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03-14-2009, 06:41 PM | #1 | |
formerly known as tdah
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Moto: 06 R1, 01 600R
Posts: 110
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i'm suprised by some of the responses here.
jeans are sufficient only if you enjoy the excruciating pain of having hundreds of tiny pieces of them scrubbed out of raw flesh in the ER. if you're lucky, you'll be unconscious. if you're not, the 4mg of morphine you'll get will do little to make you happy with your decision to not protect your legs. Timberlands (or any other similar boot) are sufficient only if you don't mind having your ankle shattered. yes, the leather will protect from most of the rash, but as you tumble down the pavement for 4 seconds, remember you'll be limping for months (if not permanently). mesh jackets are the absolute bare minimum - i don't recommend them, and haven't worn one in several years. even in summertime in Miami, i rode in ventilated leather. i would trust myself in modern moto-specific textiles, as they are made pretty well. we all know someone who'll say "i crashed in jeans and sneakers and i was fine!" no, you were an idiot who got lucky. next time you might not be. it's so not worth the risk. story of a friend of mine on another forum i help admin: Quote:
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03-14-2009, 07:22 PM | #2 | |
TWFix Legend
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Denver CO
Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar
Posts: 15,677
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that being said... the truth is not everyone is gonna wear a full leather suit. it's too inconvenient... too expensive... and in many places... too hot. so we all sacrifices in safety for convenience, price, and comfort. am I saying Jeans are fine for all types of riding... no. but I wear jeans when I ride in town. I know... if I go down they're gonna shred and tear extremely quickly... but it's a choice I'm comfortable with... and I ride accordingly. I also have Alpine Star knee Armor that I wear under my jeans to protect from impacts... so really all I'll be getting is rash and embarrassment when I have a scar on my ass cheek... if I'm out riding... just to ride... I'll throw on my textile or leather pants with armor under. but for in town... jeans are enough for me. as for boots... again motorcycle boots with ankle protection will be better... and will survive a more serious crash... but any over the ankle boot will be better than a pair of puma running shoes... if you do go with something not motorcycle specific... I'd suggest getting something with a thinsulate liner (to keep your feet warm in the winter) and a steel toe. just more protection. I personally wear my Alpine Star SMX4 boots 90% of the time I ride... with the 10% being when I'm riding to work in which i wear my combat boots... I ALWAYS wear my leather Alpine Star jacket... Full face helmet... and full gauntlet(meaning past the wrist) gloves... again Alpine Star GP Pro's... (Alpine star just fits me well... not pushing them... but they're a great company) again... I'm not saying this is gonna be as good as motorcycle specific stuff... but it's better than a shorts and flip flops... and it seems as though when talking to new riders... it's easier to sell them on buying a little bit of gear.. that will at least offer SOME protection... then telling them to buy full gear. in my experience... they look at the price for full gear and get turned off... yrmv... personally I think if they're a first time motorcycle rider... the motorcycle purchase should automatically include a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots. given as a single price with everything added in. but then again... I don't see why anyone would not wear a helmet... yet people argue against that every day |
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03-14-2009, 07:47 PM | #3 | |
yellow don't corner well
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kansas City, KS
Moto: 06 ZX10R
Posts: 1,243
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03-15-2009, 12:33 PM | #4 | ||
DefenderOfTheBuelliverse
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Parts Unknown
Moto: Buell XB12R
Posts: 18,585
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I agree 1000%.
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03-15-2009, 11:11 PM | #5 | |
Viceroy of Chewie Toys
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Milford MA
Moto: 02 Victory V92 TC
Posts: 20
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03-15-2009, 11:38 PM | #6 |
yellow don't corner well
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kansas City, KS
Moto: 06 ZX10R
Posts: 1,243
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I think I'd rather had my leg broke than my ankles screwed up. I've got a piece of bone floating in my left ankle and the other one was twisted good enough that it still hurts.
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03-16-2009, 09:02 AM | #7 | |
TWFix Legend
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Denver CO
Moto: 01 BMW F650GS Dakar
Posts: 15,677
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Quote:
AFAIK... it takes longer for a broken ankle to heal than a broken leg too... and has much longer recovery time... the "splinting" process... ie pins and shit... isn't as easy either... here's a decent selection of boots... it's sorted by type... but you can go back and browse by brand, type, and price I believe http://www.newenough.com/boots/all_types/ Last edited by Mr Lefty; 03-16-2009 at 09:05 AM.. |
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03-16-2009, 07:43 PM | #8 | |
formerly known as tdah
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Moto: 06 R1, 01 600R
Posts: 110
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Quote:
if you're worried about causing different fractures, picture it this way: lie on the pavement, and lift your leg two feet in the air. now, slam your bare ankle to the ground as hard as you can on its side. yeah, i don't want to either. now, put on a pair of the boots i have pictured below and do it again - you probably won't even feel any discomfort at all. also, the type of protection the offer will help do things that ordinary boots don't: they usually come with a limited range of motion, so there is less twisting and over-extension or over-flexion of the ankle joint. in addition, they can help prevent or minimize crushing injuries b/c they have such stronger lateral support. these are what i wear most often. see the lateral support brace and the plates in the back? they allow enough flexion/extension for walking, but limit it beyond natural movement. also, they allow nearly no lateral torsion which will sto you from "twisting" your ankle. they also help prevent a crushing injury, as does the front shin guard. Last edited by Evadd; 03-16-2009 at 07:48 PM.. |
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03-16-2009, 08:14 PM | #9 | |
Viceroy of Chewie Toys
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Milford MA
Moto: 02 Victory V92 TC
Posts: 20
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Ok, hold on, brb (guess I'm going gear shopping soon) Last edited by Fastguy; 03-16-2009 at 08:16 PM.. |
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03-16-2009, 08:38 PM | #10 |
restorer of the original
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Zionsville,PA
Moto: '93 ZR1100 &'73 Kawasaki H1 500
Posts: 1,331
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I purchased a pair of A* ( AlpineStars ) SMX-4 boots in the late fall for half price ( $100). I finally got to wear them riding last weekend for a 110 mile ride. Extremely comfortable and no breakin required. I literally forgot I was wearing full motorcycle boots.
http://www.alpinestars.com/SMX_4_Boo.../p/222306.html ( mine are all black ) Jeff |
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