Leath neck brace for touring?

[mgdoc8307]

I have been riding for over 45 years and have logged 325,000 + miles. The years, miles, and good living have stressed my bone and joints to the max. I have had 4 back surg. two total hip replacements, right wrist arthroplasty and the left one is due anytime. Recently I saw an ad for the Leath neck brace and became very interested in wearing one to protect my neck in case of a mishap. Anybody wearing one now -comments as to use on the street and or long distance touring. I think this device is a "sleeper" and will be marketed heavily in the near future- just like helmets for snow skiing are so common now and almost never seen except in racing when I was skiing alot in the 80's.

[Phillo]

I have a similar situation, been riding since 1958 no broken bones or hip replacements apart from a back operation around 15 years ago which was a 110% success but given that at my age I am now getting into a certain amount of dirt / off road riding with the GS I have been giving quite a bit of thought to getting a Leatt brace and any comments and advice would be appreciated.

[rex akro]

I have been riding for over 45 years and have logged 325,000 + miles.

You haven't got the standard seat then !!!

[mgdoc8307]

No I have a custom leather saddle made by Rocky Mayer.

[ID.R1200R]

I have been using one for over a year now, and will not even ride around the corner to the local store without all my gear. I had read about this type of brace and after reading and talking with leath I had to have one, It is comfortable after you get it adjusted It to you You have full movement side to side and forward backwards I will recommend that all riders use this type of a brace

[Bodes]

I looked into this quite a bit. Friends who drive racing cars see the need for such a device as do many Enduro & XC riders.

I bought one specifically for my first track day, fearing the worst and looking for maximum protection. Couldn't get used to it and so didn't wear it on thre track day. Wore it on and off for a while eventually, abandoned it. They are a great concept and I can only hope I don't live to regret selling it.

Sounds stupid I guess but I never wear less than all the usual protection but I couldn't get used to the Leat and it was another fiddle when donning the gear and dismounting.

[bobw]

You haven't got the standard seat then !!!

[Caroanbill]

BMW now sell a neck brace / protector - couldn't find the link in their Aussie or US catalogues, but dealers here have it in stock.

[qgaex]

I have had 4 back surg. two total hip replacements, right wrist arthroplasty and the left one is due anytime.

Why does the picture of Darth Vader come up before my eyes?

Anyhow. Respect!

qgaex

P.S. Anyone ever thought to name us old riders as the ideal cohort for medical product testing?

[vodka]

Found this link on Australian Motorrad

http://www.motorcycles.bmw.com.au/commo ... tralia.pdf

Will it attract the chicks if I wear it around my waist?

[andyman99]

I purchased and regularly use a Leatt brace for commuting around southern California. I bought the brace back in early 2008, and have worn it religiously since. See http://www.leatt-brace.com. The device is reasonably comfortable, and fits on top of my leather jacket. Movement while turning my head is very slightly restricted, but I have gotten used to it.

But here's the kicker. In March 2009, I was lane splitting on the 10 freeway near downtown LA moving along at about 25 mph when I got side-swiped. The car to the left of me changed lanes into me and knocked me down. The R1200R fell on its left side, and I fell onto hard my back and left side and rolled a bit, banging my knees pretty good. My neck, though, was completely protected and I had absolutely no pains or strains in my neck. I'm convinced that the Leatt brace kept my head from whipping around.

I highly recommend this device!

[mgdoc8307]

I am a surgeon and have dealt with medical problems stemming from neck trauma for years. I am convinced that this device will save lives and help limit the number of paras and quads coming away from an accident. I have worn my Leath brace for two days and it is relatilvely unobtrusive to my ride-I will always use it from this point forward. I predict that devices such as this will become increasingly popular for street and tour riders in the very near future.

[Bodes]

Doc,

The anticipation about the benefits of the brace are the reason to wear them and I can't realistically imagine an argument against it. There are those naive heros who deride passive protection wear but they are, sadly, a vulnerable breed.

andyman 99 the lane splitting caper is predictably dangerous when you consider all the texting, phone talking, careless, selfish and just plain dumb - many times every day... Better late than dead on time.

[websterize]

From BMW's 2009 Rider Equipment catalog:

"In order to increase passive safety when motorcycling even further, BMW
Motorrad introduced a revolutionary neck protection system in 2007 which
provides very efficient protection from cervical spine injury while still being very
comfortable to wear.

As of 2009, a more economical version of this is available, the Neck Brace
System Function. The upper and lower section of this version are made of
fibre glass reinforced plastic (GRP).

This protective system in no way limits the motorcyclist’s freedom of movement
and significantly reduces the risk of injury to the cervical spine and collarbone.
The helmet is supported both laterally and longitudinally on the Neck Brace
system, thereby minimising the danger of over-stretching or compression of the
cervical spine.

The new basic version weighs around 800 grams: this is about 100 grams
heavier but the exemplary high level of safety provided is identical to that of the
top version made of carbon components which will be offered in future under
the name of Neck Brace System Carbon. The easy-care textile cover with foam
padding can be removed for washing.

The Neck Brace System Function can easily be adapted to the height and
stature of the rider and clothing in use. With two quick-release fasteners it is
easy to put on and is available in anthracite in the sizes S and L."

Didn't see anything on pricing. I'm guessing $500-$1,000 for the carbon model.

[xcell1600]

I just received the Leatt today. Very well made but can't get it to fit well over my Rukka gear.

Any suggestions before I return it?

[mgdoc8307]

Can wear the brace under the Rukka wear?

[xcell1600]

Interferes with neck, inflatable liner and outer zipper.