I thought they wore Chuck Taylors.

 

Doesn't the population at large dress like that?

Or is it just where I live? >_>

 

I admit I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy but I really don't like to wear white shirts. They just get dirty to easy especially when your riding.

 

Really, you should not ride in tennis shoes at all. A boot that covers the ankle is the recommended footwear. Yes, it is like a helmet in a way. The most common cycle injury is an ankle injury.
That is the reason they dressed like that. Kicking a 650 parallel twin can be a challenge as well. Sometimes they kicked back!. Believe me, you didn't want to be wearing topsiders when that happened.

Really, good riding gear is an investment in yourself. The best part is that it lasts for years and goes with you from bike to bike.

 

I thought the calli gear consisted of shorts and flip flops, no shirt. You aren't a real Californian are you?

 

I refused to dress like when I rode a scooter! A fall off of anything doing significant MPH does some serious damage. I've met people who actually told me I didn't have to be all 'covered up' when I rode the scooter, just because of what it was. It's amazing the old wives tales you hear.

I've just started riding three years ago, and before then I'd already acquired three friends who've died while riding. Believe me, I'm being as safe as I can be. It just struck me how expensive some of those riding boots actually are and even when I discovered the Joe Rocket Orbit boot (in women's sizes since I have small feet) - nobody has them in stock - apparently they're really popular. So I think the construction boots (also surprisingly found in my men's size) are a good compromise.

 

I'm of that age group and Chuck Taylors are fine for basket ball or just having fun,,, But they definitly are NOT for motorcycle riding..

 

Blasphemy! Chuck's are perfect footwear for any occasion!

 

If you have a cheap head, get a cheap helmet.

 

Not true, studies show all DOT certified helmets protect the same, regardless of the price.

 

I wear Levi's and T-shirts all the time and I live in Nevada. Thought that was how everyone dressed. Try looking on Ebay for boots, got hubby a pair in perfect shape for $40.00 with all the Harley labels. (he rides a HD Dyna wide glide)

 

I love wearing my leather chucks however I wear riding boots to ride and since I rode every day in the summer I was always wearing my boots. They are very comfortable though and I like the style so wearing them all the time isn't a problem.

 

The gear exists out there, and because of the necessity of function, it's hard to alter form too much. Go with what's comfortable and suits your needs AS WELL AS what's going to protect the best. Forget appearances, as those become unimportant and frivolous concerns next to safety. I like my skin and skeletal structure to stay just where it is, thank you very much. I'm sure you do, too.

 

Just an update -

Not sure if those Die Hard boots are my riding boots (yet). I discovered I had to apply copious amounts of leather conditioner to soften up the leather around my ankle - it was almost impossible to bend my foot enough to get in between the peg and the shifter! Then I discovered that with the thicker boot, it was very difficult to 'feel' if my toes were in the right position to actually shift! There've been more than a couple of times when I pull the clutch in and get a high rev because I didn't shift into gear!

They're very slowly getting better but this consciously-having-to-think-about-where-my-shifting-foot-is while I'm already thinking about traffic and general riding is, right now, a slight bummer. Time will tell on these boots - I do like them, but the break-in period is being a little rough.

Good news though: when I mentioned the Joe Rocket Orbit boot and nobody having them in stock - I just happened to look around on eBay and found a seller who had a pair in my size brand new in the box for only $40. Something about it not fitting him, so it's nice that I didn't have to pay the $100 normally. I'll let you know how those boots work out when I get them at the end of the week.

 

Boots are very important, not just the style but the sole. I loved my Arirt's but after a year I had to replace them as the grip of the sole wore out and I found my footing to be less than desirable. I went a head and got a pair of Dr. Martins with a slip resistant sole. They were on sale for $119.00 and I can ware them with my skirt suits if I want as they are the 20 eyelet that are knee high.