How much motorcycle gear should you wear?

[@LTVoyager]

It is funny as I began riding back in the early 70s when the normal attire was sneakers, jeans, t-shirt and helmet. Seldom wore gloves and if it was cool wore a jean jacket. Thankfully, all of my crashes were in the dirt at fairly low speeds so I never really got to test the gear. Ironically, the only real injury I had was from a helmet. I had a helmet that had the old style metal snaps rather than the dual loop fastener. I crashed and landed on my chin and the backside of one of the snaps cut into my chin like a knife leaving a nice half-moon cut. Still can see the scar 50 years later. I now feel downright naked if I don’t have my riding boots, gloves, textile armored pants and jacket and full-face helmet. How times change.

[@x-man5056]

I have several pictures of me on bikes in my 20's wearing sneakers. I always wore a helmet, gloves, jeans and Tshirt also. Now in my 60's, I was cleaning and polishing my bike and decided to jump on it an go fill it up. Got about two blocks down the road and discovered I still had my sneakers on. I suddenly felt like I was naked. No more riding in sneakers. Over the ankle boots only. It DOES matter.

[@brucef6037]

Also, I would mention hearing protection as well. Of course this does nothing in the case of a crash, but the long term hearing damage can be easily minimized by a quality pair of ear plugs. I believe you have covered this in a previous video as well. “Keep the rubber side down”.

[@julian-estrada]

Whole heartily agree. I use the same rubber foamies I use to go shooting

[@fuckjoebiden1435]

Huh? Speak up, I can't hear ya!

[@got_to_roll]

Tinnitus really sucks! Part of the gear every ride.

[@iallso1]

I wear ear protection inside my helmet and actually raised the matter at a H&S meeting this week. I'm not sure how many of my colleagues would bother, but the organisation should at least offer protection.

[@gfunk63901]

I didn’t know about hearing protection 20 years ago but I wear it now for speeds above 45 mph

[@crobin9150]

I appreciate your information. My wife and I both wear protective gear with the exception of Pants. We see others wearing tennis shoes, shorts and a tank top and just cringe. We are both in healthcare and have seen the direct results of those not wearing good protection especially for the head. Taking a family into a conference room and sharing that we did all we could however their beloved will not regain consciousness is a difficult conversation and in some cases could have been avoided. Ride Smart & Ride Safe

[@PetrolJunkie]

Having to holding someone you care about's brains in their head will change how you feel about wearing a helmet. I live in a state where hemets are optional and I can not ever understand why someone would choose near certain death just to look "cool".

[@lylemacdonald6672]

I have seen cases of low speed falls that resulted in so much road rash that the infections became life threatening. So, for me, ATGATT including riding pants.

[@roadglide]

100%.

[@billhenley6769]

Completely agree

[@ragbag46]

Absolutely, even when I skidded on a bend on some unexpected water, my left leg was a mess, and that’s on my bicycle, I will have the scars for life, on my motor bike riding trousers and jacket 100%, it’s just not worth it.

[@chipm2544]

I'm with you. Would be my luck if I leave off part of the gear, pants or whatever, and that would be the only injury I get. When I heard Kevin's tone of not being so impressed with motorcycle pants I figured it was the aesthetics & that is what it was. To each their own. I saw young female rider hauling on a sport bike with helmet on, no other riding gear. Those short shorts revealed a lot of exposed leg that can get burned & chewed up real quickly. Folks like that may only wear the helmet because it's a place to mount their cameras. The image of that rider is what folks remember seeing as a motorcyclist. I wore shorts once while riding, felt naked, will never do that again.

[@jeffmarcum3643]

Just curious what type of riding pants you wear. I ride a cruiser and have been looking for some pants. I’ve looked at the jeans type (with armor) and the textile type (???? Not sure what you call it).

[@eddcurry1245]

If someone is committed to doing a lot of riding, really good gear is worth the money.

[@NWTMasterWolf]

I live in Montana. Our "riding season" is an average of 4 months a year. Some of us push the envelope a touch "as safely as possible" and I find that my jacket and other gear change quite a bit from spring to fall here. You make a great point about one set don't fit all situations. Come ride here and you find that out. It could be 80 degrees where you live and 40 where your riding thru and then 60 where you're going LOL. Bro. I learn as much from you as anyone but I am proud to say that much of what you teach I have already learned. ;) Re study is a wise study.

[@mmcguire5687]

Ditto…Alberta here!!!

[@theprodigalstranger5259]

Revzilla closeouts are my go to! I have gotten some high quality gear and low prices. My summer mesh jacket with came with CE2 armour at the shoulders, elbows, and back protector for $120. Great gear doesn't have to break the bank you just need to know where to look for it!

[@MountainGoat67]

For me The Palm Slider is a MUST for a riding glove. Will not ride without it.

[@robertvondarth1730]

I pulled a low side emergency stop as I had no escapes. Southbound I5 in heavy commuter traffic, traversing thru traffic lanes from the left hov lane across to an upcoming exit on the right. We had a week long heat spell, and then just my luck a light mist rain, highway was snot greasy. I was doing my best keeping a safety bubble with a big gap in front (of course cars kept jumping into it) Some clown was on their iPhone and nearly full stopped in front of me. I tested the breaks and got early tire traction breakaway, sliding on light breaking.. Look all around.. no escapes I’m in the middle lane of a congested freeway doing 45+ I apologized to my bike, I am so sorry dear, and got as low as I could on the left side and slid off the bike. She bounced flipped and tumbled in bright sparks in slow motion, chunks coming off of her in all directions I rolled about 40 yards and when I came to a stop, I could feel the heat of a radiator on my neck. Looking back, everything in eerie slow motion, a wall of cars stopped behind me, an SUV 6 inches from the back of my head. An unmarked State Patrol saw the whole thing. He got out and assisted in uprighting the ‘82 1200 and helped pick up the various chunks, I got her to the side of the freeway, sold her for parts on Craigslist I was in full padded leather gear, and so suffered no cuts scrapes or broken bones. I felt fine if not in a bit of mental shock Over the next several days I felt fatigued, nauseated and sore all over inside as my inner organs got shaken up quite a bit Gear is good

[@Mr_RD-1876]

Wow what a story. I hate riding in traffic like that for that reason. Glad you had the pads and are ok!

