The staple leather jacket is making a comeback in 2020, and there are many ways to wear leather to honor the timeless theme.
Whether you’re vying to ride a motorcycle or raring to try a new style, you can do both and have fun in the process. Mix a New Year’s resolution to start biking along with learning to pull off leather this 2020. Here’s some advice on how to get started as a biker, and how to continue to enjoy it into the new year.
START WITH SOME LESSONS
Before you check out the latest Harley, why not get your provisional and book some initial lessons to see if riding a bike is for you. There’ll be lessons in your local area and if you buy them at the start of the year, you might find they have a deal on if you bulk buy lessons, or even offer a free trial. You might have been lucky and already received them as a present (if not, start hinting for any upcoming birthdays or anniversaries). If you make it through the lessons, why not search ‘find out more about motorcycle test’ to find out about testing in your local area. Pass the test and your theory, and you’ll be ready to ride. Time to purchase that bike (and that leather jacket).
INVEST IN SOME LEATHERS
It’s time to become a full biker and pull off the leather style. Not only does leather look good, it has the added bonus of keeping you warm and protecting you from road rash. If you want to really embrace the leather, why not invest in a jacket – they’ll set you back from $500 upwards but in return, you’ll be safe and when paired with a pair of leathers you’ll be ready to ride. If you really want to splash out, why not go for a tailored leather jacket or the full set of leathers, Sons of Anarchy style.
BUY A BIKE
The moment has come, and it’s important to get it right and pick substance over style (at least a little bit) before you go and buy your Harley. Choosing the right bike for you as a novice is essential. You’ll need to consider whether you’ll be using your bike for short or long, on or off-road travel, if you need a for-fun cruiser, or if you’ll be using it for racing or sports in the future. Even the height of the seat might seem obvious, but getting the right sit for you will be essential for your comfort and enjoyment. Seek out some advice and read reviews before you go and purchase your new vehicle.
BE PREPARED
Now you’re ready to ride, have your bike, and can successfully wear leather, it’s time to get prepared. Check out Bikers Basics to get to grips with riding the road safely. Having a properly fitted helmet and gloves before you start riding can make your journey more comfortable and safe. If you really want to get to know your bike, it could also be worth investing in some basic upkeep and maintenance courses, just in case you need to do some repairs on the road. Once you’ve got to grips with the basics it’s time to get out there and start riding.
JOIN A CLUB (OR JUST MAKE SOME FRIENDS)
You don’t have to join the big bad bike clubs out there, with their clashes with law enforcement, but searching for local interest groups is the perfect way to get some advice from experts and also join a like-minded group of people that might think similarly to you. Groups arrange everything from motorbike day-trips to holidays, charity events to summer barbeques, so check out one near you, or why not start your own? At the very least, getting a group of two or three of you together is the perfect way to really make the most of your bike.
GO ON ADVENTURES
The best thing about biking is that you can travel light and fast across some of the most beautiful locations, on wide-open roads with nothing for miles except beautiful scenery, and you and your bike. The highest-rated routes include coastal highways, locations in or between National Parks, and River roads. Why not go with your new biking buddies and book a trip, or even just spend the day visiting somewhere new. You can even go global with fellow enthusiasts if you really want to ride across the world.
GO TO A BIKE RALLY
Biker rallies have existed for over 70 years, and there are huge biker conventions with whole towns greeting hundreds or thousands of their biker buddies for a week at a time. Be a part of the experience and see everything from racing to shows and attractions. If you want to see something spectacular, there are larger shows for you to enjoy, but if you aren’t a fan of the huge groups, there are younger less established shows you can still take part in.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Now you’ve been riding for a while, you might not be a novice anymore and want to share your wisdom and enjoyment with others. More established bikers have found hundreds of ways to do this, from blogging to launching their own biker-themed holidays. Motorcycle.com has been going since 1994 and has 25 years’ experience of sharing stories with its fellow rider. Everyone has their own favorite part of riding, whether it’s the style, the journey, or the people. Time to share yours with the world.
Let 2020 be your year of new adventures, new leathers, and a shiny new motorbike. There are so many ways to enjoy the biking journey, here’s hoping that this has created a road-map for you to get into the experience. If you’re a more established biker, why not share this with a friend or try to get them into the world of motorcycles.
