Gearing Up - Are you ATGATT, MOTGATT or something else?

[crankcase]

lol..

for once i thought when it rains, u`ll rather bring the mp3 player out..

Hahahaha... me too!

I thought 'take the mp3' = 'plug in your music player and take public transport'

[geneyeo]

I got into an accident this morning. Can I say I owe the skin of my arms to Dainese. Not a scratch on my arms and palms thanks to the jacket and gloves I was wearing. My knees, however, had abrasions as I was wearing only office pants. If I were wearing my kevlar jeans then I would just have bruises. My boots protected me from injury too.

 

Woah....good to hear no serious injuries to you. Thankfully you had at least some form of protection.

[DeusExMachina]

Haiyah, Ducati parts damn expensive don't you know? Some more EUR has been flying through the roof.

 

Took a spill on the wet road this morning at about 70km/h.

 

Here are some pictures!

 

I've learnt my lessons. It's Kevlar jeans from now on!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5077376456_d59a506e44_z.jpg

 

Dainese, you cost a bomb but you are damn worth it!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/5077600648_23d7eb2579_z.jpg

 

Woah.

 

1. Poor you.

2. Glad you're OK

3. The jacket worked

4. BTW what size pants are those ah? :P

[vyruz]

It's Kevlar jeans from now on!

 

Which ones do you have? I've got a Komine pair from Motoworld but not a fan of its rather bulky cut and the not-so-desirable dark blue colour.

[superspeed123]

Any idea where in S'pore got sell kelvar jeans?? Thanks.

[vyruz]

Any idea where in S'pore got sell kelvar jeans?? Thanks.

 

My Komine pair is kevlar-lined in the buttock and knee areas. You can get it at Motoworld. S$150 or S$160 if I remember correctly.

[ORen]

Hey Lutein, sorry to hear about your fall - I hope my future bike will recover :P . More seriously, that jacket is clearly saying: "what fall ?", it's really reassuring how well this stuff works. Nothing happened to the helmet ?

 

As for my gearing up:

Bike: Streetbike - Pulsar (Class 2B)

Purpose: Everything from commuting to MY trips

 

ATGATT:

- Full face HJC

- Knuckle armored gloves with palm and wrist protection (RS Taichi)

- Mesh armored jacket (back , elbow and shoulders armored pads) RS Taichi

- Knee/Shin guard (Komine)

- TCX Riding boots (ankle & toes protection)

 

I've been using this system for 6 months now and here goes my take on the urban legends about gearing :

 

Weather and heat: Unless you only ride between 12 to 2pm in traffic jams, you can fully gear up and show up fresh at your destination. Like Lutein said, wet tissues will freshen you up in a few seconds and you'll look good, don't worry. No big sweaty marks in your back or armpits, because if you choose the right jacket it will be ventilated and if you ride above 20km/h that's enough to keep you cool. Of course, when you ride for leisure you can even wear a tank top underneath or whatever is more comfortable than work clothes so no issues there.

 

Gear is troublesome to carry and store: That's BS. You can find the solution that works for you. Some have a secured carpark at work where they can leave all their stuff, some get in the lift with the jacket and helmet and all that and store this at work in their office. A lot of people fit their jacket and FF helmet in a rear box.

I invested in a Pacsafe bag: I basically dump jacket, knee guards and FF helmet in the bag (waterproof) and attach it to the bike. (the bag has a metallic net not so easy to break through. At my work place it's a basement carpark so no issues there at all. When I park in an openspace, I place the bag in a way that it's a bit hidden by the front wheel and it doesn't attract attention. In any case, we usually park in SG for what , 2-4h max ? If you go to a friend's place you can find a safe place to park and leave your gear. I've parked in all sorts of places (hm, legal or not ) and the gear I got for my first ride is still with me. The truth is, SG is pretty damn safe, people don't roam around carrying a set of cutters and whatnot looking for bikes to rob..

