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Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 7:43 pm
by PCX150Rider
Figured I'd increase my chances of being able to ride well into retirement with this new reflective vest. It seems like a well made product according the promo video on Bike Bandit (see link)
http://www.bikebandit.com/riding-gear-a ... afety-vest

I should have it next week so I'll post an update on the quality and overall features. The yellow seems to pop visually compared to orange or red IMHO.

Since my new helmet (also due in next week) is Silver (no Hi Viz in my size) I thought it would be a good idea to get a Hi Viz vest or jacket. The vests are a lot cheaper than the jackets. So I'm optimistic this will fit easily over my riding jackets and thus save me the extra expense. I consider it an investment in longevity. . .. :geek:

I've been riding for years and never thought I'd see the day come where I felt I really did need to increase my visibility on the road by looking like a fireman or airport employee to insure a safe ride. I remember when the manufacturers started producing bikes that had the headlight come on automatically when you started the bike or scooter. It wasn't a choice anymore. . .it was an evolutionary change in attitude about highway safety. And those tiny little tail lights that you see on the old vintage bikes became a thing of the past. Big red "STOP NOW" brake lights started becoming the norm. And that was the point right? You'd think that would have been good enough. . . o_O

Well. . .I can't speak for anyone else but the traffic lately where I come from is morphing into some kind of pharmatechnopsychosocio menace. Two good eyes but they just can't see. . .light's on but nobody's home. . .call it what you like. And what's with all these people driving into buildings. Maybe they should paint the buildings yellow with reflective doors. :lol: 8)

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 7:46 pm
by Jge64
I bought a reflective vest that was a hassle after a while. Yeah I should put it on every time, but I didn't want to. So I bought a hi-via yellow helmet instead.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 7:49 pm
by chicaboo
That looks like a nice vest. You can also add reflective rim tape so your scoot has a more eye-catching profile, too.
I'm not sure if you can get reflective decorative pin-striping especially for the PCX, or if you have to go custom. But that's another thing.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:05 pm
by PCX150Rider
That looks like a nice vest. You can also add reflective rim tape so your scoot has a more eye-catching profile, too.
I'm not sure if you can get reflective decorative pin-striping especially for the PCX, or if you have to go custom. But that's another thing.
Yup. . .the reflective stickers (or tape) are a great idea.

I'll have to own the PCX for a couple of months to see what I think would look OK on it. I think it's more about where you put the reflective stickers than how many. . .

One of the local dealers in my area showed 3 White 2017 PCXs in stock on their web page but I dug a little deeper today and noticed that one of them is actually a Blue one. They evidently just copy and pasted the White image and weren't paying attention to the stock number description. I may opt for the Blue PCX but not sure yet. Have to see them in person. That being said I'll be looking into soft luggage for it in lieu of a top box and reflective piping would be a plus.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:11 pm
by GeorgeSK
My favorite cheapo China place has reflective tape: http://www.miniinthebox.com/5m-motorcyc ... rm=2.5.1.1

Doing a tasteful job would be the trick. Also, I'm not sure rim tape would do much. If headlights are shining on you from the side, the time to the t-bone is short. I have some for the back, but I'm still trying to figure out where to put it .

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:18 pm
by PCX150Rider
I bought a reflective vest that was a hassle after a while. Yeah I should put it on every time, but I didn't want to. So I bought a hi-via yellow helmet instead.
That's one of the concerns I had right off the bat. Since they were out of the Hi Viz yellow helmets in my size and they were on sale I decided to get a different color instead and think about a vest.

So I watched the video and the presenter showed how the manufacturer doesn't skimp on the adjustment straps and they allow ample flexibility offering the size ranges the way they do. Plus, it is one of the more expensive vests I saw and figured the quality should be OK. About $50 was what I anticipated spending but when I saw this one I was sold and was willing to pay more. I also added in a rain suit to put me over the top to get the free shipping. Needed one anyways because my old one disintegrated and a poncho may be OK on a horse but not on a motorcycle or scooter.

Not a bad rain suit according to reviews http://www.bikebandit.com/riding-gear-a ... -rain-suit

I'll post about that too after I get a chance to use it in downpour.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:47 pm
by PCX150Rider
Doing a tasteful job would be the trick. Also, I'm not sure rim tape would do much. If headlights are shining on you from the side, the time to the t-bone is short. I have some for the back, but I'm still trying to figure out where to put it .
I know what you mean. Call me crazy but I have "deer whistles" on everything I drive. . . even my 49cc scooter. They always seem to come from the side when they are in a hurry and as the commercial on TV says, "It's like they want to get hit". o_O

Maybe somebody should invent reflective "look-alike" money stickers . . .I'll bet those would be seen! :lol:

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:07 am
by Mel46
My wife and I have reflective vests, and we use to where them without the jackets on really hot days while riding. That ended when we had our accident. I chose to wear my full jacket that day, but my wife chose just to wear her reflective vest. She ended up with a broken shoulder. I walked away with nothing much more than some bruises. It is a great temptation to just wear the vest when it gets really hot outside, but vests don't protect the arms and shoulders. Keep that in mind when you choose what to wear while riding.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:22 am
by homie
I get tired of picking the bugs out of my Hi-Viz mesh jacket but it's totally worth it. The scooter just does not command the attention of other motorist like a thundering exhaust. Cagers forget you are there even if they have been running with you for blocks. I ride differently with scooter than street bike and choose different gear as well. Be seen in their peripherals is the best you can do.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 1:00 pm
by PCX150Rider
My wife and I have reflective vests, and we use to where them without the jackets on really hot days while riding. That ended when we had our accident. I chose to wear my full jacket that day, but my wife chose just to wear her reflective vest. She ended up with a broken shoulder. I walked away with nothing much more than some bruises. It is a great temptation to just wear the vest when it gets really hot outside, but vests don't protect the arms and shoulders. Keep that in mind when you choose what to wear while riding.
Sorry to hear your wife suffered a terrible injury. I know first hand how hot that Georgia weather can be. Been there. . .done that. When I visited the Atlanta Zoo the elephants were flapping their ears a lot to cool off. I think the heat index was 110 degrees F that day. The Orangutan was just catching some ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzssssss in his hammock and not moving much. I'd be tempted to ride with just the vest too. . . :(

Even coming out of a spill with minor injuries it still gets your attention doesn't it? Makes you ask yourself what should have I done differently?. . .or even could! :roll:

But I'll remember your advice and wear the vest over the riding gear. . .ATGATT. ;)

In some small way, and I know it may not be scientifically proven, I think that layers even in hot weather may overall keep you at a stable temperature as long as you don't move around too much and generate heat from within. . .in other words don't work up a sweat. Let the air flow remove the heat from the exterior surface. . .just keep moving. . .all the time. Try to choose routes where you won't get hung up in traffic tie ups or a lot of traffic lights. :geek:

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 1:16 pm
by PCX150Rider
I get tired of picking the bugs out of my Hi-Viz mesh jacket but it's totally worth it. The scooter just does not command the attention of other motorist like a thundering exhaust. Cagers forget you are there even if they have been running with you for blocks. I ride differently with scooter than street bike and choose different gear as well. Be seen in their peripherals is the best you can do.
It's a cultural thing in this country also in my opinion. In Europe or Asia or some other areas the "Scooter" or "Motorcycle" is such a common means of transportation that people instinctively know how to deal with it. That being said in emerging economies where there is a transition going on from animals or bicycles as transportation to motor operated vehicles it can be quite dangerous. The rules of the road aren't clearly established or adhered to and you can literally get killed if you aren't careful. o_O

Having the Genuine Roughhouse (maybe you've heard of them. . .they are importers from Chicago dealing with PGO/Taiwan and LML/India) for a few years has been a real eye opener for me as to the way I am perceived in traffic vs my motorcycles. With the motorcycles it's been "gator vision", anything that moves or doesn't look right in the picture is a potential threat. With the scooter it's been just plain bold lack of respect for my space on the road by some very, in my opinion, egotistical drivers or border line sociopaths. I especially like the ones who come up to the edge of a driveway or intersection with very late braking and decide to just roll through onto the boulevard like your "mass" doesn't justify their inconvenience to come to a complete stop and wait. :o

As far as the bugs in the mesh? I wonder if I hung it up off a tree branch next to my bird feeder once in while the birds would find it an additional food source and I could get it cleaned for free. :lol:

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 2:13 pm
by homie
PCX150Rider wrote:With the scooter it's been just plain bold lack of respect for my space on the road by some very, in my opinion, egotistical drivers or border line sociopaths. I especially like the ones who come up to the edge of a driveway or intersection with very late braking and decide to just roll through onto the boulevard like your "mass" doesn't justify their inconvenience to come to a complete stop and wait. :o :
The lack of respect concerning personal space for scooters is VERY obvious to me. It's not just cultural its geographical as well. We have well known biker gangs here in Illinois like the outlaws for example. Watching the history of Chicago biker gangs on youtube WILL certainly make any cager think twice about aggravating or knocking off a biker in this town. However since no such mentality rides a scooter, motorist have little concern they will find themselves on the wrong end of a gun.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 4:52 pm
by fish
Like this rider, I wear a black leather armored jacket (only color avail. in my size) in the summer for maxi-scoot highway rides....and wear this vest every outing over the black leather.
Purchased it from their website in the U.K. {equisafety}

