Congrats on your attitude towards this, 95% of your recovery will be attributed to this alone

I’m not a new rider. I’m 52. Always have worn a helmet, gloves, and jackets. I’ve never given much thought to what’s on my feet. Till now. I will be purchasing a set of riding boots. Thank you.

That is the most beautiful gear I have ever seen. It sacrificed itself to save your body. That Shoei helmet's chin bar saved your face. Had you been wearing a skull cap helmet, like some cruiser riders wear, your entire nose would be gone. That impact at the back of the helmet, looks like where the bike seems to have climbed on top of you, and pushed you down into the road, as you were skidding down the road at 80 miles per hour. Damn, this must have happened fast. The rear tire locked up and you got one single try to get it to slide right. And bang, the bike pitched you right over. Onto the road...onto your face and chest and the helmet ...and then the darn bike climbed up on top of your upper back and helmet .....and pushed your face into the road. That's about five hundred pounds trying to step on your head right there. That's why the front top chest area of your jacket is so burned. In every bike accident I have ever had, I try to move all over the place, to get off the asphalt I am grinding over. To try to spread the damage as I slow down. You never got that chance. The shoulder holes at the top of your riding jacket look like the bike was literally on top of your back and forcing your upper shoulders and your helmet down into the aspahlt. This location of the bike triple tree (potentially) into the back of your helmet also puts the spinning sprocket,chain and rear wheel, right on your boots. Thats why the boots got torn off. Thats why all the foot damage. That's an injury process I have never seen in a motorcycle accident. It's amazing that you look as great as you do. I was watching this video with you, using your relatively undamaged hands, and your working, unbroken arms, and talking through your relatively undamaged face, and you just sitting there going through the gear thinking... how... because you did the right thing.... there is so much left of you to live with. For the rest of your healthy.... gonna have a heck of alot more fun.... life. You did everything right as far as gear goes. I would have never been wearing all the stuff you wear wearing. People need to be honest here. Are you really going to be putting on knee high, essentially combat boots to ride? Those Carrharts are pretty heavy duty work boots, all things considered. And having the soft, movable leather was essential to work the gears and the brake lever with some sense of feel. But it's still leather. I would have probably been wearing a canvas type combat boot. No good for me in this kind of scenario. The physics of this accident were amazing to consider. The forces the bike applied to your back and helmet that kept you face down on the asphalt ...that long... are astonishing. Considering all of that, your choice of, and use of, the gear you were wearing that day, saved everything you have today. Anyone who thinks gear is a waste should see this video. And the awesome guy who made the video. He is here because he did make the right choices in his gear. Well done, Moto Giant.

Sir, if I would’ve passed you at a gas station in your full gear, I would’ve said there’s a guy that does a good job with his gear, especially it being summer, or the beginning of summer when you took the fall. I guess we all are learning that the devil is in the details. Grateful that you survived and you will walk. Thanks for sharing your journey. Can’t wait to celebrate those first steps with you. Keep up the good work!

I know lots of people will say im stupid, but being that I've been around, and riding motorcycles for about 40 years, I personally wont go even to the store without my full Alpinestar racing suit, and boots. Ive gone down, on the track and otherwise being hit at a stoplight by a car.. plus, Ive had 2 people die in my arms while trying to keep them alive, doing CPR, sweeping blood from their airways, and doing compressions while waiting for an ambulance. Last time was last year. Im glad youre alive! Be safe, be cautious, be safe, ride with a buddy, and remember Loud bikes save lives!

As a 40 year rider that also has been most of the gear most of time rider, I’ve opened my eyes after your accident and even in Tennessee Heat, I’ll be ATGATT from now on. Thanks for sharing and your positive attitude.

Wisdom comes with experience. You are planting seeds in people's minds. Good man!

That is why you lived. Tell your story to as many people as you can. You are blessed.

I don't know many people who could endure your experience and think about others instead of focusing on their woes. I'm 75 and have been riding forever and yet you have taught me much... I appreciate your generosity mate!

For almost 20 years I rode in work boots. Last year I saw some crash footage that made me reconsider my choice. I bought some good Alpinestars boots that have a lot of hard material in them to protect against crushes and broken ankles. At 47 years old I don’t heal as fast as I used to. I really appreciate this video. It’s great to see real world results of crashes and be able to look at a piece of gear and how well it performed. Thanks for turning a negative situation into a positive learning opportunity for all of us. I hope you heal up quickly.