 

Like I said I use the bike for everything: commuting, travels, shopping, cinema, picnic even And so far never had trouble storing the gear. Sometimes I just carry the stuff with me, sometimes I leave everything by the bike. Oh by the way, about riding boots vs work shoes: I have in my office a couple of shoe pairs in a drawer. I get in with my boots in the morning and trade them for the more girly shoes. So I think even guys can do that, leave a pair of shoes at work and just take off the boots and put the leather shoes on. Takes 2min before going for the morning coffee !

 

Gear is expensive: Again, this can be easily managed: there are sales regularly in the most popular shops in SG (Motoworld, Ah Boy), there is eBay and there's the classified sections in the forum. You can find great deals for all apparel you need, and can get first hand stuff at a very affordable price. And no, you don't have to wear Alpinestar gear, local asian brands are great too, and you can mix and match brands to match your budget. Sometimes opting for last year's models or even 2-3 years old models for jackets and helmets really helps in terms of budget. At the end of the day if you really want to gear up and to protect yourself, you'll solve the money problem. If you own a bike, you definitely can afford the gear. It's just a matter of deciding where to put your money, and when you really look into it, you realize it's possible to gear up with a small budget.

 

All the time gear vs Sometimes I gear up, sometimes I don't bother: yep, classic debate. I don't have the right answer. I am a fervent supporter of ATGATT maybe because I am a new rider and I don't have the confidence nor experience to say I can manage any situation at any speed. I know my limits, and even when I feel very comfortable riding in particular situations (speed, rain, traffic, etc..) I can still see how anything can happen on the road not even because of me but other road users, so gearing up all the time for me is an additional insurance policy.

 

My other motivation is family: I think a lot of us have parents or relatives who didn't jump of joy when you said you want to ride a motorcycle. Well, when my relatives and friends see me gear up everytime I ride, and only pillion people who are geared up too, they are reassured, and feel better about me being on a bike all the time. They give me less grief about my choice (passion!) and it's easier for them to accept it and to understand it, so I can share it with them too because they feel I am aware of the risks and acting to lower them. By gearing up religiously before every ride, it's my way of telling them "Don't worry, I'll ride safely" and just for that I'm happy to gear up !

 

Oh, another thing about gear : it's pretty cool. Nowadays you can find awesome FF helmet who look waaaaaaaay better than those half watermelon helmets. Jackets are so practical and yet so cool with all sorts of cuts (even for girls) and pockets and colors that for some they can pass for casual outdoor jackets and be rocked with a pair of jeans no problems The armored pad can be not so bulky yet very resistant. Boots too: forget the huge macho boots. There are boots made for the city, very thin yet resistant and with all sorts of materials to make them breathable and comfortable even in SG heat. Look it up, there are lots of choices besides your classic made-for-racing boots !

 

Hope this helps convincing some readers to trade bermudas and slippers for some cool gear

[ORen]

Double post..

[vyruz]

ATGATT:

- Full face HJC

- Knuckle armored gloves with palm and wrist protection (RS Taichi)

- Mesh armored jacket (back , elbow and shoulders armored pads) RS Taichi

- Knee/Shin guard (Komine)

- TCX Riding boots (ankle & toes protection)

 

Nice O'Ren! Just last night I was looking at Motoworld's website and thinking about the Komine knee/shin guard they sell. How much was it? I've got armoured jeans at the moment, but would like some variety and be able to switch to normal jeans with standalone knee/shin armour.

 

+1 on the family motivation to gearing up!

[ORen]

I bought them on sale at $40 SGD the pair. I think the original price is around $60-80 but I can't remember exactly.

But I friend of mine got some pretty cool knee/shin Alpinestars guards from KL for RM60 so if you ride there sometimes or have friends who do maybe you can get yourself cheaper ones.

 

It's funny you want that option because i'm going the other way: I'm currently looking into armored pants to have the option of stay-on armor hehe.. i think having knee-shin guards is indeed very versatile, super easy to velcro on and off and it's not so bulky when put together. Certainly allows you to ride with cool nice looking pants or jeans when you don't want to look like a touring rider at social gatherings..!

