Riding Gear

Helmets-

A motorcycle helmet is a type of helmet used by motorcycle riders. Motorcycle helmets contribute to motorcycle safety by protecting the rider's head in the event of an impact. They reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 42%. Their use is required by law in many countries.

It should sit level on the head and not rock from side to side. There should be a chin strap and buckle to hold the helmet in place and they should be used when the helmet is worn. There should be a hard outer shell on the helmet and an absorbent liner about one-half inch thick.

The Importance of Wearing a Helmet

While helmet laws vary from state to state, the numbers remain consistent. Those who wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, bicycle, scooter or skiing are much less likely to suffer a serious head injury in a crash. 

While wearing a helmet does not completely prevent a head injury, if you have a helmet on, it will provide a cushion for the blow. Wearing a helmet on your motorcycle or bicycle can also help your vision as well by providing protection from the sun's rays or the rain or snow.

Motorcycle Boots-

What do motorbike boots do?

To improve motorcycle safety, motorcycle boots are generally made from a thick, heavy leather and may include energy absorbing and load spreading padding, metal, plastic and/or composite materials to protect the motorcycle rider's feet, ankles and legs in an accident.

Good work boots will protect against most motorcycle hazards, but they'll wear out fast and won't provide much stability in a crash. Motorcycle boots also need to provide protection from the bike's exhaust pipes, extreme cold and other weather conditions, and road debris.

Motorcycle boots are extremely important, assuming that you want to protect your feet and ankles. If you don't want to invest in a pair of boots designed specifically for motorcycle riding, you probably can get by with a pair of stiff, supportive and protective general-purpose boots, such as work boots. But that's not an ideal solution.

Motorcycle boots should fit well and be comfortable. If your feet aren't comfortable, it'll contribute to distraction and fatigue while riding. Motorcycle boots also need to provide protection from the bike's exhaust pipes, extreme cold and other weather conditions, and road debris. The soles should be flat (rather than heeled), able to stand up to frequent road impact, be resistant to oil and other chemicals, and maintain good traction with the road, the bike's pegs and the gear shifter. The ultimate test comes in a crash. A pair of boots should protect against foot and ankle injury in most accidents.

To find high-quality motorcycle boots, first consider your specific needs. If your riding needs are specialized, such as motocross, off-roading or racing, there are boots specific to those purposes and many others. For most casual riders or beginners, though, general motorcycle boots are fine. They will typically offer protective lining in Kevlar, steel or another material as well as enough structural strength to prevent your feet and ankles from being crushed, wrenched or twisted in a crash. The last important consideration is the fit: Motorcycle boots should be snug but not tight, worn with socks that will keep you comfortable.

 Leather Jackets-

When it comes to riding gear every motorcyclist should own a good leather jacket. Despite breakthroughs in tech fabrics, leather still offers some of the best abrasion resistance money can buy. Like chips and gravy, leather also happens to be the perfect accompaniment to a motorcycle.

The main reason motorcycle riders wear leather is for protection. Leather has proven to provide better protection than regular clothes while riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists wear leather jackets, vests, and chaps to protect the vital parts of their body in the case of an accident or crash.

 There are a lot of different styles out there, some lighter, some heavy leather. Great protection if you hit the pavement, they will stop a lot of road rash. They can keep you warm as well as cool. Some have zippers to allow air flow. You need to find what works best for you. 

 There are leathers for off road that are made for specifically that, off road.

Chaps-

What is the point of motorcycle chaps?

The main reason motorcycle riders wear leather is for protection. Leather has proven to provide better protection than regular clothes while riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists wear leather jackets, vests, and chaps to protect the vital parts of their body in the case of an accident or crash.

Do motorcycle chaps keep you warm?

chaps are pretty good at keeping your legs warm, and are popular with the cruiser crowd. there are a number of ways to protect your legs when riding.

 I have it down to about 15 minutes to get them on. OK, laugh, try putting chaps on sitting in a chair with only the fingers in your left hand working, go ahead, give it a try, see if you are still laughing 20 minutes later. 

