Ridiculed for wearing a jacket

trevo_man · Post by **trevo_man** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:26 pm

So my Fieldsheer mesh jacket just showed up in the mail this week. I have been wearing it every day when I ride buddy. I used to wear a cheap leather jacket (which I did catch a few laughs from).

Now that I am wearing this "motorcycle" jacket people have been kind of laughing at me.

"Wow, you have got a jacket for a much faster bike than a scooter."

"A little over-protected don't you think?"

These people think I just want to look cool. I don't think they realize that a crash on a scooter can be just as dangerous as a crash on a bullet bike. When I try to tell them this though, they just roll their eyes. Nobody respects the scoot.

Orange Guy · Post by **Orange Guy** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:38 pm

Reply to them with this: "Well, since I've been saving piles and piles of money because this little scooter gets 90 mpg, I thought I'd buy something nice for myself."

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:42 pm

they're just jealous because they don't make "suv jackets" or "sports car jackets". hehehe

schlagle · Post by **schlagle** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:43 pm

Just have a good sense of humor about it. I find that joking around with people, like by calling the scooter a "Hog" and laughing with them opens them up a bit more to accept a little knowledge about the very real dangers of hitting the ground or a car at 60 mph.

In all honesty, nothing annoys me more than people who feel the need to ridicule others. Especially when it's based on pure ignorance.

trevo_man · Post by **trevo_man** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:47 pm

Orange Guy wrote:Reply to them with this: "Well, since I've been saving piles and piles of money because this little scooter gets 90 mpg, I thought I'd buy something nice for myself."

ha ha ha. Genius. I am also thinking about making a license plate frame that just says "90 MPG"

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:49 pm

schlagle wrote:Just have a good sense of humor about it.

if i'm cruizin' a parking lot, i usually toot my horn at the haryley/crotch rockets guys who rev their engines at me....i usually get a respone of "holy crap that's a loud a$$ horn" and then we gab about my rattler. it's a good ice breaker.

Christy · Post by **Christy** » Sun May 11, 2008 2:49 pm

helmet, and/or other safety gear that you wear while riding? check

wheels are aired up, horn works, gas tank full and ready to ride? check

so now you're riding down the street at 45 (cuz thats the speedlimit) and a car, who doesn't see you, turns out of a parking lot and collides into you.

You and your bike are thrown into another lane. You get lucky and those cars stop before running you over. You have several broken bones but live.

we assume the "you" is on a scooter because thats what we ride...motorcyclists would assume the "you" is a motorcycle because that is what they ride. Either way, it is the exact same situation, danger and injuries.

Scooters are not inherently safer than motorcycles. Oh sure, they have a cute name, "scooter," and a cute little pass thru but that doesn't make them safe. They are still a class of motorcycle. They are still lacking a cage and they still travel at the same speed as the rest of traffic. They aren't toys.

I think it's ridiculous that people think that we are overprotected...but then again, those that do clearly don't ride. And they are probably used to seeing some motorcycle riders without a helmet or any protective gear. Pair that with the assumption that scooters are safer than motorcycles and we're suddenly over-protected.

my opinion: dress for the fall not the ride.

Post by **ericalm** » Sun May 11, 2008 3:41 pm

This is your grand opportunity to be an ambassador of good scootering and help change people's wrongheaded notions about scooters!

My advice is to reply with something like, "Yeah, it does seem a little much. But taking a slide on the asphalt at 60mph hurts as much when it happens on a scooter as when it happens on a motorcycle. And it's not like scooters have a special plastic bubble that surrounds you before a car hits you. In fact, scooters are just as dangerous as those crotch rockets over there. The big difference—and this is kind of a secret I'm not supposed to tell people—is that you have to score higher on an IQ test before you can buy a scooter. It's TRUE!"

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Sun May 11, 2008 3:43 pm

i personally think that scooters are more dangerous then bigger motorcycles...because we are smaller and harder to see.

Post by **jmazza** » Sun May 11, 2008 3:46 pm

Eric's idea is good but if your Fieldsheer is anything like mine it's got some pretty solid shoulder pads... and the NFL draft just passed so technically it's football season...

