My nickle because 2 cents isn't worth what it used to be.
Because of the heat down here during the summer, it really takes it's toll on you and your riding enjoyment. I had tried everything and nothing seemed to work, so I was desperate. I wasn't going to go without a helmet but I was younger and didn't like not being cool.
I was riding dirt bikes around the farm and one day I took my motocross helmet out for a ride on the street. I couldn't describe the difference it made. The helmet protects like a full face but is much more open and cooler. I also have better situational awareness (nickle word by itself) and I wear a pair of motorcycle sunglasses instead of goggles.
For my sportster, I had it specially ordered to match the color of my bike. It sort of matches the lines of my bike and nobody gives me trash for it. I guess they're so shocked that they don't know what to think.
As for gear, I have a set of deep brown chaps that match my riding boots. Yes, it's okay for a women to be seen in something less that sandles. I'm a paramedic and if someone tells you how durable jean material is, laugh at him. The only effect it has is to embed itself into the wounds in torn fibers.
Anyway, I also have a word of caution about full helmets. Be causious about wieght. In an accident, the wieght of a full face helmet if it catches itself on the pavement or something will injure the riders neck. It's not enough of a danger not to wear one but it something to consider.
I say the last because of kids on 200 mph sportbikes. I've picked up more than one teenager/young adult witha broken neckl. As per usual, the idiot was not wearing any other gear so maybe a broken neck was the least of his problems.
