Whatever style of helmet you choose to use, be sure to get it properly fitted. It should
be snug, not wobble when you shake your head, to avoid blowing up on you during
higher speed rides. Avoiding a good fit because the helmet may feel uncomfortable
can be dangerous, so check with your local gear shop and get some proper fitting
information if you don’t already have it down pat.
Additional Ear, Face and Eye Protection:
If you don’t wear a full face helmet, then be sure that your face and eye protection
is clean and clear of debris, fits well and that you have the proper lenses for the right
time of day. Make sure you carry clear lenses on bright days, when that quick ride
turns into an all-day adventure and you will be riding in the dark. Earplugs can and do
help preserve your hearing if you ride, even with a full face helmet. As wind noise is
constant when you ride, continuous exposure to wind noise creates a condition called
temporary threshold shift (TTS). In a nutshell, you can go partially deaf for a while after
extended exposure to wind noise, and this can adversely affect your safety on a bike.
Foam earplugs are the most economical and best way to preserve your hearing on
a ride. Many myths about hearing protection are mentioned in this article which we
recommend - http://www.bikebandit.com/blog/post/motorcycle-ear-plugs.
Footwear:
A study conducted by the CDC on data obtained between 2001 and 2008 determined
that 30% of the most non-fatal motorcycle injuries happened to legs and feet. It stands
to reason that importance of proper motorcycle boots cannot be overstated. It seems
that most riders also know someone who injured their foot or ankle at a stop, so you
don’t even have to be traveling for these types of injuries to occur.
The safest footwear is a sturdy boot that covers feet and ankles. Also, since you
don’t remove them when you get to your stops, it’s also important that they be a
comfortable article of clothing that you can wear all day. Your riding purpose can
guide you in the style of boots for your type of fun, and while racing boots offer the
most protection, other factors such as waterproofing or shin protection can be just as
important. Boots designed for motorcycle riding have things regular boots do not,
such as stiffer protective areas, non-slip soles, and specific shifting pads either over or
under the toe, depending on your style of ride.
They are more expensive than regular boots or footwear, but we’re talking about the
safety of your feet. Those feet are worth it.
Gloves, Jackets, Pants or Suits:
Not only will the right gear keep you comfortable in cold and hot weather, the
materials of today’s outerwear can protect you in the event of a crash. Many riders
choose leather for the look, so make sure to make it count. There are grades of leather
that are more protective than others. The 4 grades are full grain, top grain, genuine
and bonded. Full grain uses the entire grain of hide, is the toughest and strongest, and
will develop a beautiful patina as it ages. Top Grain is as stated; it is a harvest of the
top of the hide and is the middle of the road quality of leather. Genuine and Bonded
are the lowest grades of leather, are stamped to look like leather and painted or dyed
for their color, and not as sturdy.
There are a number of new modern fabrics that are protective as well as have the
inherent ability to provide high-visibility properties. These are Cordura® and ballistic
nylon, and Kevlar. Some gear stores have seen a pull back from vendors using Kevlar,
while online resources seem to be increasing, so you may have to look there to see
what’s available. A recent New Zealand study shows that riders who wore a fluorescent
jacket or vest were 37% less likely to be involved in a crash.**
The wind and water resistance of modern fabrics also make them good choices
for protective outer gear when it comes to weather and extreme temps. Lack of
adequate protection from sun and wind on hot or cold days can lead to dehydration or
hypothermia, both of which impair judgement and reaction times. Even in milder temps,
good riding gear helps insulate you from being too hot or cold, which is distracting
when you need to focus your attention on the ride and your surroundings. Some items
to remember: zippers protect from wind and rain better than snaps, and foldover flaps
help increase that protection.
You can get more detailed information by visiting the Motorcycle Safet y Foundation’s
website at msf-usa.org.
continued....
Thunder Roads Magazine® Oregon 7