Comments on: Motorcycle Safety Gear Really Works

By: TransAtlantic

TransAtlantic — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:03:11 +0000

Definately agree with you lot! Moved from the states to the UK last year and getting ready to take delivery on my first bike (VFR 400) in a few weeks. Spent £800 on the bike, £2,500 in protection! I’ve lost 3 friends and a cousin to bikes and every one of them wasn’t armored. There’s a big difference between risk and stupidity, I just wish more people would make the distinction. Has anyone used the Veypor heads up display? Was thinking about gettin it for my helmet but don’t know anyone whose had one. Any thoughts?

By: Frank

Frank — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:35:26 +0000

Earl,
I agree that the leathers look good. I always ride with a helmet, leather jacket or a mesh jacket with armor on particularly hot days, and gloves. I have received a few compliments saying I make biking look good! My purpose in wearing any of these items was not to look good. I wear them for protection.

I think Earl is right. There is a certain ritual to getting ready and the ritual does put you in the right frame of mind of being safe and alert. I guess as you’re putting on the gear you can’t help but think of why you’re wearing it.

By: Divine

Divine — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:39:48 +0000

Aaron… although this happened in Florida (when I was living there) it wasn’t Mr. Lane. This guy could speak a little better. He hopped out of his truck and came over to where I was laying on the ground (after I went over his truck taking out the windshield) and said ‘arr you awl rite?’ Not sure who speaks the better english, him or Lane.

Thanks for the kind words on the trike. The frame has been completely re-done since that last picture. However, everything has been put on the back burner. I am currently building a motoGP (old school 2-smoke) inspired bike. Stay tuned for that.

By: Earl

Earl — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:19:27 +0000

Mick Doohan once said that when he was racing at Phillip Island, he knew that all the riders were heading in the same direction, were the best in the world, that there was nothing to hit if he came off, that there were topline medical facilities available within seconds, there were no cars, no unexpected surprises, and that NONE of these factors apply on public roads.

Okay, so I’ll admit I wear jeans and an old Belstaff in summer (for commuting only) – but I never ride without good gloves, boots and a helmet (they’re compulsory here in Australia). I even wear gloves on a pushbike. I’m about to buy a new set of leathers, because I don’t want to push a lifetime of ridiculously good luck any further.

I see a lot of riders in summer in singlet and shorts, usually on CBR600s or similar, often with hunched shoulders and overly tense, stiffened arms. I don’t get it. None of my mates ride without at least kevlar jeans, leather jacket, gloves and boots.

And leathers look right, look good! Shorts and singlets don’t. I enjoy the ritual of kitting up for even a short ride. It makes a statement and gives you a few moments to get yourself in the right frame of mind. The fridge jockeys hate us and want to kill us.

By: aaron

aaron — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 01:51:42 +0000

divine – did you ask the the drunken redneck for an autograph or was it immediately obvious that it wasn’t billy lane?

seriously, when motorcycling icons go out and wipe out folks on 2 wheels while driving a truck under the influnce – can you trust the “average guy” with your wellbeing?

sorry to hear about your misfortune and injuries – good thing you’re one of the bright riders out there and wore the gear. BTW – cool website and good luck on your trike!