The wants, needs & don't needs of motorcycle gear

            When you decide to start riding motorcycles, you don't always know what kind of gear you should wear. Some  additional accessories may also be needed based on the weather conditions & temperature. There's also some things that aren't really needed. In this article, you'll discover how to make riding you bike as comfortable & safe as possible.

            Let's start with what you should wear on your head. I highly recommend wearing a helmet of some sort. If you don't, there's a much higher chance of fatality from crashes. Wearing at least a bandanna will keep your hair from getting tangled up. When it's 90 degrees outside, you don't always want your whole head & face covered by a helmet. They make half and three-quarter helmets that provide some protection. Half helmets protect most of the head only. Three-quarter helmets usually cover all of the head & have a plastic face shield, but not a chin guard. Full helmets protect the entire head & face. Full helmets generally have a chin guard & a face shield as well. Helmets come in all sizes and colors. Many helmets have vents that you can open to get more air or close to stay warm. 

            Depending on whether your helmet has a face shield, you may need a pair of sunglasses or goggles. Even if your helmet does have a face shield, it's still a good idea to have a pair of sunglasses, goggles or safety glasses with your motorcycle at all times. You never know when you might need them for yourself or that pretty girl you want to take for a ride. If your primary eye protection is tinted like sunglasses, a pair of safety glasses would be a great piece of equipment to have around for night time driving.

            A leather jacket or vest is highly recommended. Lets say someone not paying attention all of a sudden pulls out in front of you (this happens way to much). You swerve to avoid hitting the vehicle. The bike slides out from under you & now your sliding along the road on your back or stomach. As soon as the friction from the road rips through your clothes, your flesh will be sliding across the road. Can you say PAINFUL!? However, if you dress right for riding, you may be okay. It takes a lot longer for the road to rub through a leather jacket or vest than it does to get through a t-shirt or a hoodie. If the temperature is hot (high 70's or hotter), at least wear a leather vest. Keep in mind your arms will still be exposed if you wreck though. In medium & cool (mid 70's down to 50 or 60) temperatures a leather jacket will keep you warmer since wind won't pass through it. I don't recommend riding in temperatures below 50 degrees. It's just to cold. Some people do it though.

            There may be times you decide to go out for a ride & by the time your on your way back, it starts raining. This situation sucks! Rain hurts at 35-55 mph. So you have a few options. First, if it's raining lightly, you could try to make it home or at least somewhere with a roof before it starts pouring. Second, you can wait it out if you have the time to spare. Last, you could get a rain suit. This usually consists of a lightweight vinyl hooded rain coat & some vinyl pants. If you have a rain suit & a helmet with a face shield, you should be able to make it through some fairly intense weather. Just drive slow. If your tires are practically bald or it's really windy out, don't chance it. There's no point in trying to get home & winding up in the hospital in the process

            The next thing to consider getting is some riding gloves. Leather are the best. if it's hot out & you won't be riding for hours, no gloves is fine. If your riding long distances in warm or hot weather, gloves without fingertips will keep the backs of your hands from drying out. They will also keep your hands warm for mildly chilly temperatures (down to lower 70's or maybe even upper 60's). If the temperature is in the 60's or lower, some leather gloves with fingertips are ideal. It's definitely not as fun to ride when your fingers are numb or hurting from the cold.

            You should always wear jeans (or pants at least) instead of shorts. Jeans offer much more leg protection than shorts or thin pants. The road can mess you up if there's a wreck. Additionally, the engine is right by your legs & gets pretty hot. Jeans offer the best basic solutions for both of these riding issues.

            Chaps are the next item of discussion. Chaps are basically leather leg covers. They help keep your legs from drying out if your going long distances. More importantly they keep your legs from freezing if its cold out. They also give the rider some extra protection in the event of a wreck. I personally never wear them, but some people don't ride without them.

            The last thing that comes to mind is boots. You really need some boots. They don't have to be anything special, they just need to be more durable than tennis shoes. If you wear shoes when you ride, the top of the left shoe will get worn out quickly from shifting. Steel toe boots are ok, but i prefer non-steel toed boots so I know how hard I am pressing the shifter (don't want to strip it out).

            All of the things mentioned above should help you to protect yourself and to have the most enjoyable riding experience you can. Keep watch for my upcoming articles where you'll learn what accessories, tools, & add-ons for your motorcycle will help make for a better & safer ride. 


Until next time, 
safe rides & happy trails!