Do you gear up?

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 8:25 am

Me: ............ Summer .......................................... Winter
.................. ---------- ...................................... --------------
.................F/F helmet ...................................... F/F helmet
................ Gloves .......................................... Gloves (heated)
................Boots (about 1/2 time) .................... Boots (mostly)
.............Armored jacket ................................. Armored jacket
................. Jeans........................................... Armored pants (when it's cold/wet)
....................................................................... Jeans (when it's warmer/drier)

Perkussion · Post by **Perkussion** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 10:27 am

S & W FF Helmet
S & W Armored vented jacket with and without linings
S & W Long gauntlet gloves and vented gloves
S & W Jeans
S & W Steel toe boots

I've gotten so used to wearing agatt that I feel distracted without it.

brape · Post by **brape** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 11:34 am

I wear most of that gear most of the time. I admit if I'm going down the street to put mail in the mail box or to get an ice cream sandwhich I may wear a tee shirt, sneakers, and my helmet.

Queen · Post by **Queen** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 3:27 pm

Winter:
- FF helmet
- Winter jacket
- Gloves
- Boots
- Jeans

Summer:
- 3/4 helmet (about 60% of the time)
- Whatever I'm wearing to work that day (shorts/tshirt/Keens)

LuvMyScoot · Post by **LuvMyScoot** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 6:03 pm

I don't ride in the winter because I'm a wuss.

If it's not too hot I wear f/f helmet, anything over 80 and I wear 1/2 (I'm going to get a 3/4 to replace it). Boots, jeans always. I just ordered a Corrazo 5.0 so I expect I'll be wearing that most of the time because it's just too good looking not to!

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 6:06 pm

Most of the Gear All of the Time… or at least most of the time.

Now that I have a full mesh, I've no excuses for doffing the jacket in summer. My most frequent "violation" is wearing sneakers on occasion. Bad, I know, but sometimes I just rush out. I always wear a modular helmet (upgrading to a solid FF eventually) and gloves.

rsrider · Post by **rsrider** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 8:05 pm

Helmet and light gloves. On my MC's, I gear up every time. I have so much gear, I could completely outfit 4 people, easily, and if they brought their own boots, I could outfit 5 people, helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, the whole deal. Why I don't gear up on the scooter, I haven't a clue. So just leave me alone ya gear Nazi's....

ATGATT!!!

nateandcourt · Post by **nateandcourt** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 8:56 pm

eeek...

I have been known to cruise to the store in shorts and flipflops, but I always wear a helm.

I do have some mesh gear that I invested in recently. I am getting into the habit of gearing up more often. At times I feel rather naked without it.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 9:02 pm

I'm a some of the gear all of the time kinda guy, Helmet at ALL times, jacket, now that I have my Corrazzo Shop Jacket, whatever foot wear fits my day, NEVER sandles though, and whatever pants happen, sometimes, yes, shorts...

AND gloves, I need something to dampen the vibration, my fingers numb after just a few miles or so these days

Queen · Post by **Queen** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 10:13 pm

nateandcourt wrote:eeek...

I have been known to cruise to the store in shorts and flipflops, but I always wear a helm.

Same here (except the helmet), when I'm in Key West it's flip flops, shorts, tank top, and sunglasses.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 11:04 pm

Winter-ish:
3/4 helmet with full face shield, ear-jock over my mouth and cheeks
Ye olde lined leather jacket
Leather gloves
and y'know... clothes.

Summer:
Half helmet, glasses; full face shield if rain is possible
Armored mesh jacket, with/out liner as needed for rain
Leather-and-mesh gloves
and... clothes.

"Clothes" never includes shorts, and always includes real shoes.

nateandcourt · Post by **nateandcourt** » Sat Apr 10, 2010 11:26 pm

Pax wrote:
nateandcourt wrote:eeek...

I have been known to cruise to the store in shorts and flipflops, but I always wear a helm.
Same here (except the helmet), when I'm in Key West it's flip flops, shorts, tank top, and sunglasses.

Yeah, I developed that habit while I was in Clearwater.

