Wearing gear is not "cool" myth [Archive] - Suzuki GSX-R Motorcycle Forums Gixxer.com

Grandevil

08-11-2005, 10:10 AM

So some guys use the "it's not cool" excuse. But...personally I think a guy in full gear is hot (attractive)...even if it's just a riding jacket, maybe it's just me. Do people really use that excuse? The only excuse I have for not wearing gear is getting too hot (for my comfort...and I KNOW it is a bad excuse already). I think I look damn good in my gear http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and I think guys look damn good in their gear too. So...if there are any who believe the "it's not cool myth" it's just that....a myth. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Narcissistic1976

08-11-2005, 10:16 AM

Not sure about the cool factor, but I have to say, when on the street I don't wear leather pants. but do wear my hard drive jacket, gloves, boots, and lid. and I know I look damn good in it too.

Tupac Slakur

08-11-2005, 10:21 AM

I have yet to run into one person giving me shat about my gear. I don't understand the myth either. Most people I see without gear on are college aged people with beat up bikes and XXXXL jerseys on so you know what road they're going down (no pun intended).

Most of the people on nicer bikes wear their gear around here so it's (thankfully) not really an issue.

rraiderr

08-11-2005, 10:23 AM

Seems like more and more sportbike riders around here chose not to wear gear.

Before you know it they are going to start giving us crap for wearing gear.

I just do not feel comfortable riding unless I have my gear on.

It is all fun and games until someone goes down.

cymru

08-11-2005, 10:24 AM

Suzuki Duke

08-11-2005, 10:33 AM

I always wear at least some gear. More often than not, I'm wearing my 2 piece full textile suit, including boots and gloves. I hear plenty of shit about it, but screw them. A couple have told me they wished they had better protection on after crashes. But my brother for example, is proud of his road rash scars and the fact that he was riding again while he was still in gauze.

Personally, I think gear looks cool on a sportbike, but I'm not on a bike to impress people, I do it for my own enjoyment. And gear helps give some piece of mind, and should something go wrong, hopefully the damage is minimized so I'm ready to ride again as soon as possible.

Grandevil

08-11-2005, 10:36 AM

ninertwothree

08-11-2005, 10:43 AM

I wear a one pice full as often as I can, usually in the warmer months due to it being fully perforated. It's full of roadrash with ground sliders, so no one really gives me any heck about it--my buddies call them "the intimidators". I can't walk into any stores or anything, that kinda sucks, but I do look friggin' hot while riding!

doomass1

08-11-2005, 10:46 AM

Most of the time when Im just riding to work or around town ,jacket,helmet gloves,but when we hit the mountains which is about 15 mins away its full gear.

GSXR750-GL

08-11-2005, 10:49 AM

if tis from a non-riders perspective, then most people think that riding gear looks pretty cool. our jackets and helmets are usually pretty flashy, and look good. theres no doubt about that.

from a riders perspective, theres a few schools of thought on gear. function, fashion, or none at all. i wear my shit everywhere everytime for function, but i still want it to look decent. i like the high visibility and safety that most of the colorful stuff offers, so i wear it. i like the "all-black" look that some riders adopt, but i want to be as visible as possible.

Hammer 4

08-11-2005, 12:07 PM

Suzuki Duke

08-11-2005, 12:20 PM

I think gloves are one of the most important parts of riding gear. Even I'm I'm totally squidding out in a t-shirt, I still wear my gloves. I can deal with a scar from road rash, but hands are very fragile, intricate things. In a low speed wreck, I'd put almost 100% odds on you trying to stop yourself with your hands, and gloves will help alot when you instinctively put your hands in harms way trying to protect the rest of you. Just like when I'm cycling, gloves are one pf the first pieces of gear I think of.

Tractionless

08-11-2005, 12:28 PM

I am for what ever 750Devil says, no matter what it is!!! Always right and dead on balls accurate about EVERYTHING.

