 

[Stryker Lunatic]

jeans, boots, armored jacket, vest, gloves, full-face helmet. most of that is so that i can get on base, because that's what they require. but i don't feel like i lose anything from the riding experience. and i'm riding 6 days a week so odds of some dumbass doing something stupid are pretty good.

 

[WildFan]

So it sounds by you both, either wear the gear or don't ride?

Yup, for me it's full gear every time.

 

[Darque_Bike636]

ATGATL - All the gear, all the time

That's pretty much what I stick to - armored leather jacket, full face helmet, gloves, long pants, decent shoes. I laid a bike down when I was 16 in just a t-shirt, it sucked so much that I never want to go through that again. Regarding heat - sweat wipes off without any pain, scrubbing gravel out of your rashed up skin hurts like a mother.

As far as helmets go - my opinion is simple - your entire head is important so protect the whole thing. Imagine bouncing your chin off the asphalt even at 20 mph - it would be bad.

There are two types of riders, those that have been down and those that will go down.

 

[biggtimber]

jeans, boots, armored jacket, vest, gloves, full-face helmet. most of that is so that i can get on base, because that's what they require. but i don't feel like i lose anything from the riding experience. and i'm riding 6 days a week so odds of some dumbass doing something stupid are pretty good.

Agreed, I ride 5 days a week in the suburbs of Chicago to work. Don't trust these a$$holes that MUST get one car ahead of me so they are not late to work.

 

[biggtimber]

Regarding heat - sweat wipes off without any pain, scrubbing gravel out of your rashed up skin hurts like a mother.

Just make sure to drink enough water. Don't need to go down from heat exhaustion or dehydration.

 

[Stryker Lunatic]

There are two types of riders, those that have been down and those that will go down.

They told us this in the rider's course... Got my attention.

 

[Skwerlee]

(sorry if there is a topic on this already, but couldn't find one)

With it well over the 85 degree mark, I was wondering what most riders wear. During longer rides, I try to always wear my helmet, but i can't seem to put the jacket on. I know the risks are great, even in town from being smashed by some asshat. I feel wearing the jacket isn't as big a deal in town, but the helmet should always be on.... and i try to.

I guess my question is: Do you wear full gear in 85+ weather, or do you start to neglect the safety do to the heat. In the 90s or upper 90s i'd rather not even ride the bike - because at that point a helmet isn't getting put on.

85 degrees...LOL you're not from Texas are you. Last summer it was 108 for like 30 days straight...and i rode everyday with a full face helmet and leather riding jacket

 

[UrbanRage]

Same here, jeans, boots, jacket ( 3 different layers also) with pads, gloves and full face helemt. It was 105 last week and I had it all on while riding.

 

[middleagecrisis]

It only sucks when you are at a stop light.

 

[Skwerlee]

It only sucks when you are at a stop light.

amen to that!!!

 

[BOOLSHOT]

I used to wear a full face on my dual sport. Got a half helmet when I got my Stryker. To me I feel a lot more connected to everything with the half helmet. With a full face, you are kind of in your own little world. You can hear your bike better with the full face, but not whats around you. Although at higher speeds, the half helmet wind noise is pretty loud. I always wear cloves, glasses and usually wear a jacket with armor. Used to always wear boots, but actually find that it is more comfortable on the stryker with tennis shoes. The heal on my boots seem to affect my foot placement. Most important thing is to be aware.. ride defensively. Assume nothing... Plus I got my guardian bell. LOL

 

[Saltyseafarer]

Live in Florida . . . so it's hot.

Jeans, Boots, Gloves, Helmet, Leather Vest or Jacket.

Wearing a tank-top I took a 4" long dragonfly in the shoulder by my armpit while doing 90 mph. Doctor had to dig the bastards parts out of the wound (1/4" deep, size of a bullet hole).
Hurt like ****, got infected big time. Even a T-shirt would have offered a little more protection. ATGATT

 

[Strykeback]

ATGATT

 

[Minibob]

I don't mess around either. I may not wear my armored jacket if I'm going somewhere in town. I live in a pretty small town. Other than that, boots, gloves, jacket, jeans, and full face helmet. Starting to look for some pants with some protection/armor. Like stated in previous posts,it sucks at stop lights. As well as what to do with the gear when you get to your destination if you got nowhere to store it. I'm working on that part. I'v stated in a few other posts. I bought a Castle turbine jacket in white/black. 2-layer. Outer layer has a lot of mesh, so you don't really feel it when you're moving. The thing I don't like about the Phoenix is that it has no real collar.