As a 54 year old adventure rider...I ALWAYS wear full face helmet, heavy Dry rider jacket and pants with Armour, gloves with knuckle armour and cover my wrists. Motorcycle leather boots to my knees, the flexible motocross type. Always give yourself every chance in a crash. I live in Western Australia and it gets flamin' hot here...but I don't care. I Armour up to go to the corner shop! Great to see your recovery is on track...God bless Cobber! Marc

I ride in shorts t shirt no gloves but I swear by wearing a helmet and I wear sneakers what happened to you has made me think real hard about gearing up thank you brother for sharing your tragedy with us.

First and foremost thankfully you've survived a horrible ordeal and have had such a positive recovery. Secondly, thank you very much for being so generous as to share your experience and offer such an honest and balanced perspective with regard to riding and riding safety without being judgemental. Wishing you the strength and energy to make the best recovery possible considering your injuries. Look forward to more insight from you as you progress. Thoughts and well wishes from Canada.

Awesome video! First video I've seen of someone reviewing their gear after an accident.

Positive comments only 🙂 I like it 👍🏼

Thank you for doing this. I Immediately changed my gear. Thank you sir. 50 + years riding bikes here

Thank you for sharing. The day before your crash I rode to work in my work boots because I was fedup with all the gear changes. It takes me up to 15 minutes to get on the bike. Well it was just this one time and I'm shopping for even better stronger riding boots.

I have been motorcycle licensed for 47 years, thank you for this and your other videos meant to help other riders. There are only two kinds of riders, those that have been down, and those that will go down. I too have suffered an accident at 80 mph about 40 years ago, mostly road rash and an unfortunate back injury - but I still count my blessings. Going down changed my view on my riding gear, I was underdressed then - and now I don't care how hot it is, I'll suit up fully. Yes to proper riding boots; many years ago I saw an E.R. doctor explaining that a lot of motorcycle foot injuries could have been avoided with proper riding boots. God speed for your recovery.

The gear did it's job and one can only imagine if you had been in shorrts and sneakers. I put on all my gear like a medieval knight donning armour to go into battle. Some days it really is a battle. Thanks for sharing. Here's to your continued healing.

What a great PSA Don. Even with all that you've been through, you are still educating. This just shows the type of man you are. We love ya brother.

In the States Im guilty of tennis shoes on my Harley. Here in Vietnam everyone rides in sandals, but out motorcycles are smaller and speeds a lot slower. Most injuries here are lack of quality helmets. Good luck in your recovery. Thanks for sharing your experience

I'm a 63 yr oild rider that's ridden most of my life......I never gave much thought to boots until this. I ride a huge '97 Valkyrie with soft bags. After seeing what happened to your feet with HARD bags I can only imagine what it would've been like with soft or no bags......I just purchased a set of Milwaukee Leather high calf engineer boots and am thinking pretty hard about chaps as well.......That Valkyrie with soft bags would hamburger my whole leg.......I have a 16 yr old son that I just introduced to bike riding last year.....I'm making sure he follows EVERY one of your videos so he can take something from them. Thanks for doing this. And I have to say you're a helluva lot more upbeat than I would be. You're an inspiration.

All the gear. All the time. Thank you Don. See you soon mate.

You definitely speak with authority when talking about motorcycle gear.

Thank you for continuing to update us on your journey. It's very informative to see the results of the gear you were wearing. Most of it did a pretty good job especially at 80mph. Heal up quickly my friend and I will be following your recovery with KZfaq.

Sir you have earned the right to speak anyway you choose ! Don't waste time defending your position ! Keep speaking truth to power ! I'm listening !!!

Glad to see your doing good and your attitude through your whole ordeal has been incredible.

My changes to gear; I think I’m gonna start wearing a light leather shirt (warmer weather) or thick leather jacket (cold) over my RevIt/Scorpion padded jackets, for slide protection, and to help keep the pads in place. I’m gonna keep my Gaerne trials boots for street, but get some Gaerne motocross boots (with more ankle protection). Ditching my modular for a full face. Keeping my hard cases on; they have saved my leg on a couple occasions. Thanks, Don. This was a great video and hopefully will inspire others to protect their ASSets.

