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Why is it all black?

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ScaredyCat
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Joined: 19 May 2012
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PostPosted: 19:21 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Why is it all black? Reply with quote
I'm new to this, so please forgive me but, Why is the majority of stuff (clothing, helmets etc) black?

I thought the point was to be as seen as much as possible. I appreciate not everyone wants to look like a yellow banana while out riding but wouldn't yellow or something like that be a better choice to be seen?

Is there research or something that shows that it makes no difference or something like that?

Just interested


Andy
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Clanger
Stirrer



Joined: 27 May 2004
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PostPosted: 19:24 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Black makes you look slim, that's why.

ScaredyCat wrote:
I thought the point was to be as seen as much as possible.


If drivers of other vehicles actually stopped at junctions and properly looked, and looked again, and didn't make rash judgement calls, there probably wouldn't be the need to ride your bike looking like a giant prize banana would there...!
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Last edited by Clanger on 19:28 - 23 May 2012; edited 1 time in total
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MattJ
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PostPosted: 19:25 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Because high-vis is gay.
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sidewinder
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PostPosted: 19:26 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Serious answer here Very Happy

Black goes with all colour bikes so is a high seller simples Thumbs Up
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dungbug
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Joined: 05 Feb 2012
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PostPosted: 19:49 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
I asked my CBT instructor whether it was better to wear bright coloured gear, his answer was along the lines of 'you could be wearing a f*cking banana costume,if the driver isn't looking it doesn't make any difference what you're wearing'. Laughing
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Rogerborg
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Joined: 26 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 19:53 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Re: Why is it all black? Reply with quote
ScaredyCat wrote:
Is there research or something that shows that it makes no difference or something like that?

There's very little compelling evidence that hi-vis helps in the real world.

Now, that's mostly down to the methodologies that have been used simply not having a meaningful comparison with a control group.

You'll hear a lot of "risk compensation", "it won't help because they don't look anyway" and "it breaks up outlines", along with pictures like this:
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnryQeRAJFY/T6Bt4qoVrlI/AAAAAAAAA6w/701E8tBNtd4/s400/camo2.jpg

But essentially it comes down to this:

Of course hi-vis helps some of the time. It's high bloody visibility.

But you will look like a spacker all of the time.

And because everything comes in black, there's a wider choice of clothing. Sometimes you even pay more for brighter colours, e.g. Caberg helmets.
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shereen
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PostPosted: 19:58 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
MattJ wrote:
Because high-vis is gay.

It is for the gheys indeed.
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Rogerborg
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PostPosted: 20:18 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
shereen wrote:
MattJ wrote:
Because high-vis is gay.

It is for the gheys indeed.

Oi, bring that sassy mouth over here and I'll show you otherwise. First I'll braid your hair until you're begging for mercy, then... OK, you may have a point. Shifty
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Teflon-Mike
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Joined: 01 Jun 2010
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PostPosted: 20:21 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Marlon Brando.... the old Biker films are all in black & white....

Seriousely, in the trade, BLACK SELLS.

Its iconography, and driving a convention. Cheap leather was died black becouse it covered low grade tanning. You need expensive tanning processes to get leather to take colour or white. & bikers in old days wanted 'Cheap', you didn't buy a bike becouse you were rich! If you had the money for such luxuary you bought a faster bike or got a car!

BASICALLY bikers are a pretty concervative bunch!

I was called an eLCie boy back in the 80's for having a RED leather jacket! 90's, now you wear multi-coloureds you are a 'Power-Ranger'....
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Jersum
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PostPosted: 21:42 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Sorta on topic but if they made a motorbike jacket and trousers that looked like a dinner jacket would you buy it?

I was thinking the other day how awesome it would look, I'd only wear it if it protected me if I came off though.
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Slacker24seve...
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PostPosted: 21:44 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Jersum wrote:
Sorta on topic but if they made a motorbike jacket and trousers that looked like a dinner jacket would you buy it?

I was thinking the other day how awesome it would look, I'd only wear it if it protected me if I came off though.


Your wish is my command:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2650/4531840620_ff26dbcb4b_z.jpg
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shereen
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PostPosted: 21:55 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Slacker24seven wrote:
Jersum wrote:
Sorta on topic but if they made a motorbike jacket and trousers that looked like a dinner jacket would you buy it?

I was thinking the other day how awesome it would look, I'd only wear it if it protected me if I came off though.


Your wish is my command:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2650/4531840620_ff26dbcb4b_z.jpg


How about a 1 piece leather spiderman suit?
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Jersum
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 03 Feb 2010
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PostPosted: 22:02 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Slacker24seven wrote:
Jersum wrote:
Sorta on topic but if they made a motorbike jacket and trousers that looked like a dinner jacket would you buy it?

I was thinking the other day how awesome it would look, I'd only wear it if it protected me if I came off though.


Your wish is my command:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2650/4531840620_ff26dbcb4b_z.jpg


I want one, NOW! Laughing
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Slacker24seve...
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PostPosted: 22:03 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
shereen wrote:


How about a 1 piece leather spiderman suit?


The penguin suit was a one off. I'm not a miracle worker Rolling Eyes
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Jersum
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Joined: 03 Feb 2010
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PostPosted: 22:05 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Slacker24seven wrote:


How about a 1 piece leather spiderman suit?


