Spine Protectors - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

2doubledeuces2 · 04-21-2006, 08:20 AM

I'm relatively new to this whole thing but I'm looking into the gear I want to invest in. At some point (not any time soon since I still need to get miles under my belt) I will be commuting to work on the highway (average speed for the evening commuters ~65+ mph). I know typically racers use these, but I know even if I'm not racing on my way home...the other drivers on the road probably are. I was wondering what people's thoughts/experiences with spine protectors or "turtlebacks" were. Also keep in mind I have a very small frame so properly fitting gear is harder to come by.

chrisan · 04-22-2006, 12:10 PM

any spine protector is better than no protector. Just go to a dealership and try some. The more you spend the better it will be. My personal choise is "Knox" but you can't go wrong with "Dianeese" eather. Talk to the dealer or make research.

**Freakinout** · 04-22-2006, 06:39 PM

A spine protector will do just that. Most jackets have little to no padding for the back, especially not to the extent of the spine protectors. Find one that fits and is comfy enough, and wear it.

chrisan · 04-23-2006, 01:47 AM

when you buy it make shure that the straps are comfortable under the jacket while sitting on your bike. Also that there are enough straps to go aound your shoulders for better fit. There are some racing types protectors with only waist strap desighned to fit under tight one-piece siut, you maybe don't want those.

**inspiron** · 04-23-2006, 03:54 PM

I've got a combination spine protector and kidney belt from Rukka. The spine protector is a grid of rubber, so there is plenty of air flow, but it should spread the pressure of any impact across my whole back (reducing the risk of my spine breaking at a single point). The turtle-shell protectors (Dainese, etc.) are also good, but don't offer as much air flow (meaning you'll sweat more under them). The "camelbacks" worn by racers are probably not much use on the streets - they are designed to prevent the neck from snapping backwards, but won't really protect the lower back much.

2doubledeuces2 · 04-24-2006, 05:41 AM

Thanks eveyone for the replies! It helps to tips from people that have used them.

dragbar · 04-24-2006, 10:38 AM

I have no advice on protectors..but any city where you can go trout fishing and still see 3 rivers stadium is a +.

04-21-2006, 08:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
2doubledeuces2 Newbie Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 6	Spine Protectors I'm relatively new to this whole thing but I'm looking into the gear I want to invest in. At some point (not any time soon since I still need to get miles under my belt) I will be commuting to work on the highway (average speed for the evening commuters ~65+ mph). I know typically racers use these, but I know even if I'm not racing on my way home...the other drivers on the road probably are. I was wondering what people's thoughts/experiences with spine protectors or "turtlebacks" were. Also keep in mind I have a very small frame so properly fitting gear is harder to come by.

04-22-2006, 12:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
chrisan Found second gear by accident Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: suzuki bandit 400/ gsxr 600 k4/ gsxr 750 k7 Location: L.A. Posts: 340	any spine protector is better than no protector. Just go to a dealership and try some. The more you spend the better it will be. My personal choise is "Knox" but you can't go wrong with "Dianeese" eather. Talk to the dealer or make research. __________________ gsxr 600 k4 yellow gsxr 750 k7 silver Last edited by chrisan; 04-23-2006 at 01:44 AM.

04-22-2006, 06:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
Freakinout Tire Eating Moderator Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: 2001 Suzuki TL1000S Location: Texas Posts: 2,611	A spine protector will do just that. Most jackets have little to no padding for the back, especially not to the extent of the spine protectors. Find one that fits and is comfy enough, and wear it. __________________ Freakinout

04-23-2006, 01:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
chrisan Found second gear by accident Joined: Aug 2004 Bike: suzuki bandit 400/ gsxr 600 k4/ gsxr 750 k7 Location: L.A. Posts: 340	when you buy it make shure that the straps are comfortable under the jacket while sitting on your bike. Also that there are enough straps to go aound your shoulders for better fit. There are some racing types protectors with only waist strap desighned to fit under tight one-piece siut, you maybe don't want those. __________________ gsxr 600 k4 yellow gsxr 750 k7 silver

04-23-2006, 03:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 11,947	I've got a combination spine protector and kidney belt from Rukka. The spine protector is a grid of rubber, so there is plenty of air flow, but it should spread the pressure of any impact across my whole back (reducing the risk of my spine breaking at a single point). The turtle-shell protectors (Dainese, etc.) are also good, but don't offer as much air flow (meaning you'll sweat more under them). The "camelbacks" worn by racers are probably not much use on the streets - they are designed to prevent the neck from snapping backwards, but won't really protect the lower back much. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

04-24-2006, 05:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
2doubledeuces2 Newbie Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 6	Thanks eveyone for the replies! It helps to tips from people that have used them.

04-24-2006, 10:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
dragbar Fifth gear streak Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50 Location: SE Missouri Posts: 1,375	I have no advice on protectors..but any city where you can go trout fishing and still see 3 rivers stadium is a +. __________________ I ate Chinese last night..........should of seen her struggle when i put her in the van. Доверя́й, но проверя́й.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
fairing protectors?	4 doorz	Sportbikes & Sport-tourers	5	09-30-2004 10:59 AM
Fairing Protectors?	NeoR6	Sportbikes & Sport-tourers	17	06-07-2004 07:42 PM