[@got_to_roll]

That's a horrible story that ended about as well as it could. Glad you're okay, glad you suffered the inconvenience of full gear.

[@Crazylalalalala]

riding pants have come a long way. The new armor is unnoticeable while riding and also not obvious when off the bike, Some of the better single layer pants actually breath pretty well too.

[@hannesgreen638]

You should be glad you have a winter riding season ;)

[@chairfarmer1511]

Appreciate your honesty/sincerity Kevin. The only thing that keeps me from buying the pants is budget and I will remedy that soon. Went back to riding after 42 years out of the saddle. Things have certainly changed. The first thing I bought was an Arai helmet based on fit and recommendation of a close friend who managed to keep riding during those 42 years and certifications they hold. The second thing I bought is a Turtle 2. Between the helmet and the vest only, I paid $1300. 😳 Skiing my whole life lets me identify with the potential pain and injury, but to a lesser degree than is possible out on the road. I see the closest thing to a “free lunch” is riding skill and visibility, but that’s not guaranteed. So there I am, 64 years young on a T7 riding the speed limit or slower, everybody passing me or traffic a little backed up until I pull over, which I do frequently. I may look a bit goofy in my Hi Vis Turtle 2, white mesh jacket and white helmet, but I’ll be damned if I haven’t done everything to be seen while my riding skills increase. 2 years ago I was hospitalized in an ICU for 4 days for an illness. $95K. That’s 95k more reasons to protect yourself out there. Ride safe people.

[@Geshmaal]

Able to afford $1300 for a helmet and airbag vest but $0 for trousers? You can get Kevlar lined jeans for under $150 and your knee and hip are very high risk areas if you go down.

[@chairfarmer1511]

@@Geshmaal Thats a fair question. I could have spent $90 for a helmet, but I’m trying to prioritize on a cost benefit basis. The category of pants I’m targeting start in the $400 neighborhood, so rather than spend 25% of funds on jeans which would see limited use, I’ve decided to wear my heavy Carhart work pants until I pull the trigger. That’s a level of risk I’m comfortable with at this time.

[@nicerides9224]

I hate to be the one to break it to you but no amount of hi vis gear will help drivers see you. You are invisible at all times. Some things never change in motorcycle riding. Stay safe.

[@ZildjianMan30]

I was looking to buy the latest greatest fabric, dual layered, $400 riding jeans from PandaMoto or Saint Unbreakable line. But I went with Hood (also from UK 🇬🇧). Great protection, comes with D3O, you can upgrade the impact armor in two different directions, very comfy relaxed fit, and for around $200. You can't go wrong with Saint, but I didn't go wrong with Hood either.

[@chairfarmer1511]

@@nicerides9224 hey nice rides. As a riding philosophy, being invisible at all times, I will agree with you, but as a statement of fact I respectfully disagree. I understand that there is not full agreement in the cycling world, but the HVIS color option was offered, so it was a pretty easy decision.

[@mionggg]

There are some riding jeans that feel not much from regular jeans but at least offer abrasion protection. Some have pockets where you can insert and remove knee armor from the outside.

[@ronaldjohnson7905]

I used to skip the riding pants until I peeled the skin off one shin. Showering was a beast for about a month. I still have a few scars where the skin was torn to the fatty layer. Not a big deal as my legs weren’t much to look at before that. Now I always wear riding jeans. If it’s inconvenient to change where I am going, I take the pads out, but still have the Kevlar lining to prevent the road rash. Regular jeans just didn’t give me enough abrasion resistance. That’s just what works for me. So, I just wanted to volunteer another opinion. You do you. No criticism from me.

[@robertarton6141]

Watching You have improved My Bike riding but helped my car driving. Tks

[@jtfritchie]

I appreciate how you qualify your thoughts and opinions on gear. While I suppose that it doesn’t hurt to defend yourself against contentious commenters, it’s just plain honest. That candor and honesty is in short supply here, so thanks.

[@wizardofrosss]

Love the honesty and straightforward talk.

[@julian-estrada]

I think safety is really subjective to the rider. I agree that you will wear what feels comfortable for you but at the same time it's ultimately your responsibility to protect what you wanna protect. I firmly believe in All The Gear All The Time however there's a time and a place for everything. When I commute to work or meeting someone somewhere I wear everything except full on riding pants. On the other hand, when on dedicated riding days for example; days that I know I'll be in the Twisties or just day riding, I'll always wear riding pants designed for impact and sliding on all important points of my lower half. But the helmet, riding jacket, over the ankle riding boots and gauntlet gloves are a must 24/7. If you're reading this be safe.

[@jonathan621]

Glad that you talked about this topic. As a new rider this helps me better decide at how much level of protection I have to wear.

