This is really interesting. I've been contemplating a switch very shortly to partially fluorescent clothing and reflective decals (black bike), and possibly a more visible helmet too. This just further solidifies the case for being seen.

Main outcome measures:
Estimates of relative risk of motorcycle crash related injury and population attributable risk associated with conspicuity measures, including the use of reflective or fluorescent clothing, headlight operation, and colour of helmet, clothing, and motorcycle.

Results:
Crash related injuries occurred mainly in urban zones with 50 km/h speed limit (66%), during the day (63%), and in fine weather (72%). After adjustment for potential confounders, drivers wearing any reflective or fluorescent clothing had a 37% lower risk (multivariate odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.42 to 0.94) than other drivers. Compared with wearing a black helmet, use of a white helmet was associated with a 24% lower risk (multivariate odds ratio 0.76, 0.57 to 0.99). Self reported light coloured helmet versus dark coloured helmet was associated with a 19% lower risk. Three quarters of motorcycle riders had their headlight turned on during the day, and this was associated with a 27% lower risk (multivariate odds ratio 0.73, 0.53 to 1.00). No association occurred between risk and the frontal colour of drivers' clothing or motorcycle. If these odds ratios are unconfounded, the population attributable risks are 33% for wearing no reflective or fluorescent clothing, 18% for a non-white helmet, 11% for a dark coloured helmet, and 7% for no daytime headlight operation.

Conclusions:
Low conspicuity may increase the risk of motorcycle crash related injury. Increasing the use of reflective or fluorescent clothing, white or light coloured helmets, and daytime headlights are simple, cheap interventions that could considerably reduce motorcycle crash related injury and death.

Motorcycle rider conspicuity and crash related injury: case-control study

Thanks, Gabe, that's interesting.  In my opinion, it should be fairly obvious that brighter gear translates to better visibility and lower accident rates, not to mention fewer close calls.  I've been wearing a bright yellow helmet for years now and though I can't prove that it has helped, I strongly suspect that it has.  Your helmet is high and center and is the best place for a hi-viz color.

I have noticed a steady increase in the number of riders wearing bright colored jackets, which is good to see.  It also means that there are lots of options out there.  Go back, say, twenty years, and there were next to none.

Ian, precisely my thinking. I recently got several reflective large patches to custom stick on the panels (Ironically they are colored black but light up when lights shines at them).

For the visibility factor I've been planning a whole new setup.

Helmet - Scoripion EXO500 in Black & Fluorescent Green (same model as I currently have so the fit is the same, though might go with something else in more of a whole color instead of yellow striping).

Jacket - Tourmaster Transition Series 3 Jacket (high-visibility yelllow)

Hit-Air Airbag Vest - Yellow Reflective (Can wear on top of virtually any motorcycle jacket)

Alpin Drystar Pants - Black/Yellow

- Gabe

Some years after my mother died my niece saw her name on TV on one of those site listings for unclaimed money. It turned out to be an insurance policy we didn’t know about and we ended up with $900 apiece.

I thought, “what’s the most outrageous sensible thing I can buy”? So I bought a Schuberth C3 helmet in Day-Glo green to go with my Vision Day-Glo green vest. 

So I proudly wear them to a local charity event that drew 478 riders, 90% Harley riders, the rest on Jap cruisers, and not one sport bike in sight (I live in Harley/Chevy country). 

Now, I’ve been to hundreds of motorcycle events over the years where I’ve pulled into a parking lot jammed with bikers lounging around but never did I feel that every head in the lot turned simultaneously to look my way! It was freaky! 

Gerald Barrowman what do you ride?

Yermo, 
Currently I’m riding an ’85 Honda 450 Night Hawk since my ’85 Honda 500 Shadow’s CDI unit died for the second time. I’m looking for one since they’re no longer available new. I got an interesting email passed on to me about that. According to this email you can cut the CDI box open, identify the burned out diode and replace it?

I miss the Shadow, I think I know why but I’m not sure. I’ll call it the mechanical pulse feedback? 
I mean….I have a perfectly good ’83 GL 650 Silver Wing with all the accessories (2 seats, 2 trunks, hard side bags, essentially a my size Gold Wing that I should love and it sits there. Even the Night Hawk is not growing on me. I’m thinking the engine is too smooth, too refined, that’s not me for sure! 


Of course I have to tell you about the others that are either too tall, heavy or dirt oriented for me anymore. 


I still dream about lowering the ’90 R100GSPD and getting back on it. No complaints about that bike other than the bulk and seat height.


The ’81 Harley FLH….with the engine partly assembled because I told my wife I would sell it after I bought the GS…. is a milestone bike that will probably never get ridden or sold while I’m alive but I still think about making it beautiful again. 


Then there’s the ’86 KLR 600, the most fun bike ever…sitting there with dual sport tires and too tall to hold up anymore. A ’93 Yamaha XT225 Serow that just might be the last one standing when all I can handle is going around the block a few times.

However…. I drool over that 250 Honda CBR with the Respol graphics every time I go to the dealer.  I just may do that yet! 

That's quite a collection!

The '85 450 Nighthawk was my first street bike. Of all the bikes I've ever owned that one was the most popular with passengers. My sister had a similar model Shadow not too long after. Great bikes. 

Hold on to that R100GSPD. They are slowly becoming more popular again.

I've been eyeing the CBR myself as well. I understand Honda is bringing the 300 this year.