Some good links:
Awareness: http://www.nhtsa.gov/planners/ShareTheRoad2008/

Safety stats: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.d79...e089ca8e410dba046a0/

Some of those stats and studies, you got to read carefully. Some were obviously written by bike hating cagers. I especially like the conclusion in the 'Do helmets interfere with vision/hearing.' Their conclusion was basically, 'No, the test subjects just turned their head more, so it doesn't ineterfere at all.' What a bogus conclusion! The fact that someone, who knew they were in a test HAD to turn their head more, shows it DOES have an affect on vision. That doesn't mean don't wear helmets, it just means that you need to UNDERSTAND that certain helmets, especially full face helmets MAY affect your periphial vision. (I wear a 1/2 all year around, even in 20 degree weather, so that doesn't affect me).

That said, still some good stuff in that site.

quote:

Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
Some good links:
Awareness: http://www.nhtsa.gov/planners/ShareTheRoad2008/

Safety stats: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.d79...e089ca8e410dba046a0/

Some of those stats and studies, you got to read carefully. Some were obviously written by bike hating cagers. I especially like the conclusion in the 'Do helmets interfere with vision/hearing.' Their conclusion was basically, 'No, the test subjects just turned their head more, so it doesn't ineterfere at all.' What a bogus conclusion! The fact that someone, who knew they were in a test HAD to turn their head more, shows it DOES have an affect on vision. That doesn't mean don't wear helmets, it just means that you need to UNDERSTAND that certain helmets, especially full face helmets MAY affect your periphial vision. (I wear a 1/2 all year around, even in 20 degree weather, so that doesn't affect me).

That said, still some good stuff in that site.

I think that most helmets are fine, maybe a few could be a problem, that and wearing a tinted shield at night.

I know your talking full faced more than just a regular helmet but I was just thinking that helmets don't seem to interfere with the USAF Thunderbirds or the USN Blue Angels.

I'm almost ready for riding season up here. I'll be getting a full face helmet and probably one of those 1/2 helmets for the really hot days.

Stay safe on your bike MC.

Don

SearchNRescue...I've never worn it in the rain, because I've always carried rain gear with me. The manufacturer indicates it is not waterproof. The mesh fabric it very strong and is the equivalent of a modern day textile chain mail without the weight. The armor is removable, but I've never taken it out. Here is the link to the company that made mine. I purchased it at my local BMW dealer. My only regret is that I didn't purchase one years ago.
http://www.firstgear-usa.com/fgweb2.nsf/Products/A6F99B...0725D81?opendocument

QM, thanks for the link. I'm very familiar with FirstGear; we both have Cordura jackets however, they don't breath as well in the summer heat. They are very high quality and we wear them actually more than the leathers because we can fit our Gerbing's electric liners under them perfectly without feeling like a stuffed rat. Thanks for your testimony on the mesh.

Unfortunately, STILL finding ladies 'rider' wear is difficult because in the past, ladies motorcycle wear was about looks and not about riding function (ie. longer torso and sleeves to accomodate stretching to handlebars, etc.) I'm not fond of wearing men's styles; I'm trying to look like a lady even though I'm the one behind the handlebars. Yesterday, I went to the Harley dealer and noticed they are now stocking those mesh jackets. To my delight they were cute but again, when I tried one on and stretched my arms forward as if I were riding, the sleeve length absolutely sucked. ARG!! As well, the torso was constructed for pretty girls to just sit on the back of the bike. I'm still working on it. Once I find the 'one', I'm sure to take care of it for years to come.

MC, thanks for the link regarding helmets. I've tried the full face (own one) and still, I don't care if its 30 degrees, I will still not wear one. I get claustrophobic inside the helmet; as well, I like the ability to move my head and neck without restriction to see all around me. I will most definately see what is going to work for me. I wear a ladies XS (yes, EXTRA SMALL) LOL Ok, so I have a weird physique. LOL I prefer the half helmets and ones that I know have the integrity needed to sustain the worst if needed.

S'pose to be 80 degrees tomorrow!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SearchNRescue,

Lisa, well the bad news is that I didn't buy the 2002 Road king.... The good news is that I did buy a 2005 Heritage Softail... A cleaner, newer bike with more chrome... it has 16k miles and only cost me $500 more than the 2002... I will try to get some pictures tomorrow after Liza cleans it

Biketoberfest here we come............ Maybe we can talk Phil into coming down...

Wray...
P.S. The bike is silver...

Thats still awesome, Wray, cuz it means your riding! Love to see the pics when you get them. This weekend, we're installing my new grips. I'm putting off putting on the new replacement windshield until I get a new(er) windshield bag. The one I have now is a bit beat up. My Coastie is sorry he introduced me to such an expensive habit LOL At least I don't have 50,000 pairs of shoes or purses though. You know that Trace Adkins song...'her favorite color is chrome'? LOL

We were just looking at the Little Sturgis Rally. Wanna come up for that one? Come stay here and then we can go down for an overnight or something? Would love for you and Liza to come to some of your old stompin grounds. Its July 17-20th.