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 12:51 am

I always wear a FF helmet, in the winter I wear a Corazzo 5.0 jacket, and FirstGear armored gloves. I also wear a set of padded(not actually armored) military surplus BDU's, along with Doc Martin's industrial boots.

In the summer Its a FF helmet, Fieldsheer mesh jacket, Firstgear mesh gloves, Fieldsheer mesh pants, and the Docs.

jasondavis48108 · Post by **jasondavis48108** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 12:58 am

When its cold:
3/4 helemt
motorport jacket with both liners
carhart insulated overals
cortec scarab winter gloves with liners
boots

when its hot
3/4 helemt
motorport jacket with no liner
jeans
joe rocket vented leather gloves
boots

I want to pick up the motoport kevlar mesh pants to match my jacket cause its hot as hell wearing jeans in the summer but I like my skin alot and don't feel right wearing shorts on the scooter. I'm also thinking about a modular helmet. I have a FF and I don't much care for it but I'd like a bit more protection than the 3/4 provides.

JoshInLA · Post by **JoshInLA** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 2:01 am

When it's coldish:
FF helmet
Corazzo leather 5.0
jeans
fingerless leather gloves
shoes

I'm thinking I'm going to buy boots for longer rides, but they would be impractical for my daily use.

When it's hot:
To be determined

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 3:41 am

FF Modular helmet, armored jacked, jeans and gloves all the time.

I have yet to find any boots that I am comfortable wearing around off the scoot so I don't wear them on it (since I'll inevitably end up off it at some point). I'd like to find some but haven't yet.

During the summer, if it is really hot and/or humid, I am guilty of wearing short pants instead of jeans. But I always have the helmet, AJ and gloves on.

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:25 pm

I do ride geared up.
FF, gloves, jacket, boots, chaps. Also a buff neck gaiter for bugs and stones

In summer I wear the white chaps.

dakotamouse · Post by **dakotamouse** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:29 pm

I gear up except for one exception. I wear my sneakers to ride to work. When I get to work I usually hit the ground running and I don't want to take the time to change my shoes.

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:34 pm

There are definitely regional and cultural differences in whether people gear up and what they wear. For instance, yesterday I traveled to Silverlake, which is the hip neighborhood with a mix of young people, rich people in the big houses and immigrants. Kind of like SF's Mission District or certain parts of Brooklyn these days.

The area is lousy with bikes and scooters. They're all over—and quite a variety, too. And, with the exception of me and a few guys passing through on sportbikes, almost no one was wearing more than a helmet and gloves. Riders I know from the area (lots of Buddys around there) are the same.

Maybe it's age, maybe it's the cool factor, maybe it's cost, convenience or the fact that we had a beautiful mid-70s afternoon. Maybe a little of everything.

The irony? I was down there directing a photo shoot for GoGo gear!

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 9:32 pm

FF some of the time (when I will be riding over 30mph) most of my riding is around 25mph
Cycle gloves almost always
Usually not shorts... but once in a while

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:28 pm

I always gear up.

But...
I can understand why some people, who are not going to be riding any faster than a bicycle, might not choose attgatt.

Queen · Post by **Queen** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 11:16 pm

LisaLisa wrote:I always gear up.

But...
I can understand why some people, who are not going to be riding any faster than a bicycle, might not choose attgatt.

That pretty well describes my commute. Quite residential streets all the way to campus, max speed 25mph. That and I live in a state with no helmet laws so it's always been optional, I think when you live where it isn't an option atgatt is a little more common.

C2 · Post by C2 » Sun Apr 11, 2010 11:39 pm

Not quite a winter rider yet, so I'm always wearing...

FF Helmet (Shoei RF-1000)
Armored/Mesh Jacket (Fieldsheer High Flow II Mesh Jacket)
Gloves
Boots (Doc Martens)

Since we are having cold mornings and great afternoons these days in the SF Bay Area, I will add a light-weight hoodie underneath the jacket for the morning commute and leave it off for the ride back. It's too much hassle to put in and take out the liner that came with the jacket at the moment.

