Helmets
This is one piece of equipment that should not be skimped on. The helmet is the most important piece of motorcycle protective gear a rider can buy. A rider should never get on a motorcycle without a helmet on.
When choosing a motorcycle helmet, look for one that is approved by the Department of Transportation. It should fit the head snugly. Depending on the helmet, it may also protect the rider from wind noise and turbulence.
Wearing a helmet will reduce injury and increase the rider’s chance of surviving a crash. Studies have shown that wearing a properly-fitting helmet doesn’t contribute to neck injuries or impair vision or hearing. Wearing a brightly colored helmet will increase the rider visibility on the road as well.
Eye Protection
Some riders choose sunglasses, while others opt for built-in eye protection in the helmet while riding. This keeps bugs and debris out of the rider’s eyes. Visors in helmets offer built-in eye protection; however, some riders prefer having separate tinted eye protection so that they can remove it when the sun goes down.
Jackets
Jackets for motorcyclists are available in a range of different styles, materials, and weights. There are heavier jackets, like armored race gear, or cooler ventilated summer wear. These jackets reduce or prevent abrasion injuries, especially those made with Kevlar.
Jackets for motorcyclists are usually made of nylon, leather, or Kevlar in both men’s and women’s designs. Leather, however, remains the premium material for motorcycle safety. Not just any leather jacket will do. It needs to have heavy-duty zippers to resist wind, a sealer to make it water resistant, and some built-in padding. These jackets typically include reinforcements or heavy padding on the elbow, spine, and shoulder regions.
Gloves
When a rider falls from a motorcycle, it is instinctual to put the hands out in front first to ease into the fall. Hands can suffer a lot of damage when this happens. To protect the hands, consider a sturdily constructed, well-padded glove. Those that offer the most protection are gauntlet style, which extend past the wrist.
Gloves are generally made of leather or Kevlar and some include carbon fiber knuckle protection and may have reinforced palms.
Pants
Motorcyclists should not neglect the lower body when looking for protective gear. As with jackets, there is a wide variety of protective pants available, offering different levels of protection. Pants may range from touring pants to sport and casual.
Pants should be reinforced at the knees and hips. Pants are usually leather, nylon, or Kevlar. Kevlar jeans are more abrasion resistant than leather or nylon.
Boots
Although sneakers offer a level of protection, for optimum protection when riding a motorcycle, consider a pair of boots. Boots are available in a range of styles, from racing to traditional cruiser styles. In addition to protecting the feet in the event of an accident, boots also protect the feet and shins from road debris that may kick up when riding. Boots should be made of thick leather with a flexible sole.
The soles of boots should be oil-resistant and rubber-based composite soles to grip the pavement better and keep the rider’s feet on the cycle’s pegs.