Topic: The Motorcycling Thread

[Jaeger]

It's a good reminder for sure. All the gear, all the time.

[PJungnitsch]

The nice part about Kevlar reinforced jeans is they are not too hot and look more or less normal, but looks like it's still good to have backup armour on the knees



The light spot on the armor is where the Kevlar wore through and the knee pad continued the protection from the pavement.

[ktm525]

Spine, neck and vital organs.

[Jaeger]

The nice part about Kevlar reinforced jeans is they are not too hot and look more or less normal, but looks like it's still good to have backup armour on the knees



The light spot on the armor is where the Kevlar wore through and the knee pad continued the protection from the pavement.

With the newer slim "ghost" armour, there's no downside to knee and hip protection.

[rrocket]

The nice part about Kevlar reinforced jeans is they are not too hot and look more or less normal, but looks like it's still good to have backup armour on the knees



The light spot on the armor is where the Kevlar wore through and the knee pad continued the protection from the pavement.

I definitely think they're too hot (I have a pair). At least for our southern Ontario humid summer climate.

And if you need additional knee or elbow protection (always use CE Level 2) and don't have armor pockets in your garments, knee/elbow tubes from Leatt or Forcefield work very well.

[ktm525]

I still very much prefer stand alone armour. I do have an enduro jacket with elbows/shoulders/back for pavement duty. Much to hot though to ride in aggressively.

I have been spending the last few days getting my suspension set back up on the 501. I had the shock rebuilt and I rebuilt the forks over the winter. I think a lot of owners neglect getting their suspension set up proper (static/rider sag). To that end I have been weighing everything I carry when I go out for "rides" and the result is quite startling.

My average off road riding gear is 12 kg and my hydration/tool pack (full) is 6 kg. That's a full 40lbs to add to my rider weight calculation when adjusting my suspension.  I have gone up two full spring rates front and rear and I am just on the cusp of needing the next heavier spring rate especially if I am carrying heavy.

Instead I am going to try to drop 5 lbs and reduce my carry load another 5lb. That will buy me some breathing room lol.

[rrocket]

I still very much prefer stand alone armour.

Same here.

I like "modular" and can be used with any jacket, pants, etc

[ktm525]

This is a little bulky and perhaps overkill for coffee house cruising but for off road and forest service roads where old KTM still gets a little stupid it feels right. Sometimes I wear it under a jersey when it is muddy  (where I look like one of those Japanese oval racers) and sometimes over a jersey when it is sunny. Add an old storm tech shell to go over when it is wet and/or cold and I am good to almost freezing temps.

[PJungnitsch]

I view my alpinestars jacket as a collection of armour that happens to have a mesh layer on top. Use it for all kinds of sports where I expect I might bounce of the ground, it's been good value. Had it on yesterday under a shell as I was cycling over all that ice

[ktm525]

bouncing off the ground is no fun!

[Jaeger]

I view my alpinestars jacket as a collection of armour that happens to have a mesh layer on top. Use it for all kinds of sports where I expect I might bounce of the ground, it's been good value. Had it on yesterday under a shell as I was cycling over all that ice

Smart move.

[Jaeger]

Crash bars and saddle bag installed, I took the Monkey out for its first spin.  The cuteness is almost unbearable - pedestrians were pointing and staring.    Very nible and eager little bike.  With the short wheelbase and small tires, it tips into a turn with ease.  I'm not sure how a motorcycle could be any more approachable or less intimidating in its manner.  Fast?  Lol!    My wife wants a refresher lesson before riding it on the road, so her first ride is yet to come.

[WP v3.32]

I didn't know you bought a Monkey.  looks awesome!

There's never a bad day on  a motorcycle

[Jaeger]

I didn't know you bought a Monkey.  looks awesome!

There's never a bad day on  a motorcycle

Cheers.  It's my wife's bike.  She got her M2 middle of last summer, but there were no Monkeys to be had for the remainder of 2022.  We stumbled across this one at a dealership in January - the guy who ordered it backed out when he couldn't get it in red.  Right place, right time. 

[Fobroader]

That is such a cool little bike, congrats to your wife!!! My buddies and I were thinking about getting some groms and terrorizing our little town lol

[WP v3.32]

I didn't know you bought a Monkey.  looks awesome!

There's never a bad day on  a motorcycle

Cheers.  It's my wife's bike.  She got her M2 middle of last summer, but there were no Monkeys to be had for the remainder of 2022.  We stumbled across this one at a dealership in January - the guy who ordered it backed out when he couldn't get it in red.  Right place, right time. 

cool seat design and side bags

[PJungnitsch]

That is super stylish!

Now we need a picture of you riding it for scale

[Jaeger]

That is super stylish!

Now we need a picture of you riding it for scale

Cheers. 

[Arthur Dent]

That looks like a pile of fun. Would be a great little city roundabout.

[Jaeger]

That looks like a pile of fun. Would be a great little city roundabout.

It's a bag full of giggles.