Hack'nIf you look close you will see a Schuberth Concept between my arms on the tank. I removed it for the photo and put it back on before I left. A full faced helmet saved my life in 1988, and I do not ride a motorcycle of any size without one. ATGATT. All the Gear, All the TimeTub
I see it now. If you feel it saved your life, I can see why you wouldn't want to leave home without it.
(Personally, I still prefer the one you're wearing).
Yep, it did no doubt. The first thing to hit after being launched over a Buick Riviera, was my shoulder, then my head hit so hard it shattered the helmet like an egg, then I rolled and the glass was removed from the chin protector right down to the foam on the inside. I would not have survived the head bounce, but if I did, I would not have a jaw to fasten a helmet under. Made me a believer on what should have been a nice relaxing ride on a country road. Oh, and the Buick? Bent the frame right under the passenger door. But then you don't hear from others who "might" have survived a head injury. I wonder why? But to each his own.
Going to have to think this through again.
Riding 2-wheeled, I tended to dress up with everything I had and rely on ventilation and water to keep me from heat stroke. I've gotten sloppy lately. I guess not seeing the ground when you look beside you makes it feel more casual.
Frankly, most of the good stuff doesn't come in my size. Last time I 'outgrew' my summer armor, I couldn't find any to replace it. Draggin'Jeans is suppose to have a kevlar/denim jacket with pads coming out to match their jeans. Of course nothing in women's sizes above 14, but that's a different complaint.
Two years ago next month, Bambi tried to get back at me for all the vennison jerky I have eaten. She ran a Kamakazi attack into the right front of my bike and sent me airborn. The surgeon who treated me said I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my helmet and armored jacket. I wasn't wearing armored pants and my kneecaps show it. Mine was the fourth cycle-deer accident in that area in a six week period. I was the only one who lived.
Sarge
Sarge, were you on your rig or two-wheeling? I'm collecting anecdotel information on sidecar safety. (see the Wrecking thread)
This was pre-rig days. I just REALLY began sidecaring this spring.
I was riding a BMW R100RS, then known as "Klink" but later as "The Bambi Killer".
Speaking of.... There I was lying in the middle of the road with EMT's all over me. One who found himself superfluous (sp?) to the situation went to check on the deer, which I had already heard some bystander comment had been killed by the impact. I'm still there blocking traffic with my body and the EMT walks back to inform all that someone had already gutted the deer and it was gone! One EMT who was working on me leaned over my prostrate form and cheerfully stated, "Welcome to Pennsylvania!"
Sarge
Those are great stories. What do you recommend for your sidecar passengers to wear as protective clothing? I want to get a sidecar to carry my kids (ages 3, 5, and 7). I can't really see getting full body armor for all. Are helmets enough? Motorcycle helmets, or bicycle helmets, depending on the speed we're planning -- around town vs. freeway? Here in California, kid bicycle helmets are mandatory when they are on bikes, and that's supposed to protect them when they get hit by a car? And the bicycle helmet law isn't enforced in the county I live in.
Hi Lani,
I don't have any advice about protective clothing for your kids in a sidecar, but I don't think bicycle helmets are what you should use if your're going to use helmets. And, please, if you are going to put them in helmets, use helmets that fit the size of their heads. I shudder when I see other people riding kids on cycles with helmets on twice the size of their heads. I also mentally reprimand myself when I see pictures of my own son (now grown), as a child, wearing my helmet when riding with his dad. Although, it was a small helmet and I didn't even know at the time that you could buy a motorcycle helmet for a child, it was still too large to have done him much, if any, good. But I know that you can buy them now.
By the way, I don't know anything about your kids or how well they behave, but if your three are anything like my two were at that age, good luck with your sanity. Mine would have been like trying to keep worms in a can with no top!!!
Connie
There was a vendor of kids motorcycle clothing at the USCA rally this year - many years after my 14 y/o could have put some of it to good use. I think they are on the web. Family Freedom Motorcycling
www.familymotorcycling.com
Definately eye protection. Alabama specificly exempts sidecar passengers from the helmet law, but I still feel better when my passenger is wearing theirs. I know what I can do. Its the other crazies I worry about.