TheSwami

08-11-2005, 12:29 PM

You wear gloves but a t-shirt? No way! To each their own but I prefer to cover the flesh. The meat on my bones is harder to fix than the bones

Gixxervan1000

08-11-2005, 12:30 PM

As the saying goes... "I'd rather sweat then bleed"

GSXR750-GL

08-11-2005, 12:36 PM

Fiddy_Ryder

08-11-2005, 01:36 PM

You wear gloves but a t-shirt? No way! To each their own but I prefer to cover the flesh. The meat on my bones is harder to fix than the bones

im guilty of that. some days thats just the way it was, out cruising, in jeans t shirt and glove/lid. losing some skin on arms and back only and keeping your hands intact makes a big differnce. you cant shit without your hands.

anile8em

08-11-2005, 01:48 PM

Yeah, think about it. What's going to be your first instinct when the grounds coming at you? Put your hands out! For me, the helmet is first priority with gloves a close second, but I rarely go without a full 1 piece suit.

gsxr313

08-11-2005, 01:49 PM

I must be getting old and turning into a wuss. I used to ride anywhere from 35 degrees to 110. Now, if it's below 50 and above 90, my ass is in a heated /air conditioned car. I will do a track day in a minute (and actually just did in the mid 90s) in hot weather. If I can't ride comfortably in full gear, I'm not riding. (I guess that's why I'm down to 3-5 thousand miles a year between my two bikes when I used to ride 10-15 thousand miles a year back in the day.

cymru

08-11-2005, 02:11 PM

[QUOTE]
The only thing i wear is my jacket and helmet, sometimes my gloves. I dont go out in a full suit, i have seen people wearin full suits and i dont think anything of it, and i have yet to hear people give me shit for wearin gear.

I wear my gloves before I wear my jacket...if I'm wearing my jacket I am wearing my gloves...seems kind of pointless not to protect the two things you use the most on the bike.

Really...? I refer you to this thread, where you Seem to say just the opposite..???
http://www.gixxer.com/ubbthreads/showfla...e=0&fpart=2 (http://www.gixxer.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB24&Number=1555875&page =0&fpart=2)

care to splain that..?
By the way, IMHO heat has nada to do with wearin your gear...Lots of us have done track days in 115 degree temps in FULL LEATHERS ...and yes we were all sweatin like crazy, and yes we HAD to drink tons of water and gatoaid...If us track day junkies can ride in that kinda heat...with full gear..so can you...like the ole sayin goes, if it's too hot in the kitchen for ya...get out, i..e if ya can't wear your gear, Don't ride. [/quote

What the hell are you talkin about, my first post was on this thread..look next to my name 2 posts..that is two posts only on this thread.

Hammer 4

08-11-2005, 02:23 PM

Hammer 4

08-11-2005, 02:29 PM

Elreq

08-11-2005, 03:01 PM

my whole life i couldnt wait to get a bike and wear the gear. i think it is way cooler to wear it than not to. much more mystery. only on bike gear will you see a guy worry if his gloves match his shoes! or jacket to bike. all else they will wear black with blue and brown with any thing. i find it funny in a way. + a co worker says she thinks biker pants are hot.

Suzuki Duke

08-11-2005, 03:14 PM

I guess gear just won't fly if you're out to pose. When I'm riding, all the world can see is a little bit around my eyes. We might as well be wearing burqas.

SVS

08-11-2005, 10:02 PM

SVS

08-11-2005, 10:05 PM

98Petey750

08-11-2005, 10:58 PM

I am for what ever 750Devil says, no matter what it is!!! Always right and dead on balls accurate about EVERYTHING.

Holy Crap! Kiss a little more "near naked ass!" http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rotflol.gif

As for the gear, I'm with SVS. It's for protection, not for looks.

23653

08-12-2005, 12:38 AM

I'll admit i squid it up, if i'm just cruising around town, blue jean (which will last a half second when your going down the road on your ass), combat boots, a t-shirt, and a pair riding glasses for eye protection. There is no excuse even a poor one for why i do it.
BUT if i'm heading out of town even for a short trip its Helment, gloves, Jacket, combat boots. I don't have a pair of pants.
Anybody have any good suggestions for a pair of pants. I 'm lookin for a pair that i can zip into my jacket for track days, and i'd also like them to have knee puks.

itschris

08-12-2005, 01:36 AM

I think for a lot of riders, the ride you're about to take has at least some say in what gear you wear. Sure...if you gonna head out to the canyons and tear it up all day (not that I would know anything about canyons being Florida) I would question anyone not in full leathers. But if you just want to take a quick spin after work and head down to the water for a 30 mintutes or so and you have no intention of twisting the throttle, than I can certainly see the "risk/reward" side of things. If I just want to head down to the beach for an hour which is about 15 mintutes away, I'll wear a t-shirt and even shorts sometimes (but always helmet and gloves). Most normal cruising around it's boots, jeans, and t-shirt... somtimes a jacket.