C2

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Sun Apr 11, 2010 11:54 pm

I do want to add that while I tend to go light on the gear, I do recommend gearing up, regardless of speed or distance, when your scooter is new and you are learning how it (& you) will react in an emergency situation.

and now that I have said I dont gear up much because I am not riding fast... here is a news story of a guy that hit car in a parking lot yesterday
http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x106030991 ... t-accident

dakotamouse · Post by **dakotamouse** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 12:28 am

I've been waiting for someone to give me grief about gearing up just to ride a scooter. My prepared answer is

When, you get hit by a car it hurts just as much on a scooter as on a motorcycle. Would you give a Harley rider grief about his leathers?

PatrickH · Post by **PatrickH** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:00 am

Well,

I have a 3/4 helmet, padded jacket, gloves, and Sunglasses.

I may get more equipment, because the Navy requires everyone to ride with 'Full Personal Protective Equipment'. I'm just not sure what that means.

cheez37 · Post by **cheez37** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:13 am

I'm hoping I'll be able to stick to the boots/jeans/armored mesh jacket during the summer. It gets hotter then h*** here May-September. The 1/2 helmet and gloves are always going to be on though.

Phycus Malloy · Post by **Phycus Malloy** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 4:39 am

I just wear a scarf and my official "Ghost Rider" boxer shorts.
Needless to say, I have scars. Chicks dig scars.

<a href="http://s146.photobucket.com/albums/r266 ... trider.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r266 ... trider.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:41 pm

PatrickH wrote:Well,

I have a 3/4 helmet, padded jacket, gloves, and Sunglasses.

I may get more equipment, because the Navy requires everyone to ride with 'Full Personal Protective Equipment'. I'm just not sure what that means.

Just of curriousity Let me know what, 'squids' need....
The Army requires, helmet, gloves, eye protection, long pants, long sleaves and PT belt worn accross the back diagonaly...

PatrickH · Post by **PatrickH** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:45 pm

KABarash wrote:
PatrickH wrote:Well,

I have a 3/4 helmet, padded jacket, gloves, and Sunglasses.

I may get more equipment, because the Navy requires everyone to ride with 'Full Personal Protective Equipment'. I'm just not sure what that means.
Just of curriousity Let me know what, 'squids' need....
The Army requires, helmet, gloves, eye protection, long pants, long sleaves and PT belt worn accross the back diagonaly...

I asked today, and here are the Navy Requirements:
DOT Approved Helmet
Gloves
Boots
Padded Jacket
Reflective/Bright Colored Vest (not necessary if Jacket is already)
Long Pants
Eye Protection

You also cannot ride on base until you take the basic motorcycle safety course.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:54 pm

PatrickH wrote:
You also cannot ride on base until you take the basic motorcycle safety course.

Ahhh... Yes I forgot that, and not the civillian one either, it has to be the millitary version!
What's really the 'kickker' I've been out for a looooong time, my son is in, we rode last week together to the PX at the Army War College in Carlisile, since I have no proof of the millitary requirements with me, didn't know I'd need them, I had to walk my scoot while on post!!
What's more supprising, I didn't have to leave it at the main gate!

PatrickH · Post by **PatrickH** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:05 pm

KABarash wrote:
PatrickH wrote:
You also cannot ride on base until you take the basic motorcycle safety course.
Ahhh... Yes I forgot that, and not the civillian one either, it has to be the millitary version!

Yep. That's why I'm keeping my scooter off base at a buddy's house until right before the course. That way, I can still ride it and get some practice.

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:26 pm

Cold weather:
Lap skirt/apron (Sym has one attached to the scooter, Buddy I wear a Corazzo-for really cold or wet weather I ride the Sym with the Corazzo under the Sym skirt)
Jeans (sometimes with tights or thermals underneath)
I just got a pair of riding boots that zip on and off and I now have no excuse (I like them too, very comfy)
Layers of shirts, tees, turtlenecks as needed
Layers of fleece jacket(s) as needed
My warm, armored riding jacket with or without the quilted lining, as needed
A fleece helmet liner, neck gator thingie, as needed
A scarf and/or windproof balaclava, as needed
My winter FF helmet (has a fog guard liner thing for the visor and my fleece helmet liner fits on it just right
My warm and cozy thick leather gloves that can also take an air activated handwarmer if needed
(yeah, I feel like a kid with an enthusiastic mom getting ready to go play in the snow, but I generally stay pretty warm and comfortable)

