who dons the day-glo

[RACER X]

so who wears day-glo jackets?

think it really helps w/ visibilty? i'm used to wearing all black jackets w/ reflective for night/early dawn riding.


need jacket and thinking about going day-glo as all i do is commute

or maybe, something part day-glo

http://motowheels.com/images/F43666182.jpg

[Trip]

I surprisingly don't, have some reflective stickers on the bike though

[Krabill]

I don't. I do my best to stay focused and pay attention to everyone around me. I've seen too many people wearing hi-viz get hit to believe it does any good.

One of my close friends is a huge proponent of hi-viz, to the point of painting his bike bright yellow, wearing a hi-viz yellow helmet and a hi-viz jacket . . . he was rear-ended last fall because they "didn't see him".

I just try to stay the hell out of the way.

[pauldun170]

Nope
Yellow Bike
Yellow Jacket with reflective lettering
I'm usually surrounded by bees so that tends to scare everyone else away.

Also helps that I don't ride during the week and I'm out riding while everyone else is still sleeping on weekends.

[Homeslice]

If you ride at night, sure, otherwise I don't see the advantage

[Sean]

Light colors stay cooler in the sun, so yeah, kinda. I'm over black.

[askmrjesus]

People don't "not see you" because they can't see you, they don't see you because they don't fucking look.

All the high-vis shit in the world isn't going to help that.

JC

[defector]

People don't "not see you" because they can't see you, they don't see you because they don't fucking look.

All the high-vis shit in the world isn't going to help that.

JC

Agree with this 100%.
Question: Is it required for military riders? I live near an AF base, and I notice every single rider has some form of reflective gear on.

[Dave]

Yup

[Captain Morgan]

Question: Is it required for military riders? I live near an AF base, and I notice every single rider has some form of reflective gear on.

Yes, reflective is required for military.

I'm considering getting a mesh first gear jacket and will get day glo if I buy anything.

[RACER X]

MAN we're getting old on here....lol

['73 H1 Triple]

MAN we're getting old on here....lol

Better than the alternative :tremble:

[Adeptus_Minor]

I'd prefer people to see me, not target fixate upon me. :lol:

[Rangerscott]

I'd prefer people to see me, not target fixate upon me. :lol:

Right. I can't come to wear stuff like that. People here have a hard time NOT hitting guard rails. I don't need to give them a bullseye.

[askmrjesus]

I'd prefer people to see me, not target fixate upon me. :lol:

This.

Plus, I think a lot of people assume they can't not be seen in high-vis gear, and they might get a false sense of security because of it.

I just wear black, and assume I'm invisible to everyone.

JC

[Dave]

Honestly a bajillion db pipe does a much better job of keeping dipshit cagers from merging into you than anything eyebleed yellow is gonna do

[RACER X]

Honestly a bajillion db pipe does a much better job of keeping dipshit cagers from merging into you than anything eyebleed yellow is gonna do

maybe, but loud pipes don't do anything for cars cutting across or turning in ft of you.

[Dave]

Never had that problem but NJ is a right to go left state

[Tmall]

My Buell would set off car alarms two provinces away. It was almost obnoxiously loud. I sounded like a B-52 when I was cruising on the highway. I still had weekly near death experiences because I wasn't seen or heard. On a mainly white, basically straight piped, Buell.

The only way to be sure you won't get hit is to not ride motorcycles.

I'm sure there are things that help. But, when you're riding up the highway in your neon Aerostitch, with head light modulators, and strobes going off, are you REALLY enjoying yourself anymore?

[RACER X]

frack, the day-glo Dainese i wanted is not avail in fat boy size IN THE COUNTRY

so screw hi-viz

going back to my old skool black

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/images/InitialSet/RS_Taichi_RSJ275_Armed_High_JKT_Black_Gun_detail_1 _600.jpg

RS TAICHI high armored jacket

folks at www.motoliberty.com took care of me, free shipping, should be here tom or fri (since they are in tx) gave me discount so i wouldn't have to pay taxes.

