http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xNouiE7f4uA
The Colorado Department of Safety (CDOT) released this video showing what the potential is for injury when you aren't wearing any gear. CO doesn't have a helmet law in place, which would certainly help.
I just wish the end comment by the guy in the video included the rest of his body.
(video seems graphic, but it's fake)
I'll admit, it's not that comfortable. But here are 3 inexpensive ways to instantly improve your sanity while riding over 350 miles/day.
I have a fully stock set up on my 2003 Suzuki SV650S, as far as bars/seats go. One of the best $40 investments (I got a special price at the Tahoe Adventure Rally) I spent last summer was on a set of Tech Spec Gripster Tank Grips. You can see all 3 pads on my tank above. They're an absolute necessity on ANY sportbike. Not only do they help you grip the tank better but they just make longer rides a little easier. The more you can grip your tank, the better you can hold your position squeezing the tank. And if you've used your body position to lean harder, you know how important it is to have a solid place for your opposite knee. :D
They make grip pads for many makes/models of bikes and even sell the material in sheets so you can make your own if necessary. They come in two different compounds and the one I have is the "C3 Grip" ($51.95). They aren't just pads, to protect your tank, but they provide so much more comfort on a long distance ride. I have a much easier time holding my body in place.
If you ride a sportbike, why don't you have these???
Where to Buy: Tech Spec (online), Scuderia West (San Francisco)
Cost: Starts at ~$45 depending on the compound you choose. They're having a daily contest to get yours free, but it's not clear on their website or Facebook page as to how you can win.....
I forgot to bring my trusty sheepskin seat pad. How did I forget something so crucial??
A few years ago I bought a sheepskin pad from Alaska Leather Online. I didn't start using it until last summer when I went on a ton of long weekend trips, riding over 250 miles/day. I don't kno why I forgot about it this time! I just know that it would've brought me much comfort on this 990 mile weekend. For $65 your butt will thank you! At least, that was the cost for my bike. Since they don't make one specifically for the SV, the Pillion seat worked perfectly.
Where to Buy: Alaska Leather Online
Cost: ~$65 (for an SV, other bikes may vary)
It seems obvious but having something right there for you to lean on is such a huge relief. Especially if it's magnetic. I can reposition the tank bag by shifting the magnets forward or back. Since I've only ever had magnetic tank bags, I'm not sure how else this would work with a strap mount tank bag since you have to preposition the straps. (this photo is pre TechSpec)
I usually stuff mine pretty full (not extended) but full enough for me to push forward so I can lean in. Here's another shot of the pic above so you can see how perfectly placed my tankbag is.
Givi T470 Tank Bag - I believe this is discontinued but there appear to be some other versions on Givi's website. Also check TourandRide.com
Also, if you're wondering about the vest I'm wearing it's from Spectrum Ultra Sports.
(At Least Once in Her Life).
LOVE this article by Hemal Jhaveri, Huffington Post. Doesn't have to be halfway around the world, in my opinion. My favorite quote:
"Most importantly, travel alone and you will discover that you are a total bad ass. "
Read.This.Now!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hemal-jhaveri/why-every-woman-should-tr_b_3046398.htm
Is there such a thing? Not quite, but there are a few options that have hit the market from a couple of companies including Olympia, REVIT and now Klim.
If you thought street options were minimal for women, think again. Dual sport/adventure gear is even more difficult to find.
Klim has been a leader in the offroad / adventure market, making fantastic GORE-TEX soft shell jackets with incredible abrasion resistance and performance (no internal removable layers). Many female ADV riders have been asking for the same thing.
In response, Klim released the Savanna OffRoad Pants and a matching Jersey and Glove:
Although these are at higher price points than their competitors, you'll find the quality to be a little higher (Cordura construction on the pants, YKK zippers, etc) and more durable.
I think they've also realized how important it is to offer a street jacket as well, and they've posted this poll on their website to get feedback from real women riders as to what options they prefer. Now *that's* an idea! Great job, Klim. It's fantastic that you're actually trying to see what real women want and not what other men would prefer.
Here's a link to the poll, if you're interested in giving your $0.02. Launching a new women's line is a huge gamble these days so it's a good sign that Klim is willing to take this leap.
http://klim.polldaddy.com/s/womens-color-options