[@donmartin9567]

Brought Klim gear, went down on a gravel road on my adventure bike, not going too fast but did slide a bit - No problem, didn't see anything on the jacket / pants. Where I live it seldom gets much above 30C (high 80s) but often gets down to 5C to 10C in the evening (Low to high 40s). My Klim gear works well in these temperatures. If I need any more warmth I can add layers and when it drops below freezing I have a heated vest thus no "Winter Jacket". Oh and I recently took a beginner OffRoad course and dropped the bike (GSA) a number of times, wearing good boots along with the Klim pants & jacket and a full face helmet (flip face) kept me from getting injured (well except for a bit of a crushed foot when the bike pinned my foot to the ground). At some point I may get a mesh Jacket (likely Klim again) but one can only buy so much at one time. Yup, Helmet ALL the time. A fall from a bike that is sitting still, onto your head onto a curb or something is enough to bash in your skull enough to kill you. Just saying. For the ultimate in "commuting" protection, my Aerostitch Roadcrafter one piece suit can't be beat. On and off as fast as a jacket plus gives great rain protection. Yup, full leathers on the track and low sided, like you broke my collar bone (in 2 places) plus a bit of road rash (burn from the leather heating up during the slide). Leathers needed some repair work and the full face helmet had to be tossed so I'm a believer in as much protection as is possible.

[@zacharykelly4088]

Great video. I used to assume riding pants were just as important as other gear until I started learning about real crash outcomes. Now I'm comfortable in jeans for casual rides around town, errands, etc. I still add riding pants for touring and those spirited twisty rides. I really appreciate your statement about supporting everyone's freedom to decide what's right for them, and that your goal is to help people make an informed choice. Thank you.

[@kd7129]

Best thoughts on gear video I’ve ever watched.

[@SMKreitzer1968]

Thanks Kevin! I don't ride in shorts and a t-shirt anymore, so that is an improvement. Runners, jeans, jacket, and helmet. It is true, when you get where you are going you have to be able to work. With all the gear where would you put it - a bit of rain gear nearly fills one saddle bag on its own. God bless.

[@_skud]

thanks for the tips. you're right about pants, but what made the decision to wear them for me was reading people's experiences with road rash. They probably won't save my life, but they can save me loads of pain and get me back in the saddle sooner.

[@DavidNewmanDr]

I once slid along the ground in ordinary jeans when avoiding an army lorry turning in front of me in Kenya (driven by a drunk). The abrasions got infected. I had a nurse clearning them every day with methylated spirits - very painful. So when 3 years ago I discoved riding jeans that look like ordinary jeans I bought a pair. I wear them when travelling more than 5 miles. As for winter wear, the wires for my heated gloves go between the zip in liner and the outer of my jacket. I just put everything together in the autumn and keep the jacket like that until late spring. I have just bought a combined back pack and airbag, so I will try that on my next long ride.

[@kiprandom7208]

I'm on team ATGATT. My buddy got in a wreck on memorial day hands road rashed and face busted up. Broke his wrist, otherwise thankfully he is only a little banged up and has more scars. But I'd rather be ATGATT lower the head injury risk. Thank God his bike got the worst of it

[@simonbaguley5847]

Hi Kevin, when it comes to armour, I look at babies scampering across the living room, or young kids riding their bmx bicycles, during a fall, they all land on their hands, knees, and toes (sometimes the head) Therefore, I say protect those three/four. And that's why I wear pants with good knee armour, good boots that offer toe and ankle protection, and good gloves with finger and palm protection. The helmet is obvious. I would advise anyone to wear pants that offer impact (knees) and road rash protection. NOT a regular pair of jeans. Your choice, I respect that, but I wouldn't risk it. Keep the shiny side up 👍🏍️

[@got_to_roll]

100% agree.

[@donaldoehl7690]

Look up a company called: Bohn Body Armor. They have stuff to wear under regular clothes and in hot weather.

[@undead9999]

For someone for whom the bike is the main mean of transport, like me, investing in good gear is a step you should not avoid.

[@LTVoyager]

The biggest problem my wife and I have with ATGATT isn’t wearing the gear, it is what to do with it at a venue. We like to visit museums and do a little hiking and often there is no place to store the gear. Very few museums, ironically even motorcycle museums, provide any storage for helmets and gear. It is a pain to try to secure them to the bike when it is fully loaded for touring and thus bags and top case are full. And it is a pain to carry helmet, gloves and jacket when touring a museum, though we have done that many times. I sure wish more locations would be like hotels and offer a “bag check” area where helmets and jackets can be stored while touring the site. We have found a few places in Europe that would do this for us, but almost never in the US.

[@erniecolussy1705]

I use a cable lock to secure my full face helmet (through face opening) and jacket (through jacket sleeve) to the motorcycle. Gloves, intercom units and other small items are locked in the bags. Of course this does work well if it is raining.

[@LTVoyager]

@@erniecolussy1705 We do that in a pinch, but it is a pain.

[@erniecolussy1705]

@@LTVoyager True. Having helmet and jacket check is nice.

[@charlesdarwin4351]

I wear full gear in all weathers, adhering to the cliché that sweating is preferable to bleeding. Where I live, there is a short riding season and some people forget that two wheel vehicles exist. I am looking for a good pair of riding jeans, to be honest. My riding pants can get in the way of anything but the shortest of walks.... Good video as always. Thank you for your content.

[@speedfinder1]

Great presentation, as always! As a now retired, "first responder" who has seen the horrific injuries caused to unprotected riders, even at 30 miles per hour, it's all the gear all the time for me. The cost of a month in hospital is many times to cost of a good armoured pair of boots, riding pants and a proper jacket. America is mostly unregulated, in Europe it is a legal requirement to wear the gear. (No gloves in France for example, is round about a $100.00 dollar fine on the spot!)

