As motorcyclists in an ever-changing world of both style and technology, the time has come to ask ourselves: Are airbags or air vests essential safety gear? Do they work? Are they affordable? Are they reusable? MotoGP, the top tier of motorcycle racing, requires racers to wear a specific helmet, leathers, pads, boots, gloves — and yes, airbags. In fact, airbags have been … [Read more...] about Airbags: Pricey luxury item or essential gear?
safety
Up in flames: Are you prepared for a fire?
The word “fire” alone is enough to grab the attention of anyone, and it should. When confronted with a fire, you have seconds to react. In too many cases, you have to turn to common sense when a fire extinguisher is not available. Fire should in the forefront of your mind before you take to your next ride, especially with a group of other riders. Three months ago, several … [Read more...] about Up in flames: Are you prepared for a fire?
Not if but when: The case for ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time)
Just as we began to descend around a blind right-hand corner, a sizable bear lumbered down out of the woods from my right, directly into my path. The bike stopped as if hitting a furry wall from about 35 mph. I distinctly remember saying, “Oh shit,” out loud an instant before impact. On the week of the summer solstice this year, my 17-year-old son and I decided to motorcycle … [Read more...] about Not if but when: The case for ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time)
Coming back from the crash
Eons ago, in a different lifetime before motorcycles, I attended a film festival. One of the films was a documentary that still standouts in my mind to do this day. The subject was base jumping—a risky sport where dauntless people jump, with a parachute, not out of a plane but from mountain sides or buildings. During an interview one of the women base jumpers, when explaining … [Read more...] about Coming back from the crash
Powered by knowledge: Rev up your riding with education and training
“Motorcycles are dangerous” serves as a mantra many two-wheeled enthusiasts often hear. It proves an interesting statement, considering a motorcycle is a machine that only does what its rider tells it. So along that logic, a motorcycle is only as dangerous as its rider. Yet numerous motorcyclists have little to no education or training to understand the physics of the bike … [Read more...] about Powered by knowledge: Rev up your riding with education and training