I am lucky that no one has made fun of my jacket and they actually think it looks pretty cool (co-workers). I did remove all the Fieldsheer branding with a seam ripper and it's less motorcycle racer-ish now.

louie · Post by **louie** » Sun May 11, 2008 3:55 pm

true enough eric, i grew up taught to be afraid of any 2 wheeled ride. i didn't understand the effects of good and bad judgement calls, including safety gear. now i know and let others know when they comment of my jackets and now with my new modular helmet that protects my lovely chin.

ay pablo · Post by **ay pablo** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:08 pm

I'm actually shocked when I see scooterists who are NOT geared up.....It just seems like common sense to me: skin and asphalt just don't really mix very well. I think the above advice about engaging in a light, joking dialogue is a great one.

ryder1 · Post by **ryder1** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:18 pm

I think the majority of people do not realize how fast the Buddy goes.

People who ask me about my Buddy think it goes no more than 30mph.
But even at that some nasty injuries can occur.

Ridiculed for riding gear is plain ignorance or jealousy on their part.

But I think the Fieldsheer can look like overkill as do some other brands that are plastered on the jacket.

Post by **ericalm** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:28 pm

ryder1 wrote:But I think the Fieldsheer can look like overkill as do some other brands that are plastered on the jacket.

The selection for mesh jackets is even worse for regular riding wear. For some reason, many have the armor on the outside (sort of) and more straps and buckles than a straightjacket. Others are festooned with giant logos.

I make no apologies for being somewhat fashion conscious about my riding gear but I think I'll end up having to compromise on this one.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:28 pm

trevo_man wrote:So my Fieldsheer mesh jacket just showed up in the mail this week. I have been wearing it every day when I ride buddy. I used to wear a cheap leather jacket (which I did catch a few laughs from).

Now that I am wearing this "motorcycle" jacket people have been kind of laughing at me.

"Wow, you have got a jacket for a much faster bike than a scooter."

"A little over-protected don't you think?"

These people think I just want to look cool. I don't think they realize that a crash on a scooter can be just as dangerous as a crash on a bullet bike. When I try to tell them this though, they just roll their eyes. Nobody respects the scoot.

I have a stock answer that I give to people who comment negatively on my safety gear.

"Mr. Asphalt doesn't care what you are riding or how fast you are going. He just wants a short, shallow relationship with you."

If they're real jerks who ride something for the "macho flavor", I usually add something like "By the way, do you know which foster home your kids are going to be assigned if something should happen to you? You might want to look into that. It would be a shame have them get one that's just in it for the money."

That's pretty harsh, but I only use it on real jerks and most of the time they believe they are too skilled to ever have anything happen.

On the other hand, I have had many come up to me and say, "Hey, I'm glad to see you wear all the safety gear even if people make fun of ya." These are usually people who don't ride, but would like to, have families and are aware of their extensive responsibilities to others.

They'll get used to seeing you wearing it and leave you alone after awhile. One day one of them will come up to you and ask where you got your gear, how you like it, etc. They've been watching and now they want to start riding.

I'm looking at this from the standpoint of an older adult and a young person with no responsibilities to others may not see it this way. Those who do are to be commended. Hopefully those who don't will learn by others example and not the hard way. Be safe out there.

As far as style goes, I prefer the non strait jacket look and it can be found but takes some looking around. I have a very plain armored mesh jacket. It is a First Gear Mesh Tex II from www.newenough.com. My winter gear is from Fieldsheer and I have to admit it is pretty over the top as far as appearance of the 3/4 jacket with all of the pockets, secret panels, velcro, zippers, buttons, etc. The pants are warm, warm, warm, but are a pain to put on and take off. I only wear it for long trips on my motorcycle when I know its going to worn all day.

Dennis

redcass · Post by **redcass** » Sun May 11, 2008 4:41 pm

ryder1 wrote:I think the majority of people do not realize how fast the Buddy goes.

Right! That's the impression I get all the time.

