Do you always were your protective gear?

[Schnellmann]

Picking up my first bike for 15 years tomorrow.

Used to ride sport bikes for fun. Now buying a KTM 390 Duke for transport (although hopefully fun too).

When I used to ride I never went anywhere (garage to garage!) and always wore full protection (leathers, boots, etc).

I just bought today a textile jacket and trousers (Harvalssons - following suggestions on another thread). If I use the bike for out of town riding I will use the full gear. But when riding into town (3 or 4 miles of 30 mph) not so sure. Definitely the jacket but if I don't have somewhere to put the rest of the kit less certain. When I go into town the bike will be acting as a scooter....and I don't think I would wear full kit on a scooter for riding around town.

Other thoughts?

If I don't where the trousers and boots what are the best alternatives?

[Schnellmann]

LoonR1 said:

It's your choice, other than the helmet which is compulsory. I always wear full kit, again that's my choice.

Bit confused how "when I used to ride, I never went anywhere...." I'm guessing that you'd be Ok not to wear any clothes at all in that case!

Well...I meant I didn't use the bike to go somewhere, park up and do something else (like you do in a car). When I went out on the bike is was purely to ride it and have fun.

[Schnellmann]

I think age makes a big difference. When I was 21 I used to ride pillion with my brother on his Fz600. No protection except a helmet. Plus my brother rode like a nutter and had more crashes than Colin McRae. Gives me chills just thinking about it!