[@Joe-fi4hv]

I had a slow speed accident and broke my foot because I had my classic leather boots on. I now always ride with my Klim Outlander boots. Safer and comfortable enough to wear anywhere.

[@peterstokes54]

My one (so far?) bad coming off I scuffed my armoured jacket, slightly tore my Kevlar-lined jeans (repaired) and smacked my helmet on the tarmac (replaced but easier than replacing my face!). Total damage to me, black eye and badly bruised ego. Dress for the slide, not for the ride.

[@Daniel-gb9ex]

There's kevlar lined jeans that offer great protection (CE AAA) and look like normal jeans, that's what I wear on a daily basis (there are also cargo pants, khakis etc). Before that I used to wear textile/mesh overpants, which I'll still put on over my normal pants if I need to wear something other than jeans to where I'm going. My next jacket will be an airbag one for sure !

[@bigtreecombatacademy2927]

Yeah I wear the cargo style ones from John Doe they are awesome and look great

[@jordesign]

I wear Ugly Bros cargos just about every ride. They are pricey, but look decently normal off the bike. Not only are they Kevlar, but they also have removable pads at the hips and knees. They do get warm in the summer, not gonna lie. I would love it if they made a mesh version.

[@williamstephens3351]

My father-in-law has logged 690,000 miles on 7 Harley Davidsons. You can say he’s “seen it all.” We have been touring this country with him the last 5 years. Heeding his recommendation my wife and I wear leather chaps as part of the overall gear. They offer the abrasion protection and can easily be removed. We were visiting a lighthouse in Oregon or Washington and as we parked the bikes a lady walked up and thanked us for having all the gear on. Turned out she’s a trauma nurse. She said she frequently experienced where a rider survived a crash due to the helmet protection but had to tell them they lost their leg because they had left too much muscle tissue on the road and there was nothing left to save. Conversely, there were those fully protected that had a broken bone that later healed AND still had all their soft tissue because they had been wearing protective gear. So for the three of us it’s ATGATT. Our thought is “If I knew exactly where and when in would need the gear, I would just avoid that time and place.” I don’t know, so I’m always prepared.

[@erniecolussy1705]

For commuting to work I wear a one piece riding over suit. It is a more difficult to put on than a jacket. But a lot easier than switching pants. I find if more comfortable than riding over-pants. This is because there isn't two bulky waist line on top of each other. I love mesh gear. If the motorcycle is moving it is cooler than riding in just a t-shirt. There is enough air flow for cooling. And the mesh keeps the sun from hitting your body directly. Admittedly when stopped or at less then 15 mph it is less comfortable than a t-shirt on hot days. Putting rain gear on over mesh gear works pretty good for chilly mornings and high mountain passes.

[@gelfyd1]

Spot on discussion on what to ride. I always wear a helmet, gloves, jacket and boots. Riding pants I wear on charity rides or long rides out of town.

[@davidmcchargue8427]

I couldn't agree more about the typical requirements that might subject me to the decision of wearing regular jeans versus riding pants. But at the same time... I've always taken to heart (ATGATT). So I totally agree that we need to ride safely.....but also need to function as individuals!!! Once again Kevin....thanks so much for great common sense in the riding arena!!! Happy Thanksgiving my friend!!!

[@joehansen5627]

I agree. I’ve only been riding for 6 months and I purchased a Sedici 3 season riding jacket. Great jacket but the zip in liners this time of the year are a pain. Ride in in the am i need the liners, ride home at 5 I’m sweating and have to remove it. Especially since I just traded my non fairing bike in for one that has one to block the wind. My thoughts on the coat originally was 1 that does all and as a new rider I wasn’t really sure what to buy. Trial by error comes with experience and time so it’s great to have videos like these to wade thru all the options, choices, and other riders experience(s).

[@garymaclean6903]

Jackets that have liners offer more flexibility. My jacket has a rain and thermal liner, plus there are removable covers over mesh sleeves that allow good circulation in hot weather, especially when the front and rear vents are unzipped. Adequate padding helps prevent fractures of elbows and even shoulders, in addition to abrasion protection. It's certainly not a 'hassle' to quickly add or remove liners, as they integrate and function so well with a well-designed jacket. Early mornings can be quite cold, with high temps later in the day, so it's good to have this flexibility. Yes, a good helmet, gloves, boots and M/C pants complete the package, especially with helmets being absolutely essential. All this gear can be quickly swapped out at your destination, so there's no excuse not wearing 'All The Gear All The Time'...

[@stevemoore9951]

Just upgraded to a klim induction from a ten year old tourmaster. So far l Love the klim

[@RetiredAdventureRider]

I ride year-round on Canada's west coast, so for 9 months (or more), there's almost always the possibility of rain. So I ride with a waterproof jacket and pants. I wear my work pants under the riding pants and it's easy to slip off the riding pants and change my boots for shoes. I like the feeling of protection with the riding pants but I've never had to test any of my protective gear (yet). The older I get, the more protection I like.

[@steveknode4517]

Kevin, Good stuff. Thanks. Since my wife and I started riding many years ago we've worn leather chaps. I wear them every time I ride. Hot? Sometimes but we've gotten used to them and would feel under protected without them. I leave them on just to go inside a cafe and eat, etc but they're easier to take off and put on than riding pants. Plus, they offer protection from flying rocks or extra large bugs., etc.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

I wear all the gear all the time---riding jeans included---every time I ride, because every time I ride I'm not really going anywhere... I'm just riding 😸

[@andrewmoseley7153]

I understand the inconvenience of riding pants which is why I went with Aerostich over pants. With the full length zipper that goes all the way to the waist , they are on and off in a flash. Convenience. and protection. Best of both worlds.

