I also go out on my dinner break..tonite i almost didnt put on any gear before going out because of the hassle...but i figured with my luck..the one time i dont wear it will be the one time i go down or someone puts me down so im forcing my self to wear full gear every single time i ride...i figure ill get faster putting it on and taking it off over time and get used to doing it so it doesnt bother me as much
Welcome to the real world!
Don't let the ATGATT mantra put you on a guilt trip about not getting togged up. Sure gear gives some protection in the event of an accident, but for a motorcycle to be a practical form of transport you have to be a bit pragmatic in your approach to gear........... and the way you ride.
Obviously a motorcycle racer is in a situation where there is a high risk of a of an accident at high speed. Racers are taking their bike to the limit. They take risks and slide their knees as they corner but they do not have the risk of collision with a ton or two of steel. Most accidents result in skidding along the track. Racers dress with that in mind.
Weekend scratchers who like to explore the performance of their machine through twisties should expect an off. Appropriate gear, not much different from what a racer wears is a good idea. It will help if they drop their bike, but they can still expect to break a bone if they smash into Farmer Brown driving his pick-up or tractor.
Highway travel involves relatively high speed, and sometimes quite long journeys, but only the rash take their bikes to the limit of performance and handling. Motorcyclists need comfortable gear to protect against the elements, that also offers some protection in the case of an accident.
And so I could go on. There is gear appropriate to different riding conditions, and different levels of risk.
For many, probably most, motorcyclists in The West motorcycling is a hobby or a lifestyle choice. For some it is practical transport, but even then there is often a Chevy Suburban or something in the garage too. It is different for many of the "international members of the forum", as someone somewhat patronisingly described us.
Where I live now motorcycles are a practical form of everyday transport for the masses. There are over 250,000, mostly small machines, registered in Phuket compared to a bit over 70,000 cars. Most motorcycle journeys are quite short, and speeds seldom exceed 70 km/h (45 mph) mostly a lot less, albeit in fairly indisciplined traffic. The climate is hot, with daytime temperature usually well over 30C° (86Fº). Gear usually extends to an open face helmet (and often not even that). Pulling on a heap of clobber is not practical.
For me here, it is just a helmet and sturdy sandals. At home in NZ, on the road, I throw on a leather jacket and mittens, boots of some description and an open face helmet, but that is usually back roads, not highways. I seldom exceed 90 km/h (55 mph).
There are the daredevils who think they are bulletproof, many of whom do become statistics (which are high). However most here in Phuket realise that they are vulnerable, so ride fairly cautiously. They accept the odd graze, and that there is some risk of a more serious accident, but frankly among the people I work with it is rare.
I am not saying that accidents happen to others; they can happen to anyone, but it is true that some people have more than others..... ever stopped to think why?
Therein lies my point. It is all about risk management. Gear is the last line of defence if it does all go wrong. On the road, ride well within your own, and your bike's limits, and be well aware of what is going on around you, and you can minimise the risk.
Yes, I know that many motorcycle accidents are caused by others, but by being aware you can avoid many of those.
All The Gear All The Time is fine sounding nonsense.
When motorcycles are used as practical transport a more pragmatic approach is needed. Wear appropriate gear for the situation.