Thank you so much for sharing this. Takes a person with a huge heart and courage to do this. I wish you all the best in your recovery. Take care of yourself and get back out there man.

I am glad you are recovering so well. Lots if things to consider with gear. Thanks for posting.

Thank you for sharing. I am wearing airbag vest and would recommend it.

That was a good presentation. I agree that it is up to every rider to decide for themselves. I would add that I believe the speeds we ride should have a bearing on the gear we choose. Here is a story from my youth. A friend highsided on the highway from a speed wobble wearing a tee shirt and jeans. He landed on his front, spread eagled and slid down the concrete. He lost some skin on his palms and knees but his worst injury was the 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his stomach from his big cowboy belt buckle. It was throwing a shower of sparks as he slid and got red hot. All in all he was lucky. Speedy healing.

I still cannot get over how brave you are with all of this. But I know it hasn't been easy. So thank you for taking the time here. Those laces... that's interesting. I see many more motorcycle boots with laces these days. My older son says, 'Don't trust them.' And now I know why. And for that matter, the boot coming off your right foot could happen on any low-cut boot - motorcycle boot or not.

Thank you for the good advice,hope you heal quickly

Thanks for this review, makes you see need to wear your gear. I'm amazed at the great attitude after that bad of crash. Speedy recovery

I think you did well under the circumstances because without the gear your body would have ripped open like a tin of beans and your loved ones would have been greaving right now. So glad you survived even with your massive injury. Stay well And your recovery seems to be going well in such a short time. Still got a way to go but I know you will get there because of your mental strength and you have used this to educate me. So for that I will be forever grateful. Best wishes for you always from here in the uk 🇬🇧 ely

Really appreciate this series of videos that you've done. You came out really well considering the speed. At that speed even if you were wrapped in fire retardant Kevlar bubble wrap, if a semi was on your 6 you wouldn't be here. This accident could have happened to anyone of us, and gear while extremely helpful, as you've shown, has limitations. I appreciate your honesty and your positive attitude in this series! How you are handling this, is just as, if not more, informative than the crash itself. You are doing an awesome job!

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Especially the outcome of that happened to you and your gear. Glad you're ok

Thank you for sharing and reviewing what worked and didn't. Glad to hear you plan on purchasing gear and getting out there again looking forward to those stories.

Thank God you had on what you did! There may be something always better, but you're alive! Great video!

I been watching your journey since the accident and I commend you for sharing your struggles and wisdom. Thanks for reviewing how your gear provided protection. I’m reconsidering my choices of footwear and gloves. Motocross-style gauntlet gloves and exoskeleton boots would probably provide the best protection against a crash. I’m in just south of you in Florida, and heat/dehydration is a factor for me. Thanks for sharing. I wish you a speedy recovery and healthy pain free days ahead.

Great video! I appreciate you sharing your experience. I’m making some riding gear decisions this week, thank you.

Thanks for sharing your accident, recovery & other info . Very eye opening & helpful. Hopefully you’re recovering well & back riding soon .

Thanks, this how we learn to make better choices. Speedy recovery!

I have size 17 feet, only real boots that I can buy to fit are size 16 A.S. Tech 3s, so I usually just wear my timberlands … until I saw your hospital video a couple weeks ago. Because of you I wear the too tight alpinestars now. You are helping others

Thank you for all the honesty! Glad you survived! And YES ,I am re evaluating my riding gear

Don ..... Your gonna get through this. !!!! Stay upbeat and know that all your viewers are praying for a fast recovery and smooth transition. This type of video, got a lot of people thinking about the way they were geared up. You are helping other riders even in your current situation. My wife and I have prayed for you daily, since your accident and will continue to do so. Bless You Brother !!!!

Thank you for going through your gear; very important for all riders!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Wishing you a speedy recovery my friend.

Continued recovery my friend. Hope that there will be a way to ride again minus the footsy! Thank you for posting your recovery and the circumstances of the accident.

This is a REAL service to the rest of us. THANK YOU!

