Trying having your buddy hit a deer right in front of you. Going about 75.

Now, that was scary. Luckily he's ok.. his CBR, not so much.

Originally Posted by twowheeladdict

Cyclesarge, I have to agree with simsim on this one. Just based on the way the responses were written. You should ride while wearing gear the same way you would ride without gear on. In other words, you level of caution and safety mindness should be the same regardless of the fact that with gear you have more protection.

I have seen too many weekend racers on the street think they are protected with the full leather race wear that they think they can ride the public streets like they are on the track. They often find the edge of their traction and beyond, which results in a low side off the road. On a track you have a large slide zone. On the public streets you do not. You may have avoided road rash, but not an injury or a wrecked bike.

I wear gear because it is the 'smart' thing to do. Not because it will allow me to take increased risks.

When did I say anything like any of that? I think simsim is just saying the same thing I am, but saying I'm wrong in the process. I originally said the O.P. would feel better about his odds in a bad situation if he was wearing the proper gear, I NEVER said anything like "Yeah, wear the proper gear and you become Superman". FEELING better equipped or prepared because you are better equipped or prepared is NOT a bad thing. Acting like an idiot, taking unreasonable risks because you have better gear on is something completely different.

i got caught in a thunderstorm with hail last month, sadly for me i wasnt wearing my riding jacket/pants. it was a 20mil trip no rain in the forecast at all. The storm was so bad that cars and semis had to pullover on the shoulder, me on the other hand didnt want to stop due to a greater chance of being rear ended took it slow leaned into the wind while going straight. lesson learned here wear my gear at all times!

I think simsim is just saying the same thing I am, but saying I'm wrong in the process.

Agree that I think we're saying pretty much the same thing.
I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm suggesting that the way you phrase it may have counterproductive results on those with 'less' experience.
I'm not sure if it's been scientifically or factually documented, but the propensity for an increased risk tolerance as a function of increased precautionary measures is well-discussed in most motorcycle print/press, reputable 'how to ride (safely)' books, and within my circle of riding acquaintances.
IMO gear is like insurance: you have it in case the worst happens, but you hope NEVER to use it!
Unfortunately I think twowheeladdict's description conforms to the majority of real-life situations, so:

By THIS logic, riding in a G-String and flip flops is the safest way to ride, because you'd take less risks.

If you take more risks simply because you're wearing gear, then maybe you should indeed ride in a G-string (if you have the body for it, please!) and flip flops ... or maybe riding is not for you...

I guess I was operating on the assumption that someone who was smart enough to turn on a computer and find this forum was smart enough to know NOT crashing is better than crashing, no matter what you are wearing

Plenty of those 'smart' riders lose such 'smarts' the moment they're cut off, unsafely passed, flipped off ... some learn the easy way, some the hard way, and for some the lesson is the last one they receive in their lifetime - flame me away, but if only one gets the message through print rather than the alternative, I'm a happy camper.

about actually riding in the rain. so here is a little knowledge ...Chime in if i forgot anything

good list ... off the top of my head, add: beware of manhole covers or anything metal: slippery as s**t ... beware as the depth of any pothole is hidden by the water ... your body will lose temperature and energy at a much higher rate, and fatigue can set in very quickly to the point of 'tricking' your mind that everything is fine (OK, maybe not 'fine' but still within 'control').
And the old but true reminder that a 'just wet' road is much more slippery than one that has been throughly washed/soaked.

Originally Posted by Alistica

3. Avoid the painted lines ( center lines edge markers etc) both painted lines and tar snakes are like ice sprayed with wd40... (slick as ****)

Al good advice, but it's not "slick as ****". It's "otter snot", Alistica ... "slick as otter snot" ... LOL ...

Originally Posted by cyclesarge

Maybe not comfortable, but you'll definitely feel better about your odds while fully geared up. I'm not gonna feel "comfortable" about a car cutting me off, but I'll definitely feel MORE comfortable if I'm wearing all my gear when they do. Same thing applies to rain, wind, snow, dogs, deer, swarms of bees, road debris, etc.

I won't harp on it anymore, I know some people get offended when people preach about ATGATT.

Clearly you've never had bees trapped inside your helmet

Originally Posted by shotty

Clearly you've never had bees trapped inside your helmet

You're right, you should NEVER wear a helmet, a bee might get in and you won't be able to get it out.

Bike will be fine. Left mine outside for 3 weeks and it poured nearly daily and it was fine.

Crysis averted, I bought a new black chain and I am happy now.

I learned a lesson the other day in the rain. In winter, I tuck my jacket sleeves inside my glove cuffs to keep the wind out. Recently, I got a new mesh jacket with a waterproof liner. I saw the rain ahead and put the liner in. Rode on into the rain... and the sleeves saturated with water.... which proceeded to drip down inside my gloves... which held the water nicely as my thumbs filled with water. Lesson learned: tuck the gloves inside the sleeves. 2nd lesson learned: gloves with liners take a freaking long time to dry.