South Auckland Street Skills

[nzspokes]

There is lots of other really interesting and useful information on the site - and they aren't afraid to point out that there are some things that no protective gear can save you from - such as hitting objects at high speed. Something I found really interesting is how much variety there is in the quality of basic gear (jackets and pants), how many would fail CE testing and how even leather garments aren't immune. I was really surprised at how many leather garments would fail testing - and not necessarily the cheap ones. The biggest problem appears to be inadequate seams bursting. It appears that it is quite difficult to get a jacket to pass CE testing so a lot of manufacturers don't bother - they list EN 1621-1 and EN 1621-2, but this is the armour rather than the garment - EN 13595 is the certification for the jacket. Anyway, have a read for yourselves... I'll certainly be taking a bit more interest next time I buy gear.

Interesting that the references are over 10 years old from magazines.

[bawked]

won't be able to make it this tuesday either, bike is still in at the shop

[aws]

I suggest you know a bit more about back protectors before you start casting your opinion as fact. My back protector has interlocking plates that will prevent hyperextension of the spine.

I also love how you seem to think they don't do anything, when actually, they do... but hey, it's your spine.

Hey, I'm no expert of back protectors - I've just been looking into them and found some interesting information that appears to have some science behind it rather than just marketing hype and anecdote. But everyone should do their own research and make their own decisions. I've not used a back protector for commuting in the past, but as a result of my research I will be purchasing one shortly - so I am now convinced that they are useful .

Interesting that the references are over 10 years old from magazines.

Good spotting. I didn't notice the dates of the references before - they do appear to be quite old. I don't imagine the main findings from the crash statistics would have changed much, but I'd expect and hope that the clothing and protection technology would be moving on quite quickly. It would be really interesting to see how current gear compares.

Another thing worth noting is that the statistics relate to road riding rather than track. So the injuries are related to hitting obstacles and other vehicles rather than just sliding at high speed.

Did you look at the page on what Australian Riders actually wear? It's amazing that over 50% wore jeans in 2003. I wonder if that has changed in the past 10 years. The fact that pillions are less well protected than riders I don't think was any great surprise.

[f2dz]

Managed to get a good shot of it so we can look at it now. What do you guys think is happening here?

Hot tearing maybe?

[nzspokes]

Yes thats one thing, what is the other?

[f2dz]

Tread edges seem quite pronounced on one side and not the other.

Other than that I dunno.

[nzspokes]

Which means?

[f2dz]

Rebound is too... slow?

[nzspokes]

Close, to fast as its built up on the trailing edge. But you got the idea. You can now read tyres. This of course applies to road as well.

[Tigadee]

Essential info for the newbies to SASS:
South Auckland Street Skills or SASS

WHAT: Learning and improving Riding Skills
WHEN: Tuesday Nights
WHERE: Meet at Z (ex-Shell) Service Station, Cnr Great South Road and Taka St, TAKANINI (the one with a Burger King)
WHO: Riders new and old, and anyone getting back into Motorcycling (must be legal & hold a motorcycle license).
Weather and venue permitting - Heavy Rain may mean that we are watching DVDs. Showers are OK, look on the thread for more up-to-date information.
Depending on the number of riders and their experience levels, a short ride may be included to practice further skills. If there are enough riders, some nights can be split into two different groups.

Some nights may include:
Practicing essential skills and techniques in a quiet carpark
On-the-road practice which may see you doing up to a 1hr - 1 1/2hr ride.

WHY:
- Practice essential skills for staying alive on the road.
- Practical help with your riding.
- Fun times with fellow riders, with great stories and discussions.
- Build friendships, solicit advice and pick-up riding tips.

MEET at Z station Takanini -----------> before 6.55pm

START ride -----------------------------> 7pm

FINISH ride at ex-Manukau City Council car park for slow-speed safety exercises -----> usually 8pm-8.15pm
(next to the new Manukau train station & opp. police station)

SOCIAL time @ BRONCOS after car park exercises -----------> 8.45pm-ish

Cost: Nil, nada, zip, zero, nothing... Just your time and attention.

Details of what will be happening each week will be posted on this thread. So kick the tires and light the fires... Let's ride, aSASSins!

Disclaimer:
The SASS activity is intended to give any riders advice on their riding and to practice their skills in a safe and relaxed environment. The organisers of SASS are NOT responsible for any rider, their machines and/or any persons involved. All people attending SASS do so at their own risk.

[nzspokes]

won't be able to make it this tuesday either, bike is still in at the shop

Stink, whats getting done?

Hopefully it will be back running soon.

[nzspokes]

Bank account is crying at the moment. Pretty much got all new gear minus a helmet today

Got me a Tryonic back protector that's pretty good. I'll bring everything on Tuesday if it's not raining.

Pity about the weather in Taupo, Rob. Keen to hear about how it went though.

So weather is looking good. Jayne will love to see you in leather.........

[nzspokes]

Couple of random track day photos.

[Sharry]

Hey, I'm no expert of back protectors - I've just been looking into them and found some interesting information that appears to have some science behind it rather than just marketing hype and anecdote. But everyone should do their own research and make their own decisions. I've not used a back protector for commuting in the past, but as a result of my research I will be purchasing one shortly - so I am now convinced that they are useful .



Did you look at the page on what Australian Riders actually wear? It's amazing that over 50% wore jeans in 2003. I wonder if that has changed in the past 10 years. The fact that pillions are less well protected than riders I don't think was any great surprise.

In relation to people not wearing the right gear, when I started riding in 1979 the right gear was a $30 helmet, $60 leather gauntlets (sheep wool lined) buckled up, steel caped leather boots a $500 leather jacket and a pair of jeans (7 pairs to manage rain). I only saw girls in leather pants back then out night clubbing.

I still buy the best I can afford, now we have armour, pants and back protectors (they are called that as that is what they are/do)

Some people still chose to not wear protective gear, that is their choice but it doesn't make it the right choice ....... There is no helping stupid

In my last accident I cracked L4 & 5 as my back protector didn't cover them.... my new back protector is longer as I don't want to crack any more of my spine.

[nzspokes]

In relation to people not wearing the right gear, when I started riding in 1979 the right gear was a $30 helmet, $60 leather gauntlets (sheep wool lined) buckled up, steel caped leather boots a $500 leather jacket and a pair of jeans (7 pairs to manage rain). I only saw girls in leather pants back then out night clubbing.

I still buy the best I can afford, now we have armour, pants and back protectors (they are called that as that is what they are/do)

Some people still chose to not wear protective gear, that is their choice but it doesn't make it the right choice ....... There is no helping stupid

In my last accident I cracked L4 & 5 as my back protector didn't cover them.... my new back protector is longer as I don't want to crack any more of my spine.

Interesting point in the article. It says protectors wont stop broken bones, it just means you get fractures instead of breaks or compound breaks. So if this is to be believed, would you not rather a fractured spine over a broken one?