Back Protector for cruiser riding?

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TheImp · #1 Unread post by **TheImp** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 5:16 pm

Hey. I've introduced myself in another thread pointing out that I'm taking taking the MSF course in a week by now and getting a vulcan 500 ltd. afterwards.

Anyhow, a coworker of mine who has ridden (mostly sportbikes) before also said that getting a back protector might be a good idea or even a leather jacket with armor. It seems when I search online for back protectors they're mostly being directed for sport bikers and not so much the cruiser world. So my question really is the comfort factor and ability to keep it totally hidden under a leather jacket. Anyone out here use one? I heard of the KC2000 X1, but not much to find except one review. I figure if I could protect my spine in day to day riding while sacrificing a little comfort it might be worth it.

#2 Unread post by **Sev** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 5:21 pm

All I can say is that safety is not limited to a specific type of bike.

TheImp · #3 Unread post by **TheImp** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 5:23 pm

Sevulturus wrote:All I can say is that safety is not limited to a specific type of bike.

Sorry if I misled you, but the KC2000 X1 is a back protector, not a bike.

#4 Unread post by **Sev** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 5:34 pm

Perhaps I didn't state that very well, I can't think of a reason not to get a back protector, but rather then look for a separate one, maybe look for a jacket with one built in. There are lots of armored leather jackets, and there are no textiles jackets that I know of that don't ahve armor.

My aunt and uncle both use aremored textile jackets like This. And I'm thinking about buying This.

My Aunt rides a V-star 1100, my Uncle a Goldwing 1800, and I have a Honda 599. Covering the full range of bikes (except supersports hehe).

Personally I'm rather taken with the idea of getting a textile armored jacket, and will be looking for one extensively for the next season.

jmillheiser · Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:45 pm

Go for an armored jacket. Leather or Textie both work well, which one you get is just a matter of preference.

Back Protectors are more for track riders. though they certainly would offer the same protection on the street.

FlyerPhil · Sun Mar 12, 2006 12:54 pm

I'm having a bit of trouble finding a leather or leather perf jacket with CE armor for elbows, shoulders AND BACK. Most have elbows and shoulders but just dual-density foam in the back.

I read a great review on the Olympia Vortech jackets and thought that would be perfect, just to find out that they're discontinued

gitarjunky · Sun Mar 12, 2006 1:42 pm

This is where I got my jacket from - speedleather.com- and it has CE armor in the shoulders, elbos and the back. It seems like a shoddy website, and when you call the guy he just answers like its his cell phone ("uh, mm, hello?") but I sent them money and got a jacket so.... I know some other people that have used them before too, maybe check it out....[/url]

#8 Unread post by **Kal** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 3:21 pm

I was riding one of the smallest bikes on here.

Under my leather I wear a mesh jacket with hard armour pieces on the shoulders, elbows and an articulated back piece designed to lock out before I snap my back.

I like it. I have a morbid fear of wheelchairs and have no problems wearing it. When I get to my destination I unzip the mesh and it hangs comfortably below my leather.

Only downside it it makes me look HUGE!!!

Mintbread · #9 Unread post by **Mintbread** » Sun Mar 12, 2006 3:55 pm

Sevulturus wrote:All I can say is that safety is not limited to a specific type of bike.

That was what I thought when I read the title. The road, guardrail, signposts are just as hard regardless of what bike you are falling off.

FlyerPhil · Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:39 pm

gitarjunky- Thanks for the tip, though I think I'll try and wait for something from a non-cell phone operated shoddy website

articulated back piece

Something like this? :http://www.newenough.com/product_pictur ... _plate.jpg

I'm trying to determine what level of protection is reasonable, for instance is a dual density foam worth anything? Does armor have to be made by the jacket manufacturer or is there something of a standard?

Only downside it it makes me look HUGE!!!

I'm a 220# weightlifter, I look pretty big to start with