General

[Hammersmith]

Dress for the wreck not for the ride

[Azzy]

Originally Posted by super-cameron

Remember- Loud pipes save lives!

Actually, quite the opposite. Huge myth, the numbers dont back it up.

A Dozen Deadly Motorcycle Safety Myths - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine

Myth 2: Loud Pipes Save Lives

Yeah, there are a few situations—like where you are right next to a driver with his window down who is about the to change lanes—where full-time noise-makers might help a driver notice you, but all that noise directed rearward doesn't do much in the most common and much more dangerous conflict where a car turns in front of you. Maybe it's the fatigue caused by the noise, maybe it's the attitudes of riders who insist on making annoying noise, or perhaps loud bikes annoy enough drivers to make them aggressive. Whatever the reason, the research shows that bikes with modified exhaust systems crash more frequently than those with stock pipes. If you really want to save lives, turn to a loud jacket or a bright helmet color, which have been proven to do the job. Or install a louder horn. Otherwise, just shut up.

Ride respectfully, ride alert, and the eaier it is to see you, the better off you are. here's a good test. Put your gear, on your bike, near the end of the driveway. walk up the street around dusk, and see how far away you can eaily become aware of "your" presence. It really helps if cars are coming, so you can see how your bike shows up in headlights.

Extra lights and reflective surfaces are your friends at night. Dress for avoiding a wreck, dress for if you get in a wreck.

Oh, and after all of that, enjoy the ride. Enjoy learnign the skills, enjoy the open road, ride with others, its a great way to ride.

[quick.spyder]

Well, it sounds to me that I have a coat, gloves, and boots to buy too. Anybody have any tips on the types of boots?

[hank_k]

Dedicated riding boots, with supports along the sole. I think fiber based supports are preferable to metal ones .. I remember seeing something about them having potential to shear and make a mess of your foot if things get tangly on you.

[Fluff]

I love my Double H boots. Comfy and tough.

[quick.spyder]

Ah, well, I go to school, so are they for casual wear too or just for riding?

[DarkArmorPB]

I ride as if everyone is out to get me. It has saved my life a few times.

DA

[Azzy]

Well, before you break teh bank, a good pair of sturdy boots that will allow you to shift are all you need. Gloves,you want soemthing to protect your skin from abraisions, and the occasional flying debris.

Leather, good thick leather, works great for a jacket. if you are looking for a good place for gear, nelson rigg makes excelent products at a good price.

You dont want to be so loaded down that your movemnt is restricted either.

Heck, for a budget, check out a pair of the rubber armored mechanix gloves at autostores. they run about $15- $20, are good thick but movable canvas, and have rubber and leather where it would come in handy 9like in the thumb for your turn signal glove wear)

I have a pair and they are great for riding.

[Jesterbuilt]

Originally Posted by super-cameron

Remember- Loud pipes save lives!

Word brother!

[Fluff]

Originally Posted by quick.spyder

Ah, well, I go to school, so are they for casual wear too or just for riding?

I wear mine everywhere. I have a pair of harness style.. Just wearing out after 5+ years.