Motorcycle Addict | Michael Padway, Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Beat the Heat

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:39:30 -0500

Thermo Tec Heat Wrap for the ExhaustVictory Vision owners, like most big American V-twin owners, are well aware of the amount of heat that these bikes put out. Particularly in the summer, this can be a real bother.

In addition, the location of the rear cylinder exhaust pipe on the Vision is just behind the rider's leg. For me, at least, this means toasting my Kevlar riding gear. As a motorcycle lawyer, this is more of a problem than it sounds, because I need to appear in a suit. Wearing jeans on the bike means being able to change. Wearing a Motorport Ultra II means leaving the riding gear with the bike, and looking ready to go as I walk away.

The Vision simply won't work for me with this gear, because sooner or later the exhaust pipe cooks the riding gear.

This weekend I think I solved the problem, with the side benefit of a huge reduction in heat.

I bought a role of Thermo-Tec heat wrap, in black, with their attachment bands, and protective spray. It made a great half hour or less morning project.

FIrst, you remove the heat shields from the front part of the exhaust. (you can do the whole exhaust, but I didn't see any reason to go this far). If you haven't had these off, each shield is held on by a regular hose clamp. You should be able to see these, or at least easily find them. Undo the clamps all the way, and work the heat shields loose.

I forgot to wet the Thermo Tec, but this is part of the deal. Then simply wrap the exhaust, pulling tightly. When you have it in place, put the bands on, pull like heck to make them tight, and cut them off. I simply bent them back and forth until the ends broke off, which made a very neat job, ending as close as possible to the attachment part of the band.

At this point, the exhaust looks very cool and custom, and I absolutely would not have put the shields back on, except that the look was very different from the rest of the bike. And of course, I was trying to reduce the heat as much as possible. The shields went back on as easily as if I had done nothing.

The one shocker was that when I next rode the bike, I stopped at a stop sign, and it looked like my exhaust was on fire. Lots of smoke from the heat wrap, and stinky as well. Five minutes of riding, and this problem is pretty much over.

I have no temperature measurement, but I am certain the heat from that pipe is cut in half, or better. I was able to briefly touch the pipe within minutes of stopping after a half hour ride. I haven't put the Kevlar on the pipe yet, but I certainly would not expect a casual touch to do any damage. I doubt it will be necessary to do so, but if I have to do anything more, I will fit a small protective piece to keep the Kevlar off the pipe.

The only possible downside is that, if I trapped too much heat, it could damage the pipe. I doubt it, but we'll see. The Thermo-Tec is supposed to handle this issue.

All in all, a great improvement, and one I highly recommend.

New Boots

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:18:38 -0500

Alpinestar gets the nodDon't get me wrong, I love my old Gore Tex lined, comfortable BMW motorcycle boots. Easy to walk in, dry, easy (relatively) to get on & off.

However, times change, life goes on, and it was time to get some new ones.

I chose to go with Alpinestar, although I forget the model. [I'll try to do a follow up when they arrive].

It was an interesting exercise getting fitted for these, and making the decisions. I don't really need the little plastic piece that protects the outside front of the foot when dragging it on a track. That piece does come off if not wanted. Nonetheless, I ordered a pair of boots that had the piece, because the more protective Alpinestar models are not as wide as the more street oriented boots.

I didn't go with a full race boot, because they were simply too high and too massive for regular use. The model I chose is a little less obtrusive for regular use. On the other hand, the stiffness of this particular model will limit the distance I want to walk in them.

Ventilation looks good for a boot, with little plastic vents in various locations. In the summer, this can be critical. I don't fool myself into thinking they will stay cool, but the vents will help.

Lots of protective stuff everywhere. Should be good if necessary.

But most of all, this was a very comfortable model. It fit my foot well, had nice cushioning inside, somewhat held my arch, and no tight spots.

I look forward to a lot of years of use.

Helmets

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:38:41 -0400

No One Has All the AnswersElsewhere I pretty much repeated the post on the increase in motorcycle deaths in Northern California.

One thing I found interesting, is that the CHP did not provide statistics on whether or not there are more motorcycle accidents. In other words, are there more accidents, or more deaths without much increase in the number of accidents?

It seems like getting the answer to this question would be a simple first step in the quest for motorcycle safety.

Instead, the CHP reflexively is trying to link the increase to helmet use. This doesn't seem the most useful approach, since helmet use has been mandatory for years in California, and it doesn't seem like that is going to change.

I recently re-read some of the material available on the trade off between helmets that protect in lower impact accidents, and those that protect better in higher impact accidents. This is the harder shell v softer shell debate that finds European standards on the opposite side of the debate from US standards.

There is a huge study underway that is supposed to name names in the helmet industry. Europe again leads the way, with a study that is supposed to compare specific helmets.

Another issue that seems buried, is whether the deaths supposedly affected by helmet wear stem from any of the more obvious helmet differences. Are the deaths caused by fractured spine, maybe related to inadequate padding of the chin bar? Are the deaths related to shorty helmets? Where on the helmet are the impacts? What kinds of injuries do the riders have? Would different helmet material, maybe softer, make a difference? Are helmets even involved?

We simply must have some answers.