CBT clothing

Victor-Charlie · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Karma :

When i did my cbt last month, the instructor was giving us a chat about the clothing and helmets etc. She talked about how we need to be visible to remain safe by wearing bright and reflective gear.

Well, I looked at her and noticed she was wearing black boots, black trousers, black jacket and had a black helmet. When I challenged her that she was not practicing what she was preaching she just laughed and made some excuse that the piping was reflective and every little bit helps ....

I went out and bought a white helmet and a high vis jacket to go over my textile, I may even put hi-vis stickers on the back of my mirrors.

I guess if I had a white big bike, I might even look like a law enforcer, perhaps they'd see me then.....

Stiffler · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Sep 2006 Karma :

LOL I thought it was just me that did this!

My instructor for my CBT was dressed exactly the same! Full black gear including helmet. He just picked up his Orange Refective Instructor bib when I said what he was wearing didn't seem to set a good example...

I must admit that I've not bought the best gear when it comes to visibility though! Black boots Helmet and Trousers, My coat has beige bits in it but is half black too! Although I do have a Yellow reflective shoulder/waist strap that I wear too. I want to get something for the back of my helmet too.

Tim
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Current Bikes - Kawasaki ZX-6R (636) | BMW G650GS

THCi · Nearly there... Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

Halfords do reflective eyes, got a pair on the back of my black lid. Other than that its a biege jacket for me, mate of mine is getting me a high vis for the winter though.

Every little does help, but your instructors need to take setting an example more seriously.
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bin · Scooby Slapper Joined: 28 Sep 2006 Karma :

A white helmet or even one that is white at the top can be seen over hedgerows.
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Victor-Charlie · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Karma :

Not just me then....

If you look at the helmets on offer, they're mostly dark and I had would have had to order a white arai which I wanted, so compromised with a Shark for the time being.

I remember one of the other cbt participants being proud that he got a Takimachinachwhatchi for just £37 from a some shop, I just siad that "I don't have a £37 head" and he looked at me really weird.

I'm so paranoid and want to stay as seen as poss.

vc

tomkapsalis · Trackday Trickster Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Karma :

For my cbt I got up late and arrived in trackies, trainers, and a t-shirt. I got supplied a codura jacket and helmet etc and I looked like a twat.

Now when I ride my bike I wear jeans, leather jacket, Lewis gloves (with reflective piping!) and at night/early morning. I wear a hi-vis builders vest thingy(just slip it on over my jacket). Thumbs Up

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Keir · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Karma :

when commuting i always wear my hi-vis vest. whatever time of day or year.
When weekend power rangering i wear all black.
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Whosthedaddy · Super Spammer Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Karma :

tomkapsalis · Trackday Trickster Joined: 06 Jun 2006 Karma :

Victor-Charlie · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Karma :

I really fancied the "Schwantz"" Aria helmet which is mainly white with some red and blue stylish lines around the side, but when I tried one on it didn't fit as well as the Shoei, so I'll be ordering a plain white Shoei for when I do my DAS.

I also wore trainers for my cbt, because that's all I had, at least they were highly visible.....

phatstorage · Trackday Trickster Joined: 16 Jul 2006 Karma :

i was a right little keen-o for my cbt but after doing nearly 2 years on the road i started to realise that white lids and stuff like that don't really work at night, basically it's not to be relied on.

The instructors seem very "by the book" and when you ride in front of them near the middle of the road they say "i know why you're doing it but the examiner will tick you off for riding there, get over to the left abit".

your main concern is road positioning and knowing where everyone else is on the road rather than expecting them to see you.

However two days ago i did wear a hi vis for the first time during fog at 6 in the morning, probably did nowt but i think i needed all the help and reflectivity i could get.

Enjoy the cbt and ride safe. Thumbs Up

Victor-Charlie · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Karma :

I saw another thread on visibility and was pointed to this https://www.bikeseen.com/tapes.htm I thought that perhaps putting some of the tape on the mirror backs and maybe the forks.

When driving my car, I have had occasions when I only saw the bike at the last minute, they just can be hard to pick out even when you're very bike aware, so every bit helps.....

I still think that you always see the police though, don't you?

vc Embarassed