Spring into Safety
Motorcycle SafetyDiscuss Spring into Safety in the Other Topics forums; With Spring slowly breaking down the grasp of winter, many of us are once again getting ready to head out for a new season of travel and journeys. This year ...
With Spring slowly breaking down the grasp of winter, many of us are once again getting ready to head out for a new season of travel and journeys. This year while gearing up for the ride, whether it be your bike, your gear or just you, what are you doing different this year that falls into the category of safety or skills?
Knowing that the helmet issue always sparks plenty of opinions (as you can see here on the forums as well as several local, regional, & national newspapers and media outlets), let us know if you are deciding to wrap your head with one. Perhaps let us know what you're planning on wearing if it's different than last year and maybe why. Just as important, let us know what additional steps you maybe taking to protect yourself for the infamous "what if".
As for me, I am planning on taking another riding skills class this June. Lee Parks has added a level 2 to his curriculum and this year I am planning on taking the class on my Ultra instead of my Buell. Now for me, taking classes to improve my skills isn't really a new thing - so....................this year the new step for me will be to start wearing pants designed for riding. I have always worn only jeans or other "heavy" material pants, but in the event of a mishap jeans and the like offer no real protection. That's where the riding pants come in. I have a few several pair from solid panels with armor to vented also with the additional protection to leather riding pants. So far this early spring I have been using the gear I purchase (still to cool for the vented though) and have found the pants comfortable and better wearing than my favorite jeans plus I don like the thought of the added protection they offer.
So what's in your near future, let us know or if you have questions on skills classes, riding gear or bike upgrades here would be a great place to start getting some answers.
I'd like to try out some leather overalls. Anyone havre any recommendations? There's always that one company that advertises way in the back of AIM (can't remember what they're called). Anyone have any experience with 'em?
__________________ ===================== Rob 2007 FXDB San Diego, CA
John 1:14
It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the LORD. ----Abraham Lincoln
I just ordered a pair of Sidi boots. I'm wearing a pair of Bates tactical boots now but wanted the extra protection of shin, heel and ankle protection. Not cheap but some have said it's the best protection you can get for your feet.
__________________ RIDE ON!
2007 VRSCDX since
November 28, 2006
'cause I would feel a little too Axel Rose in a set of leather britches.
__________________ ===================== Rob 2007 FXDB San Diego, CA
John 1:14
It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the LORD. ----Abraham Lincoln
It is funny sometimes how you just stumble onto things that have a much greater consequences than you had intended.
I made an "innocent" discovery a couple of years ago while trying to find a replacement sealed beam replacement lamp for one of my spot lamps on a Sunday afternoon in the small town of Marshall, Texas.
I was headed north on Hwy 59 from Houston and traffic was pretty heavy but moving well. I heard a loud snap sound about the time that I felt some pea gravel hitting my chest...then things got interesting...Road resurfacing and the pavement was covered with loose gravel and tar...nice, real nice.
Anyway, I navigated my way through the swamp and made it into town. I was looking for a spot to put my drawers on the double rinse cycle when I spotted a Tractor Supply store in a small strip center. I wheeled on into the lot and fired up one. As I looked over the splattered mess of tar and gravel plastered all over the bike I noticed that one of my spot lamps had a broken lens...imagine that! I believe that the more and brighter lights you have on the front of your bike the safer you are. I hate Left Hand Turn Artists!
I went into the Tractor Supply store and started nosing around...not really even looking for a spot lamp...just stretching my legs really. I found a pair of Amber spots that were made to go onto a tractor...same size...12 volt? yep!
What the hell. I thought that the Amber color would look really retro on my old FL...what the hell, ya know? I think I paid 12 bucks for a pair of the sealed beam lights.
Twenty minutes later I was back on the road with my Amber spot lamps installed.
I did not realize it at first. I mean, I love the way they look. So old fashioned. Let me tell you...THEY ARE LIKE STUPID REPELLENT! There is something about the amber bulbs that just grab peoples attention. I have been running these lamps non-stop for a couple of years now and have not had the single occassion to have someone pull out in front of me. They command attention.
THIS IS THE BEST SAFETY INVESTMENT THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN.
As a side note, I am still running the same bulbs...they are made for a tractor so they are very rugged.
Cool, thanks for the tip. Living in farming country I am surrounded by farm supplies. I have used tractor lights as a cheaper alternative on my 4X4's.
I never thought about them having the size we need.
Anything that will help repel idiots is welcome.
__________________ '73 FX
'85 XLX
'02 FLHTCUI
Read
2 Chron 7:14
Please join me in this prayer daily.
This is my Granddaughter Sky, age 7. Can't walk, talk, or feed herself but look at that smile. Anyone care to complain about their lot in life? Not me!
Rode to work this morning and then to have lunch with my dear bride. On the way back to work some lady got on the Interstate and cruised from the entrance over to the fast lane in one smooth motion. I had to do some creating maneuvering to avoid her and, as I passed her on the right she was chatting away on her cell phone. I just checked the internet...there is a device called a "cell phone blocker" which causes all cell phones within 50 to 80 feet of it to lose connection and read "No Service". Too bad they're illegal in the US (the FCC would hit you with an $11,000 fine if they catch you). But wouldn't it be nice to force them off the air so they might pay attention?
Spring into Safety 
I just checked the internet...there is a device called a "cell phone blocker" which causes all cell phones within 50 to 80 feet of it to lose connection and read "No Service". Too bad they're illegal in the US (the FCC would hit you with an $11,000 fine if they catch you). But wouldn't it be nice to force them off the air so they might pay attention?
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