Great video Giant. Amazed you turned out alive! 25 years ago I took and passed an Advanced Accident Investigation Class. The very extreme small amount of distance and speed it takes to completely eliminate leather and denim like material is shocking. But, I’m talking to Noah about the Flood on your site. I would like to see some videos from you that investigate coefficient of friction of asphalt , gravel vs. dirt. Etc. I found the information devastating. Very Good to see you healthy

Upgrading my boots today! Thank you for the analysis of your gear after your crash.

Glad you're OK Mate and hope you make a full recovery. Thanks for your advice and assistance 👍.

Thank you so much for sharing your ordeal and what you’ve learned. I know it’s not easy to expose to the world our mistakes and shortcomings. What you did is what a real man does! God Bless you! 🙏🏻

I'm very pleased to hear you say that you'll be buying another Shoei. Good on you mate - that's the spirit! All the very best from down under.

I learned that I am selling my Harley, I am getting older and I don't need a super heavy bike. Speedy recovery to you. Thanks for sharing.

Glad you’re recovering nicely. Your positive attitude is uplifting. This just reinforces all of my beliefs in proper gear. If this doesn’t convince someone, nothing will.

I’m so glad you are putting out these videos, and bringing the awareness. You deserve more subs, and I hope to see you continue doing what you’re doing, and to keep on keeping on. I have full gear and I wear it. I have riding shoes and riding boots, but I been wearing my boots more now since your accident. Personally, I don’t even go fast anymore. I got the speed demon out of my system in my 20’s with the crotch rockets and al the ridiculous HP. I truly don’t know how I made it through that part of my life. I actually hung it up for about 20 years because I knew that I wanted to live a little longer, but I knew that some day I would be back. And here I am, back on a bike, but I just don’t go fast, and I try to avoid interstates at all cost. I only ride a 300 anyway, but that was the plan. My days on the big bikes are forever gone. And I got by on a wing and a prayer, and the skin on my teeth. Dirt is my passion these days anyway.

Kudos on your great attitude and positivity. Undoubtedly a big part of your healing journey. Thanks for sharing your experience, and I hope it helps others.

Thanks for sharing this! I wore redwing workboots similar to those carhartts for 12 years until last year when I got some tcx riding shoes. Still over ankle but that's it. Makes me wonder if I should ditch them already and go to a mid calf as uncomfortable as that sounds. I will definitely be buying proper motorcycle pants very soon and be seriously looking at other boots entirely because of your experience. Know that your experience will likely save me in the future. Been ignoring warnings for over a decade of riding. Now I'm actually seriously planning for full gear. I'm glad you are doing well and already talking about riding again in the future. It's incredible to hear you in good spirits

Thank you for your honest report on your accident I'm a all the gear all the time but you reinforced that Glad you are doing better and a speedy recovery

Great video, I'll admit I don't always wear proper gear, but this is making me think about my decision. I'm glad to see you're healing up. I wish you a speedy recovery.

I will definitely spend a few extra minutes strapping my gear down from now on. Thanks for the valuable lesson at your expense. I wish you all the best with your recovery.

Hi Mate, been watching you since the first hospital episode, great to see your positive attitude. Me and the wife started dressing casually for local rides but thankfully watching your channel has opened our eyes, so its Boots and armoured gear every ride now. Stay positive, your an inspiration to all who watch. 👍

Thanks for sharing man. Videos like this can help a lot out there! Great attitude also.

Thank you for your humility and advice. I have always thought that a smart man learns from their mistakes but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. Thank you for your help, you may have saved lives with this video!

You have a great attitude considering everything that happened. God bless, hope you recover quickly and get back out there soon.

Thanks so much for sharing. Best of luck with the recovery - you’re sounding good and positive. As others stated you can see something fall of the bike as the camera view pans back from you to the road.

Glad you survived! 💯 You will heal in time, just a new chapter, and with some new improved hardware now. It’s unfortunate, but you’ll carry on for the good!

@Moto Giant......Positive vibes your way my brother. Thank you for taking the time to share your gear with us.

I need to rethink my riding gear. Thanks for doing these videos.

