5 motorcycle safety gear every rider should use
You must be riding a motorcycle properly and adhering to the traffic rules, but the first thing that would ensure your motorcycle safety is to invest in the right motorcycle gear. The gear would keep you protected from all kinds of climatic conditions while riding a bike. It would also protect your body from any serious damage or road mishaps. Here’s a list of motorcycle gear which you should consider to invest in for your safety:
1. Helmet
You shouldn’t just wear a helmet out of the fear of being fined. Helmets are worn for the safety of the rider as it acts as a protective gear for the head. It is an important part of motorcycle safety. Firstly, it keeps your face protected from the dust, heat, insects and other destructive elements that might come your way when you are riding a motorcycle. Secondly, a good quality helmet will also protect your head in case of minor or major road accidents.
There are various styles of helmets you can choose from.
• Full face helmet
• Open face (¾ helmet)
• Half helmet (with a brain bucket)
Each type of helmet comes with myriad shades of colors, materials, and designs. However, it is advisable to use a full-sized helmet approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
2. Jacket
Regardless of the weather conditions, you should have a jacket on when you are riding a motorcycle to ensure motorcycle safety. A good quality jacket that is preferably made of heavy-duty leather would prevent your body from high impact road crashes, permanent scarring, and lacerations or in worst cases fractured bones or even broken limbs. You should also consider buying bright colored jackets as it may be visible for other riders. However, these leather jackets should be comfortable to wear and not be bulky or too big.
2. Pants
Pants are mostly overlooked by riders. They are equally important as jackets. Investing in a set of pants will help protect your lower body from environmental and external conditions. You can also buy a set of pants that come along with the jackets. They come in various materials and styles. You can also opt for pants according to the weather conditions you live in.
Pants that are made especially for biking have plastic armor present at the knees and hips. These are the areas that are the most vulnerable to serious damages in case of road accidents.
3. Boots
A good pair of boots are made specifically for protecting your ankles, toes and the rest of your feet. These ensure that your ankle or the feet don’t get injured when kick-starting a bike or your feet doesn’t get burnt if it accidentally touches the hot silencer pipe.
4. Gloves
Believe it or not, gloves are an important part of motorcycle safety. In the event of a fall, you are more likely to put your hands on the road to stand. A pair of gloves would protect the skin of your hands against any abrasions or deep lacerations or fractures. It is always important to choose gloves that fit your hands well. Leather gloves are a good option as they provide padding and protection to your fingers, knuckles, and palms. They are also waterproof and offer abrasion protection.
Apart from the above-mentioned motorcycle safety gear, you should also consider buying other safety equipments like shin guards, a pair of good sunglasses, and earplugs. Remember, all these motorcycle safety items will be a one-time investment that’ll keep you safe for all your future bike rides.