| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
Nillaice, I know the plastic looking boot things protect you... just seems a bit much for off the race track, going to work... Regular road asphalt hurts just as much as racetrack asphalt...and it comes with the added bonuses of cell phone distractions, cagers who are NOT on the same page as you (like people on a racetrack would be, since we're all on a track for the same reason), cross traffic and oncoming traffic....and an Impact Zone full of obstacles like street signs, fences, mailboxes and Buicks instead of open fields and maybe some hay bales... You're right. Don't need real gear on the street at all. | ||
| Firebolt32 |
Every pair of work boots I have has markings from the shifter. I was on a ladder one day at work doing a site survey. Guy walked up and said, "You must ride." I deal with it. I have used an old sock before while wearing one of my nice pairs of boots. | ||
| Kidder |
Sinjhin, You think proper protection is too extreme for the street? Sure those high-end race boots may look "odd" but they will protect you. I don't get it. I guess it's all about fashion for you. Those Merrell's (or whatever they are) look really good when you're riding. They won't look so good when you've broken an ankle. Of course, I hope you don't ever have to find out about crash protection. But, there's just so many variables on the street. There's a lot more variables to deal with on the street and the track. ATGATT | ||
| Ratsmc |
+1 Having smashed my foot into a stopped Mercedes at 60+ MPH, I guarantee, you'll be happy with wearing proper riding gear when it happens to you. | ||
| Whistler |
ATGATT And it is not just about us guys and gals on the bike. There are people that need you at 100% you know. | ||
| Drawkward |
Oh here we go. The gear Nazi's are here. You guys take this shit so personal. Like if he doesn't wear all the gear all the time it's the same as him smacking your daughter around. Geez. (Message edited by drawkward on April 15, 2010) | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
My surgeon told me flatly were it not for the fact that I was wearing my track boots when the SUV driver who "didn't see me" took me out- I would not have a right foot today. What's more- if I had not been wearing full-coverage armored protective clothing, a full face helmet, and "... those stupid plastic-looking riding boots" because I thought I would have looked stupid while riding an XL883- I wouldn't be alive today. I think many riders need to reconsider just how seriously they take riding a motorcycle on public roads. Yes, it's really about your level of seriousness- if you think you do not have to protect yourself from the worst-case scenario every time you get on your bike, then you might need to rethink your definition of competency and consider being a more serious rider. Some "get it" without having to experience the pain first hand, and some learn the hard way- but most seem to grasp the risk but just can't seem to take it seriously. I'm alive because I recognized the risk, took it seriously, and was prepared when the inevitable happened. I sincerely wish more people would choose to take riding seriously- those of us who preach ATGATT don't do it for us, we do it for you. Take heed. | ||
| Ratsmc |
Oh, here we go again with the t-shirt and sandals set arguing that riding gear isn't required. I don't give a crap what you wear but I am gonna tell you that only a fool handles high voltage wires without the proper tools and only a fool goes deep-sea diving without the right gear. | ||
| Jules |
I think many riders need to reconsider just how seriously they take riding a motorcycle on public roads. Yes, it's really about your level of seriousness- if you think you do not have to protect yourself from the worst-case scenario every time you get on your bike, then you might need to rethink your definition of competency and consider being a more serious rider. Education is a better methood of trying to win people over than just attacking them. I know you probably don't mean to but it could come across that way "consider being a more serious rider" - what does that mean? What's a serious rider? Someone who doesn't smile whilst riding (difficult on a Buell).. It's a personal choice thing again. 99 times out of a 100 I chose to ride in full armour, kit has come on a long way since the "unfashionable" gear days, my "Draggin' Jeans" are camo pants with kevlar and full CE armour and look/feel good (to me). My textile jacket is more protective than many leather jackets but is lightweight and comfortable too, my gloves are armoured (more to make it easier to punch car door mirrors off than anything else). When I see someone in t-shirt and shorts riding I wince but I accept that it's their choice. I would not tell them they are not serious riders.. | ||
