Riding Gear
In addition to my motorcycle, what equipment do I need?
- Plan to spend $500~$1k on basic safety gear:
- Helmet - the best helmet for you is one that you can afford, that fits, and that you'll wear every time you get on the motorcycle. A $100 Snell and DOT rated helmet is just as safe as a $500 one ... but not as comfortable on long trips. Just because a helmet isn't required in your state, don't assume that the laws of physics are any different. Get a good helmet and wear it always.
- Jacket and Pants or Riding Suit - Leather looks sexy and works; Cordura is functional and works; Shorts and a T-shirt are an invitation to skin grafts. Jackets can be had relatively inexpensively at pawn shops or through Internet retailers. Make sure that the leather is good and thick, not the thin garment leather that most stylish leather jackets are made of. A riding suit makes it convenient to follow the rule of “All the Gear, All the Time.”
- Gloves - Protect your hands. Motorcycle-specific gloves are recommended. Good ones have padding on the back and padded rivets on the palm.
- Boots - Protect your feet and ankles. If they lace up, tuck the laces in so they stay out of the chain and don't hook onto the foot-peg when you try to put your foot down.
What additional safety gear is recommended?
- Wind protection for your eyes, if you wear a 3/4 helmet.
- Ear plugs. An hour at highway speeds will subject your ears to enough wind noise to cause some hearing loss.
- Reflective vests seem to help people see you better between dusk and dawn and in the fog.
- Headlight and taillight modulators
Where can I find reviews of motorcycle safety gear?
- http://www.motorcyclegearreview.com/