As a biker, you know that you have thousands of options to choose from when it comes to gear that enhances your daily ride and protects you from a serious motorcycle crash. But you may not realize exactly what each of the major pieces of gear can do for you. As a motorcycle rider, you have the ability, depending on your bike, your age, and other circumstances, to make a decision about whether or not to wear any piece of gear you choose. For young riders under the age of 18 and those riders without a windscreen, some restrictions and special rules apply. Here are just some of the major pieces of gear you can choose from to enhance your ride and protect your life.
Helmets are one of the most important pieces of gear that you can consider wearing. According to safety experts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 2,000 riders per year are saved nationwide by wearing a helmet. Helmets can also enhance your ride by keeping out the bugs and debris and giving you more time to relax on your ride.
Motorcycle gloves can protect your hands from weather, the sun, wind, cold, and from getting blisters caused by gripping the motorcycle handles too tight. The other reason many motorcycle riders opt to wear gloves is because they offer additional protection in a collision from cuts, bruising, and other injuries. Choose proper motorcycle gloves made especially for riders, and you’ll be set.
Proper footwear can protect your ankles and feet from the hot exhaust off the exhaust pipes on your motorcycle, and from road debris. Wearing flip flops and boots that don’t come up over your ankles exposes you to these hazards and many more. In the event of a collision, your feet will be completely exposed to the ground, and to the crushing and tearing of metal on metal and metal on feet.
Mind the weather. Weather protection that is made for motorcycle riders can easily be stored in the side travel compartment on your motorcycle and you can easily slide it on over your safety gear—it’s made to do that. Proper weather gear can help make it easier for you to travel when the weather turns on you.
Do research online on the best gear with the best values and always try out gear before you buy it. Remember, you want to purchase gear that fits you perfectly.