Gear to Wear Riding a Motorcycle - Motorcycle Gear and Attire

When riding a motorcycle, it is important that you wear the right clothing because it will not only make the ride more enjoyable, but it will make the ride more comfortable and more safe.

 Whether you are going around the block or around the world, it's important that you don't leave home without a helmet on your head. Wearing a helmet is the best form of protection when riding a motorcycle.

Helmets come in a variety of sizes from extra small to extra large. You can even find helmets in children's sizes. When you buy a helmet, you want to make sure that it fits properly. If you're at the store, try on the helmet, you don't want the helmet too tight nor too loose.

You can also purchase motorcycle helmets in a variety of patterns and colors. You can also choose between a full face helmet or a half helmet. Just remember to consider state laws in regards to full or half helmets, as some states require full helmets. Even if your state doesn't require you to wear a helmet at all, it is STILL  recommended that you wear one.

You want to always fasten the helmet strap. If the helmet isn't secured, it isn't going to do much good. It might as well be at home instead of on your head, if it's not fastened properly.

If you're in the United States, you want to make sure that the helmet has a sticker indicating DOT, Department of Transportation, approval which means that the helmet meets the basic impact standards.

Because helmets vary in size, color, style, and price, find the one that best suits you. Wear it. Fasten it. A good motorcycle helmet will make riding your bike a lot more pleasurable because it will cut down on wind noise and reduce fatigue.

Remember that if you drop your helmet just one time, you should buy a new one. Helmets are designed to absorb the impact of a blow, and if it does that once, it's better safe to replace it.

 Riding your bike without eye protection is a big gamble. It doesn't take much to injure one, and you don't want to take your eyesight for granted. When on a motorcycle even the smallest piece of glass, sand, or whatever can fly into your eye.

Proper eye protection could just be a simple shield on your helmet. Full faced helmets provide full eye protection, but if you have a half helmet, you'll want to consider a pair of riding goggles or shatterproof glasses.

You want to keep your eye protection clean and unscratched. If you have tinted lenses or a shield, you'll want to make sure to bring a clear one with you in case you're out riding after dark.

Motorcycle jackets are made in many different types of sturdy materials to include denim, nylon, corduroy, and leather. Generally, you'll find that leather offers the most protection. You can find leather jackets with zippered vents, which are comfortable to wear in hot and cold weather; they allow breeze to flow through when unzipped. You can also purchase riding jackets that have two layers.

Riding Pants

You'll want your riding pants to made of a thick material, such as leather. They will resist abrasions better and will provide more protection against the elements.

A pair of loose, cotton pants is not going to be ideal riding pants.

There are anumber of companies that offer different types of leather riding pants and leather riding chaps.

Riding Gloves

You'll want to wear gloves when riding on your motorcycle even on hot days. Riding gloves will protect your hands from flying debris from other cars that could hit your hands. They will also help withstand abrasion and accidental contact with hot motorcycle parts.

Riding Boots

Over-the-ankle boots are great for riding a motorcycle. A boot made of strong leather is preferred. Ankles are complicated, so you want to protect them as best as you can. Plus a shoe with a slippery sole could cause slight embarrassment when you put your foot down at a greasy gas station. Rubber soles with a good tread offer the best grip.

Riding Rain Gear

It rains everywhere, and weathermen just aren't always right. You may not expect rain while on your ride, and it just may pour or even just sprinkle. On a motorcycle, you really don't want to be caught riding in the rain. Rain gear makes sure that you stay dry while riding in the rain.

High-Visibility Riding Gear

Being that you're riding on a motorcycle with nothing to surround you, you'll want to make sure that other people driving in large SUVs see you. Wear brightly colored clothes instead of dark clothing. You may even want to consider purchasing special vests designed for people riding motorcycles; commonly you'll see those in the military riding with a vest, and that's because the military feel strongly about this particular riding gear and require all motorcyclists to wear them.

If you plan on riding at night, you may want to purchase riding gear that reflects light, or you can just consider putting reflective strips on your helmet and on the back of your boots.