Anybody ever go to the Myrtle Beach Rally? I wont be there this year because of school but next year definately. It would be neat to meet up with some of you all at the event sometime. I love this topic. We should all post pics of our bikes. How do you do it?

quote:

We were just looking at the Little Sturgis Rally.

Is that the one in Sturgis, MS?

RWL, its in Kentucky. Little Sturgis Rally
If I can get Wray to go, I'm going to enter him in the Pudding Wrestling! LOL

quote:

Biketoberfest here we come............ Maybe we can talk Phil into coming down...

Growing up where I did, those small rallys don't impress me that much, but I just may think about it!

MC, it would be cool if you could; love to meet you. Wray & Liza definately showed us a good time last year. My Coastie is already has this week put on the calendar for leave.

Where are you at??

Right now, in DC, the home to the largest SINGLE DAY rally in the world, Rolling Thunder, but I grew up 20 miles from the Grand Daddy of them all!

Anyone who hasn't done Rolling Thunder, highly encourage you to do so. My Hog Chapter hosts a ride into the Pentagon in the Morning. The line of bikes stretches nearly the entire ~17 miles, on closed down roads (mostly Interstate 66, which is cleared of traffic except us) from the Dealership to the Pentagon. Usually close to half million bikes in the parking lot by the time the event starts. (ride from pentagon through DC to the VN Memorial)

quote:

Biketoberfest here we come

I don't go to Biketoberfest and Bike Week, they come to me.

Hard to beat Daytona during Bike Week. When I was stationed in Panama City I went down every year with my Navy Squid Brothers. We all stayed at the Cabbage Patch and camped out. You've got to check out the cole slaw wrestling, it gave me an advanced education as to how kim-chee is made
Cheers!

quote:

Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
Right now, in DC, the home to the largest SINGLE DAY rally in the world, Rolling Thunder, but I grew up 20 miles from the Grand Daddy of them all!

Anyone who hasn't done Rolling Thunder, highly encourage you to do so. My Hog Chapter hosts a ride into the Pentagon in the Morning. The line of bikes stretches nearly the entire ~17 miles, on closed down roads (mostly Interstate 66, which is cleared of traffic except us) from the Dealership to the Pentagon. Usually close to half million bikes in the parking lot by the time the event starts. (ride from pentagon through DC to the VN Memorial)

MC, do you ever participate in those Patriot Guard rides? There's a thread about them in the main general discussion forum.

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5291911282/m/4180020541001

Don

Don,
A lot of the folks I ride with do. They are great people doing great jobs. I haven't done any yet, as I am a bit worried about keeping my cool.

MC, I agree, its hard to keep composure but as long as you keep the main mission of primarily honoring our Fallen Heroes in your mind, you'll do fine and your heart will take over. Many times, the UG thugs don't even show up; other times they do. I've personally witnessed their 'behavior' more times than I have fingers. While its harder for us to turn our backs on them, its the most honorable thing to do for our Fallen Heroes and their families.

We'd love for you to join us. My Coastie and I have been very active PGR's for over two years....sadly. Its not one of those organizations where we love what we do; its moreso one of those things we HAVE to do it, kwim?

Our next big mission will be bringing Matt Maupin 'home' to Ohio.

Consider joining our fine group of Patriots? You don't even need a bike to join us; just a heart for our military and their families, honor and respect. Looks like you already have those traits.

quote:

Originally posted by SearchNRescue:


Consider joining our fine group of Patriots? You don't even need a bike to join us; just a heart for our military and their families, honor and respect. Looks like you already have those traits.

I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for any rides up here in NH or MA. Unfortunately, I don't think I could partake in any much further due to leg injuries.

Don

Don, actually we have disabled folks who can't ride or let alone, even stand. We would still love to have you join us even if it's just to sit/stand in the flagline for 5 minutes.

As well, the Patriot Guard Riders has the HELP ON THE HOMEFRONT which enables us to assist Wounded Warriors, participate in care package programs, etc. We also do homecomings and sendoff's when the CO of the units invite us.

The Patriot Guard Riders welcomes ALL!

BTW, I did a couple missions in NH and MA. One was in the fall and dang cold ride but we managed. The other one, we van-pooled from midcoast Maine to Swampscott to honor Captain Jennifer Harris. There was a foot of snow on the ground and windchill of -20. Nothing will stop us weatherwise.

quote:

Originally posted by Mightyz90_93:
A long way to go before we see that. Did you know that not every state even has a MC endorsement requirement? One state still has no specific MC endorsement, and that is Alabama.

In the late '80s, I got a motorcycle endorsement in Alabama, but I can't recall if it was actually required. Then, it was just an additional written test to the normal vehicle written test. No riding test.