[@MCrider]

Are you ATGATT or do you take an approach similar to mine? Buy any of the motorcycle gear mentioned in this video and support MCrider. KLIM Jacket - www.MCrider.com/KLIM Shoei Motorcycle Helmets - www.MCrider.com/Shoei Windshirt/Jacket Liner - www.MCrider.com/Liner Lee Park Sumo Gloves - www.MCrider.com/LeePark

[@fuckjoebiden1435]

Check out Diamond Gusset jeans for riding jeans, kevlar lined (no "armor"), very comfortable, not too pricey (often on sale 15-20% off) and more importantly made in USA (Tennessee)... I can't honestly attest to how much they protect you, and I really don't wanna find out, but I "feel" safer when I wear them.

[@lynnsample4549]

My only crash was in the 70s, high side in a corner 35-40. Had a nice cotton shirt and lost some shoulder hide. Learned to wear the only available jacket at the time, leather. Had a 3/4 helmet, which I still prefer, and suffered no facial injuries. Today I wear a mesh jacket late spring through fall and leather in the winter. Never have had the riding pants, a choice. Wear what you're comfortable with, you can think the other rider is not the brightest light on the string but keep that under your hat unless they ask. As usual great video and real good topic. Ride safe!!

[@wingandhog]

I own the Lee Park gloves. They are excellent. I also bought my Pilot riding jacket from them. Awesome quality. My helmet is a Shoei RF1400 in Ballast Gray. Best lid my wife and I have ever owned.

[@heyoldtime8969]

Yes you are right about the gear. In the summer I wear a Joe Rocket mesh jacket with soft armor, a good pair of gloves, I wear an HJC convertible helmet with the flip up chin. bar I also wear a set of articulated knee and shin hard armor. I finish it off with a pair of Alpinestars tall riding boots. In the winter I change to a heavy leather Bomber jacket. Yea it's a pain in the neck but worth it.

[@murraehaynes3182]

Overpants work well…Aerostitch makes some great ones…on and off in a flash👍

[@chimpmunkboy8850]

I rode with helmet, dainese racing jacket with level 3 armor, dainese gloves, riding boots. Low sided at 30 mph. Hands and elbow hit, were protected. Had regular jeans on, hit the part where the femur sticks out, had damage but no break, bruised for 3 months. Now have arthritis, for the rest of my life. Wear some hip protection. Hard shorts or hip inserts.

[@STho205]

I used to ride on the Gulf Coast, and when I moved to the mountains I bought a Tourmaster ii (hi viz). Tried all the zippered options to go from March to Nov and from 800 feet to 5500 feet in a single ride. Broke out a fur leather jacket around New year...but it wasn't armored. After two seasons I bought a medium brown leather riders jacket with high reflective stripes and some cordite Hwk riding pants. Thought I'd only use both Dec to Feb.... I was wrong. I wear both from Sept to early May, and my leather jacket into June 1. I know full well a leather and pad jacket is going to do more than any textile mesh breather...but hey July 4th is miserable in leather. Riding boots that are dirt bike ready and knee pads is probably the second thing after a helmet to reduce severe injury. Crushed ankles and shattered knees are injuries you keep for life. Helmets are the big thing. However when I see a young woman in hot pants, halter, sandals and a full face helmet on the back perch of a bike carving curves, I tend to think of the paramedic saying: She's alive and alert....what's left of her.

[@rabukan5842]

For me, the answer to riding pants/jeans is chaps. I used to train horses, so I lived in chaps even on the hottest of days. I now live in the tropics, so I either wear Bohnarmor under my jeans or light cargo pants, or a soft pair of leather chaps over my jeans or cargo pants. When I arrive, I just take the chaps off and drop them into my saddlebag. I had the knees reinforced, and they really don’t add much heat, and in some ways, they block the heat off the engine.

[@Mr_RD-1876]

Thanks Kevin, you give a good balanced approach. I went down 30 something years ago making a left turn on a downtown street- a combination of worn tires and gravel and oil on the street. I was wearing blue jeans- my knee hit the street and the jeans ripped in an instant>luckily I just got a scrape and I continued on. I wear Bohn Armor on long rides and love it, but agree about the hassle of riding pants on daily or short distance rides when you want to go into a restaurant, shopping etc and don't want to have that stuff on. Maybe jeans with some built in armor is a good compromise for short rides.

[@wingandhog]

I have several pair of Kevlar lined jeans but they are hot in the summer time, and I usually skip wearing them. I also own and wear Bohn body armor on longer trips. There is no perfect solution. I do practice ATGATT normally but the best solution is to be a very good defensive rider with eyes 360

[@macxpert3588]

Back in the early 70s my best friend and I came off our dirt bikes on a gravel fire trail. We only had jeans as we had not got around to buying riding pants. Well that gravel got us good so after we healed we added riding pants to our gear. Since then neither of us ride without all the gear. Pre COVID I used to ride to the office everyday in full gear and just change out of my riding jeans or leather riding pants to a normal pair of "office pants". Only takes a few minutes and I felt it was worth it. As for boots I just wore my classic harness riding boots under my jeans or pants as they were comfortable enough to wear all day even though they had all the protection you expect in a riding boot. I agree with Kevin about gloves, I find the hard knuckle gloves to be uncomfortable and with modern gloves the "soft" knuckle protection is "good enough" for normal street riding.

[@roadglidehoss]

I agree with you I'd rather take the car than go to all the trouble of changing pants all the time. Especially riding every day to work.

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Kevin. Great point of view and things to consider for every rider.