I only got ridiculed once (so far

) for my Fieldsheer leather jacket. It was from a bunch of kids on a sidewalk when I was at a stoplight. Unfortunately, they walked away before they saw me zip through the green light!

charltons · Post by **charltons** » Sun May 11, 2008 5:41 pm

I admit I feel a little ridiculous when I put on my jacket and full face to ride, and a bright orange vest in the am. But then I remember all the arguments from previous posts, and especially my wife and kids, so I zip up and put the helmet on.

I think part of the problem is many people ride on scoots with shorts and flip-flops. That is absolutely their right, but I feel it does add to the perception of scoots as toys.

I think it is absolutely ridiculous when I see how some motorcyclists ride with barely any protection at all, but then like previous posts stated, there is a lot of ignorance.

mandyscoots · Post by **mandyscoots** » Sun May 11, 2008 5:50 pm

brimstone wrote:they're just jealous because they don't make "suv jackets" or "sports car jackets". hehehe

Funny!

Hey you know I have come in contact with a lot of people that think "it's just a scooter" They don't understand that you are going the same speed as all the other vehicles around you with little to no protection.

The first day I got my Buddy my husband said "why don't you just drive it home?" It is like a 15 mile drive back to my house! LOL
I told him well first of all I don't even have a helmet yet. He said "Why don't you just borrow your sister's bike helmet" LOL

People just don't get it. No worries. You are awesome for protecting yourself.

heavypetting · Post by **heavypetting** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:22 am

I used to get comments when I was on my motorcycle ( a 750!). The most annoying comment when I was gearing up at a gas station or cycle shop was " Are you afraid you're gonna fall?" My general response was, "I've got pretty skin, I'd like to keep it attached to my body."

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Mon May 12, 2008 2:53 am

the human body doesn't look good when it's a giant scab.

pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:50 am

"I've got pretty skin, I'd like to keep it attached to my body."

Way excellent reply!

Quo Vadimus · Post by **Quo Vadimus** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:36 am

You: drive a 250 pound vehicle, wear a 3 pound jacket.

Them: drive an 8500 pound vehicle, don't need a jacket.

I'd rather carry the jacket than the Stupid Useless Vehicle everywhere I go.

No need to explain, just smile on the inside and buddy on by.

Post by **jmazza** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:33 am

pugbuddy wrote:
"I've got pretty skin, I'd like to keep it attached to my body."
Way excellent reply!

I have a similar reply when ridiculed by a motorcycle rider wearing a beanie or no helmet about my FF helmet- "You're ugly and don't need to protect your face, so it works for you. I, however, need to stay looking good."

And no, I'm not a narcissist. It's just a funny line. And what is scootering about if not funny lines!

sunshinen · Post by **sunshinen** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:25 pm

mandyscoots wrote: Hey you know I have come in contact with a lot of people that think "it's just a scooter" They don't understand that you are going the same speed as all the other vehicles around you with little to no protection.

The first day I got my Buddy my husband said "why don't you just drive it home?" It is like a 15 mile drive back to my house! LOL
I told him well first of all I don't even have a helmet yet. He said "Why don't you just borrow your sister's bike helmet" LOL

People just don't get it. No worries. You are awesome for protecting yourself.

Yeah, I've had people tell me that scooters belong on the sidewalk. When I suggest that going 65mph on the sidewalk might be a little reckless, their mouths sort of drop open and then shut really fast.

People really just don't understand what scooters are capable of. I find quick, cheerful, informative responses to be the best. Educate the masses... without taking it personally.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Mon May 12, 2008 8:32 pm

Like DennisD I too have a standard reply to questions of this nature. It is: "So, what kind of bike do you ride?" Typically, the person asking the question is not a rider of any sort and, depending on my mood, I either launch into a brief explanation of why I make the choices I make or I tell them to go screw themselves.

If, on the other hand, the person is a rider, I'll attempt to engage them in a discussion. However, I've never been approached by another rider with questions like this.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon May 12, 2008 8:44 pm

I actually had a guy at Cycle Gear (I think he was a new employee) as why I wore gear to ride a scooter.

