Leg Protection in Summer

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 08:36 PM

Was just wondering this..

I'm gonna come right out and say it, the idea of wearing shorts on my bike on a nice warm day sounds like a swell time. Warm breeze licking the skin and all that.

Obviously if I fell in just shorts I don't think I would care how nice the breeze felt when I later find myself getting skin grafted from my ass onto my knee/shin/calf.

My question is...

Is there any way to utilize riding armor such as armored shorts underneath your shorts for hip/thigh/tailbone protection, knee/shin protectors and appropriate riding shoes to achieve a good level of protection in a fall while wearing shorts?

Obviously there are a ton of variables at play here such as how fast you are going, how you fell, etc. But lets say you were going on a short ride, keeping it to 30 mph on back roads to a friend's house and wanted to wear shorts instead of jeans or full riding pants.

Would you feel safe wearing shorts with riding armor such as the previously mentioned items?

DaBlue1 · February 23rd, 2013, 09:02 PM

Let me see if I got this right...You want to wear protection from your hip to thigh and from knee to shin, so the only exposed area would be the back of your lower leg and calf?

xSean13 · February 23rd, 2013, 09:18 PM

Sweat on my legs sounds better than no skin on my legs.

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 09:22 PM

So I suppose that would be a vote of not good enough? Haha.

And yeah blue, that would pretty much be the extent of exposure. Not sure if that's an area that would commonly be hitting/sliding on the ground in a fall.

antiant · February 23rd, 2013, 09:23 PM

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 09:28 PM

I would think it would definitely be better protection than just a pair of jeans for most falls. No shattered knees, busted tailbone, all the hard impact areas are covered.

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 09:34 PM

Example gear:

Knee/Shin Protector:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/i...ker-knee-guard

Undershort Armor Thigh/Hip/Tailbone:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...reeride-shorts

tfkrocks · February 23rd, 2013, 09:35 PM

I have previous ridden with shorts and strap on leg armor, but it's not something I plan to ever do again. Way too exposed and very little abrasion resistance. Thankfully nothing ever happened. Most armored shorts are intended to be worn under something with abrasion resistance and have none of their own. You could possibly prevent breaking on impact, but then you'd likely get road rash anyway. If it were me, I would get some lightweight, probably mesh, overpants to throw on top of shorts and still wear armored shorts underneath.

xSean13 · February 23rd, 2013, 09:41 PM

armored shorts:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...reeride-shorts

knee/shin guards:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/i...ker-knee-guard

What are you going to do about boots? Leg abrasions aren't the only thing that will occur in a crash. A foot/ankle injury would be more concerning imo.

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

I have previous ridden with shorts and strap on leg armor, but it's not something I plan to ever do again. Way too exposed and very little abrasion resistance. Thankfully nothing ever happened. Most armored shorts are intended to be worn under something with abrasion resistance and have none of their own. You could possibly prevent breaking on impact, but then you'd likely get road rash anyway. If it were me, I would get some lightweight, probably mesh, overpants to throw on top of shorts and still wear armored shorts underneath.

Thank you for the first helpful reply

Sounds like with the mesh overpants you'd still get a fair amount of airflow too, which is the balance point of enjoying the weather but still having decent protection I was trying to hit with this post.

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 09:45 PM

Sean I'm glad you took enough interest to make that meme for me

Unless someone really already made one like that, which would be surprising!

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xSean13

What are you going to do about boots? Leg abrasions aren't the only thing that will occur in a crash. A foot/ankle injury would be more concerning imo.

Boot wise maybe one of the lower riding boots like these?

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...1-riding-shoes

They'd cover the anklebone and feet from injury. Not as great protection as a full boot obviously, but better than a pair of workboots or worse sneakers or worse flipflops

tfkrocks · February 23rd, 2013, 09:58 PM

Those don't appear to be perforated. You'll probably do better on ventilation getting a full boot that's perforated. I used to wear a pair of un-perforated S-MX 2s and they pretty much don't ventilate at all. Granted, it was great for cold/rainy days but probably not what you're looking for.

DaBlue1 · February 23rd, 2013, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamiLionheart

....Not sure if that's an area that would commonly be hitting/sliding on the ground in a fall.

That area probably wouldn't receive much injury, just keep in mind that every layer you have on, is a layer of skin that you potentially save. Sometimes stuff happens and when it does it can totally ruin a swell time.

I get that having the air blowing on you is refreshing and invigorating and all that, but a little sweat is not a bad thing, especially when you're engaging in one of the most potentially dangerous sports in the world.

One of the things that they teach you in dessert warfare/survival is leave your clothes on. (A common mistake made by inexperienced people in the desert, is wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. Loose fitting long sleeves and pants provide good air circulation and much better protection than sunblock.)