[@TMTVTX1800]

That new Klim Induction Pro is a great jacket. Got the high viz version, and added their CE 2 back protector

[@johnnyayala1011]

I love KLIM gear!!! I too made the change after wearing items that offered less protection and didn't fit right. It is definitely an "investment" BUT wearing KLIM is like wearing a pair of old jeans or T-shirt. I currently sport the KLIM Unlimited Straight Stretch Jeans, KLIM K Fifty 2 Jeans, KLIM Baja S4 Gloves, KLIM Outlander GTX Boots, KLIM Induction Jacket, KLIM Inferno Jacket, and the KLIM Traverse Jacket and Pants.

[@piersdenney]

The riding jeans are really good now that the D3O Ghost armor is available…

[@piersdenney]

And, I suppose, single layer now, the Kevlar lined jeans were just too hot for the Midwest summers

[@andyinsdca]

Interesting that you wear regular jeans. I was wearing regular jeans, long johns and leather chaps when I crashed in Apr (low-side) and I got banged up pretty good on my left ankle and both knees. I suspect that all the stuff I had on kept my knees from being worse off and if I'd been wearing regular jeans only, my knees would be a mess. I got some Klim Fifty 1 jeans and love them, they look like regular jeans, with skid protection and D30 knee/coccyx pads.

[@vaportrail226]

Bandana and Oakley's seems to be the preferred riding gear in my area. Not my style but it does look cool!

[@hardworkingamerican8847]

I have several items from Klim . Their Krios Pro ADV helmet fits like it was made just for me . Very light and it breathes well .

[@chrisweeks6973]

For me, it comes down to personal choices and conditions. Riding in the snow and ice of an English winter in the very early 1960's on my 75-mile commute it was full height fur-lined boots, two-piece waterproof suit, fur-lined gauntlets, jet-style helmet (full-face hadn't been invented) and aviators goggles. A woollen scarf covered my neck, mouth and nose. Despite all this, with temperatures sometimes at -10C (14F) before the wind-chill factor, I was often frozen to the bike by the end of the journey. Conversely, in Australia, I've ridden in temperatures of 49C/120F; that's a tad warm in propper gear... Fast-forward a few decades and here in Philippines the climate's a little different (read 36C/97F with 85%+ humidity) and so is the gear; now it consists of gloves, open-face with visor, combat boots and jeans, plus two layers of tee-shirt. Traffic conditions are different too, with 40 kph/25 mph being fast and 60 kph/37 mph seriously fast; anything above that is land-speed-record territory! Yes, I feel a little vulnerable without having a good jacket on, but that certainly increases one's situational-awareness!

[@RickLincoln]

It is going to be 104 degrees here in two days. It will stay like that for awhile. So, I adapt. If I'm riding to the store for groceries (I only have a bike) I'll put on a half helmet that fits in my top case, a mesh jacket, gloves and boots. On the other hand, if I'm going to be on the highway, freeway, a twisty road or in our mountains, it's my modular helmet, gloves, boots and jacket. If the riding is technical at all or if I'm doing a multi-day tour, the pants go on. Except for the short store runs, the earplugs go in. If I'm going to be out for awhile in the heat my evaporative vest gets loaded and put on. I think that ATGATT is fine. Until it starts being pushed as dogma.

[@PositivePrecedent]

I like my riding jacket, and if I ever upgrade to an airbag jacket I'll keep my current jacket as a spare. I choose to wear riding pants because I just don't want any abrasions, I've a business to run and I don't have time for a day-long hospital visit over a large rug burn. My riding pants are Iron Workers Riding Chinos, and I chose them because they look like casual office pants. However, I wish there were more choices. Also the riding chinos are too warm for south florida weather unless I'm doing at least 40 mph. I really like the idea of single-layer cordura , kevlar (or other fiber) riding jeans that have come out these days, they look like they're breathable in hot weather. But again, they are jeans. They're ok for casual Friday, but I don't foresee wearing them Monday to Thursday at work. I wish some of the riding jeans that Iron Workers and other brands offer looked like varieties of office appropriate pants. You can make jeans look like more formal or semi-casual office pants. No chance I'm wearing the Iron Workers riding chinos every single day. They're good for cooler days, and the tan color will get repetitive at work. Need more choices, more colors. Otherwise, I'd have to try out buying protective base layers and wearing them under regular pants and hoping I won't overheat out there.

[@locoocho2415]

Thanks for the info on riding gear 👍

[@PetrolJunkie]

Different gear for different riding conditions. I wear the most armor while riding off road, the least while riding around town. Always where good boots, gloves, a jacket and my full face helmet. That covers all the of the most injuries parts of the body. I'll add riding jeans or over pants if I'm going to be spending any length of time on the highway. Off road I wear a neck support, knee braces, overpants, sturdy boots, an armored jacket and a chest / back protector. Oddly enough the gloves with the least armor are the ones I use for off road. lol I've done a 70 mile per hour back slide. I literally walked away with a cracked pelvis, some back issues that have healed well, and my shoulder is still a bit of an issue. Most importantly, no organ injuries, no head injuries despite my helmet being scrapped up pretty good. My advice is all the gear you'll wear all the time. Comfort is king, if you aren't comfortable you wont wear it and that defeats the purpose. If you are girl, all the cute and comfortable gear you'll wear all the time. :-D

[@terryreceveur9319]

Good discussion. I’m an ATGATT rider who wishes he could find a good pair of riding gloves with a true gauntlet that will keep the wind out of your sleeves without constantly fussing to keep your jacket cuffs tucked into the short and feeble excuse for a gauntlet found on the gloves I’ve been able to find.

