This is why gear is good and distractions are bad

[ZooTech]

I gotta ask Zoo, would you let your kids on the back without gear?

No. Until they are adults and capable of and responsible for making their own decisions, I am responsible for their safety and well-being. As of now, they have no basis for understanding the consequences of such a decision.

Would you let them on the back in the first place?

They're both chomping at the bit to ride pillion, but neither is tall enough to reach the passenger pegs. Furthermore, my bike has no sissy bar, so it's not looking too likely that they'll ever ride the Streak. However, I am looking forward to riding with them some day, but probably on a Nomad, Venture, GoldWing, or similar.

[kabob983]

Sorry to hear about his accident but I'm very glad he was protected. Some people call it overkill. I call it underdead.

Hope he gets back on the road quickly!

[bok]

glad your buddy is okay. i may have misread but did he actually say he only wears his full gear when he goes riding in the canyons? after an accident like that, maybe he should consider wearing them everywhere since they obviously worked so well and one moment of inattentiveness brought him down.

not preaching, just concerned/curious.

[onlinesmurf]

Very happy he is ok. It seems more likely he was going way to fast and showing off. How do you get 'distracted' looking at other sport riders AND looking backward.

He had on full leathers when he usually doesn't, he was riding a R1 in the canyons. It = show off and crashed. The fact that he may or may not have had skills had nothing to do with it. Being smart and safe is what keeps you alive, skill accounts for 0 if you do silly things.

Believe it or not bike does account for alot of things. People buy big liter bikes to be cool. This also leads them to do things that are cool. You don't see to many squid actions on a ninja 250, because they aren't cool. He may have had skills, but again that doesn't say anything for being silly. I wonder what all those helmet doesn't matter guys will say now. That gash in the shell and no damage to his head shows something at least. Note that I people should wear what they like, but don't lie to themselves while doing it.

Anyways rant off, and more proof that gear works. This was full race gear but I wonder how street gear would have worked for him (mesh for example).

http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?t=77058

The guy in this thread who crashed is a friend of mine that I have ridden with before. The cause of the crash according to him was a combination of distraction and target fixation. End result he ended up lowsiding and sliding/tumbling about 150ft. His gear definately did its job, his only injury was a bruised ankle.

This guy is most definately not a new rider, he has ridden for several years including some track experience and the R1 was his 4th bike, yes it can even happen to experienced riders.

[jmillheiser]

His normal street gear consists of a Joe rocket textile jacket, helmet, gloves, jeans and work boots.

[Sev]

I gotta ask Zoo, would you let your kids on the back without gear?

No. Until they are adults and capable of and responsible for making their own decisions, I am responsible for their safety and well-being. As of now, they have no basis for understanding the consequences of such a decision.

Would you let them on the back in the first place?

They're both chomping at the bit to ride pillion, but neither is tall enough to reach the passenger pegs. Furthermore, my bike has no sissy bar, so it's not looking too likely that they'll ever ride the Streak. However, I am looking forward to riding with them some day, but probably on a Nomad, Venture, GoldWing, or similar.

I'd have said almost exactly the same thin.... oh god, it's crawling in my skin!

Yeah, I think that's the way to go, we don't agree on stuff very often, but when we do, it's important. I fully expected that to be your response, I can tell you care way to much about your kids to put them in any danger.

[ZooTech]

I'd have said almost exactly the same thin.... oh god, it's crawling in my skin!

Yeah, I think that's the way to go, we don't agree on stuff very often, but when we do, it's important. I fully expected that to be your response, I can tell you care way to much about your kids to put them in any danger.

Well, I'm all about personal accountability. I just happen to be personally accountable for these two for another twelve years or so! After that, the choice of gear is theirs.

[9000white]

skills and being distracted by something as everyday as bikes on the side of the road?

[jmillheiser]

skills and being distracted by something as everyday as bikes on the side of the road?

this is one of those crashes that could have happened to anyone.

[pinger05]

I saw a lot of people out without gear yesterday, only one made me flinch. A guy was out with a little girl, not more then 5 or 6 who was only wearing a skull cap and a little pink shirt. I can understand an adult choosing not to cover up... but this is your kid man.

I gotta ask Zoo, would you let your kids on the back without gear? Would you let them on the back in the first place?

Each of my kids over the age of 8 have their own helmet, and gear. The oldest boy has a denum jacket we bought him and we sewed in some football pads. His jeans are the same way. The are no means Draggin jeans but they will protect him from most of a fall. We also got him a pair of leather "workboots" from WalMart that are pretty good.

My kids love motorcycling but I only let them on the GoldWing. It has a nice seat with handlebars for them. Any other bike they are not allowed to ride with me.