Essential Gear for Safe & Fun Motorcycling
Gear Guide for having fun and staying safe on a motorcycle.
Motorcycling is an exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of speed with the freedom of the open road. However, it also comes with its own set of risks. Ensuring your safety while riding should always be a top priority, and having the right gear can make a significant difference. In this blog, we'll discuss the essential gear every motorcyclist should have for a safe and comfortable ride.
1. Helmet
Why It's Essential:
A helmet is the most critical piece of safety equipment for any motorcyclist. It protects your head in the event of an accident, significantly reducing the risk of severe injury or death. And in most states it’s a legal requirement. Don’t be a dummy wear a helmet.
What to Look For:
Certification: Ensure the helmet meets safety standards like DOT, ECE, or Snell.
Fit: The helmet should fit snugly but comfortably, with no pressure points.
Type: Full-face helmets offer the most protection, while modular and open-face helmets provide varying levels of coverage.
A great resource for help determining the protective quality of helmets is the UK “SHARP” system. It can be found HERE.
Some of my top preferred helmet brands are AGV, SHOEI, and ARAI.
The typical price ranges from quality to feature standpoints are such. Under $200 is typically an entry-level. From $200-$450 is low mid range. $450-$800 is high mid-range. $800 and above can be considered very dedicated.
2. Riding Jacket
Why It's Essential:
A good riding jacket protects your upper body from injuries in case of a fall. It also offers protection against the elements, keeping you warm and dry.
What to Look For:
Material: Leather is durable and offers excellent protection, while textile jackets are lighter and often waterproof.
Armor: Look for jackets with built-in armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back. Usually, higher-end jackets will not come with back armor. The reason is it’s expected that you will add your own armor fitted to your specific size.
Fit: The fit on most jackets should not be loose fitting. When it comes to new leather jackets they should fit on the tight side, similar to like a hug. Leather jackets tend to stretch when broken in over time. However, textile jackets need to fit from the start. They do not stretch but tend to get softer or more flexible.
Visibility: Opt for jackets with reflective elements for better visibility at night.
3. Gloves
Why It's Essential:
Gloves protect your hands from abrasions, impact, and the elements. They also provide a better grip on the handlebars.
What to Look For:
Material: Leather or textile gloves with reinforced palms and knuckles.
Fit: They should fit snugly without restricting movement.
Fit Tip: when trying on gloves an ideal amount of space between 1/4 -1/8 inch. This length allows your fingers to wrap around the grips without pressing on the tips of your fingers causing pain and discomfort.
Seasonality: Consider different gloves for summer and winter riding.
4. Riding Pants
Why It's Essential:
Regular jeans won't protect you adequately in a crash. Riding pants are designed to offer superior protection and comfort.
What to Look For:
Material: Leather or abrasion-resistant textiles like Kevlar.
Armor: Ensure the pants have knee and hip protectors.
Fit: They should be comfortable and allow for freedom of movement. Most riding pants when standing may feel baggy or loose. Typically, the knee armor may feel like it’s lower than it should feel. This is when you sit on the bike and bend your knees, it will cause the armor to pull up into the correct position.
5. Boots
Why It's Essential:
Proper riding boots protect your feet and ankles from injury and provide better control of your bike.
What to Look For:
Material: Leather or other durable, abrasion-resistant materials.
Protection: Reinforced toes, heels, and ankle protection.
Comfort: They should be comfortable enough for walking but sturdy enough for riding. Additionally having multiple pairs of riding boots is key. Having certain boots for each type of riding can help make riding more enjoyable.
6. Eye Protection
Why It's Essential:
Eye protection is crucial for keeping debris, wind, and insects out of your eyes, ensuring clear vision while riding.
What to Look For:
Visors: If your helmet doesn't have a built-in visor, invest in quality riding goggles or glasses.
UV Protection: Opt for lenses with UV protection for daytime riding.
Anti-Fog: Look for anti-fog coatings to maintain clear vision in various weather conditions. There is also pin-lock layers that can be added to a lot of common helmet visors nowadays.
7. Additional Protective Gear
Body Armor:
Consider wearing additional body armor, such as chest protectors, back protectors, or armored vests for extra protection.
Neck Brace:
A neck brace can prevent severe neck injuries by limiting head movement during a crash.
Air Bag Vest:
For added safety, many brands offer either tethered or wirelessly deployable airbag vests.
Conclusion
Investing in high-quality gear is essential for safe motorcycling. While it might seem like a significant expense, the protection and peace of mind it offers are invaluable. Remember, safety should never be compromised for style or cost. Gear up properly, and enjoy the ride with confidence, knowing you're well-protected.
Ride safe and stay adventurous!
