Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
- Grey Thumper
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Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
I get the impression ATGATT is pretty much a foregone conclusion for most riders on this site (or at the very least, All The Gear Most Of The Time, or Most Of The Gear All The Time).
What about Hi Viz though? Seems much more debatable and a matter of personal preference.
What about Hi Viz though? Seems much more debatable and a matter of personal preference.
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
- BRUMBEAR
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
My jackets both have small reflective strips but high vis couldn't hurt
there aint nothin like it
-
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
It ain't a bad idea at all. I have a suit with several bright white/reflective stripes. If I were buying a new suit, I'd probably add more bright color to be easier to see. I run headlights ALL THE TIME. Headlights will save your bacon ..
I mostly am ATGATT, but I'll run lighter in some places. The helmet all the time. Pavement always wins . .
\
Good luck!
Regards,
j
I mostly am ATGATT, but I'll run lighter in some places. The helmet all the time. Pavement always wins . .
\
Good luck!
Regards,
j
Wishing you my best

1985 Honda Shadow VT-1100

1985 Honda Shadow VT-1100
- jstark47
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
I bought a new Rev'it jacket last year. I bought it for features and fit and price. It's just a fringe benefit that it came in screaming electric phosphorescent insect-guts greenish-yellow. It's the most hi-viz bit of gear I've ever owned. But does it really help?
I have auxiliary lights mounted on the fork tubes of one of my bikes. I think they help. Having situational awareness about other vehicles and using smart lane positioning for maximum visibility helps. The occasional SMIDSY weave when appropriate helps. All these things work together incrementally to manage risk.
I'm sure the hi-viz jacket adds its contribution towards risk management. I don't think it does much by itself, but it adds something as part of the total package. But I wouldn't buy a jacket that fit poorly or didn't have the right features merely because it was hi-viz.
I have auxiliary lights mounted on the fork tubes of one of my bikes. I think they help. Having situational awareness about other vehicles and using smart lane positioning for maximum visibility helps. The occasional SMIDSY weave when appropriate helps. All these things work together incrementally to manage risk.
I'm sure the hi-viz jacket adds its contribution towards risk management. I don't think it does much by itself, but it adds something as part of the total package. But I wouldn't buy a jacket that fit poorly or didn't have the right features merely because it was hi-viz.
2003 Triumph Trophy 1200
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
- faded sun
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
In Canada the headlights are on all the time by law, long before it became ordinary for cars to run with them on. The bright gear might give you an added degree of visibility (especially at night) but I still get people acting like I'm not there. There is no substitute for predicting the worst and staying awake.
If you are going to ride aggressively then you have to expect that drivers (cagers) are not going to react as quickly as you want them to. Most of them don't see you because you are moving faster than the rest of the traffic flow and it throws their prediction off.
My gear always has reflective tape. I know from being a driver and bicycle rider that you are invisible in the dark without it on a bicycle. At least your motorcycle has a bunch of lights to help.
If you are going to ride aggressively then you have to expect that drivers (cagers) are not going to react as quickly as you want them to. Most of them don't see you because you are moving faster than the rest of the traffic flow and it throws their prediction off.
My gear always has reflective tape. I know from being a driver and bicycle rider that you are invisible in the dark without it on a bicycle. At least your motorcycle has a bunch of lights to help.
Jock
Ride Safely. Respect nature. Always wear a helmet.
Ride Safely. Respect nature. Always wear a helmet.
- Grey Thumper
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
Well, this is me, so I'm obviously a believer.

But like jstark and faded sun said, being situationally aware (and trying to predict how things will go) are way more important. Hi Viz only helps with the cagers who are actually paying attention. But what the hey, it's completely passive, cheap (a Hi Viz vest barely costs anything, and a white helmet is usually the cheapest color), and reflects heat more than black stuff.

But like jstark and faded sun said, being situationally aware (and trying to predict how things will go) are way more important. Hi Viz only helps with the cagers who are actually paying attention. But what the hey, it's completely passive, cheap (a Hi Viz vest barely costs anything, and a white helmet is usually the cheapest color), and reflects heat more than black stuff.
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
Yes! I wear a hi-vis jacket, hi-vis helmet; my riding pants are gray (couldn't find hi-vis), but they do have reflective piping. Visibility is GOOD.
- Thumper
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
Yep.

