Is this Really Fun?

Roose Hurro · Post by **Roose Hurro** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:19 am

LunaP wrote:If you are adverse to buying an entire jacket- you could look into strap on pads. I'm doing that for my knees, since I have a lap cover for my scoot to keep me warm and don't need motorcycle pants for warmth. I'm sure they make at least elbow pads and belt with lower spine pads you could strap on- not sure bout shoulder pads.

Or you could buy this gear: http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motorcyc ... orcefield/ ... and just wear it under your normal clothes.

Oh, there's also this brand: http://www.webbikeworld.com/bohn-body-armor/

Ethan Allison · Post by **Ethan Allison** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:38 am

You can get a 3/4 with a bigger face shield, which is probably the safest you can get without a full-face.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 12:41 pm

Jenetic wrote:In the shops here, except at the scoot dealers, almost EVERYTHING is black! I don't get it. I know that's the "cool" color and everybody wants to look like a ninja but it makes no damn sense. It's hot as hell here for more than half the year and no one can see you. I don't want to look like a ninja. I want to be SEEN!

Definitely not my style, either. Which is all the more reason to give your gear-shopping business to the scoot dealers.

I know I can order whatever I want online, but since this is all new to me and it's hard to get a good fit for women, I have to try on at local stores to have a chance at getting something that will work for me. I hate to use them & then purchase online but I may have to just because they don't stock many if any color options.

The best solution to that is to ask if they'll special order the colors you want, or find something more to your liking. That's what a brick-and-mortar business with staff is for. They're small businesses with thin profit margins, so they'd rather sell the stock they have on hand, but a smart businessperson knows it's better in the long run to make a customer happy, even if it means they still have the same Ninja Power Ranger costume hanging on the rack at the end of the transaction.

I'm also not keen on all the free advertising. All the huge logos on so much of it is just gaudy & ostentatious to me. I would NEVER wear clothes like that and wish some of the manufacturers would tone it down. If I end up with a jacket like that because it's the best fit & most suits my needs, I will probably end up cutting all those labels & rubber patches off.

That's exactly what I did. Heck, back in high school, I even used to cut the little alligators off my Izod shirts.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 12:42 pm

Ethan Allison wrote:You can get a 3/4 with a bigger face shield, which is probably the safest you can get without a full-face.

That's my choice.

heatherkay · Post by **heatherkay** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 2:20 pm

Get a 3/4 helmet, then. I know that your friends, left brain, etc. are telling you full face. But it also sounds like that has turned into a sticking point. I have some claustrophobia issues, and a full face helmet definitely gave me the willies when I first started looking at helmets. So I got the best 3/4 helmet I could find. After wearing it for a few months, I think that a full face would be a lot easier now, and I'm planning to get one now that it's getting cold here.

I wanted a scooter for years, but I kept coming up with reasons why I couldn't get one. I finally got a wad of cash as a performance bonus at work, and I took it as a sign. Now I'm kicking myself that I didn't buy it 5 years sooner. Don't let the perfect become the enemy of the good.

Jenetic · Post by **Jenetic** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 4:21 pm

heatherkay wrote: I wanted a scooter for years, but I kept coming up with reasons why I couldn't get one. I finally got a wad of cash as a performance bonus at work, and I took it as a sign. Now I'm kicking myself that I didn't buy it 5 years sooner. Don't let the perfect become the enemy of the good.

I keep getting "signs" too. I'm a little young for a mid-life crisis, but I think this is my version of the mid-life Porsche.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:43 pm

I also agree about the all-black look. Everyone wants to look like a bad-a** at the expense of being invisible to cagers.

I personally look like a circus clown in my colorful gear. But at least no one can say they didn't see me. I'd rather be safe.

First, my scooter:

Then, my helmet:

My textile jacket:

My mesh jacket:

My leather jacket (yes I know it's black -

):

And my other helmet:

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 5:53 pm

Try on as many helmets that appeal to you until you find the one that really fits well. Then ask if they can get it in any other colors. If not, check online and you'll likely find it in a color you like.

Many helmets come in solid colors, so you don't have to have all the groovy graphics. Also, I wouldn't eliminate a modular if that's what you like. I personally feel they offer better protection than a 1/2 or 3/4. It might be the perfect choice for you since it bridges the gap between a full face and a 3/4.