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/X-MEN-Motorcycle-Leather-Suit-2-pc-Racing-Suit-NEW-/260664702541?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Clothing&hash=item3cb0d3b64d

Is an X-men two piece good enough? Laughing Very Happy
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Slacker24seve...
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Joined: 10 May 2010
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PostPosted: 22:18 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Jersum wrote:
Slacker24seven wrote:


How about a 1 piece leather spiderman suit?


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/X-MEN-Motorcycle-Leather-Suit-2-pc-Racing-Suit-NEW-/260664702541?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Clothing&hash=item3cb0d3b64d

Is an X-men two piece good enough? Laughing Very Happy


That's hideous.
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dungbug
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Joined: 05 Feb 2012
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PostPosted: 22:25 - 23 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
[quote="shereen"]
Slacker24seven wrote:


How about a 1 piece leather spiderman suit?


Nope, found a Star Wars one though;

https://www.pocket-lint.com/news/43373/star-wars-stormtrooper-motorcycle-suit
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pinkyfloyd
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
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PostPosted: 07:32 - 24 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Iron Man

https://fashionablygeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/iron-man-motorcycle-suit-590x332.jpg?cb5e28

Batman
https://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/thegeekfiles/Batman-bikesuit2.jpg

Spiderman
https://www.leathernext.com/uploads/68.jpg

Tron:
https://us4.memecdn.com/Tron-Motorcycle-suit_c_44737.jpg

Cooler Tron one:
https://fashionablygeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Tron-Rinzler-costume-600x390.jpg?cb5e28

Cpt America:

https://www.supershowevents.com/super/suits-ud/UDsuit-CaptainAmerica.gif

Daredevil:

https://www.supershowevents.com/super/suits-ud/UDsuit-Daredevil.gif

Darth Maul
https://www.mightyinkcomics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Star-Wars-Darth-Maul-Movie-Replica-Cafe-Racer-Motorcycle-Jacket.jpg
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DrSnoosnoo
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PostPosted: 08:49 - 24 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
I want the X-Men - I've met Patrick Stewart so I think I deserve to be in the X-Men now
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recman
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Joined: 26 Mar 2012
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PostPosted: 09:35 - 24 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
Oh dear. Hand
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DrDonnyBrago
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Joined: 03 Jan 2010
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PostPosted: 09:48 - 24 May 2012    Post subject: Re: Why is it all black? Reply with quote
Rogerborg wrote:
Of course hi-vis helps some of the time. It's high bloody visibility.



And some of the time it could lead to your untimely demise...
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sidewinder
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PostPosted: 11:37 - 24 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
https://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m492/sidewinder11/_A116967-v2.jpg

Now imagine your riding down this road in a yellow high viz.You are now almost hidden from view Not good.Orange even pink high vis is better in my opinion. Thumbs Up
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map
Mr Calendar



Joined: 14 Jun 2004
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PostPosted: 12:06 - 24 May 2012    Post subject: Reply with quote
MattJ wrote:
Because high-vis is gay.

FWIW France have introduced a law where motorcyclist have to wear hi-viz.
UK France Bikers.com wrote:
...from 1st January 2013 to wear at least 125 cm2 of reflective clothing between the waist and the shoulders. Not only bikers who reside in France will be obliged to comply with this policy but also all those who visit France by motorbike/scooter. If you are caught not wearing the required reflective clothing, you will be liable for a fine of 68 euros payable on the spot and at least two points taken off your licence...


Regarding this I'm in the category that it is a sticking plaster over the symptoms not the cause. Far better to educate the car drivers to be more observant in the first place.


I have also noticed you don't get as many biker nods wearing hi-viz for some reason either. I know this as my daughter repaired an old reflective Sam Brown belt from the back of the garage and likes me to wear it to keep me safe Cool

sidewinder wrote:
...Orange even pink high vis is better in my opinion...
Have also found for some reason not wearing yellow people think you're a labourer or road mender going to/from work.

As to original topic I agree that black is the easiest to buy. Slimming too, some of us really need that Wink

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Rogerborg
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PostPosted: 12:46 - 24 May 2012    Post subject: Re: Why is it all black? Reply with quote
DonnyBrago wrote:
Rogerborg wrote:
Of course hi-vis helps some of the time. It's high bloody visibility.


And some of the time it could lead to your untimely demise...

If you want to invent edge case scenarios like aforepictured rapeseed fields, pull technobabble out of your arse, or just flat out assert it, gangsta style Folded arms then sure, there's no reasonable retort to such arguments.

Personally I choose to believe that it makes you more visible more often than it makes you less visible. Also, like a spacker. Wink

By the way, the Froggish legislation will mandate 150cm^2 of reflective material, since they're apparently obsessed with drunken pissheads in Citroens piling into drunken bikers lying in the middle of rural lanes at midnight.

Spelling out "Agincourt 1415" on your jacket using reflective tape should suffice. Thumbs Up
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Mr Calendar



Joined: 14 Jun 2004
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PostPosted: 13:06 - 24 May 2012    Post subject: Re: Why is it all black? Reply with quote
Rogerborg wrote:
...By the way, the Froggish legislation will mandate 150cm^2 of reflective material...Spelling out "Agincourt 1415" on your jacket using reflective tape should suffice. Thumbs Up

I like that. I think it's a business opportunity for someone Very Happy
What variants will there be for the rest of Europe? Wink
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