5 Questions to Ask When Buying a Motorcycle Riding Gear

It's important to prioritize your safety while riding a motorcycle and choosing the right gear can make all the difference. You want to ensure that you select equipment that will provide adequate protection in case of an accident.

As you begin shopping for a helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves, you should ask yourself the following five important questions to ensure you make the smartest choices. The right gear provides major impact and abrasion protection. It helps prevent serious injuries during a crash. Carefully evaluating the options using these key questions will help you pick gear that fits properly, meets safety standards, and allows you to ride in comfort.

Here are five questions every motorcycle rider should ask when buying motorcycle riding gear to ensure comfort and safety.

What Type of Riding Will You Be Doing?

Before buying motorcycle riding gear, you must determine what type of riding you will engage in. Street riding requires protective equipment like a helmet, jacket, gloves, and abrasion-resistant pants. For off-road riding, you will need gear designed specifically for dirt biking like motocross boots, goggles, and roost protectors.

If you plan to do both street and off-road riding, consider investing in convertible gear that can handle multiple terrains, or purchase separate sets of gear for each activity. The riding gear you choose should suit the particular demands of your riding style for maximum safety, comfort, and flexibility. Carefully assessing how and where you will ride is the first step to finding the proper protective equipment for your needs.

Does the motorcycle riding Gear Offer Adequate Protection?

When purchasing motorcycle riding gear, you must consider if it provides sufficient protection.

Impact and Abrasion Resistance

Look for gear made of durable, reinforced materials like leather, kevlar or Cordura that can withstand the impact of a crash and prevent abrasions.

Armor

Choose gear with armor on the shoulders, elbows, back and knees. CE-rated armor offers the best impact protection.

Weather-Resistance

Evaluate the climate you will be riding in and choose gear that is weather-resistant or comes with a removable thermal liner. Waterproof gear will keep you dry in rain while mesh panels and vents provide breathability in warm weather.

Fit

Ill-fitting gear will not protect properly in a crash. Try on different sizes and styles to find gear that fits snugly but comfortably. Consider factors like range of motion and add-ons like a back protector. A good fit means the gear moves with your body and does not flap in the wind.

With the proper fit, materials and protective features, motorcycle riding gear can prevent severe injuries by absorbing impact and preventing abrasions in the event of an accident. Choose gear designed specifically for motorcycling for maximum protection every time you ride.

Is Motorcycle Riding Gear Comfortable and Breathable?

When buying motorcycle riding gear, an important factor to consider is whether the gear is comfortable and breathable.

Material

The material the gear is made of determines how comfortable and breathable it will be. Mesh, textile, and perforated leather materials are good options as they are lightweight, flexible and allow for ventilation. This is important as riding a motorcycle exposes you to outside elements like wind, heat and rain. Choose gear made of materials suited for the climate you will be riding in.

Fit

Using poorly-fitting gear will not only make you uncomfortable but can also be dangerous. Look for gear that provides padding and protection in the right places like the knees, elbows, shoulders and spine, while still allowing for flexibility of movement. Try on different sizes to find the best fit for your body type. The more snug the fit, the less drag it will create while riding. However, it should not be so tight that it restricts movement or breathing.

Features

Additional features like ventilation zippers, mesh panels and removable thermal liners allow you to control the temperature and adapt the gear for different weather conditions. Pockets and adjustment straps also provide extra convenience and comfort. Consider how adjustable and versatile the gear is to suit your specific needs. Your safety and comfort should be top priorities when riding, so invest in high-quality gear with the necessary features.

Which Motorcycle Riding Gear Should I Spend the Most On?

When it comes to assigning your budget for motorcycle riding gear, prioritizing certain items can make a considerable difference in your safety and comfort on the road.

Helmet

A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear for any motorcyclist. Look for a helmet that meets strict safety standards and is specifically designed for motorcycle riding. Full-face helmets offer the most protection, while open-face helmets are a minimal option. Invest in a high-quality helmet that fits properly and is comfortable enough for long rides.

Protective Jacket

A durable riding jacket protects your body from abrasions and impacts in the event of an accident. Choose a jacket made of ballistic nylon, leather, or Kevlar and look for additional armor pads for the back, shoulders, and elbows. A quality riding jacket should be well-insulated, weather-resistant, and have reflective details for visibility.

Gloves

Motorcycle gloves protect your hands from wind, sun exposure, and injury. Look for gloves made of leather, Kevlar, or synthetic material with knuckle protection and palm padding. Gloves should be snug but still allow for finger dexterity. Consider your local climate and look for gloves that will keep your hands warm in cooler weather or well-ventilated for hot summer riding.

Which is the Best and Most Important Motorcycle Riding Gear for Beginners?

For beginners stepping into the world of motorcycle riding, selecting the right gear is important for a safe and enjoyable experience on the road.

Helmet

A helmet is the most crucial piece of safety gear for any motorcyclist. Look for a helmet that meets official safety standards and that fits properly. For beginners, a full-face helmet offers the most protection.

Jacket

A durable riding jacket provides impact protection as well as protection from the elements. Look for a jacket made of abrasion-resistant materials with impact pads over the elbows, shoulders and back.

Gloves

Motorcycle gloves should offer padding over the knuckles and joints, as well as a non-slip grip. For the most protection, choose gloves specifically designed for motorcycle riding.

Boots

Strong riding boots protect your feet, ankles and legs. Choose boots with non-skid soles, ankle protection and toe guards. Boots that cover your calves offer the most safety.

Additional gear

Other useful gear includes riding pants, knee pads or knee guards, and impact-resistant body armor that can be worn under your regular riding gear. For maximum visibility to other motorists, consider wearing reflective tape or bright colors, especially if you ride at night.

Following the guidelines above and investing in high-quality protective gear designed specifically for motorcycling will help ensure you stay as safe as possible while enjoying riding your motorcycle. The most important things are to always wear a helmet, dress for the slide, not the ride, and be as visible as possible to other vehicles.

Conclusion

There are several key questions to consider when shopping for motorcycle riding gear. By taking the time to find the right fit, materials, protection levels, intended use, and budget for your needs, you'll be equipped to make the smartest purchasing decisions.

With high-quality gear that truly suits your riding style, you'll be able to hit the open road with confidence, comfort and peace of mind. Whether you're a new rider or a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, following this advice will help ensure you find the ideal motorcycle apparel and accessories to keep you safe while enjoying the ride.