Warm weather:
Light colored, mesh riding jacket
I try to wear jeans all the time
I have my new boots and plan to try to wear them as often as I can, otherwise I have my leather tennis shoes when they are unbearable
When not riding with a group or at a rally I wear my FF or modular helmet, for group riding I have my OF helmet
Gloves-always and light colored for summer (I am a natural redhead and burn at the thought of going out into the sun, so this is more for sun protection than anything else, to be honest)

I will not allow a passenger that is not at least as geared up as I am, period, end of story (it amazes me how many times I see these kids and the boy is all geared up and his girl is on the back in a lacy tank top and shorts with flip flops on.

I always think about how loved she must feel.)

-v

pcbikedude · Post by **pcbikedude** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:29 pm

95% of the time FF helmet. If over 90 degrees, I occassionally will breakout the half. 8 months out of the year I wear my textile armored jacket with or without the insulated lining. The other 4, the armored mesh jacket with or without the lining. But on the very hot weekends, yes, I will forego a jacket on a short trip to the store.

Gloves, just depends on the weather. Cold or wet mornings, insulated ski-type gloves. Cool afternoons, insulated leather MC gloves. When it gets warmer, just leather or mesh.

I noticed on the weekends in area, that many riders only wear a helmet, gloves, t-shirt, shorts, tennis shoes sometimes flip-flops (usually crotch rocketers).

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 3:06 pm

Vic wrote:it amazes me how many times I see these kids and the boy is all geared up and his girl is on the back in a lacy tank top and shorts with flip flops on. I always think about how loved she must feel.

-v

EXACTLY

Since I have but the one 'armored' jacket when I ride with a passenger they wear it......
My ex-wife commented yesterday, since my jacket is really too too big on my younger son, I told her that since she gets 30% of my 'take home' in child support she should buy the 'armor' for him since I just cannot afford it at this time! Needless to say I ride more than just a little more conseratively when he's aboard!

beeporama · Post by **beeporama** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 3:48 pm

99% of my riding is a commute to work and I take the calculated risk of wearing only regular slacks and dress shoes, even after road rash from my accident. Always a FF helmet, gloves, and leather/mesh jacket for my commute, though.

I'm not righteous. People do not wear protection because it is fun and feels good to ride without. People, myself included, often do stupid things that risk their health or life because it's fun and feels good, whether riding unprotected or sex unprotected or jumping out of an airplane or having their steak rare. I balance risk/reward in the way that seems best to me.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 5:07 pm

beeporama · Post by **beeporama** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:49 pm

KABarash wrote:

Seriously! I'm glad he's wearing leather, but riding barefoot? (Much less no gloves...)

dakotamouse · Post by **dakotamouse** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:11 pm

beeporama wrote:
KABarash wrote:
Seriously! I'm glad he's wearing leather, but riding barefoot? (Much less no gloves...)

yeah but he's a bear .............he'd have to be bearfoot!

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 2:49 am

Someday I'll get around to making a t-shirt of this…

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 3:09 am

I'd buy that.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 2:06 pm

KABarash wrote:Since I have but the one 'armored' jacket when I ride with a passenger they wear it......
My ex-wife commented yesterday, since my jacket is really too too big on my younger son, I told her that since she gets 30% of my 'take home' in child support she should buy the 'armor' for him since I just cannot afford it at this time! Needless to say I ride more than just a little more conseratively when he's aboard!

Hey KAB, there are boards that have a kids' gear exchange where you can buy cheaply or get gear for free, as long as you offer it back up when the child grows out of it. If you're interested, PM me.

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 4:43 pm

dakotamouse wrote:
beeporama wrote:
KABarash wrote:
Seriously! I'm glad he's wearing leather, but riding barefoot? (Much less no gloves...)
yeah but he's a bear .............he'd have to be bearfoot!

He's a Raccoon, by the name of Riley.