The most important thing to do is stay hydrated. Also remember moisture is a good thing. Keeping a little moisture close to the skin helps the body stay cool whether it is dry heat or humid heat. The body will try to balance itself for the conditions. Wearing a wicking layer of clothing is recommended, although it may seem too hot, it is actually effective. (remember the Arabs, they wear layers) Cotton t-shirts have been shown to be OK, but not as good. I wear a long sleeve and long under armor like pants.

This wicking layer is enough to protect me from heat from the bike, engine and radiant heat from the road surface and other vehicles. The moisture from my body's own sweat stays close to my body and provides a nice cooling affect, not so much sitting still, but better than nothing. Start moving and it's instant A/C.

So for me, being fully covered only makes sense.

Motofool · February 23rd, 2013, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamiLionheart

I would think it would definitely be better protection than just a pair of jeans for most falls. No shattered knees, busted tailbone, all the hard impact areas are covered.

A little bit of information never killed anybody

:

http://roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/88.html

http://roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/91.html

xSean13 · February 23rd, 2013, 10:04 PM

I wore my perforated leather jacket, perforated boots, gloves, etc when it was 90+ last summer and they flowed air well, so I didn't get excessively hot, until it was 115...and then it was just like riding in an oven and would have been even worse with bare skin exposed.

tfkrocks · February 23rd, 2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xSean13

I wore my perforated leather jacket, perforated boots, gloves, etc when it was 90+ last summer and they flowed air well, so I didn't get excessively hot, until it was 115...and then it was just like riding in an oven and would have been even worse with bare skin exposed.

Oh yeah, almost forgot about that part. Getting a sunburn while riding would definitely not keep you cool

BlueHairSar · February 23rd, 2013, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xSean13

Sweat on my legs sounds better than no skin on my legs.

I personally believe in dressing for the crash, not the ride, but the armour puts you one step ahead of the squids in just shorts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Oh yeah, almost forgot about that part. Getting a sunburn while riding would definitely not keep you cool

Clothing can insulate AGAINST the heat as much as is can against the cold. Why do you think desert dwellers are traditionally covered from head to toe?

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Those don't appear to be perforated. You'll probably do better on ventilation getting a full boot that's perforated. I used to wear a pair of un-perforated S-MX 2s and they pretty much don't ventilate at all. Granted, it was great for cold/rainy days but probably not what you're looking for.

Most of the reviews say they flow air pretty well. But I suppose that's all opinion anyway.

If full riding/race boots were worn, I think that you wouldn't be able to use the knee/shin protectors then, as they would probably clash at some point on the shin. Also wearing boots that tall with shorts would probably look somewhat silly as well :P

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

One of the things that they teach you in dessert warfare/survival is leave your clothes on. (A common mistake made by inexperienced people in the desert, is wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. Loose fitting long sleeves and pants provide good air circulation and much better protection than sunblock.)

That's a good point about the extra care I'd have to take for sun protection for longer rides. Was not something I had considered.

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

A little bit of information never killed anybody

:

http://roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/88.html

http://roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/91.html

Very informative, I was actually looking for information like this so this was helpful

Somewhat backs up what I was thinking of critical protection areas being around the knees. Upper legs seem to be spared the majority of damage in comparison.

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xSean13

I wore my perforated leather jacket, perforated boots, gloves, etc when it was 90+ last summer and they flowed air well, so I didn't get excessively hot, until it was 115...and then it was just like riding in an oven and would have been even worse with bare skin exposed.

That is really freakin' hot lol. Luckily long island typically doesn't get above the high 90s and into 100 save for maybe a couple days in the peak of summer.

This summer will be my first summer riding, so I guess I'll get to decide for myself how hot it really is riding with full coverage and If I want to risk leaving bits of my skin uncovered for only a slight bit more air circulation.

tfkrocks · February 23rd, 2013, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamiLionheart

Most of the reviews say they flow air pretty well. But I suppose that's all opinion anyway.

If full riding/race boots were worn, I think that you wouldn't be able to use the knee/shin protectors then, as they would probably clash at some point on the shin. Also wearing boots that tall with shorts would probably look somewhat silly as well :P

I wear full racing boots with strap-on leg armor lol.

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueHairSar

I personally believe in dressing for the crash, not the ride, but the armour puts you one step ahead of the squids in just shorts.

That's what I was aiming for. Still squiddish, but not full on squid. Maybe it'll be considered crabbing? Crabs have some armor right? :P

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueHairSar

Clothing can insulate AGAINST the heat as much as is can against the cold. Why do you think desert dwellers are traditionally covered from head to toe?

