Motorcycling Safety Gear

A basic guide to essential safety equipment.

One of the most important (and easily overlooked) aspects of motorcycling is safety gear. Though gear can be cumbersome, awkward, and intrusive, it's also the only thing that will protect you from the road in an accident. Imagine sliding across the pavement at 30 mph wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and you'll begin to understand the dangers of riding with inadequate protection.

Here's a list of the most essential motorcycle safety gear:

Helmets
Even at low speeds, helmets protect riders from potentially fatal injuries. Though they're optional in many states, a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet is the most basic way to protect yourself on a motorcycle. Avoid half-helmets and "brain buckets" which are built primarily for looks, not functionality; buy a well constructed helmet from a reputable manufacturer.

Armored Outerwear
If you dress for the slide, not the ride, you might save yourself from painful road rash. While leather jackets, pants, and full race suits protect riders in high-speed accidents, many motorcyclists prefer to wear more lightweight synthetic textiles. Manufacturers now offer convenient weatherproof suits that fit over clothing. Whether you choose leather or textile outerwear, be sure to include armor with your clothing, which serves to protect from impact with pavement or another vehicle.

Gloves
It's a basic human reflex to break one's fall by extending the arms, and the hands usually suffer considerable damage when a rider is thrown off his or her bike. Protect your palms, knuckles, and fingers with sturdily constructed, well-padded gloves, preferable gauntlet style ones that extend past the wrist.

Boots
Boots are important not only for crash protection, but also because they provide a way to grip the motorcycle and stay securely mounted while shifting and braking. Buy a solid pair of motorcycle boots, and they might actually outlast your bike.