I used to be in the "Loud Pipes" mindset but not anymore. After 40 years of licensed riding, I realize it is my awareness that will save my life because trusting "cagers" to be aware is for fools. I can also hear an approaching car and gain an advantage just from hearing the "sing" of their tires on the pavement.
I wear a helmet, gloves, jacket (even in the summer ,in Arizona), boots, and jeans everyday, and I do ride to work every single day, unless it is raining which here, is about 5 times a year. I have a full leather roadracing suit, gloves and boots that I put on when I go for a ride into the mountains. I think safety gear is a matter of risk management against comfort and convenience. Even cagers would be safer if they wore a helmet when driving a car, but they don't and there is no law making them do so. It is a choice we all must make.
Saying that someone hurt on a bike should not receive treatment isn't funny.
Saying someone getting near your cage with load pipes means you are going to run them over isn't funny.
I've got a new bike. I suck at getting pictures from my phone to this board. Any of my friends wanna help an old man out? PM me your phone number and let me text you a picture so you could kindly post it for me please.
Agree 100%. I too wear jacket, boots, gloves, jeans, and a helmet on a daily basis. No matter how hot. Granted it is not as much protection as a full leather suit, but it is good protection, and as Z said, it's all about risk mitigation, vs comfort. Im willing to take a little more risk to be comfortable around town. Getting out on the back roads and railing, I will definitly wear my full 1piece leather suit, and my race boots, along with gauntlet style gloves and back protector. I also enjoy doing track days, so the same equipment applies there...
Protective equipment should be the rider/drivers choice. I choose to ride protected, but noone should be forced to if they don't want to be, just as seat belts shoudl not be required to be worn..
I find the statement of someone injured in a bike accident should not be treated to beyond not funny, and very offensive and plainly, it pisses me off.
The same goes for the "run over" with loud pipes. Motorcyclists have as much a right to the road as you do, in your side impact - air-bag laden cage. It's all about awareness. Be aware that we are out there, be aware we arent as easily seen as another cage. Stop texting while you are driving. Look twice, and maybe you won't cause us to not go home to our families that evening.