Motorcycle Gear
Proper motorcycle safety gear helps you ride right
Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, the right protective gear will help you have enjoyable and, most importantly, safe journeys. Even if you’re riding just a short distance, the fact that motorcycles don’t offer the same protections as other vehicles means that you need to take great care when you hit the road.
We here at Carriage Insurance want everyone on the road to reach their destination in one piece. So we’re providing some safety gear tips gleaned from motorcycle safety organizations, including the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association.
Keep your head
Perhaps the most important piece of safety equipment — other than a well-maintained bike — is your helmet. Not only does a helmet protect your head in the event of a crash, the visors and face shields provide additional safety benefits along with a more enjoyable ride. You don’t really want to get hit in the face with a pebble or a bug do you? Full-face helmets also cut down on wind noise and can help reduce rider fatigue.
Always make sure your helmet has a secure fit and that any face-protection options you select allow you to easily see what’s around you. Sunglasses will come in handy too.
It may be tempting to feel the wind in your hair as you ride along I-90, but wearing a helmet should be a no-brainer when you consider the safety benefits. Additionally, after a long ride, the rhythm of an engine can stay with you for hours like a steady hum. Wear earplugs to avoid this.
Your feet and hands
Boots protect your feet and ankles from injury not only in a crash but also during the ride by providing a barrier against road debris and hot exhaust pipes. The right boot soles (oil-resistant, rubber-based composite) will help you keep your feet where they need to be — on the pegs.
And remember to protect your fingers! Gloves improve your grip and prevent abrasions and blisters. Just be sure that they fit properly so you can still work the controls of your bike. Gloves are also another layer of protection between your palms and the pavement.
The rest of your body
When it comes to clothing to wear while riding your bike, there are options for every style choice. Look for protective gear designed specifically for motorcyclists – it will offer you the best protection while still allowing you to comfortably operate your bike.
There’s a reason many riders wear leather. It is extremely durable and protects against abrasions. Newer fabrics, however, also provide these benefits. Look for reflective strips or other features designed to help make you more visible to other drivers, or add your own reflective strips if needed.
If it’s windy, you’ll want to wear layers to help keep the wind from your body. If you ride in inclement weather, don a rain suit or other gear designed specifically for those times when the road ahead isn’t quite sunny. You can even look for clothing that features electric heat, which can make your journey a lot more comfortable.
Non-clothing items
Safety gear isn’t all about clothing. Some items to keep handy: a flat-tire repair kit, tire-pressure gauge, spare fuses and anything that might be of use for your particular bike. Remember to pack a flashlight, in case you end up on the side of the road in the dark. (And it can help keep you visible to passing traffic, which is always a real concern.)
We know that this list of safety gear sounds like a lot, but safe riding means being responsible. If you are looking to buy cool new gear to go with your bike, you might as well get the kind that will make you look good and help save you from injury.
Other safety resources
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation http://www.msf-usa.org is a great resource to learn more about safety gear and motorcycling in general, as is the American Motorcyclist Association www.americanmotorcyclist.com. We’re here to help, too! If you have questions about insurance coverage for your bike, or want more safety resources, give us a call at Carriage Insurance Agency.