357mag
Northern Illinois
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Joined: 02/27/2009
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I'll admit that even as a former MSF instructor I do not wear all the gear, all of the time. I ride for the enjoyment, and I knowingly take the risks that I feel are worthwhile to take. I live only 1.5 miles from my office, so sometimes I ride with no helmet, no jacket, no gloves and with street shoes. And sometimes I take a summer's morning drive with helmet, boots, gloves, but no jacket and just regular jeans. We each have to make our own choices everytime we ride. I don't ride in the winter because for me, to bundle up or hook up electric warming gear takes away too much from the riding experience. Total gear makes me feel like I am as isolated from the elements as being in my car.
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LowCountryRider
South Carolina
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Joined: 02/14/2009
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Like osun061 f/ Houston and jazzman f/ Nashville, I live in the deep south. It gets hot as hell down here f/ June through most of September. Greg D., what kind of jacket would you suggest we wear in the summer heat? I refuse to give up my full-face helmut no matter how hot it gets, but I could really use some advice for a hot weather riding jacket.
I've only begun reading Rider Magazine, so maybe you've covered this topic in earlier issues that I missed, but if you haven't, here's a great article idea for an upcoming issue.
Would love to hear anyone's thoughts on this.....
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Blatherbeard
Austin Tx
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Joined: 02/17/2009
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I live in the cold NH, soon to be moving to TX.
I dont wear the gear i "should" according you most of you, nor will i ever. I ride to enjoy the wind in my face. Ive worn the "gear" and found it limiting, hot and basically unsafe for ME to wear. If your not comfortable on your bike, your not safe, period. You can flame me, tell me im wrong, whatever. Comfort=safety IMHO.
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Blatherbeard
Austin Tx
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Just for the record, i never wear tank top, tshirt crap. I do wear, boots, jeans. Just not a helmet, "required jacket and gloves"
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10ecjazzman
Nashville, Tennessee
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Joined: 01/24/2007
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Talking about hot weather gear. I have one of the first HD mesh jackets with the soft armor. Its really not bad in the summer. It would be better on a bike with no fairing but I can live with it. I just ordered mesh pants from motorcycle superstore for 79 bucks. I am getting more for a 'comfort' item even though I know they are safer than jeans. I run a little hot and I think the mesh pants might help cool off the boys a bit. As a commuter I am probably at risk the most riding to and from work. I agree w/ Blather to a point. We all must have fallen in love with that wind in your face feeling..theres nothing quite like it. I gear up heavy to commute but no so much for my back road rides. It does feel good in a light jacket and jeans but for me the helmet, boots and gloves are mandatory. Blatherbeard..you are truly in for a real treat riding in TX in the summer. I lived in NM for about 7 years. Man!. Sometimes it really was too hot to ride!
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osun061
Houston, Tx.
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Joined: 06/03/2008
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I was knocked off my Suzuki t500 late one night back in '72 by an 18 wheeler not paying attention on the Corinth St. viaduct in Dallas . Last thing I remember about that, was me trying to stay off the high curb as I rolled and the rear wheels of the 18 wheeler hopping over my bike as I skidded . Driver never stopped.
Woke up in Parkland Hospital later with some roadrash and bruises but nothing broken except my Bell helmet , which the Doctor said save my life. Bike was totaled.
So I consider Helmet, gloves and boots to be my minimum riding gear .
Also, I never spend any time in what I call the danger zone on the highway next to an 18 wheeler, that I focus on keeping them in front or behind me . Preferably behind!
Terry
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gdrevenstedt
Ventura, CA
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Joined: 04/07/2008
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@LowCountryRider:
There are many options for riding in hot weather. Many apparel manufacturers (Cortech, Tour Master, Fieldsheer, Olympia Moto Sports, etc.) make lightweight mesh jackets, pants, and 1-piece suits. Here are a couple of options to consider, which I evaluated in Rider:
Tour Master Flex 2 Jacket
http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?id=1694665
Olympia Moto Sports Stealth One-Piece Suit
http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?id=1743841
Here's a link to our all-weather riding suit buyer's guide
http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?id=1743553
And lastly, look for our summer riding jacket buyer's guide in the July issue of Rider.
Take care & ride well,
Greg
Greg Drevenstedt
Road Test Editor
Rider Magazine
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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Joined: 08/11/2003
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Those are good reviews. I appreciate reviews over useful gear as opposed to the fashion stuff I usually see.
I have a one piece Aerostich and love it. On hot days, I fill ziplock baggies with ice and put them in the pockets. If it gets too hot to wear my gear, then it's too hot to ride.
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