| Kidder |
@Drawkward, Yep, I'm a gear nazi. I'm proud of it. And if my posts help just ONE person buy a pair of proper riding boots, gloves, etc. then I've made a difference. | ||
| Drawkward |
ASSume much. Here's the gear I wear everyday I ride. http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/motorcycl e+boots/axo_primato+sport+boots+with+leather+upper s http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/motorcycl e+gloves/teknic_chicane+full+gauntlet+leather+glov es+-+size+xl http://www.bikebandit.com/gmax-gm68-odyssey-full-f ace-helmet http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/bargain_ basement/teknic/freestyle_textile_motorcycle_jacke t.html I wear my gear. But I'm not an ••••••• to people who don't wear theirs. That's their choice. I understand what you mean kidder, but when people are complete dicks to guys who don't wear gear, they're less likely to listen to ANYTHING they have to say. (Message edited by drawkward on April 15, 2010) | ||
| Kidder |
You can't sugarcoat it either. Sure, maybe I came across as a dick because someone was more concerned with what they look like than the level of protection they're wearing. Unfortunately, peer pressure is as much a factor as anything. I see a lot of groups riding together that wear helmets, T-shirts, gloves, jeans, tennis shoes. Sometimes, you have to be adamant about their lack of gear. But, you're right, technically it's none of my business. It is their choice. Cheers. | ||
| Ikeman |
Ok, so back to the topic at hand: I've got a pair of these with 50K miles on them (still warm and waterproof): http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-boots/ox tar/matrix/ They've changed the name (Oxtar is now TCX) but don't remember what it is now. And I just picked up a pair of these this week: http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/sidi- sport-rain-boots/ Notice the shift pad on the top of both pairs of boots. The Oxtar's pads are rubber and aren't even really scuffed. Neither pair looks dorky and sometimes I wear them all day at work - they get a bit warm indoors though. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
"consider being a more serious rider" - what does that mean? It's a personal choice thing again. That's their choice. For a long time, I did not have a good answer to questions like these- until I realized one very important thing. No one has a right to operate a vehicle on public roads- it's a privilege. With this privilege comes certain basic requirements- the first of which if basic safety. The very first thing one should learn about riding a motorcycle, even before sitting on the seat, is how to dress properly to protect yourself from the crash (your fault or not) that is going to happen. This is known as basic competency- if you do not understand, or refuse to abide by basic safety rules, then you are showing lack of competence and should not be allowed the privilege of operating a vehicle on public roads. Seems harsh, huh? But really think about it. No one likes to be told what to do, and in many areas of your life no one can tell you what to do (riding on private property- for example). But when your actions are regulated by an agency, and failing to abide by basic safety rules put you and others at physical and financial risk, then there should be a penalty for such behavior. This penalty should act as a warning, and a deterrent for incompetency, and if not heeded should result in the suspension of your privilege. It's just that simple. Now, for all of those who are fuming reading this- I want you to consider something: what is really making you so mad about the idea of having to wear protective equipment? I have asked this same question many times, on many different forums and in person, and no one has been able to answer it with a rational, reasonable answer: give me a good reason to not wear full-coverage safety equipment while operating a motorcycle on a public road (and "I don't like to be told what to do" is neither rational nor reasonable)" . I am still waiting for an acceptable answer. After being involved in conversations about this topic for years, it always seems to come down to an ego issue. The bigger the ego, the less likely someone is willing to either be rational about, or accepting of the idea of wearing safety equipment for their own protection. One would think that an ego-centric personality would be all about protecting their own skin, but it rarely turns out that way. If I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone exclaim "You can't make me..." as their main defense for not wearing equipment, I would have, well, a few hundred dollars. It's these same ego types who will even argue whether riding on public roads is a privilege- it's common for the conversation to end up with statements such as "I'll ride whether they take my license or not- they can't control what I do!". Many times I've been left wondering about the stability of these types- where does the anger come from? When I ask the question "Why don't more people take riding seriously?", the object is to provoke a response in people- to make them think about the question, and what is their personal level of seriousness. In my experience, most riders don't give these things much thought, and getting riders to think about safety is very important. Although it is common to only hear from the ego-types who want the world to know that no one is gonna tell them what to do, there are others, quietly in the background, who from the discussion may decide to become more serious about safety- and end up saving themselves from serious injury or death. I learned long ago that my personal views on full-coverage safety equipment being a requirement for exhibiting competency when exercising the privilege of operating a motorcycle on public roads was not popular with the general riding populace. My goal is to get riders to think about why there is such aversion to following the most basic safety rule. Still waiting on that answer... | ||
| Drawkward |
That worked to start the United States of America...didn't it? The ONLY argument that you can make to require gear, helmets or even seatbelts is that it will reduce injury and therefore reduce possible hospital time of (medically) uninsured motorists. That's it. All of what you said is literally just your opinion as NONE of it, besides the scattered helmet and protective glasses laws present in some states. Claiming someone has a big ego is an easy and childish way to wipe away the argument that's really present. Should the government be able to control EVERYTHING that we do? If I say "NO" and shouldn't be made to wear gear, you think I have a big ego...and that's not the case at all. Your opinion is yours. But that's about all it is. I suppose you don't think I should be allowed to own and operate a motorcycle above a certain CC or horsepower level? I take riding VERY seriously. I wear my gear all the time...every time. I get instruction and do track days. But I also take my personal liberties very seriously. If I'm paying for insurance, registration, random vehicle taxes and am abiding the laws of the road, government involvement should stop there. Plain and simple. That has nothing to do with ego. There are plenty of online retailers out there with great deals on "last year's" boots and riding shoes. Scour them and find a pair that you like. They'll hold up much better than regular tennis shoes. | ||
| Blake |
I'm not an ATGATTr, more a MOTGMOTTr. I'll even take a liesurely ride without a helmet on occasion, very rare occasions. Freedom is good. Indignant self-righteous preaching, not so much.  | ||
| Lovedabueller |
THIS THREAD IS HILARIOUS..... SHOE DAMAGE??? were talkin about SHOE DAMAGE?????    | ||
| Sinjhin |
First of all, Jules and Drawkward. Thanks. I feel a little out of place saying this as a new rider, but here are my thoughts. When those of you insisting on ATGATT drive a car, do you put your seat belt on? yeah, I do too... now, do you wear a Snell approved helmet every time you get in your car? Probably not... so, can we agree that there is a line to be drawn somewhere, and that line is a personal choice? If you were 100% concerned with your safety, then you would not ride a bike. right? You would in fact never leave your home. We take risks everyday for enjoyment. Some, are more stupid than others, sure. Riding a bike is a balancing act of fun and risk. The more gear you have on, the less enjoyable it is, but the more dangerous it becomes. I have set my standard to what I think is an acceptable risk value by wearing a helmet, armored jacket, and long pants everytime I ride. Oh, and I pay taxes to ride on the roads, and we (or our ancestors) all shared the cost of building them. Regardless of what the government says, it is a right... they are OUR roads. We just have to remember to share them safely. Also, Kidder... no, it is not about looks. It is about being comfortable for all the hours I walk around the office... thanks for the personal insult though. And for everyone else, once again, thanks for the suggestions. There are several good options and actually some riding boots that look normal and somewhat comfortable. I will have to look into finding a place where I can try them on. | ||
| Kidder |
@Sinjhin, I'm sorry if you took it as a personal insult. It was not meant that way. The Walmart comment was tongue-in-cheek but it's hard to convey that on a computer monitor. I leave a pair of shoes at work that I wear once I take off my riding boots. FWIW. And lastly, maybe YOU think the more gear you have on, the less enjoyable it is. I absolutely disagree. I wouldn't have fun riding twisties not wearing the gear I think is acceptable. Actually, I wouldn't ride at all. You have good points about what everyone's opinion is on the risks they take. I'll leave it at that. ATGATT | ||
