I'm not gonna tell you what you should do, you make your own choice. I WILL tell you about some of my experiences.... I used-ta ride in jeans and t-shirts; have a bit of rash on my left arm and knees from an "instantaneous" get-off in '86 or so. Happened so quick I still don't know what happened! Was wearing a helmet. Good bit of rash that I cleaned up myself (LOTS of neosporine!) Had another get-off (yea, young and dumb!) in '91 about 60+mph going round a cloverleaf ramp. Had JUST taken leather riding jacket off (hot day) 1min before crashing. Shoei saved my noggin! Left arm broken in numerous places, LOTS of rash! E.R. nurses seem to be sadists when it comes to cleaning road rash on MC riders. I think some of them get off on it! The treatment I received cleaning up the rash was more painful than the broken arm! I still have a nice friction tattoo from that (it doesn't tan well)! Riding is a choice we all make, and the gear we wear is also a choice. Did I enjoy riding without the gear? Yes. Would I do it now? NO!! I learned from my mistakes and misfortunes. Riding ATGATT does not make you immortal and may not save your life, but it does very frequently make a positive difference. Just as seat belts and air bags have made car crashes more survivable, MC gear makes MC crashes more survivable. I have a Tourmaster Transition II jacket I wear most of the time, FirstGear Mesh Tech for when it's hot. I think it's actually cooler to wear the mesh jacket then a T-shirt; the air flows right through it and I don't get a sun burn. Not to mention the bugs and crap.... Think about it, THEN decide!