Unless you're used to wearing helmets, they will feel odd and uncomfortable in the beginning. And yes, usually the one that feels comfortable in the store is too big and the one that feels too small is probably just right. As long as it fits right and doesn't cause any pressure points, you'll get used to the feel and the foam will also begin to compress/conform to your head and get a little more comfortable.

Everyone's head is shaped differently and so are helmets. You'll eventually find one that works. You just have to try on a LOT of helmets.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 6:24 pm

You wanted advice, you got it. This is a nice group.

I don't envy any of you guys for riding in LA. That being said, you can still get wacked out here in the hinterlands. It happens all the time.
Gear doesn't protect you from harm, it merely limits the damage somewhat. But wear it anyway.
As long as it's warm, my gear consists of a full face helmet, gloves, jeans boots, and probably just a T-shirt. Not optimum, I know. I guess the jeans and boots count for something but I wear that stuff anyway. It's hot and nasty humid down here most of the year but I gotta have a full face so I have a GMax something-or-other that has gobs of vents on it. It helps some but since my bike is fully faired, there's only so much it can do.

I have an armored jacket but only wear it when it gets cool. I will try to find a cooler one some day so I'll wear it more often. And maybe get an unfaired bike or scooter.

Since it's getting cold here now, I may finally start shopping for some overpants. More to keep warm and dry than for protection.

There is a possibility that this is NOT for you. All I can say is that I'm in my 50s and been riding since grammar school and have no intentions of stopping.

Good luck, whatever you decide. And good luck with that traffic.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 6:38 pm

Jenetic wrote:...I know there are modulars but I've been cautioned against them for safety reasons...

I don't have a modular because I'm unconvinced, but my b/friend went down in his and it did the job (I use it as a demo in MSF classes). He replaced with the same helmet (an HJC Sy-Max II ... the III is out now). I really, really, really wanted the Schuberth C3 modular to work for me (it passed ECE specs which I actually trust when compared to DOT), but man, does it have weird fitment. Lucky for me as it saved me 700 bux!

As for jackets, there are a couple of really good online retailers, such as Revzilla, that offer free shipping and don't charge a restocking fee. You'd only be out the return shipping cost. Also, post up here what jackets you're considering (and a vague idea of your sizing). There's a ton of us girls who can go on and on about gear and fitment. I actually got rid of a bunch of gloves and I'm working through my jackets now. I mean, seriously, I have like 7 of them but really only wear the Olympia AST. Love that thing.

cdwise mentioned Brosh. Man, those are nice jackets. Dainese also makes really nice-looking jackets (as in 'styled' yet with full CE armour). I prefer the unglamorous hi-viz because I have an urban commute and 3/4 length. I also have a bunch of vintage leathers but only use them when I'm going to a show and want the boys to notice

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:19 pm

You mentioned the Olympia AST before, siobhan but it was redesigned and is now the AST II (more black!). Too bad. But RevZilla has the Kilimanjaro on closeout for $200. I might be helping the economy soon.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:40 pm

k1dude wrote:I also agree about the all-black look. Everyone wants to look like a bad-a** at the expense of being invisible to cagers.

I personally look like a circus clown in my colorful gear. But at least no one can say they didn't see me. I'd rather be safe.

First, my scooter:

Then, my helmet:

My textile jacket:

My mesh jacket:

My leather jacket (yes I know it's black - ):

And my other helmet:

Nothing wrong with black. Except it's HOT. That's the only problem I have with my black mesh jacket.
The one in your photo is a typical, classically-styled jacket, not the Brando-look thing with the kidney belt. I don't think you'd be confused with the Harley types.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 8:23 pm

Syd wrote:You mentioned the Olympia AST before, siobhan but it was redesigned and is now the AST II (more black!). Too bad. But RevZilla has the Kilimanjaro on closeout for $200. I might be helping the economy soon.

Yeah, the women's AST v.1 had more yellow than the men's version. Now it looks like they both are more blocky. But still, it's screaming hi-viz. The Kili is a great jacket; it was the other one of my list as the time but I got a killer deal from a guy who's wife didn't like riding. Mine is starting to give up the ghost (it's leaking); I'm going to do one more Nik-Wax wash-and-proof and if that doesn't work, I've been saving my pennies for the Rukka Julia. It's a gazillion dollars but it comes in the perfect purple-pink color.