[@oldragepotato]

Great video! I am a ATGATT (including pants) guy, but get the whole jeans vs. pants discussion. A good pair of jeans (like some Carhartt's) will give you good abrasion protection without the bulk - i have considered going to that, but I live in the PNW so the pants (having some measure of water resistance) works well. Thanks for making all these vids - my son who is just getting into motorcycling is going to be required to watch several of these as part of his training...

[@firestarter8202]

On the East Coast here in Virginia it’s way too hot and humid to ride safely in the summertime. We should just drive our cars. Summer riding jackets might be fine in Southern California, but that’s not even possible on the East Coast. There’s even days where it’s too hot to ride in a T-shirt and Shorty helmet.

[@snowflakesuperbike8294]

All the Gear Every Time ! Gear UP Breh's !!!!!

[@philyoder1752]

Hey Kevin had a similar accident to yours a little over a year ago and I too wear the same gear as you. In my instance I skinned up both my knees and had a couple of road rashes where my gloves and jacket sleeve meet. I was only travelling about 35 mph at the time of the accident and my gear had similar damage as yours. Would have been a different story had I only been wearing a half or 3/4 helmet plus just a t-shirt and no gloves. I cringe at what may have been because as it was I spent the next 4 days in the hospital with multiple fractures in my ribs, 2 punctured lungs and a broken collarbone. To date I've pretty much worn Harley protective gear as I hadn't found gear from the other manufactures that I was comfortable with. The Klim jacket you use looks promising so I may just take a drive up your way to Moto Liberty in the near future so I can see in person what they offer. Keep up the great content and see you on the road!

[@chiefjoseph8154]

Boots, gloves, pants, jacket with armor, full face helmet. Air vest soon. Just because it makes me feel better. Don’t care what you wear. I live in a no helmet law state. Ride your ride, stay in your lane.

[@capberganza]

have you seen the halo jacket from alpinestars? its like a 9 in 1 jacket 🤯🤯 when I ride I dont wear motorcycle pants, just regular ones, everything else is on, even earplugs love your vids man keep up the content and the good work

[@elm-neo]

What do you think about motorcycle jeans? Some come with internal Kevlar lining and D3O armour pads. There are even models with single-layer denim with abrasion-resistant material woven in. They are still hotter than normal jeans (the Kevlar lined one, at least, from experience), but much better for casual settings than riding pants. I started wearing one after I banged up my hips in a slow-speed crash.

[@allandeal5273]

I wear a pair of Bull-It jeans. I love them myself. The look like normal jeans which is a plus. Very comfortable. A little bit on the warm side, but road rash is worse. More jeans that I found only came in 32 plus length, I needed 30...which the Bull-it jeans had. I'm on my 3rd season and over 17000 miles with them, and they're good to go.

[@TravisTerrell]

I've got a pair of Rev'It Detroit jeans (in vintage black and tapered for). Love them. Honestly look like normal jeans, but cordura outside and kevlar reinforcement inside. May end up getting some plain single-layer something once it starts hitting 95F+

[@funkingfuss9724]

The Best Riding Gear is that Gray Matter under the Helmet. And every time I watch one of your videos that Gray Matter between my ears gets better at protecting me on the road. Thanks

[@Kris5344]

I made same observation about liners. Just have rain shell for when it gets wet and a hoodie for when it gets cold. Only going onto 3rd year riding but I came to following conclusions: Riding jeans are great idea till temps go over 85. Remove armor when you get there, put it back in before going back if possible. Above 85 degrees it’s either certain discomfort of wearing Kevlar all day or possible discomfort of a road rush… Personally I’ll take the risk. When it gets super hot I also “downgrade” my full face to a dirt bike helmet and riding sunglasses. Just make sure it has ECE certification and preferably MIPS.

[@CycleCalm]

Have you considered knee pads? I have a pair that only take a moment to velcro over the top of normal trousers, and it gives me some piece of mind I won't bust my knee and be out of action for a week thanks to a low speed accident, as I've already experienced on a bicycle a couple times thanks to wet potholes and manhole covers... Getting nudged over by a car while filtering through heavy traffic is also a possiblity, I've had someone go into the back off me while I had been staying still for ages, but thankfully it was only at a few mph so nothing happened. I actually even wear the knee pads when I'm going on longer/faster trips with my riding pants, because they stay in place better than the inner protectors, and are more comfortable for off the bike since you can take them off entirely!

[@The_Disgruntled_Vet]

I was given Olympia 3 season gear as a retirement gift in 2013. I’ve been wearing it since then and I ride most days from March through October unless it snows and I am 100% ATGATT. There isn’t much winter riding here.

[@LTVoyager]

Interesting as I do the same rationalization on riding pants for local rides. I always wear them when touring, but seldom for local rides unless it is a longer ride. I do wish there were pants that were easier to wear and remove, but I agree they are often a pain for short local rides to somewhere that you need to be comfortable once you get there.

[@avarria587]

You should look into overpants. They're easy to remove. Just basically like removing a jacket. Much less annoying than riding pants.

[@LTVoyager]

@@avarria587 Much less protective also.

[@avarria587]

@@LTVoyager Mine have abrasion-resistant material and CE Level II D30 armor in the knees and hips. They have more protection than my riding jeans for sure.

[@LTVoyager]

@@avarria587 My textile pants have that and butt protection. 😁

[@jordesign]

As a fellow Texas rider, I try to steer away from black summer jackets. Sure they look cool, but the heat they absorb neutralizes the airflow that mesh provides... Summer jackets should always have a white/light gray option...