ScooterTrash · Post by **ScooterTrash** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:19 pm

My avatar pretty much explains it

On long rides and cold mornings I wear a FF, gloves, crash Jacket and carharts. Always sneakers never boots.

rayk · Post by **rayk** » Thu Apr 15, 2010 8:49 pm

ATGATT

3/4 helmet with face shield (full face just seemed too claustrophobic)
Fieldsheer mesh jacket w/ armor (here in San Diego if it gets cold just wear a flannel shirt under the jacket)
Corazzo Urbano gloves
Steel-toe hiking boots that cover my ankles
Jeans

Wife was an ER nurse for 25 yrs and saw way too many MC injuries. My promise to her was ... ATGATT.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Apr 16, 2010 4:57 pm

rayk wrote:ATGATT

3/4 helmet with face shield (full face just seemed too claustrophobic)
Fieldsheer mesh jacket w/ armor (here in San Diego if it gets cold just wear a flannel shirt under the jacket)
Corazzo Urbano gloves
Steel-toe hiking boots that cover my ankles
Jeans

Wife was an ER nurse for 25 yrs and saw way too many MC injuries. My promise to her was ... ATGATT.

This kind of illustrates a problem with the term ATGATT. In my eyes, ATGATT would have to include riding pants and a FF or modular helmet. I wear pretty much the same amount of gear (with a modular) and wouldn't say I'm ATGATT.

cleric3648 · Post by **cleric3648** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 2:14 pm

Currently, here's the gear:

3/4 Helmet w/ faceshield
Smoked glass goggles that fit over my glasses for bright weather
Corazzo 5.0 jacket
Armored gloves
Boots
Jeans

I also have a FF helmet, but I need to work with it a little since my new glasses don't fit very well with it.

Also, I'm waiting to see about the pants. I'm on the job hunt...again...and if I get a job that requires me to wear nice pants, then I'll need something overtop. Otherwise, I might be able to get away with kevlar jeans.

Coffeejunkie · Post by **Coffeejunkie** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 3:56 pm

All 4 Seasons

FF Modular Helmet
Armored Jacket
Gloves
Boots
Jeans (Don't protect much, but it's better than shorts, even though it's tempting during those 100+ GA summer days.)

I did think of getting a 3/4 helmet, but the fear of damaging my jaw, losing my teeth, or both just scares the scoots out of me.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 5:45 pm

I started out ATGATT, but I've since dropped the riding pants as standard equipment. One day that'll probably bite me. The riding pants are currently colder-weather gear, as they're water- and wind-proof with the optional insulated liner. They're just too bulky and cumbersome otherwise. I've got my eye on a different pair of riding pants, but they're way outta budget at the moment. I do like the abrasion protection idea.

As far as the AGTATT argument, my choice of gear has only a little to do with crash protection. The jacket and boots are primarily crash, yes...but it's a 50/50 split between that and weatherproofing. For the rest, crash protection is the minority reason for choice.
FF helmet because in the winter it's warmer, in the summer it stays cooler and provides sunburn protection, and I don't like the idea of eating bugs every few minutes.
Gloves because I'm an artisan/craftsperson (NEED my hands)...and I used to bicycle. Beyond crash protection they absorb vibration, prevent sun- and windburn, protect from bees, rocks and rain, and you can get them with nifty things built in for sweat (terry cloth), rain (squeegee), or visibility (piping). Gloves are hands version 5. That's my gear no-brainer.
I wear jeans, but it's next to impossible to get me into shorts anyway. I'm not sure I even own a pair outside of swimming anymore.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 11:45 pm

I now have a new attitude about gear. I don't care what you wear or don't wear and wish all in the scooter community safe rides and great enjoyment.

BUT - Friday night I t-boned a minivan on my Stella. The driver signaled a left turnfrom the right lane and turned at the same instant. I was in the left lane. T-Bone!! The sudden stop was not fun. Funny how things slow down but your mind goes so fast. As I laid on the ground I couldn't help but think how glad that I wore all my gear. Had on my moto boots, armored gloves, armored jacket and ff helmet. All I have is road rash on one knee (again!) and a separated shoulder. Haven't seen Stella since, she was hauled off, not in bad shape, but I can't ride. Yep, gear for me.
And he had insurance.