The first thing I said was "Dude, I don't think your boss wants you to talk me out of buying stuff" I'm in there often enough that the "boss kinda laughed.

Then I told him what I tell most people:

The next time your driving at 40 mph open the car door...and think about jumping out. Let me know how it goes!

Ken82 · Post by **Ken82** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:12 pm

messaging in nyc...seeing the wrecks i've seen...wearing the gear that makes you feel and ensures safety...is only intelligent...i've seen dudes get pinched between 2 city busses and the only thing that saved their lives was their helmet...

haha i like the 40mph+ jumping out of car response...

you could just carry a pistol and just flash it...just kidding!

it's funny because in other cultures riding a scooter is what it is..just a smart means of transportation....

in america..it's either "cool" or "tool" depending on the perspective...

they're just hating because they're not mentally prepared to face the fact that they're spending 120 dollars at the pump every 5 days...

NathanielSalzman · Post by **NathanielSalzman** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:21 pm

brimstone wrote:they're just jealous because they don't make "suv jackets" or "sports car jackets". hehehe

Hey now! I have a MINI track jacket for my MINI

Kodos · Post by **Kodos** » Mon May 12, 2008 9:56 pm

Honestly, I hadn't really thought about a jacket until I started reading these threads. I'd never ride my scoot without long pants or a helmet, but I thought my trusty work jacket would be sufficient otherwise. Now I'm thinking I might need something with a little armor. I was thrown of a crotch rocket wayyyyy back in college (no helmet, no jacket) and got INCREDIBLY lucky... but I'm not assuming lightening will strike twice in the same place!

So would most of you agree that armor is necessary?

NathanielSalzman · Post by **NathanielSalzman** » Mon May 12, 2008 10:10 pm

Kodos wrote:Honestly, I hadn't really thought about a jacket until I started reading these threads. I'd never ride my scoot without long pants or a helmet, but I thought my trusty work jacket would be sufficient otherwise. Now I'm thinking I might need something with a little armor. I was thrown of a crotch rocket wayyyyy back in college (no helmet, no jacket) and got INCREDIBLY lucky... but I'm not assuming lightening will strike twice in the same place!

So would most of you agree that armor is necessary?

Definitely. For both abrasion protection and impact protection. Armor in your shoulders, for example, can make the difference between a break/dislocation, and simply scuffing up the jacket. Good armor does a great job of dissipating impact energy around your joints and major impact points.

Post by **jrsjr** » Tue May 13, 2008 12:03 am

trevo_man wrote:"Wow, you have got a jacket for a much faster bike than a scooter."

"A little over-protected don't you think?"

These people think I just want to look cool. I don't think they realize that a crash on a scooter can be just as dangerous as a crash on a bullet bike. When I try to tell them this though, they just roll their eyes. Nobody respects the scoot.

Sometimes I think $5/gal gas is going to raise the average IQ in this country by at least 5 points. I wonder why folks think that hitting the pavement hurts any less if you do it from a scooter than it does if you do it from a motorcycle. You can tell your buddies from me that I have personal experience doing both and that a jacket and full-face helmet was the difference between walking away and not. Regardless of whether it's a scooter, sportbike, 'wing, hog or whatever, the pavement has no mercy.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue May 13, 2008 1:50 am

Kodos wrote:Honestly, I hadn't really thought about a jacket until I started reading these threads. I'd never ride my scoot without long pants or a helmet, but I thought my trusty work jacket would be sufficient otherwise. Now I'm thinking I might need something with a little armor. I was thrown of a crotch rocket wayyyyy back in college (no helmet, no jacket) and got INCREDIBLY lucky... but I'm not assuming lightening will strike twice in the same place!

So would most of you agree that armor is necessary?

