Riding in shorts

I've noticed a lot of guys on rice rockets riding in shorts. I even see a harley rider now and then in shorts. What is up with riding in shorts? Don't people ever think about some time they may lay their bike down? Every time I ride that thought is in the back of my mind. It just isn't worth taking the chance. I always try to use proper gear when riding. I don't have a cage to protect me if I go sliding across the road. Have a safe weekend.
Sorry should have posted in pull up a chair. Still getting used to all the forum sections.

I'd like to show all those guys the scars on my back from when the little old lady pulled out in front of me and I T-boned her door. I went 10' in the air and landed 20-30' and slid for another 30-40', had a racing leather on with elbow & shoulder & lower back padding. Asphalt ate through leather and still took 2-3 layers of skin and left 22 pcs of stone in beaded deep.
That was 22 yrs ago (18 and clueless) now I don't always where my leather but you will never see me without Levi's and boots and always playing the game " What If ". I watch far down the road and think what if that little old lady pulls out and hopefully this time I'll miss her! LOL

enough owwies from dirt and enough close ones on the road don't see any reason to tempt fate

I just rode back from Milwaukee and there was enough crap coming form the road and other cars hitting my legs I can't imagine what they would look like wearing shorts. even when it is 100 deg. out at Sturgis I would never think of wearing shorts. I won't even wear tennis shoes always boots and jeans.

I got ugly white legs so I don't wear shorts much. I like Bluepearl had the pleasure of sliding on pavement a good number of years ago..I got road rashed pretty good where I wasn't wearing leather

I Do

I GUESS I NEVER REALLY WAS A PANTS GUY SO I WEAR SHORTS ALL THE TIME

The unfortunate truth is that Jeans do not provide much additional protection if you hit pavement at any speed. I had an accident years ago, ended up with road rash even through the jeans, and I was only doing about 30 when I hit the car that changed lanes right in front of me. The Thick leathers help some, but even that may not be enough. Some of the newer racing style riding armor is good, but heavy and expensive. I don't ride in shorts myself, as steveb posted, bugs, rocks, and other road debris are easily deflected by jeans, but road rash isn't.

We all face the fact that riding is a risk. As Blue Pearl mentioned, the best defense is to ride defensively, practice the 'what if', scan the scene ahead and behind all the time. When in doubt, slow down and sort it out.

Ride safe everyone!

I ride in shorts and tennies all the time, but then agian my rides are along the beach at about 35mph and only for a couple miles, other than that I wear jeans and a t-shirt, only wear leathers in the cold, the thought of eating pavement is always in my mind, but what happens, happens. don't they say all accidents are preventable, at least in my line of work.

Another reason up here for not riding in shorts is we have these stinging insects like bees and it is bad enough when one gets inside your shirt .Don't know what I would do in shorts and a bee flew up in that area.

It might cause some swelling.....might be good!

glad I am not alone

I saw a nice softail at a gas station the other day. ape hangers custom paint,the works. When I went in and paid for my gas and came back out I realized I did not see anyone in the store that looked like they were dressed for a ride. By the time I got to mine, A fella came walking out in leather sandal flip flops, Kacki shorts, and a pre-faded harley shirt. I looked at my wife and said, He's a putz maybe even a "Rub". When he took off I bet he did not go half a block and saw him grab his shifting foot real fast and the bike lunging. It looked like his flip flop strap got stuck around the shifter. No kidding at the same time guess what, we saw him get to stop light in front of us and he had what appeared to be a nice burn on the other ankle!!! He was looking at too when we pulled up.
I wanted to say something so badly but my wife said to leave him alone, he had alrealy had enough. So instead I complimented him by saying, Nice flip flops!" :devil: He turned and that was that. what uh "putz."
My wife told me I was a smartA$%$. I can live with that.

Later
Voo1

nice, wifes threatining with shorts for the cruise were takin for our twenth, ..........and sandle thingys.......I'm scared.....don't think your ever going to see me on the sled with em

Never rode in shorts. Have at times rode with tennis shoes, but not sandals and only local In really hot weather I have rode in a tshirt. I always wear a helmet. Ultimately it comes down to what I want to risk balanced against comfort. Boots, levi 501 (black of course) and a jacket (leather or denim) is my usual, the precise jacket depending on the heat or cold.

Ultimately if I take a spill, road rash is the least of my concerns. I'd rather be hazard aware and avoid broken bones or worse.

No shorts or sandals on my bike. Including the passenger. If nothing else, I've seen too many burns. The only exception is my wife wears them if we're going somewhere in the summer where we'll be off the bike for a time. Then she wears chaps over them while riding. Rocks and bugs are too hard on the legs anyway.

I wear shorts once in awhile. When it is 90 out and humidity is 100% I don't care what people think. I have been doing this for 35 + years. To each thier own.

I'd ride naked right now if my ex-boyfriend would let me get my bike out of his garage.

That bastard! Now, he's a putz.......

Oh, never, ever shorts...Jeans, boots, and leather jacket. (at least if it's below 85 or so)