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Happy Friday Kevin hope you have a great weekend

[@lylemacdonald6672]

I cannot imagine jackets wearing out after a year or two. I measure my leather riding jacket's life span in decades.

[@jordesign]

I cannot imagine wear a leather jacket in 105 degree weather... It gets very uncomfortable at 80 degrees.

[@jodyhodge2129]

Got full gear when I started back riding 2 years ago. Tourmaster air jacket and overpants with armor. Knee armor irritates my knee just a little and have had the right leg zipper to come undone twice now. I will not ride without full gear and will be upgrading when time comes.

[@robertgagne9355]

I was taught that you should dress for the crash and not the ride, and for me that includes the destination. Ear plugs are a must for me, as well.

[@oliverjuno5131]

Hi Kevin, Like you I never used to wear riding paints and for the same reasons. Too hot (I’m in s. Fl.), uncomfortable, and a pain to put on and take off. That was until I received a pair of Rokker motorcycle jeans as a gift. I have to tell you, these jeans are as comfortable as my regular 505 jeans, In fact maybe more so. D30 armor, single layer, and excellent abrasion protection. No one would know you are wearing motorcycle jeans unless you tell them. They are that un-noticeable. I have worn them all day just like regular jeans. Only down side is price. You can find more info on Motolegends and revzilla.

[@donaldoehl7690]

It's true that helmets won't offer much protection if you rear end a bus going 80mph. However, if you fall like I did going 2mph you can hit your head a LOT harder than you can imagine. Threw that helmet away and upgraded. In Texas protection from the sun is also a consideration, especially after having a sun cancer scare a few years back. UV protection shirts are available from .511 Tactical and Outdoor suppliers.

[@davidbreen4727]

Always wear the ff helmet. once in a while when i am going just down the block to the$ store, i will skip the jacket for a thick denim shirt, but going to work, or just a ride, full gear. don't have riding pants yet. planning a cross country ride, pants would come in handy. you cover a lot of riding info. much appreciated!

[@kodiak536kodiak536]

Klim=$$$$ my "cheap" jacket=$$ protect us just fine. They lasted 6 years so far, albeit faded hi-viz color. Luckily, we haven’t crashed or had the need for road rash protection. As for helmets, we will spend $$$ for protection...our heads are well worth the price paid for them.

[@TheJasinator]

I had a bad crash when I was young and had road rash over about 20% of my body. But living in southeast Alabama sometimes I still leave the mesh jacket off in favor of just a t-shirt when it's 100° with 60% humidity.

[@bladeh7734]

I just started riding. Got jacket, pants and helmet before I bought my first motorcycle (had the gloves and a pair of over the ankle leather boots for the safety course). Fortunately I was able to find some men's that fit as women's seems to be a limited market. Just got a women's mesh jacket with CE2 on sale, along with a pair of real riding boots. Wearing gear is a habit from the start (riding pants optional)

[@jberejik]

Why a black jacket in Texas summer? Not being snarky. Honest question. Mine is white, and it makes a huge difference when sitting at a stop.

[@cisium1184]

I do the same rationalization with riding pants, but even riskier. Sometimes I won't wear pants on long trips, and in the worst summer heat & humidity I'll ride to the supermarket in shorts & tall boots. I'm not proud of that. I like to think I would wear riding pants that were practical and comfortable; ironically, I suspect the reason practical, comfortable pants haven't been developed is that not enough riders will wear them to make them profitable.

[@nickman0303]

I low sided at 50mph Ormond Beach exit. I was wearing a pair of $11 clearance Bealls pants, if you need Kevlar pants your going to fast.

[@michaelrmanley]

While riding pants are definitely the lowest ranking protective equipment, they're definitely a worthy add. Protective headwear (e.g., helmets) is life-saving equipment and riding pants aren't considered such but they will reduce or eliminate abrasion, some lacerations, and impact-related injury in the event of an off. By no means do you need racing leathers for your daily commute, but some decent riding pants or riding jeans. Plus the latest versions of riding pants are so discreet no one (other than other riders) will notice you're wearing them.

[@bikesthatvote2855]

Managing (or even evaluating) risk is a fascination and complex topic. To over-simplify, motorcycling carries a fairly high percentage risk of low-injury damage, and a fairly low percentage risk of high-injury damage. Misjudging the risk one way results is lost time and some discomfort. Misjudging the other way results in pain, disability, and/or death. You pays your money and you takes your chances. I prefer to keep my skills and environments awareness up, and ride ATGATT to alleviate the damage if I miss one of the edge cases.

[@ethankc2864]

I wear my reax Fairmount jacket with c2 lvl protection a hi Viz bilt fullface with built in sunshade and gloves. Usually just regular jeans and boots. For a lil while I wouldn't wear a jacket if it was warmer than 75 but started thinking smarter and honestly my jacket is light enough that I don't get hot once I'm rolling.

[@IamPinhead]

I'm ATGATT/ABGATT myself. ABGATT because I live in the upper midwest where the heat isn't too bad and I can sacrifice comfort to look fresh as hell ATGATT because my dad - whose motorcycle I ride - had 40 years of riding experience before a collision with a van crippled him for life. It was the only accident he's ever been in but the resulting injuries have nearly killed him many times over. One distracted driver or moment of inattention on my part could cost me my health and wellbeing in an instant and I want to mitigate that as much as possible.

[@blackfrost273industries4]

I've been curious about the assessment of what is needed and the dichotomies that come along for the individual like you or myself. I mean, there is an option of finding pants that are more abrasive resistant than denim and that you like a long with comfortability. Additional is not one to hurt. What's the word ...trystorming may continue. Good advice