Staying protected - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

Ducati_Don · 05-01-2005, 10:52 PM

Hello all!
Well, I thought I would pass on a little story about protection (not that kind of protection).* I was in an accident last year in early June.* I was out for 9 months!!!* I severed the peronial tendon in my right foot.* Including the initial accident I had 3 surgeries over the summer, including a skin graft!* I almost lost my foot!* I had excellent insurance that paid close to 50k*for all of the medical bills!*

I was damn lucky!!!* I was taking my wifes Sporty in for a little maintenance, when I was tagged by a beast in an SUV, I was only doing about 8-10 mph when she decided to take a quick left turn on me.* I was able to react quickly and for that I believe I did not have more damage.* Well, I was wearing a t-shirt, plain jeans, short helmet and ankle high nylon hiking shoes.* I thought since I was only going down the street a few miles from my house it was no big deal!* *Now I have been riding since I was 11, I am now 45.* I have taken all the MSF courses, and I taught motorcycle safety while in the Air Force!* That was my first, and if I can help it my LAST dump on the road!

Riding is such a big part of my life that I decided if I was going to continue to ride then I would have to change things.

I now own the following:
-Fieldsheer mesh armored summer jacket
-APS fully armored leather track jacket
-APS fully armored leather track pants
-SIDI Tempur Air Strada boots
-Alpinestars carbon fiber gauntlet track gloves
-Draggin jeans Kevlar padded jeans with detachable armor
-H.D. FXRG nylon jacket and pants with armor
-Shoei RF-1000 helmet

I have also signed up for track days to include instruction and I now have the most extensive collection of motorcycle riding/skills/racing/track/touring etc.....* books you could imagine!

What's my point?* There is so much good gear out there, it would be a shame to read on the forum about someone else going throug the pain I went through just because they couldn't or wouldn't get the gear.

Ride safe

just my 2 cents worth!!*

[thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

davidbeinct · 05-02-2005, 08:48 AM

Thanks for letting us learn from your misfortune, and I'm glad you're well mended.

IMO this ought to be stickified.

David B.

mmoore · 05-02-2005, 10:20 AM

Made it sticky!

Don, good post. Sorry about all the pain & surgery. You really never do know when fate will smack you upside the head. We all know it would be nuts not to gear up for a track day (and would, in fact, get us booted off the track) but apply different standards for the street. We assume lower speeds = more safety, but as your story illustrates speed is not the whole story. It surely is a hassle to pull on all that crap for a quick ride, but waiting to be seen by doctors, dealing with insurance companies, and physical limitation are all much greater pains in the butt.

Ducati_Don · 05-02-2005, 10:31 AM

I have no problem putting on whatever gear I need for even a short ride now! I am going to the track to learn more about riding and how my bikes will act in that environment.

"Knowledge is good" - Emil Faber

stevey · 05-04-2005, 08:43 AM

thanks for the reminder. sometimes i have to force myself to
suit up for a shorter trip. accounts like this will make it
easier to do the right thing.

BrutaleS · 05-07-2005, 10:29 PM

I feel your pain brother! 10 years ago I was riding home from work (1.5 miles) wearing just an unarmored leather jacket, gloves and helmet when I was hit head on by a drunk driver. Long story short, I ended up with 2 broken toes, broken knee, shattered patela, and a messed up helmet. I finally worked up enough guts to start riding again 5 months ago and now never leave home without my armored pants (mesh and leather), armored jacket, SPidi boots, gloves, and helmet. Motorcycle gear has come a long way in 10 years and there is a lot of comfortable stuff to wear. Absolutely no excuse to leave the home without the proper attire!

SForza · 06-15-2005, 01:39 PM

I was just talking about this stuff w/ my Dad, last night. I was sweating pretty good in my pref. Vanson yesterday, but my Dad was glad to see me wearing it.

You need leathers and a helmet no matter when, or what distance you ride, b/c you usually crash or get hit when you least expect it.

"All it takes is a a little tap on the head to change your whole personality."

Ducati_Don · 06-15-2005, 06:01 PM

Good for you! It's getting hot out now and it will take a little more to make sure we all wear our stuff!

I have an armored mesh jacket, you may want to look into one.

Don

asf · 06-17-2005, 04:30 PM

I used to ride with just a jacket. Now I ride with a full oversuit so I can take it off and putit in a bag when I get to wherever I need to go. Try on an oversuit if you have the chance. They are now pretty affordable and for me the way to go [thumbsup] For some reason I don't see why people value only their top half

My bottom half is pretty valuable to me.... >

cookiemonster · 06-17-2005, 11:06 PM

i came off at 80+ and went into a canyon wall (after sliding along the non-forgiving asphalt). I had leather jacket (thick), leather gloves and riding boots. I wish I could post a pic of what the gravel did to my boots. I believe that if i didnt have them on I wouldnt have any toes on my right foot.

observers didnt think i would survive, let alone walk away! I replaced everything, and upgraded. Im still paying it off, but it is worth it.