SVS

08-12-2005, 01:46 AM

I've heard the "it's just a small trip" or, "I'm just cruising" explanation a billion times. Nonetheless I have crashed more times commuting, in the city and at sub-legal limit speeds than I have in the twisties or the track... Granted, the speed has been lower but my leathers still took a good rashing everytime.

There are always cagers to worry about and there are more of them in the city, along the beach and on the highway than there are in the twisties. Also, in the twisties, you are 100% focused on what you're doing, all the time - you most likely won't be while cruising or commuting.

Then there's the whole tire temperature thing. If you're just going for a short trip and/or at low speeds your tires will be below optimum operating temperature. That means that you're more likely to lock up the wheels...

eye-man

08-12-2005, 01:50 AM

my girl digs me when i show up on my road king in jeans and a t-shirt, and she digs me when i show up on my sixxer in all the gear.

poacher

08-12-2005, 02:18 AM

98Petey750

08-12-2005, 02:46 AM

....I look like my knees are the size of grapefruit and I've dumped a growler in my drawers when I'm standing upright....

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/spit.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rotflol.gif

That's the funniest thing I've heard all week!! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rotflol.gif I'm crying!! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rotflol.gif

down_on_monday

08-12-2005, 03:20 AM

I raced motocross/supercross for 12 years. It's second nature to wear gear when i get on something that has two wheels. I rode my bike ONCE to the gas station 2 blocks from my apartment. I felt naked, literaly uncomfortable without gear!

fearless1000

08-12-2005, 05:19 AM

It's gotta be the right full gear or u look like a power ranger as my son would say! jeans, jacket, gloves, and helmet. That is full gear 4 me. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

poacher

08-12-2005, 05:22 AM

welp...hopefully scrubbing melted denim out of roadrash w/a wire brush won't be 4 you.

fearless1000

08-12-2005, 05:27 AM

no need for full leathers unless ur at the track! just my opinion.

Blipstein

08-12-2005, 05:31 AM

I honestly feel sorry for the "it's a short trip" guys. Of course, to each his own. You guys are aware of the risk involved. I would NEVER wish anything bad to a fellow rider, but lets be honest here....as Agent Smith says....it is inevitable.

When I commute, I will wear my jeans instead of my track pants. Otherwise, I am completely leathered. It puts me in the zone when I am all geared up. I am all business when I ride and being geared up helps me stay in that frame of mind.

And to stay on topic, I feel cool as shit when I'm fully leathered up http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SVS

08-12-2005, 05:46 AM

no need for full leathers unless ur at the track! just my opinion.

Crashing at 50mph hurts just as much on the street as on the track... Often more, actually - all kinds of hard stuff to hit, curbs, trees, cars, etc... And yes, gear will help against that too...

climbak

08-12-2005, 06:32 AM

SVS

08-12-2005, 06:48 AM

i definately wear my gear just short of all the time and the times when i dont wear my jacket are down to almost none. its to the point that even though im a poor college kid im saving for a 2 piece suit in nice bright colors and a new agv helmet. and of course any gear looks cool. except chaps, i have never understood those. here in alaska i actually see very few sport riders without gear. a good 90% of the naked riders are people on the cruisers and the like. my local gear shop owner always insists that everyone wear full gear yet wears no helmet and doesnt insist other do either. whats the point of saving your hide if your brains are on the road behind you?

Doughboy from this site had a strong opposition against helmets... "You just have to fall right"... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif Ask him why you shouldn't wear a helmet...

