December 25th, 2015, 05:38 AM | #1 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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Why good gear? Here's why.
TL; DR - You think leathers are expensive? Try a hospital bill on for size. Here's the real cost.
About a month ago, I got a leg infection unrelated to motorcycling. Simple, even trivial, thing... a break in the skin on my left calf got infected. Within 24 hours my leg from the knee to the ankle was the color of corned beef hash, swollen like a party balloon and I had a fever pushing 103. I wound up in the hospital for five days, on IV antibiotics. That's all they did... no ambulance, no surgery, nothing but a bed, food, 24/7 nursing care and IV. Yesterday, the bill arrived. Thankfully, I have a good insurance plan. It does require coinsurance, however. For those who don't know the confusing terminology of the insurance world, coinsurance means that when something costly like a hospital stay happens, the insurance company pays most, but not all, of the bill. You pay the rest. Here are the actual numbers off the bill: Charges: $19,848.02 Insurance payment: $19,098.02 Patient balance (i.e. the coinsurance, or what I paid): $750 If you don't have insurance as good as mine, you'd have paid more. So let's pretend for a minute that what had actually happened to me was a crash. Say I had to have a big skin graft because my gear was not sufficient to protect me, requiring that same length of hospital stay. Let's also pretend that the cost would have been the same (it wouldn't -- it would have been higher). The conscious decision to NOT wear good gear would have cost me $750, plus five days in the hospital. Is buying/wearing that set of leathers starting to look more like a smart investment than a needless expense/hassle? It should.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
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December 25th, 2015, 06:36 AM | #2 |
sammich maker
Name: snot
Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '15
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I love my leathers.
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https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx |
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December 25th, 2015, 06:52 AM | #3 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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Me too. I seriously feel odd when I ride the bike without being fully kitted. I do so from time to time, typically for the one-mile jaunt to the diner at lunch in ordinary pants. It's almost like the leathers are part of how I interact with the bike.
I've been holding off on buying a neck brace for the track because the Leatt track version is hella expensive (like $550) but this bill is making me think hard about it.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
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December 25th, 2015, 07:17 AM | #4 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Hansveer
Location: Bombay, India
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 25th, 2015, 09:43 AM | #5 |
sammich maker
Name: snot
Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '15
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My leathers saved my skin at mid ohio 2 years ago. I did not have a scratch on me, not even a bruise.
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https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx |
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December 25th, 2015, 11:28 AM | #6 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
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I love my frank thomas suit
all I have to do is look at it to remind myself how much skin I still have because of it, it is shredded and has been in multiple (read 3 high speed (100mph+) and 2 low-medium speed) crashes without a failure in any of the seams or holes in any of the leather that couldn't be patched back together. I've still gotten scars through the leathers but nothing even remotely close to what would have happened without the leathers Now if only I could afford a new suit, thankfully my insurance is top notch
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December 25th, 2015, 09:12 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
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The wife had good gear on, but when her foot hit hard parts on my bike, it was broken, we are out about $4000 right now. And the deductible resets in a few days. Awesome
This is why you need it. I can't imagine where either of us would be without it.
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'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. Last futzed with by verboten1; December 28th, 2015 at 05:46 AM. |
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December 25th, 2015, 10:39 PM | #8 |
Track Clown
Name: Chris
Location: Kingman, AZ
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Sep '15
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I guess you could use this as a reason to have good gear. I have had an experience of neglecting a wound. I scrapped my left knee in my first ever crash at the track. Thought the pain was just due to bouncing my knee off the ground, but a few days later of continued swelling i went to the clinic and found that i had an infection. moral of the story, clean your wounds thoroughly after crashing in leathers.
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December 27th, 2015, 08:24 PM | #9 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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Injuries despite good gear aren't really the point here.
Imagine what would have happened had those crashes taken place while dressed the way most riders choose to.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
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December 27th, 2015, 09:08 PM | #10 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
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without my helmets I'd be dead many times over
without my suit I'd be dead of blood loss at least twice without my first back protector I'd be a paraplegic safety gear is an investment that protects both life and quality of life, that's all there is to it
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I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see? |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
December 28th, 2015, 05:42 PM | #11 |
sammich maker
Name: snot
Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '15
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I need to learn more about the back protectors
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https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx |
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December 29th, 2015, 09:35 AM | #12 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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It's easy... get one and wear it. Maybe even consider a chest protector too.
