I dont ALWAYS wear ALL the protective clothing I should on any given ride but I really think Robbo makes a valid point. You do see a number of knuckleheads riding Harleys wearing very lightweight kit, shorts (usually camo) and singlets. Madness!! Someone told me nurses are reluctant to give painkilling injections when cleaning out gravel from wounds if inappropriate riding wear was worn. I hope its not true but I went out and bought some reinforced jeans just the same.
Think about what advice you'd give to a son or daughter or family friend who's just starting riding.
Anyway, here's a light hearted article on typical biker clothing called Pirates V Power Rangers from. I may have read it on this site. Can't remember
https://rideapart.com/articles/pirates-vs-power-rangers-a-guide-to-dressing-up-like-a-real-biker
Here's a taste
New to bikes and want to make sure the big kids don't pick on you for showing up on the first day in the wrong outfit? Don't worry, RideApart is here to help. Here's our comprehensive guide to dressing up like a real biker, whether you think that means looking like a Pirate or a Power Ranger.
Pirate
Bike: Harley-Davidson Fat Bob Cross Bones Ultra Glide Super Classic Chrome Edition with Vibration Pack; FLHTBUTSEX.
Helmet: If you live in a helmet law state, novelty helmet purchased from eBay with "For Novelty Purposes Only" sticker removed. If you don't live in a helmet law state, $1.99-for-four Scleaming Eagle-brand bandana purchased from China via eBay.
Eyewear: Xtreme-brand sunglasses purchased from Chevron after your H-D ones flew off at 52 mph.
Facial Expression: Ohhhhhhhhh, yeahhhhhhh. Mouth closed to prevent bug infiltration.
Facial hair: As much as your employee policy at HR Block will allow.
Necklace: Imitation bear claw.
Upper Body Wear: An unbuttoned leather vest adorned with club patches and other flair purchased brand new from China via Harley dealer. Make sure you buy a size too small so it won't quite clasp across your beer gut. We did mention the need for a beer gut didn't we?
Belt: XXL women's "Studded Punk" belt from Hot Topic retrofitted with an extraordinarily large Eagle-motif belt buckle purchased from China via Harley dealer. We recommend Butt Butter to prevent undue belly chafing. Avoid direct sunlight.
Jeans: WalMart's special "GrandMa" cut. Make sure you get the acid wash and it's probably best to go ahead and buy them two sizes too big.
Chaps: Ideally you want these to say "dad likes leather." If the shop assistant doesn't know what that means, tell him "leather daddy." Bonus points for fringes or lacing, but under no circumstances accept any that could possibly protect a vulnerable area in a crash.
Footwear: Generic American-style work boots purchased from China via WalMart.
Tattoos: Prison-style is best, but avoid hepatitis by getting them done at Sally Joe's tattoo emporium down by the Starbucks. Choose stencils from the book labelled "Flames, Eagles and Flags."
Chick: Ideally the two of you will purchase gear at the exact same time to guarantee you can put all of it on your finance plan at the Harley dealer.
I've been knocked off twice by inattentive drivers. First time I was in FULL gear. Second time I was only wearing a reinforced jacket. I was hurt much less the second time round and had a much larger impact then too. The circumstances of the crash play a huge part and sometimes gear just doesn't mean shit. EXCEPT FOR A HELMET - THEY ALWAYS MEAN SHIT.
Yep!
Seems to be an overwhelming "Thumbs Down" to that proposal.
Lets face it, it's a cunt of an idea.
How about a good idea?
Wouldn't it be nice if we could have variable blood alcohol limits depending on the person of interest being breath tested by Mr Plod? Seeing that the booze affects people so differently.
You know...if you are a one pot screamer.....you get a low blood alcohol allowance. Vise versa!
Maybe it's a cunning stunt?, and the joke is on us !.
If so, I can't wait for the punchline........
Wear all the gear including a back protector for long rides only (300k +)
Usually wear Jacket, Gloves, Leather or Kevlar pants and boots for anything over a blast to shop's or mates place.
Have been out in shorts, T Shirt, gloves and runners for a short run in middle of summer but I know its a risk but its my risk to take.
The last thing we need is more legislation, FFS people we are dumbing the population down enough as it is.
My attitude is that I don't want the level of protection I need to be legislated.
That said, I've never NOT been suited up for a ride. I once rode in shorts and no shirt, but I was wearing all my off road armour at the time. I rode without gloves once and I felt uncomfortable. I set my own damn risk level and I make no apologies for it. I take less risks than most but I definitely decide / set my own minimum.
If your interested in the Stats, the data is obtainable here. https://www.data.vic.gov.au/data/dataset/crash-stats-data-extract
Examples in the data
High speed lane splitting High speed hoon riding Learner R1, excess speed High speed 160kph in a 60kph zone lost control. Rider high speed into rear of stationary traffic R1 rider, drunk in dangerous overtake Overtake right turning vehicle in singlet and track pants As someone said earlier, you can't protect Dickheads.