(the pants are cool weather only...but yeah, I rock the hi-viz gear. Helmet & jacket always; if I could find hi-viz mesh pants I'd wear that when it's warm instead of the kevlar jeans I usually wear.)

(the pants are cool weather only...but yeah, I rock the hi-viz gear. Helmet & jacket always; if I could find hi-viz mesh pants I'd wear that when it's warm instead of the kevlar jeans I usually wear.)
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
I also wear high viz. Aside from being seen a bit better...I like the bright colours.
- ronrex
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
I like joe rocket yellow or red. I also use black reflective 3m lightning bolt decals on my helmet for the night....but, yeah. High viz does rock. I would definitely consider it if I didnt have all the other stuff.
- Grey Thumper
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
Whoah, that's the brightest combo I've ever seenThumper wrote:Yep.
(the pants are cool weather only...but yeah, I rock the hi-viz gear. Helmet & jacket always; if I could find hi-viz mesh pants I'd wear that when it's warm instead of the kevlar jeans I usually wear.)

"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
Got a link? I spent 2 months looking for mesh pants and found nothing! (Well, except a couple of places that would custom-make anything for a breathtaking price.)
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
after 50+ years riding I just assume I am invisable and ride accordingly. Mainly because I have made eye contact numerous times and have my right of way compromised. The cager sometimes wakes up way after his incursion into my space. Hi Vis is for those who believe in unicorns, they are all blind to their situation. I don't rely on the cager tpo be predictable and i don't count on my clothing colors to wake them up. I have over 150,000 miles on a dark bike and dark outfit in LA traffic with no problems. If you think it helps, you are part way toward letting the cager have the say in what he sees.
- Thumper
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
I'm a bright colors kinda person...I may look for those for the hell of it. Thanks!Grey Thumper wrote:If you're still looking, Motoport makes Hi Viz mesh pants, although I dunno how much you should prioritize hi viz pants. Your helmet and jacket are much more in a driver's line of sight anyway.

- Grey Thumper
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
Here you go. http://www.motoport.com/index.php?optio ... 9&Itemid=4Jarlaxle wrote:Got a link? I spent 2 months looking for mesh pants and found nothing! (Well, except a couple of places that would custom-make anything for a breathtaking price.)
A bit expensive at around $400. There must be other hi viz mesh pants out there.
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
- ronrex
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
I like weaving in my lane. it puts motion into the peripherals of the drivers, shines my light in their faces and is fun to do. You can even time it so you have the best escape route or least impact if they pull out or turn. Plus, i wear yellow. I'm pro hi-vis, just can't afford it, so i weave.
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
Yellow is good.ronrex wrote:I like weaving in my lane. it puts motion into the peripherals of the drivers, shines my light in their faces and is fun to do. You can even time it so you have the best escape route or least impact if they pull out or turn. Plus, i wear yellow. I'm pro hi-vis, just can't afford it, so i weave.
drbar taught me to weave in my lane when someone behind starts getting too close. It usually makes them back off.
- Grey Thumper
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
I like weaving as well, and should do it more often. I used to do it a lot when approaching intersections, hoping the lateral motion reminds drivers that I'm there.ronrex wrote:I like weaving in my lane. it puts motion into the peripherals of the drivers, shines my light in their faces and is fun to do. You can even time it so you have the best escape route or least impact if they pull out or turn. Plus, i wear yellow. I'm pro hi-vis, just can't afford it, so i weave.
Hi Viz doesn't have to be expensive; a reflective vest from your nearest hardware store shouldn't cost much.
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
- totalmotorcycle
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Re: Hi Viz . . . yay or nay?
Yup, Hi-Viz jacket and I always consider my color choices for my bike, helmet, gloves and boots/jeans. I do my very best to stay away from Black and try to pick the brightest of colors.


Mike


Mike
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