Oh wait, you can't - he fucked up a wheelie and landed on his head... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/disappointed.gif

climbak

08-12-2005, 06:56 AM

yeah i had a fall last year going about 20 after highsiding my f4i. i was wearing a leather jacket helmet and gloves and i still got hurt. landed on my elbow and although there was not a scratch on my jacket i had a chunk of flesh missing. i also landed mostly with my lower body first after my elbow and still hit my head pretty good i wasnt even going fast and i didnt get shot very high in the air so that landing right thing seems awefully difficult to me and id rather not get the practice to perfect it.

Fulltiltgixxer

08-12-2005, 06:58 AM

I think gear is cool. If I go into a bike shop and look at gear I am more than likely going to buy something. I have 7 jackets and like 5 pairs of gloves. I buy jackets just b/c they look good. I also have road rash on some of my gear and at lest 4 helmets that are no longer good from crashes. I have been taught a good lesson in wearing gear from my own mishaps. Not to say I don't cruise to the beach in a tshirt from time to time but 98% of the time I have on a jacket. 100% of the time helmet and gloves. I would rather have a rashed up arm than mangled fingers. Learned that the hard way too.

And no I didn't crash b/c I am a squid. All but two were from stunting back in 2000. The others were one at the track 2 months ago and the other a kid hit me with his car.

RWShort

08-12-2005, 07:04 AM

here in AZ sometimes its a lil too hot to throw on some good ol leathers but i think some kind of gear is needed . i mean joe rocket makes those ballistic jackets that allow the air to come on through ....i just hink those peeps are cheap

Blitzergixxer

08-12-2005, 07:42 AM

I ALWAYS wear my leather jacket, gloves, re-enforced jeans, boots and helmet. I think it completes the look personally. Plus I look DAMN SEXY. Ever more so fully geared up.

Blaise

08-12-2005, 08:40 AM

Beth says I look sexy in my one-piece leathers and has gotten the same report from some friends (about me).

Go ego, it's your birthday...oh, wait.....that was last night.

spence1

08-12-2005, 08:43 AM

Thats a load of BS. I think riders look more badass with full geart, at least jackets/helmets/gloves..I just laugh when i pull next to people who are wearing shorts and t-shirts and they look at me like im the idiot...oh well

Grandevil

08-12-2005, 09:16 AM

The only thing i wear is my jacket and helmet, sometimes my gloves. I dont go out in a full suit, i have seen people wearin full suits and i dont think anything of it, and i have yet to hear people give me shit for wearin gear.

I wear my gloves before I wear my jacket...if I'm wearing my jacket I am wearing my gloves...seems kind of pointless not to protect the two things you use the most on the bike.

Really...? I refer you to this thread, where you Seem to say just the opposite..???
http://www.gixxer.com/ubbthreads/showfla...e=0&fpart=2 (http://www.gixxer.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB24&Number=1555875&page =0&fpart=2)

care to splain that..?
By the way, IMHO heat has nada to do with wearin your gear...Lots of us have done track days in 115 degree temps in FULL LEATHERS ...and yes we were all sweatin like crazy, and yes we HAD to drink tons of water and gatoaid...If us track day junkies can ride in that kinda heat...with full gear..so can you...like the ole sayin goes, if it's too hot in the kitchen for ya...get out, i..e if ya can't wear your gear, Don't ride.

thats full on ownership right there. that broad is a walking contradiction.

You're idiots. I almost always wear my gloves...I was saying to the guy "if you wear gloves your hands won't get numb" but I see you geniuses failed to see that. Fucking tools have to take everything out of context or interpret it however you please right? http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif AND you have to start shit in this thread when everyone was being civil and nice.

jetmech_25

08-12-2005, 11:42 AM

I always wear gloves. Once you ride with them for awhile, it feels weird without them. Takes the buzzing out of your hands too. I usually wear a jacket, unless its just up the street to the store or hot as hell out. I wouldnt ride without a helmet, just hate being charged 200 bucks for changing parking spots without one on (helmet laws suck).

