Ride Safe: Your Complete Guide to Motorcycle Safety Gear
Riding a motorcycle is thrilling, but it also comes with risks that every rider needs to take seriously. The right safety gear can make all the difference, protecting you from injuries while keeping you comfortable on the road. From helmets to gloves, pants, boots and jackets, each piece plays a crucial role in ensuring your safety.
Helmet
Whether you should or shouldn’t wear a helmet is not up for discussion. The answer is always YES. It’s a must-have every time you get on the bike and ride off. In case you fall, there’s a 45% chance your face will hit the road. So, having protective, high-quality motorcycle gear like your helmet is non-negotiable.
Having a full-face helmet is the best option. Besides keeping you safe in case of a crash, it’ll protect your head from flying insects and other debris while you’re riding. Another potential problem is sunburn. You won’t have to deal with it if you wear a helmet. In case you crash, buy a new helmet immediately.
They usually have a life span of five years, but if this happens, get a new one. Even if it doesn’t look damaged, you can never know how it looks on the inside. Full-face helmets have ventilation to prevent overheating and keep you cool during hot days. There are also half helmets. They give you partial coverage and leave your face open. Overall, they’re not a good motorcycle helmet option.
Jacket
Motorbike jackets are made to resist abrasion and keep you safe during the ride. The number one material they’re made of is leather with some added textile elements. When you’re buying a jacket, make sure it’s water-resistant, especially if you live in a rainy area or like to ride in the rain.
They also have double-up seams and a snug fit so that wind doesn’t get inside while you ride to make you cold. These jackets have air vents for breathability. They prevent you from over-sweating. Look for jackets with armour if you want to cushion your fall. Fit and size are very important. Don’t buy a jacket that’s too small or too big. It will either interfere with your riding or restrict your movement.
Pockets are not a real must-have in this case, but can be useful. They’re not meant to carry phones or wallets, but you can place your driving license inside for easy access in case you need it. When it comes to colour, bikers prefer darker tones but leave room for at least one reflective tape to make them visible during the night.
Pants
When it comes to motorcycle gear, jeans are definitely not part of it. Don’t replace proper riding pants with jeans because they don’t offer any kind of protection. Stay away from cotton pants as well. The only acceptable materials are leather, Kevlar and textile. Motorcycle pants should be worn over regular pants underneath.
There are bikers who combine them with a matching jacket, so they get a uniformed, almost suit-looking outfit. Leather is a great material because it provides protection for your knees and hips in case of a crash. Kevlar is also a good, durable, protective material with similar properties to leather.
Don’t buy pants only based on their looks because looks can be deceiving. Make sure you try them on and they fit well. There should be no restriction or too much tightness anywhere. If you can, hop on a bike and see how they handle that seating position. Remember that while you move around, the armour needs to stay in the correct areas.
Gloves
Your motorcycle riding gear isn’t just about the helmet, jacket and pants. A lot of bikers forget about protecting their hands. They’re a very fragile part of our body and often the first thing that comes in contact with the ground when we fall. That’s why hands should have some layer of protection. This is where riding gloves come into play.
Nowadays, there are hundreds of choices on the market, and it can be hard to choose if you don’t know what you’re looking for. If you’re a beginner, don’t make the mistake of buying fingerless gloves. They cover just palms and only a small part of the fingers, which is not what you need.
Dirt gloves are made for off-road riding. They keep you in contact with the bike and let you control it with the strong grip they offer. Short cuff gloves are also an option. They have short cuff, are very comfortable, easy to put on and take off and perfect for street riding or commuting to work. There are three variations:
- Summer gloves made of mesh and leather;
- Winter gloves made of textile and a waterproof layer;
- Dual-sport gloves made of a combination of leather and textile.
You can also find gauntlet gloves that extend over the wrists. They’re great for colder weather because they’re equipped with thermal regulation. Plus, they’re comfortable to wear. No matter what type you choose, make sure it’s made of strong and durable materials and it fits your hands perfectly.
Boots
Once you have the clothes, it’s time to choose your footwear. Your motorcycle boots need to be very durable and made of high-quality materials. Start by choosing a pair with a non-slip sole so your feet won’t slide off the bike. Next, they should have good ankle support because a big percentage of motorcycle injuries are ankle injuries.
To be certain that the boots will do their job properly, grab them by the heel and at the toes and start twisting them. If they twist too much, don’t buy them because your legs won’t be protected. Make sure the interior of the toe box is well protected and the boots have a strong heel for maximum protection in case of an impact.
If you want boots with laces, pick out a design on the inside so they don’t intertwine with some part of the bike. Also, the boots need to fit you properly. If they’re too tight, you might get blisters and you’ll feel uncomfortable. If they’re too loose, you risk slipping and accidents and injuries.
