Motorcycle riding is a thrilling and energizing experience. Many people that take up the sport find themselves enjoying riding as a hobby and sometimes finding it even replaces their driving jobs. But what many new riders do not know is that no matter how high performance your helmet is, it will not protect you from the consequences of an accident! In order to enjoy a smooth ride and stay safe, you need to prepare yourself properly with wearing motorcycle gear and having it fit for each ride.
Benefits of Safety Gear
Motorcycling is an exciting and often dangerous pastime. Taking the necessary precautions to stay safe on the road can make for a much more enjoyable experience. Here are some of the benefits of choosing properly fitted safety gear:
1. Increased safety – When you are wearing proper safety gear, you are significantly reducing your chances of being injured in an accident. Belted riding protective equipment (BREP), such as motorcycle helmet and jacket, can reduce your risk of head injuries by up to 85%. Wearing protective eyewear also reduces the likelihood of being hit in the eye by glass or other debris, which can cause serious injury or even blindness.
2. Improved comfort – Safety gear protects you from physical injury but also reduces the impact of rubbed elbows and further discomfort while riding. The right clothing can also help lessen the heat and humidity of the weather conditions and save you from sweating through your clothes. Wearing protective gear can also make you more visible to other motorists, increasing your safety while riding at night or in low-light conditions.
3. Reduced wear and tear – When you are wearing proper safety gear, you are less likely to experience mechanical issues with your bike that may lead to aggravating, expensive repairs.
4. Bike protection – When you wear a bike suit, your clothes do not get ruined when you fall off of your bike because they will protect the clothes beneath it.
5. Enhanced pride & enjoyment – Preventing yourself from being seriously injured or losing sight can be among one of the most thrilling and enjoyable aspects of responsible biking!
Types of Motorcycle Gear
There are a few different types of motorcycle gear that you'll need to know about in order to properly ride your bike. The most important part of your gear is the helmet, which every motorcyclist should wear when riding. Preparing for your ride with the correct gear is essential for a safe, enjoyable experience.
Below we'll outline the different types of motorcycle gear and give you some tips on how to choose the right items for your ride. First, let's talk about the different types of helmets you'll need:
Open-face helmets are the least protection against head injuries and should only be used by riders 8 years or younger who have not yet reached skeletal maturity. Open-face helmets offer limited chin and cheek protection and are not as shock-absorbent as other types of helmets. If you're an experienced rider looking for more protection, consider a full-face helmet. Full-face helmets offer greater coverage of your head and face, as well as lower cheek and jaw protection. However, full-face helmets are more bulky and may be too large for some riders. If you plan on riding in extremes weather conditions (extremely hot or cold, high or low humidity), you should also consider wearing a full face helmet.
Common Risks on the Road
It's never too late to learn about the risks of riding a motorcycle, and there are things that you can do to lessen your chances of getting injured. Motorcycle riding is a dangerous hobby and accidents happen when riders don't take appropriate safety precautions.
There are a few general safety tips that you should keep in mind if you're intending to ride a motorcycle:
-Always wear a helmet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle helmets reduce your risk of dying in an accident by up to 80%. In 2011, helmets saved the lives of 1,580 motorcyclists nationwide.
-Handlebars should be at or below the level of your seat. Riding with your hands higher than this position puts you at greater risk of being thrown off your bike. You also run the risk of hitting rocks or other obstacles while riding this way.
-Be aware of potential hazards on the road. Be especially vigilant when approaching intersections and stop signs. Watch for drivers turning in front of you, cars travelling in opposite directions, and pedestrians crossing the street.
-Be prepared for poor weather conditions. If it's raining or snowing, remember that these conditions make it difficult to see clearly and could potentially increase risks of a crash.-When approaching intersections, steering into the path of traffic. This helps increase visibility. Use hand signals to indicate where you're going before you turn. Be wary of drivers not seeing red lights or hazards in their path.
-Be prepared for long stretches of straight road ahead. Enjoy the ride and look out for changes to the weather conditions during these extended periods.
-Stopping at stoplights does not incapacitate your bike. In fact, many roads do not provide pavement markings for proper bike riding actions at intersections. If you must stop: Slow down and get off your bike, it is better to revise your movement than risk being fined by police officers.
Main Essential Items to Enhance Riding Experience
Proper motorcycle gear can make a big difference in your riding experience. Here are 10 essential items for improving your ride:
1. Gloves - Riding with gloves can improve your grip and therefore, your control over the motorcycle. It also keeps you warmer in colder weather and reduces the chance of getting skin cancer.
2. Helmet - A helmet is essential safety equipment on a motorcycle. It keeps you head and brain safe in the event of a crash. In addition, a helmet can protect your ears from wind noise and other external sounds while you're riding.
3. Jacket - A good jacket will keep you warm while you're riding in cold weather conditions. It will also help to protect you from the sun's heat and rain. Make sure to get a jacket that fit properly so that it's not restrictive or uncomfortable to wear.
4. Sunglasses - Not wearing sunglasses can be dangerous on a motorcycle because without them, you won't be able to see the road ahead clearly in bright sunlight or at night when driving under streetlights.
5. Riding pants - Riding pants provide protection against dirt, gravel and other objects that may get caught in the bike’s chain because you're likely to be sliding around on the bike at stoplights or when you make a sharp turn. They also protect against scratches from the bike's handlebars, engine and more. Don't forget about your motorcycle insurance!
Continued Use After Purchase
Motorcycle riding can be a great way to experience the open road and get some fresh air. However, improper gear can make the experience more unpleasant than enjoyable. Here are some tips on how to improve your motorcycle ride with proper gear:
Get a helmet that fits well. A poorly fitted helmet will cause numerous health problems and can even be fatal. Choose one that is comfortable, flexible, and securely fastened. By wearing a correctly fitted helmet, you will reduce the risk of head injuries significantly.
Wear eye protection that fits well and blocks all distractions. Eye protection should also have a good anti-fog coating so you can see clearly while riding in inclement weather.
Choose motorcycle clothes and accessories that fit well and protect you from the elements. Your clothes should be water repellent and breathable so you stay cool as you ride through hot weather or muggy conditions. Protective motorcycle gear such as leathers, armor, and helmets can also help prevent serious injuries in an accident.
Conclusion
Anyone who has ever ridden a motorcycle can attest to the fact that when you're on the open road, there's nothing quite like the feeling of wind in your hair and the freedom to go as fast as you can. However, what if I told you that you could make your ride even better by investing in some appropriate gear? By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy each and every mile of your ride, regardless of whether it's on dry land or through the tumultuous waters of a river. So put on your helmet and slip on those riding gloves—it's time for another exciting motorcycle ride!