[Papa_Complex]

I've taken to wearing hi-viz jackets, with black pants. It would seem that I am somewhat more visible, to some people, but that doesn't help with the people who don't bother to look, or just don't care about anyone else.

There is one decided advantage, though. I seem to be mistaken for a cop on occasion, as sometimes people seem to take my directions as orders. Perhaps it's because of the high use of hi-viz by European police agencies, or the recent pilot programme using such in Toronto?

[pauldun170]

I've taken to wearing hi-viz jackets, with black pants. It would seem that I am somewhat more visible, to some people, but that doesn't help with the people who don't bother to look, or just don't care about anyone else.

There is one decided advantage, though. I seem to be mistaken for a cop on occasion, as sometimes people seem to take my directions as orders. Perhaps it's because of the high use of hi-viz by European police agencies, or the recent pilot programme using such in Toronto?

Day glo jacket = Crown Vic with tinted windows.
Wierd how that works :lol

[Papa_Complex]

Day glo jacket = Crown Vic with tinted windows.
Wierd how that works :lol

When I used to wear my old Aerostich 'Mountie Suit' (red jacket and black pants) I got asked if I was a 'professional rider', whatever that meant.

Toronto Police on their test fleet of BMWs. Note the similarity of the jacket. I also wear a Schuberth C3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3_Vh_TAB9s

Here's a shot of some UK motorcycle cops.

[Rangerscott]

Day glo jacket = Crown Vic with tinted windows.
Wierd how that works :lol

The highway Pace Car. :lol

[Sixxxxer]

frack, the day-glo Dainese i wanted is not avail in fat boy size IN THE COUNTRY

so screw hi-viz

going back to my old skool black

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/images/InitialSet/RS_Taichi_RSJ275_Armed_High_JKT_Black_Gun_detail_1 _600.jpg

RS TAICHI high armored jacket

folks at www.motoliberty.com took care of me, free shipping, should be here tom or fri (since they are in tx) gave me discount so i wouldn't have to pay taxes.


Have you wore RS Taichi prior to this purchase?

I love some of there stuff...Just never really heard many reviews on it.

[Porkchop]

I dont do day-glo but both of my jackets are mainly white. I think white is pretty visable in the type of riding I normally (or used to :lol:) do. I tend to stay off major roads and highways and stick to back roads. Fuck black, that shit is hot this time of year....

http://images0.revzilla.com/product_images/0011/0242/Alpinestars_Sniper_Air-Flo_Jacket_White_zoom.jpg

[azoomm]

Color of gear doesn't help them see you. They are looking for a box, not a color.

Ed, I was just at MotoLiberty today. Ordered a RevIt Tornado women's suit in the sand color ( white-ish). I'm just so done with black.

[azoomm]

Have you wore RS Taichi prior to this purchase?

I love some of there stuff...Just never really heard many reviews on it.

I have a leather suit, so does my husband. I also wear their gloves. Personally, I think they have incredible workmanship. It's a true Japanese manufacturer about a 1/2 step away from Kushitani. RS Taichi doesn't have their own cows.

Most of my instructors wear their suits too.

The jacket he posted, SUPER light weight without feeling flimsy.

[RACER X]

Have you wore RS Taichi prior to this purchase?

I love some of there stuff...Just never really heard many reviews on it.

No, all the reviews I read are good

[Cutty72]

I generally wear the orange vest, due to military regs, and when I'm not riding to or from post I'm too lazy to take it off my jacket. Plus, it has a handy pocket to hold my ipod. :lol:

[RACER X]

It's a true Japanese manufacturer about a 1/2 step away from Kushitani. .

well my jacket says, made in china

lol

[Homeslice]

some of their lower-end stuff is "outsourced" to China or Korea

[Papa_Complex]

well my jacket says, made in china

lol

Don't think that means it's crap. Like anywhere, they make both excellent quality stuff and crap. It depends on how much attention the contractee pays to quality control. I have some amazing quality DSLR lenses that were made in China, for Olympus.