And seriously, Rukka jackets are the absolute best. You don't even realize there's armour. When I first rode with my Rukka mesh (thank you eBay), I was coming up the steep hill on my commute and I actually reached back to confirm the armour was there because it just sorta floats. Those Finns, they know how to do it.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:25 pm

siobhan wrote:
Syd wrote:You mentioned the Olympia AST before, siobhan but it was redesigned and is now the AST II (more black!). Too bad. But RevZilla has the Kilimanjaro on closeout for $200. I might be helping the economy soon.
Yeah, the women's AST v.1 had more yellow than the men's version. Now it looks like they both are more blocky. But still, it's screaming hi-viz. The Kili is a great jacket; it was the other one of my list as the time but I got a killer deal from a guy who's wife didn't like riding. Mine is starting to give up the ghost (it's leaking); I'm going to do one more Nik-Wax wash-and-proof and if that doesn't work, I've been saving my pennies for the Rukka Julia. It's a gazillion dollars but it comes in the perfect purple-pink color.

And seriously, Rukka jackets are the absolute best. You don't even realize there's armour. When I first rode with my Rukka mesh (thank you eBay), I was coming up the steep hill on my commute and I actually reached back to confirm the armour was there because it just sorta floats. Those Finns, they know how to do it.

Is the AST warm (or, do you think the Kili would be)? Warm comfort is getting to be more important to me. And yes, I live in PHX. But if you can ride when it's 115 out, 50 feels cold, and I'd kinda like to get two two jackets, a mesh and a solid textile. So the textile has to be windproof and warm for the fall through spring.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 10:19 pm

Southerner wrote:Nothing wrong with black. Except it's HOT. That's the only problem I have with my black mesh jacket.
The one in your photo is a typical, classically-styled jacket, not the Brando-look thing with the kidney belt. I don't think you'd be confused with the Harley types.

When I bought my stuff I was thinking visibility and anything NOT HOT. That eliminated anything black. I don't understand the popularity of black for motorcycle gear and bicycling gear. Not only are you invisible, but you BAKE! Especially considering the riding season for most people is usually the hotter months. I guess ego and vanity trump safety and comfort. My black leather jacket is only for cooler weather.

Southerner · Post by **Southerner** » Thu Nov 03, 2011 10:25 pm

When it's cold, it's a non-issue. I usually opt for brown leather for jackets, boots &c, which is why I know a good reason for black: much easier to cover scuffs. Black polish is always black. Brown can be anything.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 3:31 am

In cold weather I wear a black leather jacket. Not to look like a badass biker or because I can get away with it when it's cold, but because... I wear a black leather jacket when it's cold.

Jenetic · Post by **Jenetic** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 6:36 am

I get black leather. It's all the textile & mesh jackets that are less understandable other than wanting to look like a power ranger.

One question in case anyone knows the history...
It occurs to me that most motorcycle cops, at least pretty much all the ones I've ever seen, wear 3/4 helmets. Now, I realize they are highly trained, skilled riding professionals but if 3/4s are so unsafe and statistically most impacts to the head region are in the chin, why wouldn't police departments update the standard uniform/safety gear? I'm just wondering if all the stats are justified. Cops probably rarely crash but they do get into some high speed chases and are riding the freeway at top speed with only a 3/4.

What gives? Obviously, I don't have anywhere near the skills they do but how dangerous can it be when they spend everyday like that? They were beginners once too. Not trying to be contrary, just really curious.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 6:58 am

If you ever get the chance to see it, there is an episode of Visiting with Huell Howser where he visits the LAPD Motorcycle training school. Absolutely phenomenal what their training involves. I would love to talk to a MC cop (with no ticket involved) just so I could ask about it. There are some very impressive YouTube videos of some of the training if you are interested.

LA motorcycle cops are starting to wear the SHOEI MultiTec-LE. I haven't seen many in the wild but it appears that a change from the old 1/2 helmet is happening. I've never seen the CHP wear anything but the standard gold 1/2 helmet which is a Bell Pro Police MC500V.

I say 1/2 helmet, but they are kind of half way between that and a 3/4, so I'm not sure what to call them.

