Intro to ATGATT

[FishDiver]

I jumped too quickly into specifics in my previous OP when I should have asked a more general question. A search revealed no sticky or other general info posts. My research indicates that after general agreement on a full face helmet and decent jacket, gear choices devolve into personal preference.

How about an overview of ATGATT for new street riders?

[WIRE]

Here's a thread.

And here.

ATGATT helped my brother survive.

Helmets.

ATGATT discussion that arose from the tragic death of a rider is here.

And of course this.

And this place too.

[WIRE]

Random results; listing 'em here does not imply endorsement (I haven't read 'em):

1

2




.

[WIRE]

Do you have

this

this

and

this

this

?

[dbpublic]

My two cents: Scorpion makes decent gear at decent prices. You can get textile or leather in a variety of "looks" and if you're a guy you are lucky because you have way more choices than us feminine types.

Your joints really take the brunt of a fall. Protection for ankles, knees, hips, elbows, wrists, shoulders and back a must.

Gloves- look for gauntlet style that cover the wrist. Don't skimp here I use Racer brand - love em! I personally like padded palms and keep two sets, one for cold and one for warm weather. I'm a fan of leather gloves.

Boots - use REAL moto boots with ankle support. Another good place not to skimp. I like Sidi but there are tons of good boots to choose from. If you must save money look for clearance sales on good quality boots online. Or buy used.

Pants - probably the most oft neglected item, but as important as any other item of gear. Scorpion has some great choices. You are going to pay some money for pants, but you can get into these for about $125. The problem with Kevlar jeans, no hip padding. They add another layer of fabric, which is abrasion resistant, but no padding. Ever taken a spill on your hip? Ow! Somewhere I have some good pictures.

Jacket - again, you can do pretty well with Scorpion. There probably is better gear out there with higher tech options, but you will pay more for it. Scorpion IMHO is pretty decent and has a good safety track record. Look for elbow, shoulder and back padding. I gave up on all-weather gear and now have vented gear plus leathers. That works for me.

And by the way, don't neglect the underwear. That gear can really stick to you on a warm day. The right undies can make a huge difference! Anything long and moisture wicking are good.

[FishDiver]

The links are excellent, thank you. They reinforced my observation that ATGATT begins to get subjective below the waist. My current iteration:

*Snell-approved full face helmet
*leather gauntlet gloves (no plastic armour)
*BILT mesh jacket
*Knee/shin guards
*Military BDU pants with additional skid pads in thigh pockets
*Military 10" leather boots

[FishDiver]

Originally Posted by FishDiver

My current iteration:

*Snell-approved full face helmet
*leather gauntlet gloves (no plastic armour)
*BILT mesh jacket
*Knee/shin guards
*Military BDU pants with additional skid pads in thigh pockets
*Military 10" leather boots

Add "Hard Shorts"?

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-hard-shorts
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...reeride-shorts

[jdgretz]

Originally Posted by FishDiver

The links are excellent, thank you. They reinforced my observation that ATGATT begins to get subjective below the waist. My current iteration:

*Snell-approved full face helmet
*leather gauntlet gloves (no plastic armour)
*BILT mesh jacket
*Knee/shin guards
*Military BDU pants with additional skid pads in thigh pockets
*Military 10" leather boots

Having dumped a bike a time or two since the mid-60s, I'd recommend getting real motorcycle pants with proper padding rather than the BDU pants (I've got some left overs from my time on active duty and wouldn't think of wearing them on anything other then my scooter for a quick run to the store - yeah, I know, not a brilliant idea but a risk I'm willing to take). I currently have two pair, BMW City Pants at approximately $250 and a pair of MotoPort Stretch Kevlar pants at around $450. These both have extensive padding and long shin guards. Either pair will hold up much better than the BDUs.

The leather boots are better than nothing, but they don't have any particular ankle protection. Again, I'd strongly recommend getting a reasonably good pair of motorcycle specific boots as soon as practical.

The BUILT line of equipment is entry level stuff. Again, much better than street clothes, but they are not built to the highest standards. Figure the jacket is pretty much one time use in a fall. Leather, Kevlar, and much of the Cordura stuff from first tier vendors will go through multiple biffs without problems.

If you're doing this on a budget, then do what you need to in order to fully protect yourself. If you're just trying to save money, I'd suggest it is false economy to buy gear that won't last for many years and incidents.

Congrats on recognizing ATGATT is important and welcome to the family.

jdg

[FishDiver]

Originally Posted by jdgretz

Having dumped a bike a time or two since the mid-60s, I'd recommend getting real motorcycle pants with proper padding rather than the BDU pants (I've got some left overs from my time on active duty and wouldn't think of wearing them on anything other then my scooter for a quick run to the store - yeah, I know, not a brilliant idea but a risk I'm willing to take). I currently have two pair, BMW City Pants at approximately $250 and a pair of MotoPort Stretch Kevlar pants at around $450. These both have extensive padding and long shin guards. Either pair will hold up much better than the BDUs.

The leather boots are better than nothing, but they don't have any particular ankle protection. Again, I'd strongly recommend getting a reasonably good pair of motorcycle specific boots as soon as practical.

The BUILT line of equipment is entry level stuff. Again, much better than street clothes, but they are not built to the highest standards. Figure the jacket is pretty much one time use in a fall. Leather, Kevlar, and much of the Cordura stuff from first tier vendors will go through multiple biffs without problems.

If you're doing this on a budget, then do what you need to in order to fully protect yourself. If you're just trying to save money, I'd suggest it is false economy to buy gear that won't last for many years and incidents.

Congrats on recognizing ATGATT is important and welcome to the family.

jdg

My goal is to get basically equipped on a budget, ride a bit to determine what I really want and need, and then upgrade. Also, I have long skinny legs and have not found founds pants that come anywhere near fitting. Knee pads become mid-thigh pads when I sit, hence my desire to mix and match shin guards with hard shorts, etc to create a combination to equal or surpass off the rack pants.

These are intriguing:
"Hard Shorts"?

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-hard-shorts
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...reeride-shorts

[jdgretz]

Originally Posted by FishDiver

My goal is to get basically equipped on a budget, ride a bit to determine what I really want and need, and then upgrade. Also, I have long skinny legs and have not found founds pants that come anywhere near fitting. Knee pads become mid-thigh pads when I sit, hence my desire to mix and match shin guards with hard shorts, etc to create a combination to equal or surpass off the rack pants.

Take a look at these. RevZilla is pretty good about returns. Also the Tall in large has a 34" inseam. How long are your normal pants?

The MotoPort Air Kevlar pants do look pretty ugly, but they are very good and have a 7 year warranty (the stretch Kevlar only have a 3 year warranty) - that's if we can't fix it, we build you a new pair kind of warranty. And they are custom made

Keep watch for sales and visit MotorcycleGear.com from time to time for some pretty good deals.

jdg