If you’ve recently decided to get into motorcycling, you’ll likely want to invest in the right gear. Decent riding gear will help to protect you from injury on the road if you are involved in an accident. It can also be important for improving comfort as you ride.
This guide details the types of gear that are worth investing in. If you’re a beginner rider, you’ll likely want to keep the costs low, while also ensuring that quality isn’t compromised. Below are a few ways in which you can do this.
Helmet
The most important item of motorcycle gear that you can buy is a helmet. A helmet can help to prevent injury to your head if you have an accident. Head injuries without a helmet can be fatal, so it’s worth buying a helmet.
Some helmets have a visor while others have an open face. A helmet with a visor can provide added safety to your head and will protect your face from rain, wind, sunburn and bugs.
It’s important that your motorcycle helmet is a good fit. You don’t want it to be dangerously loose, nor do you want it to be uncomfortably tight. Going somewhere to get your head measured could be beneficial.
You should try to shop for a mid-range helmet. The most expensive helmets aren’t necessarily safer, but may provide added comfort. Cheap helmets are likely to be less comfortable and perhaps less safe, but should still meet minimum legal safety standards (providing that you are buying one brand new).
Used helmets can be cheaper than new helmets, however there are safety concerns to consider with a used helmet. If it’s a very old helmet, it may not meet modern safety standards. Helmets are also designed to destroy themselves in a crash in order to dissipate energy away from the head – a used helmet that has previously had a knock may be damaged and not as safe.
Helmets aren’t mandatory in every state – it could be worth looking up motorcycle helmet laws by state to check. Regardless, wearing a helmet is the sensible thing to do if you want to stay safe on the road.
Gloves
When we fall, our instinct is often to put out our hands. Our hands are very fragile, which is why it’s advisable to wear gloves. On top of this, gloves can provide absorption from vibrations.
A decent pair of gloves should cover the whole hand and should be made from a thick leather or synthetic material. Thin leather gloves should be avoided as they will provide very little protection in an accident. Some gloves come with armor on the palms which can be useful for providing extra protection. You’ll find that gloves cost less than many other items of gear, however – as with helmets – you should avoid going too cheap so that quality isn’t compromised.
Boots
A pair of motorcycle boots are also recommended when riding a motorbike. Motorcycle boots can help to support the weight of the bike, preventing strain on the foot. They can also protect your feet from injury – particularly from twisting injuries that are common in riders that don’t wear boots.
When looking for a good pair of motorcycle boots, check that the ankle support is rigid and that there is good protection on the toes. Many motorcycle boots contain armor on the ankles and shins – this can provide added protection in an accident. As with all other gear, make sure that your boots are a good fit and fasten them up tightly so that there’s no risk of them flying off your feet. Fastenings include zips, buckles and laces – buckles tend to be the most practical.
Pants
A high quality pair of riding pants is also recommended for adding protection and comfort. Some people wear regular denim jeans, but these won’t provide any protection in an accident.
Instead, you’re best off opting for a pair of leather pants. Good quality riding pants will often include armor such as Kevlar panels on the hips and knees. Such pants may also have padding around the buttocks that will provide added comfort on long journeys. Make sure that pants aren’t too baggy or too tight.
Jacket
Finally, you should consider buying yourself a riding jacket. As with other gear, this will provide added safety, as well as helping to keep you comfortable.
Jackets can be made of leather or synthetic textiles. It’s worth buying a motorcycle specific jacket rather than wearing any leather jacket (most leather jackets today are exclusively for fashion purposes). The best jackets will have body armor to protect you in an accident.
Heat regulation and waterproofing is also important. A good jacket may have vents that help to provide cooling on a hot day while also containing added waterproof layers to stop you getting soaked in the rain. It’s possible to buy specific summer and winter jackets made for staying comfortable in different types of weather.
Other practical features to consider could include pockets (having places to store things is always useful) and reflectivity (if you’re driving at night, a reflective jacket could help to keep you safer).
Full body suits
There’s also the option of wearing a one-piece full body suit opposed to motorcycle pants and a jacket. Some of these suits can provide added protection and comfort. There are also suits on the market that allow you to wear normal clothes beneath (useful if you’re commuting to work).
There are suits designed for different types of weather including suits that offer thermal insulation and waterproofing in the winter and suits that provide ventilation in the summer. Many suits have armor for added protection. It’s important to find a suit that is the right fit – anything too tight will restrict movement, while anything too loose will flap in the wind. As with other items, make sure that any suit is good quality so that you know it will protect you in the event of an accident.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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