I think one of the functional needs of motorcycle police is that they are able to talk to citizens without needing to take the helmet off. The 1/2 helmet makes that possible as does the SHOEI which is modular.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 9:16 am

In Arizona, I believe it's actually against policy in nearly every county for any motorcycle police to be involved with a high speed chase of any kind. Then again, in AZ most all police are big fans of air support since we have some wide open roads and it's easier to wait for them to have to pull off somewhere and to put the police at the exit points. It's just a safer approach if you ask me.

As for the helmets, I know many Phoenix Metro police are moving to the full face helmet design. From what I understand speaking to a former LEO who was teaching a new rider course that I recently with with a friend to (partly as moral support, and partly because I'm just nosy like that and she was willing to pay for me to go along with for support), many police departments only used 3/4 helmets so the officer's face could be seen. This reduces the anxiety and suspicion since many traffic stops are already stressful events as it is. Also, it's only recently that radio technology has become small enough to integrate into a helmet without bulky mics and wired hardware which originally hung on the outside of the helmet. Many police departments are also requiring armored jackets with CE armor in the arms and elbows, unlike the old days when cops in AZ rode in short sleeve shirts.

The times, they are a-changing, and for the better for the cops who ride. They've even modernized the bikes, running BMW's and Honda sport-tourers and ditching the Kawasaki KZ1000's and Harleys.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 11:47 am

Jenetic wrote:It occurs to me that most motorcycle cops, at least pretty much all the ones I've ever seen, wear 3/4 helmets.

Erik Estrada wouldn't be able to flash his pearly-white smile in a full-face helmet.

Seriously, the need to communicate with people without un-gearing is probably the main reason. The fact that they have to wear their helmets all day is another factor.

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 2:53 pm

TVB wrote:... The fact that they have to wear their helmets all day is another factor.

Why do you say that? Plenty of people wear heavier FF or flip-up helmets every day, all day and their necks aren't breaking.

As others have said, it's the public interaction thing. Some departments are allowing officers to wear modulars, but many departments are led by the old-school guys who want their officers to wear what they wore 20-30 years ago regardless of the advancement in gear technology.

I love the Scandinavian, German and Brit bike cops...their bikes are slathered in retro-reflective, hi-viz stickers, and they wear hi-viz jackets and modulars. I would love to get a white Buddy and do the Battenburg stickers. I can hear the eejit who hit me utter "But I didn't see her" at the trial.

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 4:04 pm

siobhan wrote:
TVB wrote:... The fact that they have to wear their helmets all day is another factor.
Why do you say that? Plenty of people wear heavier FF or flip-up helmets every day, all day and their necks aren't breaking.

I wasn't referring to the weight necessarily, but general comfort, which becomes a bigger factor the longer you're wearing a piece of gear. There's no question that a FF offers more protection, but if they were equally comfortable, there wouldn't be much of a market for 3/4 helmets.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 4:08 pm

Jenetic wrote:It occurs to me that most motorcycle cops, at least pretty much all the ones I've ever seen, wear 3/4 helmets. Now, I realize they are highly trained, skilled riding professionals but if 3/4s are so unsafe and statistically most impacts to the head region are in the chin, why wouldn't police departments update the standard uniform/safety gear?

Around here all the motorcycle police wear modulars. I presume that the reason for the previous use of 3/4 helmets (or even 1/2 helmets with a leather lower piece) was the need to talk to people while wearing a helmet. Now that there are a wide selection of modulars available and they likewise solve this problem - they seem to have become the helmet of choice (at least in this part of the country).

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Fri Nov 04, 2011 4:23 pm

Syd wrote:Is the AST warm (or, do you think the Kili would be)? Warm comfort is getting to be more important to me. And yes, I live in PHX. But if you can ride when it's 115 out, 50 feels cold, and I'd kinda like to get two two jackets, a mesh and a solid textile. So the textile has to be windproof and warm for the fall through spring.

Hey Syd, the AST is warm...it's my 3-season jacket. I do get airflow through the arm flaps even with the zips done up tightly and the flaps velcro'd down (I believe this is an improvement area in the v.2). The inside jacket that comes with it does block the wind quite well, but I prefer my Primaloft REI jacket 'cos it doesn't look as dorky when I'm off the bike.

The Kili and AST are pretty much the same jackets just from different manufacturers with slightly different features. Just layer and you'll be fine. I swear by those merino wool t-shirts as a baselayer...steepandcheap.com and you can pick 'em up for $26. Great in the heat, great in the cold, natural fiber baaaaaa.