12-04-2014, 08:03 AM
Yes, a good post Ferret. As I have said in another post, I use full leathers with inserts, armoured gloves, motorcycle specific boots and a good quality full face. Mostly. I have been known to ride the three minutes to my local beach with far less than that, or taken a day ride on a hot day with Kevlar jeans and a mesh jacket. I think I have a realistic, if somewhat optimistic, view of safety gear. Gear will help in a slide or minor impact. In the event of a major impact by a vehicle or part of the scenery one can only hope it may help. It probably won't. Others on this forum, I take it, prefer a lower level of "protection ". That's their choice.
The only dispute I would have with the content of your post is accident outcome (1). For example, being T-boned and surviving has left many, yes many, motorcyclists with the loss of a leg and other ongoing health (?) problems. The cost of an accident like this goes on for many years. Posts on this forum alone would indicate that recovery and go home is an over simplification. My nephew (in-law) was run down in this type of accident. He was (is) an extremely experienced rider. He was hospitalised for over 6 months and had to undergo a number of operations. Spleen removed and other internals rearranged but limbs intact if somewhat damaged. Medical resources, recovery processes and an ongoing disability pension were the cost to the community. A large cost. He is, I am happy to say, now back after a number of years on a W800 with an outfit for my niece, and the dog.
As far as being "cute" is concerned, not so. Recreational motorcycling adds to emissions, noise pollution and traffic congestion. Check the OPH, Oxley, Putty and any of the countless good bike roads on a weekend. A large percentage of traffic is (are?) recreational motorcyclists. Perhaps dinghy sailing, bird watching, bush walking or synchronised swimming would fulfill the feel good quota, increase health benefits and have more positive outcomes in general rather than (often) noisy bikes with modified emission control systems operating in a hazardous environment. No matter how good riding makes you feel, it is a choice that carries risk and community costs. That's putting it as it is, not coating it with feel good fairy dust. I love it.
Cheers
The only dispute I would have with the content of your post is accident outcome (1). For example, being T-boned and surviving has left many, yes many, motorcyclists with the loss of a leg and other ongoing health (?) problems. The cost of an accident like this goes on for many years. Posts on this forum alone would indicate that recovery and go home is an over simplification. My nephew (in-law) was run down in this type of accident. He was (is) an extremely experienced rider. He was hospitalised for over 6 months and had to undergo a number of operations. Spleen removed and other internals rearranged but limbs intact if somewhat damaged. Medical resources, recovery processes and an ongoing disability pension were the cost to the community. A large cost. He is, I am happy to say, now back after a number of years on a W800 with an outfit for my niece, and the dog.
As far as being "cute" is concerned, not so. Recreational motorcycling adds to emissions, noise pollution and traffic congestion. Check the OPH, Oxley, Putty and any of the countless good bike roads on a weekend. A large percentage of traffic is (are?) recreational motorcyclists. Perhaps dinghy sailing, bird watching, bush walking or synchronised swimming would fulfill the feel good quota, increase health benefits and have more positive outcomes in general rather than (often) noisy bikes with modified emission control systems operating in a hazardous environment. No matter how good riding makes you feel, it is a choice that carries risk and community costs. That's putting it as it is, not coating it with feel good fairy dust. I love it.
Cheers