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That's a valid point. Fortunately, in the world of motorcycle gear, there is more than just leathers. Leather protects the best, but sometimes riding conditions justify less gear, IMO. Motorcycle gear manufacturers have responded with a wide variety of gear.

Personally, my gear choice goes something like this:

Extended periods of highway riding (55mph+), tempertature below 70 = full armored 2 piece leathers.

Extended periods of highway ridiing (55mph+), temperatures above 70 = full armored 2 piece kevlar mesh.

In town riding = armored jeans and armored jacket (leather jacket below 70, mesh jacket above 70).

In town riding, temp below 40 = full leathers (just because the leathers keep me warmer in the winter).

Apart from these variables, I always wear full face helmet, boots, and armored gloves.

In 45,000 miles of riding experience, I've only been in one accident, I hit a slick spot on a back road in WV. No other cars around, I low-sided at about 45mph. I had full leathers on, even though my bike had almost $5000 in damage, I walked away and got a beer without even a scratch. (Fortunately the damage to the bike was all cosmetic and I was able to ride it back to where I was staying.

by brookland_rez on Jul 5, 2012 1:28 pm • link • report