[Homeslice]

My Chinese HJC jacket from 10 yrs ago had leather just as good as a Vanson.

It's Pakistan that makes the crap stuff.

[Rangerscott]

$115

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_mesh_tex_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

[Captain Morgan]

$115

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_mesh_tex_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

That is the jacket I've been considering. After much deliberation over the silver or day-glo, I opted to burn people's retinas. Placed my order. Unfortunately, they're waiting to receive the jackets mid next week, so I likely won't get it for almost 2 weeks. Arrgh. However, they have silver in stock...considering just going with silver to get the jacket in less than a week...

[Particle Man]

I have all black gear because it fits - I just assume I am invisible no matter what I wear.

[azoomm]

My Chinese HJC jacket from 10 yrs ago had leather just as good as a Vanson.

It's Pakistan that makes the crap stuff.

Yeah, Pakistan is the crappy stuff.

[No Worries]

$115

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_mesh_tex_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html

I bought a red one years ago. It worked well in the 105 degree heat last week. The "armor" in the elbows, shoulders and back was laughable. I bought some hard plastic armor from ebay back in 2007.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2225/firstgearmeshtex1.jpg

This picture shows the 1/16-inch thick foam on the left and the plastic armor I installed over the foam. I did this in the pockets for the elbows and shoulders.

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/6822/firstgearmeshtex2.jpg

This picture shows the back foam on the right and the flexible plastic armor I bought off ebay. The problem was that the plastic armor was too wide to fit in the pocket for the T-shaped foam.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1630/firstgearmeshtex3.jpg

Solution: My wife sewed up a bigger pocket. But she had to place it exactly so the plastic armor fit the curvature of my back. She also put in a zipper instead of the stock velcro. I haven't crash-tested it, but it fits great.

[Particle Man]

I bought a red one years ago. It worked well in the 105 degree heat last week. The "armor" in the elbows, shoulders and back was laughable. I bought some hard plastic armor from ebay back in 2007.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2225/firstgearmeshtex1.jpg

This picture shows the 1/16-inch thick foam on the left and the plastic armor I installed over the foam. I did this in the pockets for the elbows and shoulders.

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/6822/firstgearmeshtex2.jpg

This picture shows the back foam on the right and the flexible plastic armor I bought off ebay. The problem was that the plastic armor was too wide to fit in the pocket for the T-shaped foam.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1630/firstgearmeshtex3.jpg

Solution: My wife sewed up a bigger pocket. But she had to place it exactly so the plastic armor fit the curvature of my back. She also put in a zipper instead of the stock velcro.vI haven't crash-tested it, but it fits great.
Holy cow, I have that exact same jacket for when it gets stupid hot out (same color and everything - bought it from Tricktape) - I use my all black stuff because the armor in the mesh tex is crappy - I must try that solution. You wouldn't happen to know who made the stuff you're using, would you?

[No Worries]

Holy cow, I have that exact same jacket for when it gets stupid hot out (same color and everything - bought it from Tricktape) - I use my all black stuff because the armor in the mesh tex is crappy - I must try that solution. You wouldn't happen to know who made the stuff you're using, would you?

I got them off ebay in 2007. The shoulder and elbow armor from one dealer, and the back plate from another. I typed "Body Armor" and got over 6,000 results on ebay. The I tried "replacement armor" and got this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOURMASTER-JACKET-REPLACEMENT-BACK-ARMOR-LARGE-BLACK-2Xl-4XL-/160830476485?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&hash=item25723e50c5&vxp=mtr. That back plate may fit your jacket with no alteration.