Rain Gear-

Getting caught in the rain can put a damper on your riding fun. No one likes to get wet and cold and then have to continue riding on. Proper motorcycle rain gear can not only keep you dry when the skies open up, but it can also allow you to keep on riding comfortably until you reach your destination. There are a few different styles to choose from, giving everyone an option.

Waterproof/breathable rain gear is the best option for keeping you dry, not only from the rain, but from your own perspiration as well. The breathable fabrics used in this style of suit allow air and water mist to escape without allowing water droplets to enter, which will keep you dry. Frogg Toggs and garments made with Gore-Tex are great examples of waterproof/breathable rain gear.

For more cost-friendly rain gear, check out PVC coated rain gear. This is the most common style of gear available. With proper venting, this style works great to keep you dry and can be very durable. It does tend to be a bit heavier than the waterproof/breathable styles.

Gloves-

Your gloves must fit well

For the most part, we do not seem to have a problem getting the right size of boots, helmets, and other riding gear. But many people downplay the importance of fitment when it comes to motorcycle gloves.

Just like any other gear that you wear, your riding gloves must be the right size for maximum comfort and protection. If they happen to be too saggy for your hands, the amour will not provide the protection that you need in the event of a crash or slide. Also, loose-fitting gloves make it hard for you to get a proper grip of lever controls since there is too much material before you can get a good grip.

Then again, a glove that is too small and tight will make your hands tire out faster as you contend with the tension. Small gloves are very uncomfortable to wear on long rides. You might find yourself wanting to remove them as quickly as possible. Air circulation becomes limited, and your hands will feel like they are burning.

Getting yourself a motorcycle glove that matches your hand size is a vital process that you cannot afford to ignore. Also, consider that with time, your new gloves will begin to widen or break-in from regular use. That’s why new gloves always feel tighter at the beginning even if they are the right size for you.

Overall, the gloves that you choose should be snug and fit well around your entire hand. Make sure that they don’t leave the excess room at the tips of your finger. While selecting the right size can be hard, it is often a good idea to research further about a brand’s sizing guides.

Eye Protection-

With all the options available, riders can not only find what best fits them but also have multiple pairs to suit various riding conditions, personal styles, and helmets. The most passionate bikers own several pairs of motorcycle eyewear to match different riding conditions. Fortunately, there are many motorcycle eyewear options available both in glasses and goggles.

Motorcycle Safety Eyewear

Motorcycle eyewear protects eyes from the sun, dust, dirt, and insects. Really, it’s essential equipment for any serious rider’s comfort, safety, and performance. Unfortunately, many riders don’t wear protection for their eyes when riding a motorcycle.

There are three basic types of eye protection for motorcycle riders: visors, glasses, and goggles.

Visors

Full-face visors provide the most coverage and overall safety, but a helmet with a ¾ visor still covers the eyes. A visor cuts glare and may protect against the sun; however, according to Billy’s Crash Helmets, the level of UV protection is not always indicated by the visor manufacturer. Additionally, not all motorcyclists like to wear visors.

Glasses & Goggles

Motorcycle glasses and goggles help preserve vision by protecting eyes against harmful UV rays as well as against wind and debris. Sunglasses work well for in-town and other low-speed rides. Goggles are better for high speeds that regular sunglasses can’t take. Motocross, sportbike, and ATV riders should consider motorcycle goggles for eye safety as well.

Ear Plugs-

While hearing damage is often associated with loud music, it's definitely not the only situation where your hearing can be damaged. Maybe you've experienced that ringing sound in your ears after going for a ride, yourself? That ringing, also known as tinnitus, is a common form of hearing damage. The best way to prevent it? Wear earplugs when you're riding your motorcycle!

Even at lower speed, the wind that's rushing through your helmet is enough to cause hearing damage. Depending on how fast you're going, sound levels go up and the time your ears are able to endure sound (without protection) shrinks.