I have a Helite airbag jacket, good piece of kit , though for me useless on trackdays as it pushes at the back of my helmet , touring though on the multistrada its perfect.
Tried to look at this on the internet but can find very little detailed information. It is a vest that you wear under your existing jacket ? If that is the case, I already wear the largest size off the peg jacket that I can barely wear a jumper under, let alone something that is going to expand. Andy
Thank god your okay after such a major impact, understand your wife’s worries & its something you have to think hard over with her. But I always say to my wife if I had a crash in the car would I never drive one again? I had my big off at Caldwell Park where I was unconscious for an hour a few broken bones etc , but after recovering I rebuilt my bike ( Kawasaki Zx12r ) sold it as wrist & shoulder pain & got a upright riding bike & loved every minute riding since. I personally feel the more safety features you have the more it can take your eye off the ball. All the best
Sounds like you already had the right gear on, and the injuries you sustained were a result of the type of accident rather than the gear you had on your lower half (that the D-Air doesn’t cover anyway). Potentially there is some more armour you could have on your lower body, but it won’t stop you breaking your legs hitting the side of a car at 60mph.
I think I was unlucky and lucky at the same time, the Rukka suit had pelvic armour in which saved my pelvis, I had no upper body injuries and had 2 ct scans as they couldn’t believe I didn’t have any upper injuries. Would a pair of race boots, ie sidi vertebra , have saved my left ankle From Breaking?
Short boots are a big compromise IMHO. I think the best foot and ankle protection is MX style boots but they don't have the flexibility of race boots. Ducati now sell these which have some of the benefits of an MX boot but with a little more flexibility. I have the Alpinestars branded equivalent. http://ducatistore.co.uk/shop/2019-ducati-atacama-wp-c1-touring-adventure-boots.html Also look at the race style 'boots within a boot' like these: Dainese Axial D1 boots https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/415647 Alpinestars Supertech R https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/231344 These boots will limit the flex of your ankle and should prevent it being extended beyond the point where the bones will break. However even these will have their limits.
Bloody hell mate, you’ve certainly been through it. Whilst I understand your wife’s reservations I also admire your perseverance. November wasn’t that long ago so she’s probably still suffering from a bit of post trauma. I’m sure everyone that is advising you against riding again is just concerned for your safety. I’m guessing they don’t ride. I’ve no idea about d air kit but it sounds like the stuff you had did a decent job. In a smash like yours I’d be surprised if anything currently available would do any better. As for boots, I wear Daytona and swear by them. Not cheap but worth it. Finally good luck,with whatever choice you make.
Well there’s a story. Sorry to hear it and you’ve not had the bike long. That’s replaceable though. The standard of driving in this country is getting worse and worse. However, biking is in your blood. Don’t let this put you off. Get well soon.
Glad that you are in a position to even consider riding again after a collision at 60mph. Perhaps also consider fitting the extra spotlights and using a hi-viz vest. It reassured me when my son commuted on his bike every day and may reassure your wife that you are highly visible. Don't forget the noisy safety exhaust also!
There was linked a really good article written by a RAF pilot about peoples visual field (somewhere on therevcounter). How when we assume or want something to be a certain way. Sometimes our brains & eyes trick us. It was along the lines of a incoming headlight, without lateral movement or as I coin it the zed-manoeuver. Without some side-ways movement car drives can decide that a seemingly static light isn't actually coming very fast. So they make a devastating judgement call & pull out on motorbikes. So if I see someone at a side-road & I've right of way & feel they are not in the moment. Riding on the main road I will do a wobble using up my side of the road. To make them fully aware of me coming along. I don't recall the IAM making any reference in there training book to this scenario. People on here will correct me if I've forgotten.
I have a couple of pairs of short boots and agree. A big compromise, I consider the lesser ankle and shin protection whenever I wear them. Far better than a pair of street shoes or trainers mind you and I tend to wear them when combining the bike with a social event for the convenience. I also have a pair of these, albeit in a more subdued colour. Great boots that are reasonably flexible/comfortable yet feel very secure.
not having the bike long was an understatement. I actually had it 1.5 hours! and my insurance company initially told me it had lost £2500 in that time. They did eventually pay out on the invoice price. I definately think ill be getting some spot lights on the new one and also a helite vest. I also fancy a white one, the last one was red,
Full termi with no baffles. Not joking, once you are fully protected, if they dont see you, they should hear you.
@Oly in the motorcycle news (possible other one also which I will write in here tonight when home) there is a company developing a ejector seat for motorbikes. So that rider (gawd knows about pillons!) is sent skyward away from danger.
I broke both L&R tib n fibs (right open), right foot and 2 lower vertebrae. I had a an Arai lid, Dianese back protector, Sidi boots with Axo one piece leathers. I started up riding again after a year of rehab. I wear good quality gear but given the speeds and mechanical forces the body is subjected to, I don't think much would help in a fast crash. There is always am element of risk. As @andyb would say "Poor obs.."
Had a late shift last night so too tired to post. Here is the device & article. Dual ejector motocycle seat