They come in 2 main forms, inserts or standalone wearables. Inserts must fit into your existing gear inner placement pockets. I like these for fitment and comfort the best as they seem to become "part" of your jacket or suit. I don't like the price though as they are normally higher and I am locked into that one piece of gear or piece with a pocket to allow insertion. Wearables are cheaper and a more versatile option. Just put it on and then put on your other/whatever gear over it. Fitment and comfort become more of an issue though. If your jacket was tight without a back protector, it will be even tighter when wearing the protector. It is where I hear about back protector thickness at the track. Seems thinner is better but imho... there is a personal balance between form and function. Unless you go to some huge superstore, you're not going to be trying it on before you buy. But I believe you are pretty close to the Iron Pony, so maybe a road trip is in order. If that doesn't work, a trip to the track is where you can try on and see how many riders are using them and most importantly... get an opinion on it's function.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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December 29th, 2015, 11:01 AM | #13 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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The advantage of inserts is that there's one less piece of gear to screw with. Convenient.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
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December 29th, 2015, 11:32 AM | #14 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
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wearables > inserts unless your suit/jacket fits perfectly or if you wear more than one suit/jacket. The back protector will not do much if it moves out of place as an insert could with a slightly loose jacket/suit
I prefer soft shell to hard shell for the increased comfort but hard shell is the preferred for better protection. If I were to ride at a course where there was furniture on the side of the road (like the IOM TT) I'd wear a hard shell for sure. Only time it has come into play was when I went through a tire wall so I'm not as concerned at the track (except shenandoah circuit)
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I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see? |
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December 29th, 2015, 11:55 AM | #15 |
dirty boy
Name: Joe
Location: Johnstown, PA
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '14
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so what was the wound on the calf from? Was it a cat?
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December 29th, 2015, 07:59 PM | #16 | |
sammich maker
Name: snot
Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '15
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Quote:
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https://www.brocksperformance.com/VZ...0035+C450.aspx |
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January 26th, 2016, 05:49 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brad
Location: Manitoba
Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the month Posts: 31
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I have a Forcefield Sub 4 underneath at all times and their matching chest plate along with RS Taichi GP EVOs with Knox SPS and jacket/pants, leather or textile depending on the weather. Looking at replacing my Joe Rocket textile with a set of A* this year probably for vents I can open or close instead of full mesh.
Has kept me injury free at a few small spills, I'd hate to think what higher speed or less gear would have resulted in. |
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January 26th, 2016, 05:56 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Kerry
Location: Ventura, CA
Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja650 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '18, Apr '17, Apr '16
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I agree about wearing good gear. I haven't wrecked, because I've been a passenger (until last week) and my husband is a very good driver, but still. We've always worn good helmets and gloves. When we were young, we wore jeans instead of real gear, but now we both have good stuff.
Got my own M1 license now, my own bike, and definitely good gear. |
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January 26th, 2016, 06:58 PM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bernawan
Location: Magelang, Indonesia
Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): Kawasaki Ninja 250R 2011 Posts: 71
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Good gear is definitely a good safety investment. Crashed once in a high speed (40-50 Mph) down the highway, it could be fatal but my reliable riding gear saved my upper body skin from potential wound (sore, bruises or idk, even broken bones).
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January 27th, 2016, 08:46 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Spooph
Location: Golden, CO
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Oct '15
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My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar. |
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January 27th, 2016, 08:49 AM | #21 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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'twas but a scratch that didn't heal promptly due to dry skin. Yet another one of the marvelous things that happens to us as we age.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
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January 27th, 2016, 11:27 AM | #22 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Timm
Location: West Seneca, NY
Join Date: Oct 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2006 1050 Speed Triple, 2010 250 Ninja racebike, YZF320RR? Racebike Posts: 556
MOTM - Nov '15
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January 29th, 2016, 07:32 PM | #23 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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Aaaaand thanks to a hot tip from @tgold, I just scored the only used Leatt STX RR I've ever run across, on eBay. Thanks!
PS: The seller had a pair of them, and I think I might be the only purchaser. So the second could get re-listed.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. Last futzed with by adouglas; February 4th, 2016 at 03:07 PM. |
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February 14th, 2016, 04:34 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Fred
Location: Oklahoma
Join Date: Feb 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250r Posts: 41
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The cost of good gear will look like change if you ever go down without wearing it and have to pay the doctor bills.
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