I used to feel pretty much the same way until I started frequenting the forums. I then got a cheap jacket with soft armor. While that jacket offered me some protection in a crash, a better one may have prevented (or lessened) my injuries.

jim_0068 · Post by **jim_0068** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:16 am

ericalm wrote: In fact, scooters are just as dangerous as those crotch rockets over there.

uuuuuhhhhhhhh no. I know from experience; i'll admit i wear a full face and a mesh jacket and gloves because as people said falling or getting into an accident on a scooter, motorcycle, or even BICYCLE at over 30mph WILL FREAKN' HURT!

However crotch rocket sportbikes are much much more dangerous for numerous reasons.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:21 am

jim_0068 wrote:
ericalm wrote: In fact, scooters are just as dangerous as those crotch rockets over there.
uuuuuhhhhhhhh no. I know from experience; i'll admit i wear a full face and a mesh jacket and gloves because as people said falling or getting into an accident on a scooter, motorcycle, or even BICYCLE at over 30mph WILL FREAKN' HURT!

However crotch rocket sportbikes are much much more dangerous for numerous reasons.

Its the rider, not the rocket. There is a time and place...
I have known a number of very responsible, still alive, sport bike lovers. Its the squids that give the bike a bad name.

UHOH, did I do it again? There I go with my opinions.

Dennis

jim_0068 · Post by **jim_0068** » Tue May 13, 2008 3:26 am

Dennis i agree, however i'm talking about the potential for danger due to the power available as well as the skill needed to ride those types of bikes correctly.

Everytime i know someone who wants to start out on a 600cc bike like that i tell them the story about that guy (name escapes me) who bought an off the dealer floor Yamaha R6, made very very minor modifications for it to be legal to race (didn't touch the motor).

I don't remember how he finished but he was a talented rider and i want to say finished pretty high up. So when you can go to the store and buy basically a RACE BIKE and put it on the street, ya sorry; sport bike = more dangerous than scooter.

lol

brimstone · Post by **brimstone** » Tue May 13, 2008 5:28 am

NathanielSalzman wrote:
brimstone wrote:they're just jealous because they don't make "suv jackets" or "sports car jackets". hehehe
Hey now! I have a MINI track jacket for my MINI

well...it's about the same size as your scoot, so your ok.

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Tue May 13, 2008 4:52 pm

jim_0068 wrote:Dennis i agree, however i'm talking about the potential for danger due to the power available as well as the skill needed to ride those types of bikes correctly.

Everytime i know someone who wants to start out on a 600cc bike like that i tell them the story about that guy (name escapes me) who bought an off the dealer floor Yamaha R6, made very very minor modifications for it to be legal to race (didn't touch the motor).

I don't remember how he finished but he was a talented rider and i want to say finished pretty high up. So when you can go to the store and buy basically a RACE BIKE and put it on the street, ya sorry; sport bike = more dangerous than scooter.

lol

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I still think its the nut behind the wheel. If its the sport bike that is so dangerous, it won't be long before someone decides to sue the manufacturer for putting them out there. It can't do anything without the guy riding it. He is the dangerous one. But I do see your point.

Dennis

jim_0068 · Post by **jim_0068** » Tue May 13, 2008 5:54 pm

DennisD wrote:
jim_0068 wrote:Dennis i agree, however i'm talking about the potential for danger due to the power available as well as the skill needed to ride those types of bikes correctly.

Everytime i know someone who wants to start out on a 600cc bike like that i tell them the story about that guy (name escapes me) who bought an off the dealer floor Yamaha R6, made very very minor modifications for it to be legal to race (didn't touch the motor).

I don't remember how he finished but he was a talented rider and i want to say finished pretty high up. So when you can go to the store and buy basically a RACE BIKE and put it on the street, ya sorry; sport bike = more dangerous than scooter.

lol
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I still think its the nut behind the wheel. If its the sport bike that is so dangerous, it won't be long before someone decides to sue the manufacturer for putting them out there. It can't do anything without the guy riding it. He is the dangerous one. But I do see your point.

