[High On Octane]

I've always worn full face helmets, but I've been contemplating the new Bell Rouge.



As for other gear: A good old school James Dean leather jacket, a good pair of denim jeans (or if you have the money, they sell riding jeans these days that are padded and/or armored for around $150), a good pair of comfy leather boots with a heel and a pair of riding gloves.  If you don't don't a motorcycle apparel shop near by mechanics gloves work pretty well too.  I personally feel that gloves are a must for riding.  They prevent your hands from slipping when they are sweaty and they also protect your hands from road debris.  If you've ever taken a rock or june bug to the knuckle at 55mph, you know what I mean.  And notice how on ALL the gear I said "good".....  Crappy gear is just about worthless.  Make sure your properly protected.

Scottie

[singhg5]

After riding in shorts and half sleeves, I was at a riding course in NJ. A very experienced instructor's few words changed all that. He said "You cannot afford not to wear riding gear". There I realized that I have everything sitting at home, let me try to wear it. Since then I follow his second mantra, which was - ATGATT (All the Gear All The Time). Moreover, I had a kid riding with me on pillion quite a bit. To make him safe with protective gear, I made it a habit that I do the same to set an example.

[mplayle]

I saw that Bell Rogue in the "Matte Green" and thought is would go well with my C5 Military with sidecar in the similar "Battle Green".   

[The_Rigger]

(or if you have the money, they sell riding jeans these days that are padded and/or armored for around $150)

Competition Accessories has "Sliders" brand kevlar-lined riding jeans for ~$80 a pair (regularly around $100)... Motorcycle Consumer News rates them "Best Buy" over even Draggin' Jeans.

http://tinyurl.com/88tb93m

[Ice]

Hey guys. I'm not overly concerned with looks but I'd prefer to not look like I just walked off the set of a sci-fi movie when riding the C5 I plan on getting. Are these taking that too far though, as in risking crushing teeth, my jaw or, for the shoes, ankles?

Helmet: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/905/21281/ITEM/GMax-GM-55-Half-Helmet.aspx (not the skull one )
Shoes: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/67/900/42299/ITEM/Teknic-Striker-Boots.aspx

Like I said, I'm not concerned enough with looks to excessively risk losing bone matter but since I'll rarely be going above 70 I'm wondering if these will work ok.

 No two people precess sensory input the same way. We are all wired a bit different from on another.

 Take for example my co worker, a visual only guy. Sound distracts him greatly. A full face with ear plugs works best for him.

 Another fellow I know is aural. Shorty helmets for him to let sounds in.
He finds the style you linked to ( he calls it yolk and chin strap) to cut wind noise better than the single chin strap style.

Another fellow I know looks not just by turning his head but also by turning his eyes.
 A full face is absolutely out of the question for him due to the blocking of his peripheral vision. He wears an old bell 500 open face.


 The boots you linked too look pretty decent. The first quality I look for in a riding boot us how comfortable would they be to walk five miles in when the bike breaks down.

 Double heck yes endorsement for Kevlar jeans, padding and leather pants in cooler temps. Bruises suck but not as much as road rash.

 Welding gloves work in pinch when the weather gets cold.

[Rich Mintz]

Plenty said already, just 2 comments:

(1) My MSF instructor said the very most important aspect of footwear is whether it covers your ankles, because ankles are disproportionately easy to damage and disproportionately hard to fix.

(2) Regarding ATGATT -- I have knee/shin guards that fit inside my regular riding pants (heavy Carhartt double-ply trousers). If you were me, would you wear them on every ride? I did when I first got them, then I got complacent. Should I start again?

[Ice]

That's up to you.

 My greatest risks here in descending order are a motorist quick left in front of me, getting rear ended and wildlife collisions after dark in those scenarios shin guards wouldn't do me much good but that's my risk environment.


 Check out this video on the smidsy weave... the weave saved worked for me more than a few times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqQBubilSXU

[REpozer]

Great video Ice.

I will incorporate that into my bag of tricks.

[GreenMachine]

Ice: Found myself doing it yesterday. See what u started. 

[young gun]

I haven't read the thread but here's 3 meanies I found:

Shark RAW
http://www.motorcycleshop.ie/shark-raw-mat-black-167-p.asp

Bell Rogue
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-rogue-helmet

Brembo
http://uncrate.com/stuff/brembo-helmets/

[Ice]

OSBE Tornado helmet. Face guard is an option.

[hillntx]

Like many others I have different helmets depending on what bike I'm riding and where I'm going.  On the Enfield I wear a Shark RSJ 3/4 with face shield and drop down sun visor.  It's light weight, quiet and fits me well so very comfortable.  On my big bike for highway trips I typically wear a Scorpion EXO-400 full face, moderatley priced in the $150 range and highly rated for protection.

[Grizz]

I do like the Rouge.  It kinda has an early English soldier doughboy shape to it, doesn't it?

[Voyager AL]

check jafrum.com. sorta the same, yet way better pricing. Most all my cold weather gear is from jafrum. And riding the RE THIS summer, most evenings are cold, without a shield. Full=faced helmet,winter riding jacket, GoldWing branded boots.Bridgestone gloves.

[scramblyn]

i'm also considering the Bell Rogue for city riding.  I'll stick with a full face AGV for long rides.

This is the only thread mentioning it.  Has anyone tried it?  How's the ventilation in that Bane-like mask?