[icystalk]

2B sportsbike

 

Purpose: commuting

 

Gear ATT (all the time):

1. FF Helmet

2. Jeans

3. Covered Shoes

 

 

Gear MOTT

1. CE armour jacket (Scorpion brand)

2. gloves (Scorpion brand)

 

Actually just tried my new jacket today (got from online store).. is not tat hot when on the move so tats a big thumbs up (3pm odd sun).. haven't got round to trying the gloves.. guess will add tat on for the next ride..

Am trying to improve it to ATGATT

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

My take on owning and enjoying a full face helmet:

 

BEFORE.

 

1. The common argument with sticking with open face helmets is : -

- FF very expensive

- Not enough visibility / I ride slowly! I don't race on track!!

- Cannot put on bike

 

2. I admit procastinating on getting a FF helmet for some months because of the above counter-arguments when I brought up the topic of FFs.

 

3. I finally bought a lovely CL-ST today, when I accompanied a new rider and his NSR to help DIY repairs, tuning, etc. We went to Motoworld later. Bye bye open face!

 

AFTER

 

1. The FF is actually very comfortable, especially at high speed. My windshield is no longer directing air to rip off my face from the chin upwards, it flows smoothly and quietly over the HJC's patent aerodynamics, very impressive for a budget model! It wasn't hot at all, it felt alright even at low speeds not lanesplitting in city traffic.

 

2. I am encouraged to do double my due diligence checking blind spots, my surroundings, the intentions of other vehicles, etc, because of the enclosed feeling and the viewport effect that the chin bar gives. At first it's like a knight's helmet, not being able to see below my nose, but later on I realised the solution. Just move your head!! The traffic around seems to like a biker who actively checks blind spots, mirrors, signals intentions to other vehicles, and gave me a lot of room to practise using and enjoying my new FF helmet. Like they understood Phantom w/ full face & leathers = rider trying to be more safety conscious, despite the slow speed and low horsepower.

 

3. At $100 after trade in, the CL-ST is financially, little liability, indeed it's a must get so long as stocks last! I was more than happy to nab the last 2XL size Throttle design CL-ST and a group of Malay bikers helped advise me on proper care and how to wear the FF properly In terms of rider comfort and safety, the CL-ST is definitely more advanced than many common helmets on the market. Read up some reviews on the net and on the forums, it may be a budget model, but it can take a huge impact and save your life! Indeed, why buy an expensive open face, while this promotion lasts?

 

4. The point about the big and bulkier FF is not true - it's a kind of status symbol everyone who rides can enjoy, when they decide not to leave their favourite piece of gear on the motorcycle, open to the elements. It's quite fun, just get used to carrying it! SBF does sell a good helmet backpack to help you.

Edited October 31, 2010 by Pandora's Kitten :3

[crazydj]

I bought the CL-ST months ago. At first my heard felt constricted and i felt like goldfish. Few days later, it fit properly. Problem now is that too much airflow i dont like. More airflow than my evo 2 helmet. So weird.

[Aurium]

thumbs up for safe riders..

gear up ur body, gear up the riding attitude as well..

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

CL-ST availability - @Red Riding Hood is selling some here, in case Motoworld does not have your size (almost didn't, for me!)

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php/293652-WTS-BRAND-NEW-PSB-APPROVED-HJC-CL-ST-quot-Throttle-quot-2xRed-amp-2xGrey-Size-L-amp-XL

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

After a couple days of FF use I am finding the urge to get more pieces of armour. In particular, I need a pair of proper riding boots. Caterpillar industrial shoes don't cut it. They're far too heavy (no feel) and uncomfortable. Dress shoes for work; no ballistic protection or ankle support at all.

 

The "want" does match the need since I have no ability to jump off a moving motorcycle and it would be my feet caught under somewhere. Assuming I don't have huge panniers for "rear crashbar"

 

Looks like I'll soon become a Motoworld camper.

