Myths of Motorcycling...

[Hltoppr]

I noticed that Motorcycle Cruiser has put together an excellent article on the 12 Deadly Myths of Motorcycling. As more of this forum's members have expressed an interest in riding and expeditions on motorbikes, the article is worth a read.

And my two cents:

1. Take an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic rider course or experienced rider course.

2. ATGATT.....All the gear, all the time. Dress only in what you're willing to slide down the pavement at 40mph in....jeans will be gone, and you'll be sliding on skin in 3-5 feet, BTW.


http://motorcyclecruiser.com/streets..._safety_myths/


Ride Safe!
-H-

[Lok47]

I agree, dress for the crash, not for the ride (wear gear).

Most new street riders will brake hard when someone pulls out if front of them. I think swerving is the best way to avoid obstacles. It takes longer to brake then to maneouver out of the way.

[Scott Brady]

Good stuff. I need to beef up my gear, as I only have a helmet and gloves. I am going a lot more moto riding now in the forest. I am just waiting for a tree to take my arm off.

[mountainpete]

I'm reading lots of motorcycling books lately in preperation for a possible mult-week ride late this summer (can't discuss details just yet). I've been through the absolutely great Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, various repair and touring books and advanced riding skills books just sucking in as much info as I can get.

One of the best books on riding skills that I have been through is the one I am working on right now called More Profficient Motorcycling by David Hough. This is an absolutely superb book for everyone who rides a motorcycle as it really gets people to think like a rider should. I would consider it the next level beyond MSF course - ideally this book should be given to everyone their second year of riding. At the same time, I can't think of any non-professional rider who couldn't benefit from this book.

It deals with varous situations riders encounter and the different possible reactions. It also deals with countersteering and leaning techniques, delayed apex turning and collision avoidance. The author repeats for emphasis quite a bit on subjects like countersteering, but it's with good reason.

If you ever ride on the street, I would consider the book a must read. For myself, I would say that no one book has influenced my riding more.

[VikingVince]

2. ATGATT.....All the gear, all the time. Dress only in what you're willing to slide down the pavement at 40mph in....jeans will be gone, and you'll be sliding on skin in 3-5 feet, BTW.

http://motorcyclecruiser.com/streets..._safety_myths/


Ride Safe!
-H-

That certainly makes sense...but I guess that means you have to wear full leathers in 90 degree heat? Bummer...that would be unpleasant, hot and sweaty, no?...especially if you stopped in a town and walked around for a while. Of course, compared with peeling my skin down to the bone I'd take the hot leathers. I had a Honda 550 years ago and I'm back in the market for a small dual sport (250cc) that I can carry behind my truck.

Enjoyed the "myths" link as well as the other posts from all you knowledgable bike folk...thanks

[Hltoppr]

Yeah, full gear gets hot if you're not moving, but there are many more options than full leather. Personally, I would look like one of the Village People in full leather....

I've used textile riding gear exclusively. While leather provides the best protection, some of the good quality cordura is exceptional for dual sport riding.

Currently, I'm using a BMW Savannah II Jacket and BMW Summer Pants. The jacket is 700 weight cordura, with armor in the back, elbows and shoulders. Full chest, back and arm vents keep it cool, even on the beach in Mexico. A Gore-Tex liner gives you some waterproof protection.

The Summer Pant is 500 weight cordura, with knee armor, and they zip off into shorts!

My winter/foul weather outfit consists of Aerostitch Darien pants and jacket. 500 weight cordura with full armor at all the points you'd need it, and gore-tex too....yup....this is hot in Mexico in June....

You don't have to go full leather to be safe, and gear is definitely a personal choice, but if you're gonna be in the middle of nowhere with the possibility of a crash...on or off road...you might as well stack the odds of preventing an injury in your favor....heck...I'll stack those odds in my favor on my everyday morning commute!

Cheers,

-H-

BTW...Mexico....100 degrees....June....Full Gear! Call it the Baja Weight Loss Plan....

[VikingVince]

thanks again, H, for the useful info...I shoulda realized that clothes "technology" has evolved since I last rode a bike! One more question if you would: What do you wear to protect you ankles?, i.e. what type of boot/shoe do you recommend? thanks again

PS...I like the Baja Weight Loss Plan idea...nothing else has worked so far!!!!!!!

[Lok47]

To protect your ankles get some good riding boots. I personally wear Sidi race boots, but they also have touring boots that should protect just as well. Other companies such as AXO, Alpinestars, Joe Rocket, Teknic, etc, etc should make boots for any application that are capable of protecting your feet, lower ankle and lower shin area.

[Hltoppr]

For dual sport use, I wear Sidi Discovery boots. They're well armored, but not as stiff as some motocross boots, as well as waterproof...They've worked great for the last 10K miles I've put on them!

-H-

[Hltoppr]

And here is my wife and I in the gear we wear for round town....

-H-