Fiddy_Ryder

08-12-2005, 11:47 AM

Glad it's for protection and not to look cool, because although my Zcustom looks/fits right when I'm on the bike....I look like my knees are the size of grapefruit and I've dumped a growler in my drawers when I'm standing upright....

id get that and the worst damn *toe* ever trying to stand up http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wtf.gif id walk around hunched over or peel the top half off..

ChrisNJ

08-12-2005, 11:59 AM

Hammer 4

08-12-2005, 01:10 PM

Hammer 4

08-12-2005, 01:15 PM

What i want to know is why people say its inevitable that you'll lay the bike down? I highly doubt, well, i know, that 100% of riders have not layed their bikes down which throws that "its inevitable" theory out the window. I'm one of the people who always wear gloves and helmet but the jacket depends on where i'm going for a ride. As w/ most people, if i'm just running across town (not a country town that lasts 30 miles, but nj towns which are 1-2 miles long usually) i'll just wear whatever for a shirt, tshirt/sweatshirt etc depending on weather, but if I know i'm going out to "ride" or if highway plans are in the works the jacket definitely goes on.

Always wearin gear, is kinda like preventive maintnance...cuzz ya never know when sumpin might happen....just be preparded....I could tell ya a story bout this couple, that always ode 2 up on his goldwing...they left home to go to the local 7-11 2 bolcks away, he come to a stop sign...when he's just about to take off.....WHAM! some asshat drunk driver hit them from behind...had they not been wearing Full gear, their injuries could have been alott worse....Moral of the story is, you don't get to choose where, and when..

GSXR750-GL

08-12-2005, 01:24 PM

Elreq

08-12-2005, 06:10 PM

most accidents happen within 5 miles of your home! just a thought for all those just cruising guys. and the other thing is statisticly the majority of motorcycles are layed down to some extent wether 0 miles an hour or more

Tupac Slakur

08-12-2005, 08:36 PM

Christ people....wear your shat! Why is that so hard to understand?

I think some of you folks need to take a gander through this site's gallery and see some of the people in there with road rash laid up in hospital beds. Maybe that will convince some of you to think twice before going out for a "casual ride" all buck naked in your street clothes.

The road ALWAYS wins...

x-rtdGSXR

08-12-2005, 08:51 PM

i dont have pants but icon makes great armor, i wear a jacket, the armor vest under it, gloves, boots and the icon leg armor under my jeans/dickies. comfortable and functional. ask anyone whos ever been in my car, anytime i see someone without gear around town, i roll my window down and yell "poser" at them, hopefully none them ever get distracted from it and eat shit, then id feel bad, but hey, their medical bills make my insurence more expensive, at least the law says they have to wear a helmet.

Bagherra

08-13-2005, 02:09 AM

People, if you wanna wear your gear wear it. If you don't then don't.

People telling other people to wear their gear 1000 times won't make them wear it.

This forum can have 599271 posts and people will still do what they want. We can go on all day about the good points of wearing your shit but there are still those who won't.

Enough of it already!!!!

anile8em

08-13-2005, 03:48 AM

id get that and the worst damn *toe* ever trying to stand up http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wtf.gif id walk around hunched over or peel the top half off..

That's some funny shit right there! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/rotflol.gif Never though of it as camel toe. Before I had my one piece I wondered why Rossi walked so damn funny, but now I know. Feels like having a backwards g string on, but pulled up over your shoulders. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wtf.gif

tr0llman

08-13-2005, 04:54 AM

Who cares if it's cool? When you ride, there's always a risk of crashing and wearing gear makes a huge difference in the extend of injuries you get from crashing - that's it...

Besides, if "looking cool" and "picking up chicks" are among your reasons for having a bike you must have a very sorry excuse for a life...

i'm with you on that svs

the other day i got some nice gear and showed some kid i now. i obviuosly was pretty stoked about getting my new boots and rocking my icon jacket. this kids like, wtf you waste your money on that bullshit for???? the reason why you work out is so that girls can see your muscles when you ride your bike. this fool only wears a tank top and shorts with nikes.....LOL....even on the highway

now that's either (a) balls, or (b) stupidity

you judge http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bitchslap.gif

johnnyblaze

08-14-2005, 02:21 AM

BMX experience....nice!
LOL!