| Sinjhin |
Kidder, eh, sorry... I stayed up coding all night. My mental state probably saw insult where there was not. No prob. | ||
| Whistler |
Sinjhin, I wear these two types of boots on the bike and at work and have been very pleased with them both. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/3/1006/IT EM/Thor-Motorcross-50-50-Boots.aspx Ordered 1/2 size larger than normal and got a good fit. http://www.lacrossefootwear.com/product/work/leath er+boots/quad+comfort%26reg-+4x6+steel+toe+work+bo ots.do Gander Mountain carries this brand/style so you may be able to try them on there. I also like the American Sport Bike: A19001-1125 Brake/Shifter Toe Pegs and the A9184 XB-1125 Footpeg Base w/ 1" | ||
| Mountainstorm |
I'm so used to wearing protective gear I actually don't feel comfortable riding without it. At speed a fitted jacket is less turbulent than a shirt of whatever, and I can't imagine blasting around at 70 without a helmet...too many bugs and other airborne projectiles...that stuff hurts! Ditto on the jacket and boots...the one place I do slack off is wearing jeans...and jeans are damn near useless protection in a crash. I guess I just feel a little too ghey wearing leathers all the time. So now that it's warm I wear some armored Icon mesh pants, or I wear some double layered "brush" pants I found at Cabelas. Or if I'm slacking some jeans. But Boots and gloves every time. I just feel like I'm in the right frame of mind riding when my extremities are covered in leather. | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
So can someone explain why this...  is so much better than this?  Please educate me. | ||
| Froggy |
RPM - the taller boot will restrict the moment of your foot, in a spill, this will prevent you from breaking bones. Also, notice the bulge on the ankles? That will protect you when you tumble. Also due to the stiffness, your foot in general will flex less. Here is a regular steel toe boot I got at Kmart, and I wrecked at 50mph   The boot probably made things worse, you can see by the tear that the boot flexed that much to allow the leather to rip. In the second pic, you can see the scuff mark near where my toes meet the main bones, thats where my foot broke. That spot is well protected on most race type boots. That was the only piece of sketchy gear I was wearing during the wreck, I had a Buell full face helmet and Buell Adventure Jacket/pants, and some Joe Rocket gloves. Other than my broken foot, I only got light rash in between where the short gloves and sleeves meet, and some on my back where the jacket and pants separated (didn't have zipped together).  | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
A proper motorcycle boot, designed to protect the rider from the kinds of injury sustained in motorcycle accidents, will have the following features: full-leather upper (or similar-performing synthetic material), a slip/oil resistant sole designed to give proper feel and grip on a foot peg, coverage to well above the ankle, securing device/fasteners that keep the boot on during extreme movement/stresses while not interfering with operation of controls, a toe box, a heel box, a steel shank in the sole (to keep the foot from being bent under/backwards on the foot peg), internal/external ankle armor/padding, shin armor/padding, ankle flexion-limiting structure, metatarsal flexion-limiting structure, and shifter armor/padding. Now, of the two boots shown above, which one seems to have more of the attributes needed to provide the kind of protection required by a motorcycle boot? | ||
| Dannybuell |
I HATE LUG SOLES WITH A PASSION. I enjoy smooth soled shoes because they allow me to slide my foot under the toe peg to shift and slide my foot back onto the footpeg with out the lugs snagging. | ||
| Cherry_bomb |
this is what happened with a solid boot from ICON (field armor boot):   i took more than a year for me to be able to walk normal. i'm so glad, i've had some good boots on when this happened. | ||
| Jaimec |
I haven't read through all of the responses, but did anyone suggest leaving a pair of shoes at the office and wearing riding boots while on the bike? | ||
| Mountainstorm |
I didn't read your response but yes. | ||
| Whistler |
Well, thought I was well protected from the ankles down but I see that's been iffy. Not cheap but does anyone have experience with these? Opinions? http.//www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/11/94/12272/ITEM/T EX-Infinity-GTX-Boots.aspx I checked the Knowledge Vault but not a lot of recent info on protective type boots so I hope it is OK to ask on this thread. Thanks. |
