Everyone likes that exhilarating feeling when they get on a motorcycle. The adrenaline and excitement caused by speed and danger, and of course the fear of imminent injury; all goes through your head while roaming the streets with your bike. Anyone who has ever taken a stroll on a motorbike knows how thrilling it can be. But as much fun as they are, motorcycle accidents are one of the main causes of injuries, even fatalities in traffic. Most motorcycle riders experience at least one serious injury during their adventures on their bikes. This is where the protective clothing and motorcycle accessories come in.
Any experienced rider knows to wear protective gear specifically made for bike riders such as jackets, gloves, boots, pants and helmet. There are also devices like head cameras and GPS tracking devices.These devices will improve your overall experience and provide you with extra security. Rider jackets are generally made of leather or kevlar and including heavy padding on the shoulders, spine and elbow areas. Gloves are made of the same materials and most of them offer knuckle protection. Boots, on the other hand, are reinforced around ankle and toe areas. Other than helmets, none of these items is mandatory in any state of the USA or UK. But they are heavily recommended by the authorities.
Helmet
Helmets have evolved since they were just leather caps with the only purpose of covering your ears on the road. They have become increasingly sophisticated and protective over the years. It is by far the most important piece of gear considering motorcycle riders are at very high risk of accidents. The primary objective of a motorcycle helmet is to protect the rider’s head in the event of an accident, thus preventing head injuries and possibly saving the rider’s life. Some helmets also have additional features such as ventilation, face shields and ear protection.
According to statistics, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by over 65% and death by over 40%. There are two types of helmets that can be worn by bikers; full-face helmets and open-face helmets. Experts recommend using full-face helmets for all motorcycle riders for protection. Helmets also provide comfort, reduce wind noise, protect the wearer’s eyes and vision from windblast and flying debris. According to law, you are required to wear a safety helmet while riding a motorcycle on the road. Remember to wear your helmet all times.
Bag
Bags are another important accessory for bikers. Whether you are just commuting to work or a professional biker, you need to carry certain essential items with you. Selecting the appropriate bag for your biking experience is crucial for your comfort, convenience and safety. You should take certain factors into consideration before buying the bag or saddlebag for your motorcycle. Waterproof exteriors is a must since you will be travelling under harsh weather conditions from time to time. Carbon fibre hard shell is also another vital feature to ensure the safety of your cargo.
Riding a motorbike will apply pressure to your belongings due to crosswinds and speed and your bag needs to be able to protect them. An aerodynamic top, high-quality zippers and expansion pockets are also additional properties that will help you on the road. An exceptional motorcyclist’s backpack needs to meet the highest demands of the harsh conditions you will encounter and provide you with all the benefits of a versatile backpack.
Motorcycle Clothing
A proper protective gear is a must for any biker whether you are just going to the grocery store or travelling to another state. Accidents can and will happen at any given time and you should be ready in advance to prevent any serious injuries or fatalities. They are also essential for your comfort and well-being because long bike rides take a toll on the rider. Another serious problem for bikers is that they are vulnerable against rapid chilling that results in loss of reflexes which leads to hypothermia. Hypothermia causes riders to lose their ability to concentrate and think clearly. It is a very dangerous situation considering they will need reflexes to respond to the traffic.
Gloves: Motorcycle gloves need to protect the rider’s hands, keep them comfortable and functional at all times. The most common gloves preferred by bikers are leather gloves which protect hands from blisters and harsh weather conditions such as the wind, sun and cold. In the event of a possible fall or an accident, gloves will also protect your hands from cuts and bruises. Biker gloves must be comfortable enough to allow operating your bike and preferably offer knuckle protection.
Boots: Bikers need to wear sturdy, durable boots in order to prevent foot injuries in case you fall of your motorcycle. They also help protect your feet from the cold and wet weather. Same as gloves you need to make sure your boots are comfortable enough to let you operate your motorcycle. They are usually made of leather, rubber or plastic.
Jackets: Jackets are one of the most important protective gear for bikers. Motorcyclists can become quickly dehydrated when they are exposed to the wind on their skin. There is also a significant difference in the temperature when you ride a motorcycle. Experts say bikers riding at 40-50 miles per hour experience temperature 15-20C lower, almost to the point of freezing sometimes. Proper motorcycle jackets protect the rider from dehydration, cold and provide comfort. Regardless of the weather, you should always put on your jacket when you ride your motorcycle.
Armoured Trousers: Armoured trousers are specifically designed to protect you when riding and also provide comfort. As most of the other protective clothing, leather is the preferred choice which offers the best overall performance when it comes to protection and comfort. You can also add kevlar lining or armour to certain impact points to prevent injuries.
Head Camera: In the last few years, the technology has advanced to the point that a high quality, HD head camera is more affordable than ever. There are a number of reasons why you need a head camera when riding your bike. First of all, almost all motorcyclists like to capture their ride. To have your best moments at your disposal to edit, upload or share with your friends anytime is great. You can capture your ride from various angles and record every single second. Also in the case of an accident, you will have unequivocal evidence that can be reviewed by insurance companies and authorities to determine the outcome. Motorcycle accidents are very common due to distracted car drivers and you will have indisputable evidence to prove your innocence. Recording the footage of your own ride is perfectly legal too.
GPS Tracking Device: If you own a motorcycle and like to keep owning it, a GPS tracking device is the best way to ensure the highest level of protection. Investing in a tracking device will give you a piece of mind and additional security for your bike. GPS trackers also come with many benefits such as lowering your insurance premiums, improving your maintenance cycles and providing safety. You will have access to a cloud-based tracking software which allows you to track your motorcycle in real-time 24/7. Even if your bike is stolen, you can easily locate its position and alert authorities to recover it safe and sound. It is a small investment for such a tremendous security measure.