[Captain Morgan]

Got my First Gear mesh-tex day-glo today. :boobs:

[Captain Morgan]

I found a disadvantage to day-glo. It creates a hell of a glare on the GPS screen. Then again, my GPS is mounted directly in front of me, so it may not be an issue for those of you that have a GPS mounted at an angle on a handlebar.

[Gas Man]

Capt, let me know if you think it helps. I don't think it helps much... if those cager assholes don't you see you, nothing you put on is going to help.

[Smittie61984]

After working utility construction where I was required to wear yellow vests and EMS where I have to wear one while working wrecks I have concluded that high visibility stuff is just to make it easier to find the body.

What I've considered though I don't know the legality of it is putting some bicycle leds on a couple spots on my bike. Specifically the front of the bike. I use a ton of them on my commuter bicycle and even in Atlanta cars move over a mile back to avoid me.

But high viz stuff can't hurt.

[azoomm]

My new Tornado suit. this is new, it now has 2,000 miles and one wash. It looks great.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b56/azoomm/ce4affb7.jpg

[Cutty72]

Great ass...ets!

Oh, and the suit looks good too. Wouldn't stay white long here though... WAY too many bugs, and the road construction!

[Switch]

People don't "not see you" because they can't see you, they don't see you because they don't fucking look.

All the high-vis shit in the world isn't going to help that.

JC

Agreed. You just look like a fucking tool with your Day-Glo on.

[Captain Morgan]

Agreed. You just look like a fucking tool with your Day-Glo on.

Then I guess I just look like a tool. But if it causes just ONE person to see me who wouldn't have otherwise, then a tool I'll gladly be.

[azoomm]

Great ass...ets!

Oh, and the suit looks good too. Wouldn't stay white long here though... WAY too many bugs, and the road construction!

Thanks.

BTW, I wore my husband's suit in the same color to Sturgis and back last year. Tons of bugs/road crap/other crap onto that suit from 12 days of riding. Took the armor out, tossed it into the washer after spot treating and BAM clean.

I did the same thing after my 10 day ride a week ago. Any road grime came right off. It is brilliant material. And, if how it comes clean is any sign of how it would take a slide...

[Cutty72]

Thanks.

BTW, I wore my husband's suit in the same color to Sturgis and back last year. Tons of bugs/road crap/other crap onto that suit from 12 days of riding. Took the armor out, tossed it into the washer after spot treating and BAM clean.

I did the same thing after my 10 day ride a week ago. Any road grime came right off. It is brilliant material. And, if how it comes clean is any sign of how it would take a slide...

Is that all ballistic material, or is there some leather on it too?

I should try washing my jacket sometime... might help :lol:

[azoomm]

Is that all ballistic material, or is there some leather on it too?

I should try washing my jacket sometime... might help :lol:

All textile, no leather.

This one seems to be perfect for Texas riding. It's a mesh without being what I refer to as a "throw away" jacket. You know, a mesh that would probably hold up [meh] ok in a slide but wouldn't do much more than that. The liner is pretty spectacular, but I have to pull over and put the liners in at the threat of rain. I can't just zip a few zippers and keep riding like my husband's suit.

[Smittie61984]

I should try washing my jacket sometime... might help :lol:

I'll have to post a picture soon but I washed my textile jacket after 4 years of owning it for the first time. The textile of course is the one I wear when I know I'm about ot sit in some shitty Atlanta traffic and sweat every ounce of crap out of my body.

Anyways my bath water turned brown before I even applied the soap.

[No Worries]

I'll have to post a picture soon but I washed my textile jacket after 4 years of owning it for the first time. The textile of course is the one I wear when I know I'm about ot sit in some shitty Atlanta traffic and sweat every ounce of crap out of my body.

Anyways my bath water turned brown before I even applied the soap.

Ditto. Here's the sleeve before:
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/7881/firstgearsleevebefore.jpg
Here's the front before:
http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/8460/firstgearfrontbefore.jpg
Here's the sleeve and front after:
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/6218/firstgearfrontandsleeve.jpg