It seems obvious. On a motorcycle the rider is far more exposed than when driving in a car. Wind, rain, heat and cold all have their effects. The risk of animals running out into the road or cars running into the motorcycle is also has to be considered. Having ridden in a dozen different countries and in all sorts of traffic and weather I have come to trust my riding gear to keep me warm, dry, and safe.
Choosing the right gear can be confusing, since there are so many brands and styles to chose from. It is important to think about what you want from your riding gear and then limit your shopping to only those models that offer the features you are interested in.
When shopping for a helmet, you should not immediately focus on a particular brand. Most manufacturers create their helmets to fit a certain head shape, so different brands will fit different heads. There are some exceptions among the higher end helmet makers. Arai makes helmets for different head shapes and recommends certain models for certain people.
When shopping you should look for the features you want, then try on as many different brands and models as you can with those features. And you shouldn’t just put it on, look in the mirror, and take it off. If possible keep the helmet on for at least 15 minutes. In that length of time any discomfort will start to appear, even though it may still be faint. A helmet that is so uncomfortable you don’t wear it isn’t worth buying, so make sure you are happy with the one you chose.
Motorcycle Riding Suits
A compete suit covers everything. For urban commuters who what to keep their office clothes clean, the full motorcycle riding suit provides increased convenience, protecting everything from road dust to the weather. Companies such as Revit and Aerostich have motorcycle riding suits for sale and reputations for being high quality. I have never used a full suit, preferring the separate jacket and pants which can be worn or removed independent of each other, but I know other riders who have them and would never go back to separate jacket and pants.
Motorcycle Jackets
If you don’t think a full suit is for you, consider the weather you are likely to be riding in. If you are in a very hot area you might be happier with a mesh motorcycle jackets. These allow much more air to pass through while still providing protection from the sun and accidents. They will also come with a waterproof liner or shell which you can wear both to stay dry and to provide extra warmth on chillier rides.
If you aren’t in a very hot area, or aren’t sure about the weather you will be riding in (including if you are planning on using the motorcycle as daily transport) you should consider a three season textile jacket. Most of these will have vents for improved air flow in very hot weather (though none will be as good as a pure mesh jacket), and are waterproof without having to stop and add a layer. In fact, they usually come with a liner which can be used to make the jacket warmer, allowing you to keep riding even on cold days. First Gear’s Kilimanjaro motorcycle jacket is an example of this kind.
Motorcycle Pants
For your legs there are either pants which take the place of your usual wear, or overpants, which are worn over your regular clothes. Draggin Jeans are a heavy denim with options to include armor, and look like regular jean pants. Older versions had some complaints about the padding and not being comfortable, but the more recent versions are greatly improved. An example of motorcycle overpants would be First Gear’s HT pants, which are waterproof and come with armor, as well as leg zippers to make the easy to get on and off over pants and boots.
Boots
Speaking of boots, a proper motorcycle boot usually come to your upper shin, and have shin and ankle armor. These can be very expensive, and aren’t usually comfortable to walk around in all day. You can pack a second pair of shoes for when you get off the motorcycle, but at a minimum boots should cover your ankles, and preferably be made of leather. These might be more acceptable off the motorcycle while still providing some protection.
It is important you understand I don’t think you should cut corners on your safety, or the safety of your equipment, while riding. Wearing protective clothing while riding reduces your chance of injury, can lengthen your riding day be reducing the risk of sunburn and fatigue, and improve your experience of riding in general. By using as much protective riding gear as you are comfortable with you can enjoy the ride that much more.
