Besides selecting your ideal motorcycle, there are a few other items that are almost as essential if you want to enjoy yourself fully. Riding safely and comfortably can make the difference between enjoying the ride and anxiously trying to get where you are going. There are several pieces of equipment that you need to keep your ride as safe and pleasant as possible.
The Helmet
The debate over the right of states to mandate helmets aside; they save lives and prevent injuries and you should choose to wear one. When purchasing a helmet, first and foremost do not buy a used helmet. You have no way of knowing if the helmet has been in an accident and if it has it is considered compromised and manufacturers recommend it be discarded (although many allow you to return the helmet for a discount on a new helmet). Next, make sure to research your helmet options. This research includes fit, weight, the ability to customize internal padding, ventilation, and fog-proof visors to name a few of the features. The helmet should feel comfortable and secure and you should be able to move your head readily without it shifting and without losing your balance from a helmet that is too heavy. This is not the time to bargain shop, look for DOT and Snell ratings to ensure that your helmet has met safety standards.
The Jacket
A compulsory part of the equipment of any safe motorcyclist is a jacket. The jacket provides the rider with protection from the weather, flying road debris. Today, jackets are made from leather or synthetic materials and usually have padding on the elbow, spine and shoulders. This padding will help to protect the rider from impact by providing cushion for the areas that are most likely to be points of impact in a crash. Regardless of your choice of leather or synthetic options, it is imperative that the jacket fit snugly to prevent it from moving out of position, twisting or riding up during a crash. All other features, such as waterproofing, ventilation and pockets should be second to proper fit. However, once you determine the correct fit you should feel free to explore the wide range of features now available in jackets.
The Riding Gloves
Riding gloves are also extremely important pieces of your safety equipment. A motorcyclists hands are often the first body part to be injured during a crash and they deserve special consideration as well. The gloves should fit snugly so that they will not fall off but have enough ventilation that your hands do not become sweaty. They should fit well and feel good enough that you will not want to remove them mid-ride or will not want to put them on at all. There are dozens of features in motorcycle gloves and they all contribute to comfort; wrist straps, washable liners, insulation for cooler temperatures and water resistance are just a few.
The Pants
Riding pants, like the motorcycle jacket offer the rider protection from the weather, debris kicked up from the road and the road itself. These pants come with built in padding in the knees, hips and seat, options for additional padding, ventilation, stretch panels and higher waistlines and/or zippering and attachment options to the jacket for maximum coverage of the body. The pants are offered in both leather and synthetic options and complete the look and the full protection that proper riding equipment has to offer.
Regardless of the style, material or features that you decide upon for your motorcycle gear, spending the time to research your equipment and investing the money in your personal safety will both contribute to an optimal riding experience that lasts for years to come.