Have had people tell me that it causes a double-take, because it is not truly a POLICE vest....just makes you think of one. Added checkered reflecting to my yellow helmet to continue the effect. (sure, only the really stupid drivers will be fooled - but then, they're the ones on the cell phones)
Also avail. on eBay and amazon. Image

Image

Fish

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:01 pm
by JohnL
Speaking of cultural "things", in Oz not many riders wear reflective vests. They are usually seen on learner riders (mandatory) and posties. Usual upper gear is black leather or mesh jackets. I don't know if it's because the sunlight is usually brighter in the Southern Hemisphere (except on a dirty winters day), or it's considered a bit wussy to wear one.

I admit to not wearing one but believe the close shaves I've had would still have happened if I had been wearing one. Most drivers are partially blind to motorcyclists regardless of clothing or lighting.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:07 pm
by fish
JohnL wrote:Speaking of cultural "things", in Oz not many riders wear reflective vests. They are usually seen on learner riders (mandatory) and posties. Usual upper gear is black leather or mesh jackets. I don't know if it's because the sunlight is usually brighter in the Southern Hemisphere (except on a dirty winters day), or it's considered a bit wussy to wear one.

I admit to not wearing one but believe the close shaves I've had would still have happened if I had been wearing one. Most drivers are partially blind to motorcyclists regardless of clothing or lighting.
It's the "wuss" thing.
A fellow can explain to the EMS tech. why he chose not to be a more visible wuss, on the drive to the E.R.
Makes a good ice-breaker for the ride.
Fish

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 7:21 pm
by PCX150Rider
The vest should be arriving tomorrow according to the tracker. . .will post my impression over the weekend. Have to try it out running with the "Bulls" first. :D

I noticed it does qualify to be used by Military Personnel because of it's features and clear pocket for ID presentation. 8)

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2017 1:18 am
by you you
PCX150Rider wrote:
Doing a tasteful job would be the trick. Also, I'm not sure rim tape would do much. If headlights are shining on you from the side, the time to the t-bone is short. I have some for the back, but I'm still trying to figure out where to put it .
I know what you mean. Call me crazy but I have "deer whistles" on everything I drive. . . even my 49cc scooter. They always seem to come from the side when they are in a hurry and as the commercial on TV says, "It's like they want to get hit". o_O

Maybe somebody should invent reflective "look-alike" money stickers . . .I'll bet those would be seen! :lol:

That's not such a daft idea :D

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2017 10:33 am
by PCX150Rider
The Olympia vest arrived this morning. . .

http://www.bikebandit.com/riding-gear-a ... afety-vest

First impression is: quality - excellent
fit - true to size
workmanship - excellent

Very bright Hi Viz yellow with great reflective surfaces. Package arrived in a large plastic bag with the usual product information, a new catalogue, and thank you. It even had a hanger!

The zipper is not a cheapo that looks like it will start losing teeth in a year. . .the adjustment straps or quite ample so if you aren't as fat as I am you can tighten it up more. That being said my concern about it fitting over my leather jacket was put to rest. It's worth it to pay a little more to get something that checks all the boxes.

Will be taking it out for a trial run today. . .very windy. It fits over all my riding jackets with no problem and I'm no lightweight. I was able to fit one of my AMA patches in the see through chest window pocket. It's also got a nice pocket for a cell phone or mobile device with a velcro flap to reduce the risk of it falling out.

Would I recommend or buy again? Absolutely. Don't need to take it for a ride to determine that. . .

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2017 2:44 pm
by PCX150Rider
Okay. . .just took it for a 50 mile jaunt in 20 MPH winds. The vest is great. . .bottom line. It didn't flap around. The zipper stayed secure. It didn't creep up my back or gut. Just plain worked. . .

I can put it on by just pulling it over my head like a T-shirt (before the helmet goes on) with ease. Works with my denim trucker jacket or leather motorcycle on. Don't even need to use the zipper.

IMHO anyone who buys one won't regret it.

Again, not the cheapest vest around but worth the price to me.

It could have just been plain luck but nobody challenged me at intersections and it seemed like cars in the oncoming lane were actually going out of their way to give me more room. Nobody was crawling my back either. It was a really pleasant ride. . .

Oh. . .and I saw a real old Fiat 500. Orange one. Had the antique plate on it. I never realized how small those things were. They stopped selling them here before I got out of High School.

Re: Reflective Vest for the Visually Impaired or Brain Dead

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2017 9:27 pm
by JohnL
I went to the trouble of looking at the website only to find they want $79.99 shipping to Oz.

In anyone's language that's a blatant ripoff! Obviously, they aren't selling them for anyone's health but their own. :x :x