Motorcycle Riding Protection – Everything You Need to Know

Riding your bike safely implies wearing the right protective gear. To be of help, we have decided to put together a short but comprehensive list of pieces of equipment you should invest in if you intend to ride your bike in a safe manner.

Helmet and goggles

The first piece of gear that you should own is a quality helmet. Riders that decide to ride without a helmet risk their lives, as a motorcycle cannot provide the same structural protection as a car. Therefore, in case of an accident, those that do not wear helmets are prone to suffer traumatic brain injuries. In fact, according to studies, without protection, the head is vulnerable to a traumatic accident, even when the biker is riding at low speeds.

Although these injuries might not be fatal, they do have long-term consequences. Whenever you are shopping for a helmet, it is advisable that you purchase one that has been approved by the Department of Transportation. Plus, remember that helmets have to be changed every five years.

What is more, motorcycle goggles are also very useful, as they can protect your face in case you are not wearing a full-face helmet. Also, goggles can help you see the road when riding in the sunny days of summer.

Jacket

When you are on your bike, it is vital that you are wearing warm clothes. Because of this, no matter the season, a jacket is another crucial piece of equipment that a rider has to have. There are numerous types of jackets that you can pick from. However, for increased protection, it might be a good idea to select one that has reinforced pads at the shoulders and around the spine.

Although the black jacket is a hit among riders, many advise in favor of buying one that is not entirely black. To be visible to the other traffic participants, it is best that you purchase pieces of equipment that incorporate reflective elements.

Gloves

Gloves are another must-have piece of gear as they can protect your hands in the event of a crash. What is more, they can keep your hands warm and sheltered from raindrops and insects. Just like in the case of jackets, there are numerous models that you can opt for.

While black leather gloves might catch your attention due to their cool look, keep in mind that dirt bike models are more protective and that they have higher gauntlets. Therefore, if you love off-road riding, the flying debris will no longer be a problem.

Pants

Most riders do not think that it is necessary to invest in special riding pants. However, the experts note that when traveling over long distances, as well as during races or dirt bike escapades, this clothing item is crucial.

So, it is advisable that you get a pair of pants that have protective kneecaps at the hip and lower spine. On top of that, motorcycle riding pants also offer protection from the environment. In an attempt to supply the users with increased comfort, most models also feature ventilation.

If you want to find a pair of pants that are perfect for your riding style, you have to consider your preferences, as well as the level of protection that you require. For instance, while leather can supply you with the necessary protection, wearing pants made of this material during a long ride can be uncomfortable.

If you don’t like shopping for jackets and pants individually, you can always consider buying a riding suit. When compared to the alternative, a suit is quite practical as it can offer the same level of protection, material selection, and ventilation. Additionally, you can find both one-piece and two-piece suits.

Boots

According to seasoned bikers, quality boots are also crucial. The boots that have been designed to be used by bikers usually come fitted with rider-specific features. They are generally above the ankle, and they have built-in protection and increased torsional stiffness so that flexing is reduced. Moreover, these boots come with oil-resistant soles so that you are provided with a good grip on all types of ground.

Whenever you go shopping for a pair of boots, remember that the ones that you pick have to be highly comfortable as you have to wear them throughout the day.

Body armor and guards

If you want to increase your level of protection, fellow bikers recommend that you also consider purchasing extra body armor. For instance, you can buy an armored vest, a back protector or an airbag system. As a rule of thumb, before you acquire any kind of body armor, you should try it on so that you are sure that it fits you snuggly.

On top of that, be sure that the selected item can also provide you with the necessary comfort and freedom of movement.

As a plus, you can also check out elbow, shin, and knee guards. These pieces of equipment have to be worn over the jacket and the pants and they can add protection in high-impact areas. Because guards are adjustable, they can fit you, no matter your body type.

Hearing protection

Many bikers do not understand the importance of hearing protection. Before you set out on a long ride, you should keep in mind that, even when wearing a helmet, your ears are bombarded by sounds. To avoid feeling tired and uncomfortable, it is best that you purchase earplugs.

Another advantage of earplugs is that they block the white noise created by the wind rustling over the biker’s helmet. As a plus, because they do not block out all the noises, you will still be able to concentrate while riding.

If you decide to follow our recommendations and you purchase all the necessary protective gear, we are confident that you’ll be able to ride safely, no matter the weather. Also, remember that all your gear is an investment and that, because of this, you have to get quality products that can pass the test of time.