Dennis

Dennis i'll respect your opinion and we can agree to disagree. However it is the opinion like yours that many young inexperienced riders use as their reasoning to buy a sportbike and friends of mine have died because they simply didn't have the riding ability to handle a sport bike at their level of experience. This isnt just me either but you can talk to any motorcyclist and they will share a similar opinion.

heavypetting · Post by **heavypetting** » Wed May 14, 2008 6:41 pm

In MSF class, we were taught that scooters are not infact safer than motorcycles. The reason being is that wheels, tires and suspensions on larger bikes were better equipped to handle bumps, higher speeds and turns. The smaller tires are more likely to get caught in a pothole, the bike is lighter therefore easier to flip.

Either way, if you ride beyond your comfort zone and skill level, you will have an accident.

gt1000 · Post by **gt1000** » Wed May 14, 2008 10:16 pm

The safety debate swirling around superbikes is tiresome. Yes, these bikes generate insane power levels. They're also capable of extreme cornering g-loads as well as eye-popping braking. In the hands of a competent rider, these bikes are a curious combination of confidence inspiring and terror inducing. In the hands of an expert rider these bikes are capable of safely sustaining speeds that would suck the heavy wax buildup right out of your ears. But, in the hands of an incompetent rider, these bikes really are like a loaded gun pointed at one's own head. Since we're a species that likes to blame, who do we blame?

It's hard for me to blame the manufacturers because they're simply competing with each other in trying to offer the best product. Do you blame Ferrari, BMW, MB or Porsche for pushing the envelope in car development? Suppose a skier chooses a hill that's more expert than he is and winds up killing himself? Do you blame the maker of the skis, the mountain or the skier for the choice he made.

It's hard to generalize, but in the case of superbikes in squids' hands, I tend to think it's an extreme case of natural selection. If an adult makes the decision to buy a superbike and he winds up killing himself, it's his bad. If it's a minor, I'd have issues with the parents.

Finally, you can and probably should blame "the law". Many countries have scaled levels of motorcycle licensing to keep beginners off of bikes that are just too much for their level of competency. For whatever reason, we don't go there. Should we?

emilaya101 · Post by **emilaya101** » Sun May 24, 2009 11:03 pm

jim_0068 wrote:
DennisD wrote:
jim_0068 wrote:Dennis i agree, however i'm talking about the potential for danger due to the power available as well as the skill needed to ride those types of bikes correctly.

Everytime i know someone who wants to start out on a 600cc bike like that i tell them the story about that guy (name escapes me) who bought an off the dealer floor Yamaha R6, made very very minor modifications for it to be legal to race (didn't touch the motor).

I don't remember how he finished but he was a talented rider and i want to say finished pretty high up. So when you can go to the store and buy basically a RACE BIKE and put it on the street, ya sorry; sport bike = more dangerous than scooter.

lol

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I still think its the nut behind the wheel. If its the sport bike that is so dangerous, it won't be long before someone decides to sue the manufacturer for putting them out there. It can't do anything without the guy riding it. He is the dangerous one. But I do see your point.

Dennis
Dennis i'll respect your opinion and we can agree to disagree. However it is the opinion like yours that many young inexperienced riders use as their reasoning to buy a sportbike and friends of mine have died because they simply didn't have the riding ability to handle a sport bike at their level of experience. This isnt just me either but you can talk to any motorcyclist and they will share a similar opinion.

That's like saying that a bigger gun is more dangerous than a smaller gun. They still do the same damage, but it depends who has it and how prepared they are to be responsible with it, just like a crotch rocket or scooter.

MrNatural · Post by **MrNatural** » Sun May 24, 2009 11:25 pm

That's like saying that a bigger gun is more dangerous than a smaller gun. They still do the same damage, but it depends who has it and how prepared they are to be responsible with it, just like a crotch rocket or scooter.

I'm getting WAY off the subject but, SAY WHAT??? If anyone should know the bigger the gun the more damage it'll do it should be a Texan!! I'd never wanna try but I'll sooner take a cap in the @ss from a .22 pistol than a 9mm!!!

By they way, LOVE Fredricksburg, TX!!!!

