Essential Motorcycle Safety Gear

When riding a motorcycle, wearing the essential motorcycle safety gear is important for your safety and wellbeing. Sure, we all just want to get on our bikes and ride off into the sunset. But the reality is that a motorcycle crash can happen in the blink of an eye and injuries can be devastating. That’s why it is important to invest in quality motorcycle riding gear to keep you as protected as possible in the event of a crash.

When you are involved in a motorcycle crash, your life can change in an instant. One moment you are riding down the highway, enjoying the scenery and feeling the power of your bike beneath you. The next you are in pain on the ground, being tended to by medical personnel and your bike is a wreck. It’s at this point that some riders second-guess their decision to go without a helmet or leather gloves. Instead of ever letting it get to that point, make a wise decision and use the best motorcycle gear on the market.

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I have represented hundreds of bikers who have been injured in motorcycle crashes. Many, especially those with severe injuries, regretted that they were not wearing appropriate safety gear when their crash occurred. It is something that is easy dismiss until it happens to you. But with over 5,000 motorcycle crash fatalities each year, it simply is not worth risking your life and well-being. Simply put: if you can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a motorcycle, you can afford another couple hundred to buy appropriate safety gear.

Motorcycle safety gear does not have to cost an arm and a leg to be effective. There is nothing that says that a $100 motorcycle helmet offers less protection than a $300 helmet. It comes down to the overall build and qualities of each product, so weigh your options carefully when you shop.

A quick word of wisdom, before I continue: never buy a used helmet unless you are CERTAIN it has never been in use during a crash. Motorcycle helmets are crafted to withstand a single impact. The impact is absorbed by the materials inside the helmet – not on the surface. This is a case where you cannot judge a book by its cover – you cannot judge a used helmet as safe just because it looks okay on the outside.

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First and foremost, protect your head. The most devastating injuries are traumatic brain injuries and severe concussions. Traumatic brain injury can be life-threatening and, even if you survive, your life will be altered. People who survive a severe head injury may no longer be able to work and may suffer permanent cognitive difficulties. Wearing a full face helmet greatly reduces your chance of suffering a head injury if you are in a crash. And, if you do suffer a head injury wearing a helmet, it will likely be far less severe.

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Choosing a helmet might seem like a daunting task. There are thousands of helmets to choose from and they have a variety of different features. The most important consideration should be the fit of the helmet. A good motorcycle helmet should fit securely on your head without causing hot spots or pressure points that could lead to discomfort.

Remember that a new helmet should fit a bit snug as it is likely to become a bit looser with use. Most helmets come with pads that can be used on pressure points to decrease irritation and to make for a more secure fit. A helmet that is loose and easy to remove will provide little protection in a crash.

Your next piece of motorcycle safety gear should be a motorcycle jacket. Many bikers choose a leather jacket both for the rugged look and also its ability to hold up during scrapes against the asphalt. When you crash, thin fabrics quickly abrade and wear away, exposing your flesh to injuries. Road rash is common, even on body parts that were covered by clothing.

Some jackets have extra padding or armor for elbows, shoulders, and the back, to provide more coverage in case of a crash. This padding is not meant to protect you from the impact of a crash. Instead, it protects your skin and flesh when your body skids against the pavement. Some motorcycle jackets have colorful lining and pinstripes or even reflective surfaces. Be sure to choose a jacket that breathes as you will want to be able to continue to wear it, even on hot days.

One piece of gear a lot of bikers tend to overlook is motorcycle pants. These pants don’t cost a whole lot more than a decent pair of jeans but they offer extra body armor protection in the event of a motorcycle crash. Many of them are abrasion resistant and offer extra pads for protection of the knees and hips. Some of these pants are designed to be worn over your traditional jeans or pants while others are worn in place of your regular pants. Look for motorcycle pants that have reflective piping in the seams for extra visibility, especially if you ride at night.

When you are shopping for motorcycle safety gear, do not forget your motorcycle gloves. Whether you choose leather or a synthetic material, motorcycle gloves are designed to protect your hands while still providing flexibility. Many gloves have a Velcro closure that can be adjusted for fit. This is important as you don’t want your gloves to come off in a crash, exposing your hands.

Some gloves have gel pads that absorb some of the vibrations of the bike which can help alleviate numbness. Most motorcycle gloves offer reinforced palms and knuckles as these are the areas of the hand most frequently prone to road rash.

When shopping for the best motorcycle gear for you, remember that the money you spend today could save you many thousands of dollars in medical and rehabilitative costs in the future. As always, if you have been in a crash and have suffered injuries, contact the experienced motorcycle injury team at Kass & Moses. We represent injured motorcycle riders and help them get the money they deserve in the event of a motorcycle crash. Call 1-800-MOTORCYCLE today to learn more!