Leathers are synonymous with motorcycle riders, and not only does it look cool, but it is necessary. Once you start purchasing your clothing gear, the price may add up and you may be tempted to scrimp on some of the items. But the more you scrimp, the more risk you are taking when you ride your motorcycle. Here are why they are important.
- Helmet: this is a big one, and it is usually worn by most riders. Your head is the most important asset, so get it protected with a helmet that passes safety test standards. Make sure it fits well and is comfortable to wear, and wear it every single time you are riding on the bike, no exceptions.
- Gloves: hot or cold, hands can get clammy and sweaty and slip from the handles, so it’s important to get good gloves with proper grip. It’s also crucial that they are of a good material so if you fall – and your instinct will be to put your hands out – it’s the gloves that get scraped and not your hands.
- Jackets and Trousers: these are the bulk of your body coverings, so you want to make sure the leather is hi
gh grade and heavy duty. When motorcyclists get into crashes, there is no protection from the outside, so you want to make sure that when you hit the ground, your skin and bones have a lot more padding and protection. Not only that, leathers are more durable in weather such as rain or snow as they are waterproof. - Boots: your boots should at least be a few inches higher than your ankles for proper protection. Tuck your leather trousers into your boots to keep every inch of your skin protected when you are riding. Boots protect your feet from injury if you crash or fall off your bike, including your toes and ankles, which are crucial if you want to continue riding.
- Goggles/visors/glasses: If your helmet doesn’t come with a visor, it’s a good idea to get googles to protect your eyes from bugs and dirt when you’re going at high speed. You never know how much some debris can affect your driving until it happens.
- Colour: although you’ll likely be dressed head to toe in black, it’s important your gear comes with strips of reflective material so you are visible during the day and at night.