It usually doesn't reach desert temps here on long island but I get the idea. Just going to have to see how everything feels once it starts warming up and decide then. Pretty sure it's below freezing outside right now so I got some time

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

I wear full racing boots with strap-on leg armor lol.

You must look like a mechwarrior armed to the teeth for combat at that point

Probably looks pretty badass actually...

tfkrocks · February 23rd, 2013, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamiLionheart

You must look like a mechwarrior armed to the teeth for combat at that point

Probably looks pretty badass actually...

Nahhh, all covered up with overpants (armor in pants removed). Either way, I have a weird setup with the boots covered up with jeans, then the leg armor on top of that, then the overpants

I used to wear jeans with short boots and the leg armor strapped on the outside of my jeans though cuz the jeans were too tight for the armor to go under.

YamiLionheart · February 23rd, 2013, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Nahhh, all covered up with overpants (armor in pants removed). Either way, I have a weird setup with the boots covered up with jeans, then the leg armor on top of that, then the overpants

I used to wear jeans with short boots and the leg armor strapped on the outside of my jeans though cuz the jeans were too tight for the armor to go under.

Sounds like your legs are covered then. Lots of abrasion resistance + the armor for impact.

You ever go just jeans with the armor on top and no overpants? I was considering that as an option for cooler days if I did go the leg armor route. A nice looking set of leg armor probably wouldn't look too silly over jeans.

tfkrocks · February 23rd, 2013, 11:35 PM

Like I said above, I used to. I got the overpants and the full boots at the same time so I've worn them together since. Many close calls and the general horrible drivers around here have made me believe more strongly in ATGATT since I began riding. The only stuff I might skimp on now is stuff that would require a bathroom to put on/take off, like armored shorts. I would just get some sort of ventilated overpants later on if I really needed it.

Yakaru · February 23rd, 2013, 11:43 PM

I would never wear anything but fully armored pants -- Thursday just validates my instincts. Have you investigated perf leather? So long as you're not sitting still I find the perf is plenty breezy.

EternalNewb · February 23rd, 2013, 11:46 PM

I'm seconding the perforated leather. Or thirding, or whatever. Perforated leather with CE armor is nice, cool enough, and I actually get cold in them when I'm riding, sometimes, even with pants on underneath (I have to wear them as overpants, because I'm tiny, and they're still big on me).

YamiLionheart · February 24th, 2013, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yakaru

I would never wear anything but fully armored pants -- Thursday just validates my instincts. Have you investigated perf leather? So long as you're not sitting still I find the perf is plenty breezy.

I haven't yet. Only pants I really glanced at were the mesh overpant kind that Rebecca was talking about above.

Seems that leathers generally are pretty pricey. But I suppose after being in a crash paying an extra hundred for much better abrasion resistance would seem like a no brainer right?

Plus leather is sexy so there's always that added bonus if I go that route

Yakaru · February 24th, 2013, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamiLionheart

I haven't yet. Only pants I really glanced at were the mesh overpant kind that Rebecca was talking about above.

Seems that leathers generally are pretty pricey. But I suppose after being in a crash paying an extra hundred for much better abrasion resistance would seem like a no brainer right?

Plus leather is sexy so there's always that added bonus if I go that route

hehe -- so I have the ladies version of these -- http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/r...-leather-pants -- which I wear basically every day. I love them. I'd suggest you pick up some febreeze and some long underwear (not thermal obviously, just something between you and the pants) since they aren't machine washable if you go with something similar.

YamiLionheart · February 24th, 2013, 12:34 AM

Those look awesome. Probably really comfortable and breathable with that mesh. They are a good chunk of change though that's the only thing. I guess if they last a long time though then it's a good investment.

Another option that I previously wasn't thinking about so thanks!

And thanks to everyone else as well who threw in their 2 cents.

February 23rd, 2013, 08:36 PM	#1
YamiLionheart ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Eastern LI, NY Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166	Leg Protection in Summer Was just wondering this.. I'm gonna come right out and say it, the idea of wearing shorts on my bike on a nice warm day sounds like a swell time. Warm breeze licking the skin and all that. Obviously if I fell in just shorts I don't think I would care how nice the breeze felt when I later find myself getting skin grafted from my ass onto my knee/shin/calf. My question is... Is there any way to utilize riding armor such as armored shorts underneath your shorts for hip/thigh/tailbone protection, knee/shin protectors and appropriate riding shoes to achieve a good level of protection in a fall while wearing shorts? Obviously there are a ton of variables at play here such as how fast you are going, how you fell, etc. But lets say you were going on a short ride, keeping it to 30 mph on back roads to a friend's house and wanted to wear shorts instead of jeans or full riding pants. Would you feel safe wearing shorts with riding armor such as the previously mentioned items?

