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Actually, I rely on both... having had one relatively minor road-rash once in my life and found that it hurts like an SOB having your leg brillo-padded in the hospital to get the grit out.

I wear a full-face helmet, gloves, a jacket and riding overpants... oh, and boots. ATGATT. I know from experience that the padding in good quality gear will protect you from the relatively minor impact you suffer when low-siding a bike... or even rolling off the hood of a car that just pulled out in front of you. I also know from all too good experience that said gear is unbeatable for its abrasion resistance. Had I worn the pants as well as the jacket, I would've not had the road rash! Don't kid yourself... jeans don't work so well when being worn down by asphalt.

I don't feel I look like a motocross or crotch rocket rider. I ride a sport touring bike (Kawasaki Concours 14) and feel I look like a sport-touring rider in my Tourmaster Transition 2 jacket and Tourmaster Venture pants. OK... yes... a minor slashvertisement... but although I haven't put either of these to the test, yet they provide fantastic all-season protection from the elements and have wonderful armor throughout.

Actually, I rely on both... having had one relatively minor road-rash once in my life and found that it hurts like an SOB having your leg brillo-padded in the hospital to get the grit out.

I wear a full-face helmet, gloves, a jacket and riding overpants... oh, and boots. ATGATT. I know from experience that the padding in good quality gear will protect you from the relatively minor impact you suffer when low-siding a bike... or even rolling off the hood of a car that just pulled out in front of you. I also know from all too good experience that said gear is unbeatable for its abrasion resistance. Had I worn the pants as well as the jacket, I would've not had the road rash! Don't kid yourself... jeans don't work so well when being worn down by asphalt.

I don't feel I look like a motocross or crotch rocket rider. I ride a sport touring bike (Kawasaki Concours 14) and feel I look like a sport-touring rider in my Tourmaster Transition 2 jacket and Tourmaster Venture pants. OK... yes... a minor slashvertisement... but although I haven't put either of these to the test, yet they provide fantastic all-season protection from the elements and have wonderful armor throughout.

Sure they do. I might even buy some of it one of these days, assuming I can find some that doesn't make me look like a motocross racer, or a crotch-rocket racer. :p

Here you go. I doubt you'll be mistaken for either of those in this or 75% of the jackets made for street riding.

Look for a "mesh jacket". Here are some: http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants

The best is to go to a local shop and try them on, especially now when you don't yet know what you need. Also buy a helmet in person. Don't forget gloves, there are many breathable kinds, get something that has thick pads on the palms. They're not as comfortable on the grips but that's the area that gets the most rash when you're down because your instinct is to fall on your hands.

Find an internet bike forum, many have new rider sections where you can read all sorts of suggestions. sportbikes.net is one that i frequent, but there are lots.

Good luck and have fun!

They have similar stuff in motorcycle armor already, although perhaps this stuff is better. Take a look at the memory foam armor here:

http://www.newenough.com/faq_armor_types.htm

I wear the stuff and find it very comfortable.

Maybe it's time for another trip to NewEnough! All it should take is a nice long textile jacket, overpants, and a lil something to keep the neck warm. I basically drive my car to the airport, grocery store, on long trips, when I'm in too much of a hurry to gear up, and when it's snowy. Gas savings or not, I do it because I love to ride, weather be damned.

Being a big fan of NewEnough, and having bought all my leathers from them, quit being a doofus. Do you think the folks working there wouldn't love to ride a motorcycle to work every day? Do you think, maybe, they might have to pick up a child after work, or even carpool? Also, sometimes it rains, even in Texas, and not everyone enjoy riding in the rain.

Motorcycling is different things to different people. I know there are some mornings where I certainly wouldn't want to get on the bike; cars are simply easier to drive and require less attention. If I'm not feeling well, if I'm angry or distracted, I'm not getting on the bike. It requires all my attention, and often thats not something I can give first thing in the morning.

I love bikes, and don't doubt that the good folks at NewEnough do as well. Maybe you should read a bit about them before calling them a bunch of pussies, eh?

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lds