Post by **ericalm** » Sun May 24, 2009 11:59 pm

Folks we're straying WAY off topic here, skirting a political discussion. I don;t think we need to debate either superbikes or the relative damage inflicted by different calibers of guns. Let's keep it a little closer to the topic at hand, please.

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Mon May 25, 2009 12:07 am

Geee- I don't know why people are being so rude to you.

Fact is you wear a jacket and all the rest of the gear because there are no seat belts or safety cages on your bike. Think of how much rubber gets laid down when someone slams on the brakes, and then imagine it's your thigh or back sliding instead of tire rubber.

Most people compliment me on my gear. Those grizzly biker dudes always say something like, "good you're wearing a ff, ya got a pretty face you should protect it..."
Of course it helps if you are a female and just gushed over how gorgeous their bikes are.

charltons · Post by **charltons** » Mon May 25, 2009 12:13 am

I always ask people if they would consider rolling out of their car at 30, 40, or 50 mph. If not, then what's the difference? Having said that, I don't always wear the jacket because I am a little self-concious about that. I'm saving for a Corazzo, then it will be just a fashion statement.

charltons · Post by **charltons** » Mon May 25, 2009 12:21 am

Tell tham to check out this site, and read the testimonials.
http://www.rockthegear.org/index.php?/testimonials/

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Mon May 25, 2009 2:13 am

charltons wrote:Tell tham to check out this site, and read the testimonials.
http://www.rockthegear.org/index.php?/testimonials/

Puke in my mouth.
That stuff is hard to read.

All I know is that I started off riding in shorts and tshirt.
I took my 49cc from Cville to Richmond, VA one day (60 miles). It was the first time I was at WOT (ha ha ha--35mph) for more than 3 minutes. After 10 mins I felt my arms get pins and needle like from wind hitting them. Hmm. That had never happened. Then a bug hit my arms. OUCH!
I put on a sweatshirt and it bugged me that the thing kept blowing around--too big.

Once I decided to ride cross country (and then some) I knew I had to get a jacket. I searched and searched, but didn't want to look like a Power Ranger. Finally, at the lame scooter shop in Cville, I came across a Corazzo. Too big though. I was told they could order one for me, but it would take 2 weeks. WTF?

Chelsea at Scoot Richmond gave me her hoody. I tried wearing it for a couple of days and thought Whew, this is TOO hot for the South. So Corazzo shipped me a 5.0 in 3 days. And off I went.

Each month that I rode, I added another piece of safety gear it seems. By the end of my 22,000 mile ride I had on a Corazzo 5.0, Full face, Carbone gloves, Leg armor, lumbar belt for good posture, thick Carharts, boots and an orange safety vest.

I know people laughed at me. I'm sure scooterists did too. It was a ton of crap. I felt like a moron.

Just gearing up seemed to take 10 mins. And it was HOT. But the few times I did fall--I got up without a scratch. Thankfully. And who knows how many times that orange vest caught someones eye.

I just feel naked without the FF helmet, jacket and gloves. That's my minimum.

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Mon May 25, 2009 2:19 am

Say what I always do, "My Bike will do 90 also, and the jacket was cheaper than a skin graft...."

donkin · Post by **donkin** » Mon May 25, 2009 2:58 am

+1 Alix on gear.

I do find that my motorcycle friends are very supportive of my wearing an armor jacket, gloves, boots, and helment - even if they don't.

My comment is I can't control the other person and the road doesn't care what I flew off of.

Just my $0.02 worth

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Mon May 25, 2009 3:21 am

Anyone that asks why I wear an armored motorcycle jacket because "it's just a scooter" usually gets an eyebrows-raised look. I proceed to tell them "the scooter does 60 mph. I know exactly what sliding at that speed does. Wanna see a few scars?"
My lower back is 2/3 scar tissue, not by my fault.

Note: no one who rides has ever given me grief over my gear. The only ones who have made negative commentary about my gear are people that, when pushed, have never been on a motorcycle or scooter before.

Modern Buddy

Ridiculed for wearing a jacket

Ridiculed for wearing a jacket

Re: Ridiculed for wearing a jacket

Re: Ridiculed for wearing a jacket