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February 23rd, 2013, 09:02 PM	#2
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Let me see if I got this right...You want to wear protection from your hip to thigh and from knee to shin, so the only exposed area would be the back of your lower leg and calf?

February 23rd, 2013, 09:18 PM	#3
xSean13 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Middle TN Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (sold) / '03 CBR 600RR Posts: A lot.	Sweat on my legs sounds better than no skin on my legs.

February 23rd, 2013, 09:22 PM	#4
YamiLionheart ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Eastern LI, NY Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166	So I suppose that would be a vote of not good enough? Haha. And yeah blue, that would pretty much be the extent of exposure. Not sure if that's an area that would commonly be hitting/sliding on the ground in a fall.

February 23rd, 2013, 09:23 PM	#5
antiant antiant Name: antiant Location: Cali Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): None Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '14

February 23rd, 2013, 09:28 PM	#6
YamiLionheart ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Eastern LI, NY Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166	I would think it would definitely be better protection than just a pair of jeans for most falls. No shattered knees, busted tailbone, all the hard impact areas are covered.

February 23rd, 2013, 09:34 PM	#7
YamiLionheart ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Eastern LI, NY Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166	Example gear: Knee/Shin Protector: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/i...ker-knee-guard Undershort Armor Thigh/Hip/Tailbone: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...reeride-shorts

February 23rd, 2013, 09:35 PM	#8
tfkrocks ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rebecca Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13	I have previous ridden with shorts and strap on leg armor, but it's not something I plan to ever do again. Way too exposed and very little abrasion resistance. Thankfully nothing ever happened. Most armored shorts are intended to be worn under something with abrasion resistance and have none of their own. You could possibly prevent breaking on impact, but then you'd likely get road rash anyway. If it were me, I would get some lightweight, probably mesh, overpants to throw on top of shorts and still wear armored shorts underneath.

February 23rd, 2013, 09:41 PM	#9
xSean13 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Middle TN Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (sold) / '03 CBR 600RR Posts: A lot.	armored shorts: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...reeride-shorts knee/shin guards: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/i...ker-knee-guard What are you going to do about boots? Leg abrasions aren't the only thing that will occur in a crash. A foot/ankle injury would be more concerning imo.

February 23rd, 2013, 09:45 PM	#11
YamiLionheart ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Eastern LI, NY Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166	Sean I'm glad you took enough interest to make that meme for me Unless someone really already made one like that, which would be surprising!

February 23rd, 2013, 09:58 PM	#13
tfkrocks ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rebecca Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13	Those don't appear to be perforated. You'll probably do better on ventilation getting a full boot that's perforated. I used to wear a pair of un-perforated S-MX 2s and they pretty much don't ventilate at all. Granted, it was great for cold/rainy days but probably not what you're looking for.

February 23rd, 2013, 10:04 PM	#16
xSean13 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Middle TN Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (sold) / '03 CBR 600RR Posts: A lot.	I wore my perforated leather jacket, perforated boots, gloves, etc when it was 90+ last summer and they flowed air well, so I didn't get excessively hot, until it was 115...and then it was just like riding in an oven and would have been even worse with bare skin exposed.

February 23rd, 2013, 11:35 PM	#28
tfkrocks ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rebecca Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13	Like I said above, I used to. I got the overpants and the full boots at the same time so I've worn them together since. Many close calls and the general horrible drivers around here have made me believe more strongly in ATGATT since I began riding. The only stuff I might skimp on now is stuff that would require a bathroom to put on/take off, like armored shorts. I would just get some sort of ventilated overpants later on if I really needed it.

February 23rd, 2013, 11:43 PM	#29
Yakaru The Violet Vixen Name: Yakaru Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jun '16	I would never wear anything but fully armored pants -- Thursday just validates my instincts. Have you investigated perf leather? So long as you're not sitting still I find the perf is plenty breezy.

February 23rd, 2013, 11:46 PM	#30
EternalNewb ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: S Location: CA/MA, usually Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2007 Ninja 650R, 2001 F650 Dakar Posts: A lot.	I'm seconding the perforated leather. Or thirding, or whatever. Perforated leather with CE armor is nice, cool enough, and I actually get cold in them when I'm riding, sometimes, even with pants on underneath (I have to wear them as overpants, because I'm tiny, and they're still big on me).

February 24th, 2013, 12:34 AM	#33
YamiLionheart ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Eastern LI, NY Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 166	Those look awesome. Probably really comfortable and breathable with that mesh. They are a good chunk of change though that's the only thing. I guess if they last a long time though then it's a good investment. Another option that I previously wasn't thinking about so thanks! And thanks to everyone else as well who threw in their 2 cents.