Motorcycles are thrilling, adventurous, and fun to ride, but they also come with some risks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that for every mile driven, motorcycle riders have a 28-fold increased risk of dying in a crash compared to passengers in cars. That’s why it’s essential to wear proper safety gear every time you ride, no matter how experienced or confident you are.
But what are the most important pieces of motorcycle safety gear? How do they protect you from injuries and accidents? And how do you choose the best ones for your needs and preferences? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, as we present the top 5 motorcycle safety gear for every rider. Let’s get started!
Helmet
The helmet is the most crucial piece of motorcycle safety gear, as it protects your head and brain from severe trauma in case of a collision or fall. According to the NHTSA, helmets saved an estimated 1,872 lives in 2017, and an additional 749 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets. Helmets also reduce the risk of facial injuries, eye damage, and hearing loss.
But not all helmets are created equal. You should look for a helmet that meets the safety standards of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the European Economic Area (EEA). These helmets have undergone rigorous testing and certification to ensure their quality and performance. You should also look for a helmet that fits your head comfortably and snugly—not too tight or too loose. You should replace your helmet every five years or after a crash, as it may lose its effectiveness over time or due to damage. Consider checking for a Twisted Throttle Coupon Code when purchasing a high-quality motorcycle helmet that meets safety standards.
Jacket
The jacket is another essential piece of motorcycle safety gear, as it protects your upper body from abrasions, cuts, burns, and impacts. A good motorcycle jacket should be made of durable and abrasion-resistant material, such as leather, textile, or mesh. It should also have padding or armor on the shoulders, elbows, and back, to absorb and distribute the force of an impact. It should have vents or perforations to allow airflow and prevent overheating.
However, not all jackets are suitable for all seasons and weather conditions. You should look for a jacket that matches your riding style and climate. For example, if you ride in hot and humid areas, you may prefer a lightweight and breathable mesh jacket, while if you ride in cold and rainy areas, you may prefer a warm and waterproof textile jacket. You should always wear a jacket that is visible and reflective, especially at night or in low-light situations, to increase your visibility and safety on the road.
Gloves
The gloves are another vital piece of motorcycle safety gear, as they protect your hands and fingers from injuries and discomfort. Your hands are one of the first parts of your body to touch the ground in case of a crash, and they are also exposed to the wind, sun, rain, and debris while riding. A good pair of motorcycle gloves should be made of sturdy and protective material, such as leather, textile, or synthetic. It should also have padding or armor on the knuckles, palms, and fingers, to cushion and shield your hands from impacts and abrasions. And it should have a secure and adjustable closure, to prevent them from slipping off or getting caught.
However, not all gloves are appropriate for all types of riding and weather conditions. You should look for a pair of gloves that suits your riding style and environment. For example, if you ride in warm and dry areas, you may prefer a pair of short and ventilated gloves, while if you ride in cold and wet areas, you may prefer a pair of long and insulated gloves. And you should always wear gloves that are comfortable and flexible, to allow you to grip and control your motorcycle effectively.
Pants
The pants are another crucial piece of motorcycle safety gear, as they protect your lower body from injuries and discomfort. Your legs are one of the most vulnerable parts of your body in case of a crash, and they are also exposed to the heat, friction, and vibration of your motorcycle while riding. A good pair of motorcycle pants should be made of tough and abrasion-resistant material, such as leather, textile, or denim. It should also have padding or armor on the hips, knees, and shins, to protect and support your joints and bones from impacts and fractures. And it should have zippers or snaps to connect to your jacket, to prevent them from riding up or sliding down.
But not all pants are fit for all kinds of riding and weather conditions. You should look for a pair of pants that matches your riding style and climate. For example, if you ride in hot and sunny areas, you may prefer a pair of lightweight and breathable pants, while if you ride in cold and snowy areas, you may prefer a pair of heavy and warm pants. And you should always wear pants that are comfortable and flexible, to allow you to move and maneuver your motorcycle easily.
Boots
The boots are another important piece of motorcycle safety gear, as they protect your feet and ankles from injuries and discomfort. Your feet are one of the most exposed parts of your body while riding, and they are also responsible for shifting, braking, and balancing your motorcycle. A good pair of motorcycle boots should be made of strong and protective material, such as leather, rubber, or synthetic. It should also have padding or armor on the toes, heels, and ankles, to safeguard and stabilize your feet from impacts and twists. And it should have a non-slip and oil-resistant sole, to prevent them from slipping or sliding on the road or your motorcycle.
However, not all boots are suitable for all types of riding and weather conditions. You should look for a pair of boots that fits your riding style and environment. For example, if you ride in warm and dry areas, you may prefer a pair of low-cut and ventilated boots, while if you ride in cold and wet areas, you may prefer a pair of high-cut and waterproof boots. And you should always wear boots that are comfortable and snug, to allow you to control and enjoy your motorcycle ride. Consider checking for an Automotive Discount Code when looking for the right pair of motorcycle boots to ensure both safety and comfort.
Conclusion
Motorcycle riding is an exciting and rewarding activity, but it also comes with some risks and challenges. That’s why you should always wear proper safety gear every time you ride, no matter how experienced or confident you are. By wearing a helmet, a jacket, gloves, pants, and boots, you can protect yourself from injuries and accidents, and enhance your comfort and performance on the road. By choosing the best safety gear for your needs and preferences, you can also express your personality and style while riding.
