Important Tips on Choosing the Right Motorcycle Gear

Flip flops, a tank top and shorts. No, we aren’t going to the beach – this is how you may see someone on a motorcycle. As carefree and majestic as they look, we know how dangerous not being properly dressed for the ride is. Although accidents may be no fault of our own, they do happen. On a motorcycle, we don’t have any airbags on our side and this is why the right gear is so essential. But how do you pick the right  pieces? Let’s take a look at motorcycle gear essentials. 

Must Try Footwear

Footwear is a big part of motorcycle safety. When you are at a stop on the bike you let your feet down. You want that down stand to be strong and secure. Men’s and women’s motorcycle footwear varies – they can be seen as riding boots or sneakers. The most important thing when riding a bike is to have your foot completely covered.

The best motorcycle footwear material is thick leather. Leather has been a staple, it’s a strong material to protect the human body for years. It’s still the best. Whether you are going up the street or across the country you have to have the right shoes. For off-road adventures, lightweight waterproof boots are supreme. Some other great features for off-road footwear are a polyurethane shin plate, and a reinforced toe and heel. This boot comes up to the knee giving optimal protection. 

Though casual walking and riding shoes look like sneakers, they offer great protection. This style of shoe can be worn all seasons.  Some elements of walking shoes are waterproof with a moulded nylon ankle guard and anti-slip. You can find one with toecap and heel protection. Though this style looks more casual, it still offers coverage. 

Great motorcycle racing shoes should have some features similar to the others. They have a nylon heel and protection for the heel and toes. You do not have to be in dismay if your foot is on the smaller side. All men’s and women’s motorcycle footwear comes with these options. Be sure to have the right shoe for the right activity. 

Protect Your Bottom

Nothing says motorcycle riding more than leather. A great pair of leather pants will keep your skin protected. While on a bike the biggest issue is if you do fall you want to avoid the scrapping of your skin. You need a  barrier between you and the ground. Leather pants are made to be durable with a reinforced seat area.  Some motorcycle leather pants come with removable armour in the knee for added protection should you fall. 

If you aren’t into the leather you can find jegging, denim and cargo pants. Though they look like jeans. Pants made specifically for motorcycles have an added part where they too place knee protection. When you pick your pants you want them to cover your skin completely and to be easy to move in. 

Motocross pants are a little different as they are intended for more racing. They are made for the most comfort while in a riding position. Like others, they are lightweight yet made durable. They are made to endure any off-roading. The motocross pant can be found with a heat-resistant material to enhance comfort and security in staying safe. They are made to still be breathable.  

Jackets for Motorcycles

Whether it’s summer or winter, you must keep your arms protected. A leather motorcycle jacket not only makes you like bad to the bone but also smart. Popular movies like Grease made the biker aesthetic so popular. I get it, as much as they looked cool they were also safe. Leather is still top of the best quality for protecting your body. 

If you are worried about getting too hot in the summer, you can pick an all season jacket. All-season jackets are made of a combination of mesh and leather. The leather is usually in areas where you need to protect the most. You want a snug yet comfortable fit with all of your motorcycle gear.

For those who want some variety, a flannel shirt is also made for four seasons. They are breathable and lightweight. Like the other shirts, they are made with extra padding in areas of high impact.

Motorcycle Gloves

If we are to fall, our instinct is to put our hands out to catch ourselves.  By knowing this, we see the importance of protecting our hands. Your hands may be the first to make contact with the ground. Suitable gloves are also important for comfort while holding onto your handles. Gloves can be short, long, or summer styled. Most people do not want heavy gloves but instead want them to feel more like their skin. Many gloves can be made with a synthetic leather palm. 

Racing gloves are specially designed with ventilation and are long enough to protect the forearms. Though made out of leather they are still lightweight. Proper fitting gloves will form on your hand and allow you to still feel in control of your bike. 

Let’s Ride Out

Picking the right gear can be the difference between a minor injury and a greater accident. As tempting as it may be to ride away in a tank top, please don’t. The freedom of a motorcycle isn’t restricted with the right gear. Instead, it is liberated more so you can enjoy in style, comfort and safety.