Crash Tested: When Visibility Fails, Gear Becomes Crucial
July 24, 2025
Some crashes happen in an instant, and this was one of them. What could have ended in a serious or even fatal injury turned into a survival story – thanks to the right motorcycle gear and a bit of luck.
A Hidden Part of the Turn and a Sudden Highside Fall
It happened early evening in New Jersey, around 5–6 PM. The rider was enjoying a spirited ride on a road he believed he knew. But approaching a blind corner at high speed – with an uphill, obstructive barriers, and a misleading lane layout – he suddenly found himself out of time and out of options.
When he finally saw the corner’s apex, it was already too late – panic set in. Instead of slowing down smoothly and leaning into the turn, instinct kicked in: he grabbed the front brake hard. The wheel locked up. What followed was a highside fall that launched him into an exit lane, while the bike slid off in another direction. He landed on flat grass – alone, but alive.
The Gear That Took the Impact
The crash happened at extremely high speed – over 160 km/h (100 mph) just before the impact. Yet, remarkably, the rider walked away. Not without injury – he suffered a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder and a hit to the knee – but it could have been much worse.
What helped reduce the damage? His Pando Moto KarlDo Slim jeans. These slim-fit men’s biker jeans are equipped with SAS-TEC TripleFlex CE Level 1 armor at the knees and hips, discreetly integrated for impact protection without sacrificing style. The jeans’ moisture-wicking COOLMAX® technology also helps regulate temperature, making this men’s motorcycle gear ideal for both short commutes and longer rides.The main impact hit his right knee and shoulder, but his Pando Moto men’s biker jeans absorbed and resisted enough to prevent road rash or skin injuries. The Pandomoto jeans, made from CORDURA® denim and designed for a slim yet functional fit, held up impressively during the slide.
A Lesson in Speed and Safety
Looking back on the accident, the rider feels grateful.
“High-speed crashes involve too many variables to predict the damage to yourself or the bike,” he says. “But I can definitely say I was lucky not to suffer permanent damage.”
His advice? Ride smart and wear your protective gear – especially on unfamiliar roads. Even the best visibility can be deceptive, and even the most experienced motorcycle riders can panic.
