In the past years, motorbikes used to be the sphere of enthusiasts and hardcore riders, but due to increases in traffic and advances in technology, they have become a more attractive option for many people. However, unlike car drivers, motorbike riders face greater risks such as UV rays, rain, heavy wind, and accidental injuries. Therefore, it is hazardous to ride your bike without the entire motorcycle gear. The following guide will help you know what to look for when buying a motorbike riding gear and the importance of each piece.
Helmets
According to different studies, 45% of all crashes to motorbike helmets typically happen around the face, mostly in the entire area not covered by three-quarter or open-face type helmets. So, you should wear a full-face helmet at all times. As an additional bonus, they will keep the wind away from your eyes and insects out of your mouth as well. However, it’s worth noting that helmets last for a maximum of five years. After that, the bonding glue and everything else that used to keep the layers of the impact absorption material together might begin to wear out, impacting safety. Again, to ensure that a riding helmet is capable of giving you protection, always purchase from a reputable seller.
Jackets
Jackets cover the stuff on your body that is important and fragile: ribs, organs, arms and your back. You must select a motorbike-specific jacket for your comfort and safety. Fashion leather jackets are not designed to withstand crashes or wind blasts that real motorcycle jackets are made to deal with. Motorbike jackets are categorized into two classes: textile and leather. Both motorbike-specific textile and leather jackets come with numerous features to protect your vulnerable parts in the event of a crash.
Pants
Normal denim jeans cannot protect you in a motorbike accident. Jeans that include or made from Kevlar panels provide you with some abrasion resistance, but they cannot give you the protection of a real pair of motorcycle riding pants. Like riding jackets, pants are also available in textile materials or leather and should be well-equipped with armor in the knees, shins, and hips. They should fit tightly, but make sure that you are comfortable to allow full articulation of the legs. Before buying, try standing on a riding angle or try them on a motorcycle to determine if they will work for you.
Boots
Many street motorcycles weigh over 350 pounds. In most cases, they are much heavier. Keep in mind that you will have to support the bike’s weight and your own through your ankles, feet, and legs on unpredictable, slippery and uneven surfaces. For this reason alone, you should consider getting a strong pair of riding boots with non-slip soles, good ankle, and oil-resistant support. Your ankles and feet are quite vulnerable in case of a crash, so it’s vital to protect them. The boots should lace tightly above your ankles to give you maximum protection.
Gloves
You need your hands to operate the bike controls when you are on the road, and they are also the first to touch down in a crash. Therefore you should protect them. Riding gloves should entirely cover your wrists, the back of the hands, palm and your fingers. There should be a significant overlap between the jacket and the gloves to ensure that no skin remains exposed between them. Ensure that the gloves have retention straps around the wrists to keep the gloves on your hands during a crash. Look for sturdy gloves made from abrasion materials that can keep your hands safe.
There’s no shame in wearing the complete riding gear. It’ll only show how thoughtful you are when it comes to your safety. Consequently, you should not ignore motorcycle gears whenever you sit on your bike. Factor the cost of the gear into the price of buying a bike.
Riding a motorbike exposes you to variations in weather, extreme dangers, and needs your full physical ability and concentration. Fortunately, riding gear is available to keep you comfortable in all weather conditions, reduce fatigue and ensure you are safe in the event of a crash. As such, always consider it a necessity whether you are a sports bike rider or a street rider to avoid hurting yourself or getting killed on the road.
