[Anonymous]

I have recently decided to sell my ATV and buy a bike to commute back and fort to work to save a little money on gas. I plan to take the MSF course in few weeks and then start looking for a bike to buy. I think I have a good handle on which bike I would like to get.

My question is about riding gear.

I have all my gear for riding my ATV and would like to know if it’s good for riding on the road too.

My helmet is a typical motocross style helmet that is both DOT and SNELL approved. My question is: Are these helmets good for riding on the street where speeds are generally higher? Will the visor catch the wind or anything like that? I don’t plan on riding over 65 mph, if that helps anyone answer my question. I plan on wearing my goggles too, but i’ve heard that when it rains, it can be quite uncomfortable. Any thoughts?

I also have a pair of Alpinestars Tech 4 boots. Besides maybe looking a little goofy, does anyone see any problems with riding on the street with these. I really like them for riding my ATV and they are pretty comfortable too.

I have several pair of motocross gloves, but they seem to be a little too light weight for the pavement, so I’ll probably need some new gloves too.

I also still need to by a jacket and pants, but I would like to use the gear I have and save a little money and still be safe.

Thanks

[megaspaz]

Does atv gear have armor? I’m pretty sure atv pants and them moto shirts aren’t going to do squat skidding on the pavement… Street gear’s designed to add protection for for impact via armor/padding as well as being made for better protection for skidding on the pavement. You’re probably fine with the helmet, although having bugs hit your face probably wouldn’t feel too great riding at speed. I’d still recommend investing in a full face shield helmet. Boots are probably fine, better than nothing, but you want to make sure you boots at least guard against twisting of the ankle. You’ll also want to find out if the boots you have can also withstand being ground on the pavement. Statistically, riders injure ankles, feet, and legs the most (50% of accidents), so your choice of boots is almost as important as your choice in helmets.

Take the time to choose what kind of risk you’re willing to take with your gear and if you’re comfortable with your gear’s ability to mitigate against serious injury.

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[ShannonG]

Moto gear would probably be better than street clothes, but not as good as street gear.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help.

I was mainly concerned with my helmet ans boots. I know that I’ll need to get a new jacket, pants, and gloves.

[Matt]

If your helmet is DOT and snell approved, it’ll be plenty good enough for road riding. What you will need with it is a set of motocross style goggles.

Will the peak catch a lot of air? Probably. But Arai and a few other companies make “adventure” full faced helmets with peaks.

Worst case scenario is that your head gets really buffetted aroudn at high speed and you buy a new helmet, but no need to spend the money until you know for sure.

[Author]

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