Before today, I had not seen the content of your channel. This video was recommended by the KZfaq algorithm, and I am glad that it was. I watched this particular video, and then your playlist from the hospital. I am glad to see that you are otherwise alive and well, and I thank you for sharing your experience with the world. I am mostly ATGATT when I ride my cruiser, with an Alpinestars leather jacket, Alpinestars gloves, steel toed boots, and a modular helmet. But there are times I get lazy and decide to forego the jacket on a very hot day - that won't happen again. I am also going to ensure the boots I wear will actually protect my feet. I do not yet have riding jeans, but they will be on order this week. Above all else, how you documented your experience inspired me to be a safer rider. I think we all get complacent when we have become too comfortable with our environment, and I feel that I may be walking that line. Your videos have woken me up. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I am glad to see that you are alive and well. You have a new subscriber.

Good video, Don. I’m glad to see your spirits are up and thanks for sharing the wisdom. I am becoming more and more ATTGATT rider because of your experience. I agree with the comment that that is some good looking gear!!

Thanks so much for the info, your review has me doing some serious thinking!

Thank you! It is really helpful to understand how gear holds up when it matters most. I have taken my pads out of my Klim Baja Mesh summer suit. I will be putting all the pads back in. Stay Safe!!!!

Brother first off thank you for posting this video. It definitely sheds light on proper gear what works and what could be better. I got hit 12 years ago thank a higher power I was in my chaps, leather jacket and a vest but I left one small detail out! A helmet where I smacked my head on the pavement. My saving grace was a knot on my bandana from my skull getting crushed since then I wear a modular helmet. It was cold out and just glad I had on alot of leather. One thing that did not protect me was my boot choice leather square toe riding boots that slip on. Now I wear my combat boots and I'm just not sure if that would make a difference or not and I hope to never find out. Look forward to your recovery and more insight into what actually happened when you are ready. Take care man..

Glad you made it through. Thank you for the information.

I appreciate this video. Thanks for an honest and helpful video that really makes me think about what kind of gear I’m Wearing ( or lack there of ) …I wish you the best on your recovery And healing !!🙏🏼

Thanks for sharing your valuable insight to help others!!

Thanks for sharing, I really appreciate it. I’m a novice rider, you’ve certainly taught me some real lessons. Keep on keeping on. ✌️

Love the content, I bought my first bike 6 weeks ago and have been getting into motocamping and adventure riding. That being said, I will no longer be wearing my hiking boots when I ride, I bought some reasonable Tourmaster street boots yesterday. Next up is a better jacket and some riding pants. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, this has been a very sobering and educational series of videos.

Youre a good man. . . glad you are alive and recovering. Crazy stuff.

Thanks for showing all that stuff. It very educational. Your honesty is great. Doesn't matter how good your gear is if you don't wear it. Hope you heal up soon!

Thank you for sharing. In the summer time in Florida must people ride with far less gear. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. A speedy recovery to you.

Thanks so much for posting this information. Your positive attitude is really inspiring. Keep posting please.

I'm just thankful you are still around!

Thank you for sharing your experience and showing what the gear looked like afterwards. I always wear full gear but after watching this video I am even more conscious also how I wear the gear.

I'm sure you're crash and these videos will prevent a lot of pain and suffering. Thanks for putting everything out here.

Sorry about your crash and yes it does make me re-evaluate my gear. Thank you for your valuable share of insight from experience.

Thank you for this. I wear my gear most of the time. I am now actively evaluating most of the time vs all of the time.

Heal well and thank you for your honesty

We appreciate you buddy, hoping for a speedy recovery.

Great timing for this video. I have been thinking about how protective my gear is this past week, and with the increasingly hotter summer weather, about buying a more minimalist set of gear. I've always been an ATGATT guy, but was beginning to become complacent and had 'minimalist gear thoughts' dominating my ear. Not any more. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. The approach you took was very impactful; rather than preaching. Major thanks and best wishes toward your recovery. 😇

Appreciate you sharing everything.

Thank you for letting me learn from your mistake. I’m definitely upping my gear.

Thanks for the after action review. Glad to see your doing better!

That was an eye-opening video. Definitely will be evaluating my gear. Especially the boots.

Wow! I’ll buy a set of motorcycle boots from now! This video will save tons of lives! Thanks a lot and God bless you!

Thank you for this gear review. I found it interesting and helpful! My gear has saved me from serious injury but I"m reconsidering my choice of pants after watching this.