Basic Motorcycle Riding Gear For New Riders

New riders often don’t know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to choosing the right gear for riding. They might over-prepare in some areas and then under-prepare in others. But having the right gear isn’t just about staying comfortable. The gear you wear can have a serious effect on whether you stay focused, and if you get in an accident, whether you are injured.

Below, we’ve listed the basic riding gear for new riders and why it’s important to wear them. Make sure to put some time and invest in gear that can protect you as much as possible. If you need riding gear, maintenance for your motorcycle, or a new bike altogether, stop by Abernathy’s Cycles. We’re located in Union City, Tennessee, and we proudly serve the regions of Memphis, Nashville, and all of Tennessee.

Helmet

The helmet is the single most important piece of riding gear you’ll invest in, and your helmet budget should probably reflect that. Some prefer skull cap or half shell helmets. These helmets have an open face area which makes them less claustrophobic. However, these helmets also tend to offer substantially less protection than full face helmets. Three-quarters helmets extend down the back of the head, over the ear, and down close to the jaw. These helmets offer a little more protection than a skull cap helmet, but they leave the chin exposed. The most protective helmet option is the full face helmet. No matter what type of helmet you choose, make sure the helmet fits your particular head shape correctly. You’ll also want to find a helmet approved by an accredited crash-test agency.

Eyewear

Eyewear and helmets go hand in hand. Eyewear is extremely important when riding a motorcycle because the rush of air will make your eyes water and it’s easy to get dust, debris, and water in your eyes. A pair of polarized sunglasses is a good start. Many modern helmets feature built-in eye protection in the form of a face shield. If your face shield completely seals off your helmet, make sure it has an anti-fogging coating so that you don’t lose visibility when it gets cold out.

Riding Jacket

Finding the right riding jacket is partially a matter of personal taste, but there are a few features that are suited for different environments. If you’re in a hot climate, you’ll want a riding jacket with good ventilation. For sportbike riders, jackets with shoulder pads and spine protection are more common. Many riders try to match the aesthetic of their bike to their riding gear. For example, classic style bikes like choppers and cruisers tend to look good with a leather jacket. Leather is a good option for riders because if your bike goes into a skid, the leather will protect your skin from damage.

Riding Pants

Many of the same rules that apply to riding jackets also apply to riding pants. One important difference, however, is that you’ll probably want some level of insulation, especially near the shins. The heat from the engine of your motorcycle can become extremely uncomfortable if you don’t have sufficient protection. You’ll want to avoid shorts altogether.

Boots

Riding boots should have strong ankle support so that it’s easier to pick up your bike if you accidentally tip it over. Having waterproof boots is helpful if you’re going to be riding in the rain, which is common for commuters and long-distance riders. Again, a measure of insulation is necessary for shielding your feet and ankles from engine heat.

Gloves

Without good gloves, you could find your fingers become cold and lose dexterity. That’s bad news considering many of your bike’s most important controls like the brakes and throttle are located on the handlebars. Try to find a pair of gloves with some shielding on the outside of the fingers and knuckles, but make sure they aren’t so bulky as to affect your ability to use your bike’s controls.

Hopefully, this short guide to motorcycle riding gear gave you a few helpful pointers on finding good riding gear. For all your motorcycle needs, stop by Abernathy’s Cycles in Union City, Tennessee. We’re located near Memphis and Nashville, and we proudly serve all of Tennessee.