If you happened to watch the AMA Supersport race at Barber on Sunday you witnessed a spectacular crash that stopped the race. Jamie Hacking had a rather violent highside that slammed him onto the racetrack followed by Geoff May running directly into Hacking’s motorcycle, flying through the air and hitting the asphalt hard. It’s the kind of crash you hate to see, you just know there were serious injuries involved, except, in this case, both riders were up and talking to Greg White on TV within minutes. There is a lot to be said for rider conditioning but without modern protective gear, they would have been on their way to the hospital, not doing interviews.
In contrast, as I watched the local news this morning, I saw two motorcycle accidents leading to significant injuries, one was the classic left turn in front of a motorcycle while the other was a rider who just rode off into some trees. Neither rider wore a helmet and there was no mention of other clothing the riders were wearing.
The level of protective gear you wear is your choice and in those areas where helmet use is optional, you can choose to leave that behind, too. But, think long and hard before going without anything. The protective gear available today works and works well. We’re pretty open and vulnerable to every oblivious driver on a cell phone and it only takes one accident to change your life forever. Be careful out there.
Nathan French says
I recently came off and broke my ankle and was knocked out, i have no memory of what happen or the rest of the day.
If i hadnt been wearing full leathers and a decent helmet id have probably cracked my head open and lost the majority of my skin as my leathers were ripped apart and the helmet has bits torn out of it.
Wearing full leathers shouldn’t be an option. Its not worth the risk.
Chris says
an unattentive cell phone talking cage clipped my rear tire with their front left corner panel whilst making an lane change to the lane I was in, moving at about 45 MPH. The bike went from underneath me, they ran over the bike (this messed the underside of their car up pretty good thank god), and I skidded backwards to a halt on my knees, palms and boots. My riding boots and kevlar gloves held up pretty good (they definately needed to be replaced though), and the unconfortably warm knee/shin under armor that I reluctantly put under my jeans that morning saved me from an unnecessary visit to the hospital. My aramid reinforced jeans were torn in a couple places, and my knee/shin guards were completely toasted. When you stand up, and the hard plastic guards on you knees are actually smoking from all the friction, and your sense of smell is overtaken my the smell of melted plastic, it makes you realize how messed up you would have been just from road rash. I consider myself very lucky because my body didn’t roll. I have yet to test my helmet like this, and I hope that I never do. Don’t become a statistic, wear your helmet!
Divine says
I must agree.
In 2000 I was hit from behind by a drunk teen kid. I was doing 35mph he as doing over 100mph. Even with full gear I woke in the hospital 3 days later. Broken ankle, fractured pelvis, 6 broken ribs and internal bleeding (had to remove my spleen). Imagine if I wasn’t in full gear? I wouldn’t be here.
In 1996 I was hit head on by a drunk redneck in a ford F150. Walked away with a broken wrist (well broken is not the right word, more like it blew up).
I work in PA and see so many idiots running around in t-shirts, jeans and a helmet strapped to the BACK of the bike. not on there heads were it belongs. And this is not just cruisers… I see more sportbike riders doing this than anyone else.
Don’t these people realize they don’t look cool? The look stupid.
todd says
Man, I’d rather crash on a track than on a road with cell phone drivers. Most injuries come from collisions with other objects; cars, curbs, or trees in this case. There aren’t many of those things on a race track and they’re getting pretty good at removing brick walls from tracks too.
-todd
Sean says
I see so many guys riding R1s, Hayabusas, CBRs, wearing the legally required helmet, and shorts and a singlet. I went in and blew $140NZ on a new set of gloves because the liner had come out of mine and I literally couldn’t put them on. This was during schooltime. Luckily, the main strip of motorcycle shops is about 5 minutes walk from my school, but the fact remains the same. Just because you’re riding a superbike does not make you a super rider. As I was talking to the guy who I bought my gloves from, I realised that almost everyone else with any degree of sense would do the same thing I had done, because as he said, the one time you can’t be bothered putting it on is the one time you come off.
chris says
you know what’s worse than not feeling the wind in your hair? not being able to feel anything below the hair on your head.
aaron says
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!
Earl says
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.
Divine says
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.
Frank says
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.
TransAtlantic says
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?