[ORen]

+1 for the HJC helmet, been using those and only those and I'm really happy with them. And they are very light, that's what I like the most, so I don't feel like a bubble head

I would advise anyone who wants to go MOTGATT to start with a FF helmet. I means eriously, what kind of protection do you expect from something that's leaving our chin and jaw screaming to be bashed in ?

[SparkerS1]

I bought them on sale at $40 SGD the pair. I think the original price is around $60-80 but I can't remember exactly.

 

wow, tats a gd price, i got mine quite ex

Mine is elbow n knee guard, cos weather too hot for a mesh jacket due to trap in traffic jams

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

wow, tats a gd price, i got mine quite ex

Mine is elbow n knee guard, cos weather too hot for a mesh jacket due to trap in traffic jams

 

Speaking of knee guards, I used to wear those riding school ones. Stopped after they tended to start flying off at highway speeds.

 

I'm thus in the market for some better fitting items.

[SparkerS1]

i am using Dainese elbow/knee guards, velco on & tough, quite gd IMO but its pricey.

[ORen]

Yeah i don;t think anyone would ever be able to fault Dainese stuff but it comes with a bigger price tag. My suggestion if to go with Komine - good stuff, durable and affordable.

[contrarian]

Speaking of knee guards, I used to wear those riding school ones. Stopped after they tended to start flying off at highway speeds.

 

I'm thus in the market for some better fitting items.

 

 

Check out Force Field:

http://www.forcefieldperformance.com/index.asp

You can buy them at Novena Square

#01/72-73

WILDROSES, SIGG & BRIKO

[ChaoPuzzy1968]

I WEAR

 

SGATT, HFHHGJPLB ( Some Gear All The Time. Half-Face Helmet, Half Glove, Jean Pants, Leather Boots)

[Pandoras Kitten 3]

@contrarian - Awesome! Just one stop away from my workplace too.

[ORen]

Hey guys,

 

Last Friday, went on a trip to Mersing with some friends from the Singapore Bajaj Team.

 

I was closing the convoy and the bike in front of me got bullied by a car overtaking him. For a 1 month old rider he managed really well to slow down and control the bike as much as he could, but ended up kissing the side road pretty hard. Typically the type of accident for which you have NO RESPONSIBILITY and all you can hope for is have space to take your bike to on the side road or have the skill to stay on it even if you have to break hard. The car overtook him, and suddenly swerved to the left of the road for no apparent reason, he had to swerve too to not hit it and went off road. There was a small ravine there, a bit of grass, but mostly tons of rocks and hard dirt. Of course, the car didn't stop.

 

The rider was wearing an armored Jacket, A full face helmet and mesh but padded full gloves. He was wearing solid shoes (some doc martin's type) and.. a pair of jeans. Well guess what? Yep, that's it, the knee took it all. The only damn place he didn't protect got busted. Nothing too serious, just a hole in the bone of the knee cap and a massive swollen articulation but still..

 

Have a look at the pictures, you'll realize his gear saved him a unpleasant face feeling as well as his arms showing bloody bones.

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1232/5157210634_1a0b2595b3_z.jpg

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1364/5157201944_930aa6a67d_z.jpg

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/5157253008_a2bd3508ca_z.jpg

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/5156728969_5169fc664b_z.jpg

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1408/5156537489_4490108ef5_z.jpg

 

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1228/5156462645_9f7495239d_z.jpg

 

All things considered, and now that I know he is alright, this wasn't a big accident. We were riding at 85kmph, he managed to slow down before hitting the ground. So I think this is a good example of what can happen, and it doesn't have to be your fault, and it doesn't have to be because you're tired or not paying attention. $#@* happens. Please gear up, MY or SG it's all the same, this guy saved his fingers, arms, elbows and face thanks to his gear and if he had just knee guards on him, he'd be jumping around right now on both legs !

 

Hope this helps people make a choice, honestly, I say it again, experience and confidence and luck will only take you so far. it's ok to fall or get into an accident but it's better to get there in a robocop suit you can jump out from all smiling and laughing, isn't it ?

Edited November 8, 2010 by O'Ren