GSXR750-GL

08-14-2005, 03:18 AM

BMX experience....nice!
LOL!

its only funny because its true. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/squid.gif

Suzuki Duke

08-14-2005, 04:43 AM

GSXR750-GL

08-14-2005, 04:57 AM

I guess gear is cool after all. I saw some guys on 600RRs at the Hard Rock last night posing for a few hours, they never even took their helmets off. I'm not sure how they did that, it was so hot that I was lane splitting past all the bumper to bumper traffic so I didn't sweat to death. Then those guys sat there posing like that all night while I had my gear all locked to my bike on a cable.

what were you doing there for a few hours, if not posing too? http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/flipa.gif

Suzuki Duke

08-14-2005, 05:00 AM

ChrisNJ

08-14-2005, 06:35 AM

What i want to know is why people say its inevitable that you'll lay the bike down? I highly doubt, well, i know, that 100% of riders have not layed their bikes down which throws that "its inevitable" theory out the window. I'm one of the people who always wear gloves and helmet but the jacket depends on where i'm going for a ride. As w/ most people, if i'm just running across town (not a country town that lasts 30 miles, but nj towns which are 1-2 miles long usually) i'll just wear whatever for a shirt, tshirt/sweatshirt etc depending on weather, but if I know i'm going out to "ride" or if highway plans are in the works the jacket definitely goes on.

says the kid that just got his first sportbike based on his BMX experience. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bash.gif

The day you can do a barspin over a 30ft gap is the day you can start to comment on it.

GSXR750-GL

08-14-2005, 06:46 AM

What i want to know is why people say its inevitable that you'll lay the bike down? I highly doubt, well, i know, that 100% of riders have not layed their bikes down which throws that "its inevitable" theory out the window. I'm one of the people who always wear gloves and helmet but the jacket depends on where i'm going for a ride. As w/ most people, if i'm just running across town (not a country town that lasts 30 miles, but nj towns which are 1-2 miles long usually) i'll just wear whatever for a shirt, tshirt/sweatshirt etc depending on weather, but if I know i'm going out to "ride" or if highway plans are in the works the jacket definitely goes on.

says the kid that just got his first sportbike based on his BMX experience. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bash.gif

The day you can do a barspin over a 30ft gap is the day you can start to comment on it.

yeah because we all know how important barspins are in regards to handling a 380 lb / 100+ hp sportbike. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bash.gif http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wait.gif

ChrisNJ

08-14-2005, 07:09 AM

GSXR750-GL

08-14-2005, 07:29 AM

Since riding a motorcycle is obviously the most hardcore thing you've done, i'll just sit back and take your word for everything since you clearly know much more about riding on 2 wheels than everyone else.

lol. bmx is so 'hardcore'.

please remind everyone of your 'riding experience' and see what others think.

Grandevil

08-14-2005, 07:29 AM

Can't we all just get along?

ChrisNJ

08-14-2005, 07:39 AM

Can't we all just get along?

yep. But when peoples feelings get hurt b/c someone can pick up riding much easier than others they feel the need to rip on them and try to tell them that they dont know what they're doing this way they can feel better about their abilities. Its all good though, the kids a tool, there are plenty of them out there. Others have respect and I have respect for them, but not for some snot nosed kid like him. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

GSXR750-GL

08-14-2005, 07:41 AM

Ride.

08-14-2005, 02:35 PM

GSXR750-GL is a fucking tool, but for fuck's sake, he's right this time. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Chris, the more you post, the dumber you get. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/bash.gif

Strafer

08-14-2005, 03:16 PM

I don't normally cruse around town, I'm no poser. I head out to the canyons, so it's full race suit for me. Normal speed is in excess of 100mph and on a good day 150! The only thing worse than crashing, is crashing when your suit is at home. I've had more girls come up and talk to me with my suit on than without it for sure! I also have a 2 piece textile suit that I use when it's cold, as my leather suit is perforated. I tone it down when I wear it. I don't feel the need to demonstrate my speed in town with all the traffic and cops, like the squids I see. I save it for the local back canyons. Very few of the local kids will ride with me after one run. Waiting up for the young hot shots. That's what's really cool! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif