When buying a motorcycle, you need to have the right gear. This includes a helmet, gloves, boots and protective clothing.
Having the right motorcycle gear ensures you have the necessary protection in the case of riding accidents, as well as protection from wind, rain, sun and debris.
If you’ve previously owned a motorcycle you may already own some necessary gear, but if you are buying your first motorbike you need to know what else to buy with it.
Helmet
The first piece of gear you need when buying a motorcycle is a helmet. A helmet is an essential piece of safety gear for motorcycle riders.
There are different kinds of motorcycle helmets, each providing varying levels of face coverage and protection. These include full-face, modular (flip-up), open face (¾), half helmet, off-road and dual-sport helmets.
Different helmet types are suited to certain types of riding, so consider which is best suited for the type of riding you’ll be doing.
A helmet with a visor keeps the wind and bugs from getting in your eyes. If you choose a helmet without a visor, you will need to make sure to buy protective eyewear.
Make sure to try a few helmets on to find the right fit. It should fit snug enough that it doesn’t move around, while still being comfortable around your whole head.
Even if you already own a helmet it may be time to update it if you’ve had it for a while, as it is recommended motorcycle helmets get replaced every few years. This is to ensure the helmet maintains its impact absorption integrity.
A helmet can experience a crash without external signs of damage, so you should never buy a used helmet as you may not be able to tell if it has been worn during an accident.
Head injuries are extremely serious, so buying a high quality helmet should be a priority when buying a motorcycle.
Boots
A pair of heavy duty riding boots are a must-have piece of motorbike gear. Feet and leg injuries are the most common to occur in riding accidents, so it’s important to choose boots that offer the right level of protection.
Motorcycle boots should cover the ankle securely, so they do not slip off in the case of an accident. A good pair of motorcycle boots need to provide support and protection for the ankles and feet. You may also want to look at motorcycle boots with built in armour, for added protection.
You want boots that will prevent twisting and help reduce the force of impact.
As well as protection, comfort is also a key consideration when buying motorcycle boots.
Ideally, you want a breathable, water-proof pair that will keep your feet warm and dry. Look for a sturdy pair of motorcycle boots with oil-resistant, non-slip soles to ensure your feet maintain their grip on the foot pegs and the road.
Gloves
When it comes to motorcycle gloves, you may want at least two pairs, one for warmer weather and one for cooler weather.
As well as providing warmth, gloves also help protect your hands, both in the case of an accident and from the elements.
Look for a pair that completely cover your hands and are made of durable and breathable material. For a winter pair, they should provide insulation, warmth and water resistance, while a pair for summer will require ventilation. Make sure to find a comfortable fit, without uncomfortable seams or a pair that restricts movement.
You should not ride a motorbike without proper gloves. Your hands will otherwise be exposed to wind, cold and heat, and will also have no protection against a fall.
Protective clothing
While you may just want to wear your usual clothing when riding, it’s important to buy protective clothing to wear when riding your motorcycle, this includes jackets and pants.
Your outerwear needs to provide a layer of protection. It needs to be durable, as well as comfortable.
Motorcycle jackets should be made of high quality, durable materials that are resistant to abrasion and water. While textile jackets are generally more affordable, leather motorcycle jackets provide higher durability. A combination of both materials can provide the right balance of durability and comfort.
When choosing a jacket, consider the type of motorcycle you have purchased and your riding position to ensure the jacket will sit comfortably on your body. A riding jacket should fit snugly so it doesn’t get blown around in the wind, but not restrictive.
Some riding jackets also contain body armour to absorb impact for added protection.
Make sure to buy proper riding pants, as wearing your jeans will not provide you with the necessary protection in the case of an accident. You can also wear shin guards, knee pads and other body armour for additional protection.
Motorcycle body armour provides protection by absorbing energy during impact. It can be purchased separately or included within pieces of clothing and riding gear. Make sure it is comfortable and not restrictive.
The weather is a key factor in your motorcycle clothing. You want both jacket and pants to be water resistant for riding in the rain, and breathable when riding in warmer weather. Perforated material with vents will be suited for warmer weather but not for cold weather riding. You may also want clothing with more insulation to keep you warm if riding in cold weather.
When buying a motorcycle, always make sure you also buy the necessary motorbike gear to go with it for a safe and comfortable riding experience.
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