I have written an article on Biker and Motorcycle lawyer Blog about the importance of using Leathers while riding your motorcycle. You can find the article at: http://www.bikerlawblog.com/index.php?blog=3&title=leathers_and_riding_attire_are_not_just_&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

 

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Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
Biker and Motorcycle Lawyer Blog
www.bikerlawblog.com

I rather like the findings from this site, though provoking when choosing riding gear.

Once again, Norman, great article.

One fatal flaw, though - jeans aren't worth crap for protection. According to SATRA, a UK testing facility, 200 gsm denim (standard jeans fabric) lasts just 0.6 seconds in abrasion testing on asphalt. In other words, you have about a half-second before that asphalt reaches your skin post-impact. For comparison, 1.4mm cowhide lasts about 5.8 seconds. If you're still skidding after about six seconds, you were probably flying!

 

I agree! However, if you are not riding leathers Jeans are you second best choice. I have seen idiots riding around in shorts!

Leathers are most certainly the best choice!

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Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.
Biker and Motorcycle Lawyer Blog
www.bikerlawblog.com

Another great article! I certainly agree with wearing leather. I hate seeing people out in shorts. It just makes me want to track them down and show them my scars. Living in a hot place like South Dakota, it is often hard to fathom putting on that hot black leather when it is 115 degrees outside, but I do it every time. After having a conflict with the pavement that left me with a broken leg but all my skin intact, I'll just say that I'm a fan!

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Only a biker knows why a dog hangs his head out the window.

What about other options?

 I live where the summer temps easily break 100. Riding in leathers in these temps will result in heat stroke long before you will need them between you and the road. 

To maintain an adequate level of personal protection in the summer I have shifted to Ballist nylon mesh jackets and overpants for those hot summer days. Protection as good as leather and when wet down with a little water they make a good evaporative cooler.

 I have read a few reviews of their crash worthyness and I have yet to read a negative comment about good quality equipment.

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"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

Donhun,

 Good point.  I did buy a great "mesh" jacket with the armor in it.  More built for the sportbike rider, but on a hot day it works really well for me.  I did take the armor out of the back, but that was more for comfort than anything else.

Although I'm surprised at how well denim will protect you, I still don't feel entirely comfortable that way.  I am hopeful that in the future technologies will advance to produce fabrics that will protect, yet still allow movement and comfort.

 

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Only a biker knows why a dog hangs his head out the window.