Seems every bike forum throughout the World does this subject to death.
Coming from a time when DM's and denim were considered safety equipment, I tend to be a bit relaxed about this kind of stuff. Winter I have the works on cos it's comfy and the risk of me dropping it are greater. Summer my greatest concern remains comfort so jeans it is. Never consider other road users stupidity and the possible effects, I am responsible for myself thankyouverymuch and I'll back myself and my observation all the way. You simply can't protect yourself against every eventuality so you shouldn't try. To be honest, all the safety gear in the world won't prevent the one incident that kills you. All any of this kit does is provide [temporary] peace of mind, and that's all you need. Our perception of safety is all we can be assured of. Filling your head with concerns of matters which in all probability will never happen is a waste of concious thought, a thought better used to observe the reality you're currently experiencing.
Riding a motorcycle and trying to create around your body the kind of secondary protection provided by cars is frankly (IMHO) nothing more than a hiding to nothing. This protective requirement is probably created by the rank and file 'modern' motorcyclist who is car man first and foremost but with a whiff of rebel in him. The fact remains that a motorcyclists' chief shield of self preservation is primary protection, ie his observation and mobility... to see the danger then get the hell away from it! When you put your defence in the hands of wrap around garments you will lose out. Seen many a leather clad pilot just as bu99ered when he came off as the next man only 'Flash Gordon' thought he was indestructible in his Rossi space suit.
Sorry if this seems a bit of a rant and apologies again if the grammar has 'wandered' but I truely believe we should dress for comfort, ride accordingly (with due consideration to our current position in space and time) and focus our thought and efforts on our skills as motorcyclists. So for me it'll be Spada jacket (cos it's windproof and doesn't flap or ride up at speed) Army suplus boots (comfy and I can walk about in them without looking like a knob) Gloves (keep my little pinkies warm in 70(cough)mph) Open face helmet (like to look around me) and jeans if it's hot (see boots)
Feel better now
