Black motorbike, black suit, black boots, black gloves, black helmet… all in style. Oh, and then if it’s matte black it looks even more stylish.
You don’t notice the dirt typical of tar or the mosquitoes and other flying elements that we come across on our trips, whether long or short.
It’s just advantages!
NO!!! IT’S JUST COMFORT AND THE MANIA OF FASHION AND STYLE!
And what about us? How do others see us, especially if it is at night or if visibility is very low, whether due to fog or rain? Or if someone is simply more distracted and doesn’t have a reference that catches their attention?
Ultimately, even though we have all the reason in the world in a hypothetical accident, usually the ones who has their body in front and get hurt more easily, IT’S US!
When we leave our country (Portugal) and go around Europe, we immediately come across other motorcyclists who reveal this type of concern. We easily see yellow jackets or vests, colored helmets, or other types of reflective material. Do they just want to show off?
Just a couple of days ago, on a visit to a motorcycle and motorcycling material store, in conversation with the owner, he told me that there was clothing material that was discontinued or no longer ordered because people weren’t buying it. I’m talking about jackets or pants that had, in addition to being black, some colored “stripes or details” that gave them greater visibility.
It’s not worth having, because people just want black, he said!
Personally, I’ve never given up on a white helmet (it’s the part of the equipment that’s closest to drivers’ eyes) and the jacket always has more reflective colored details, usually yellow. In addition, in summer, thermal comfort is much better.
There is another issue that, in conversation, I realized that almost no one remembers. If we are unfortunate enough to have an accident at night, where we end up on a side of the road, and we don’t have reflective material, the firefighters, even with lighting, will be unlikely to find us. Remember that our lives could depend on that!
That’s why I tell you, always with the good taste that characterizes us (smiling), use material that protects you in any circumstance.
Oh, and forget about the “trivial comments” that might listen. Remember an expression I have used in other texts: IGNORANCE CAN BE BOLD.
Enjoy your ride, always safe.
