The pandemic has led to an increase in motorcycle sales and people learning how to ride them. This leaves us with a large group of people new to the joy of biking.
Here are some of the best tips for motorcycle gear for beginners and the things you should keep in mind when you buy it.
COVID & Motorcycle Popularity, What’s the Deal?
COVID has increased the popularity of motorcycling. Many people chose to buy new means of transportation when they were faced with the alternative of sitting in public transportation – with many strangers for long periods of time.
A bike is cheaper to buy and easier to store. Plus, the motorcycle stands for freedom, which is especially appealing today.
Many people used the pandemic as a reason to learn something new. Those, who were forced to spend more time at home or by themselves picked up new hobbies. This includes those who have always dreamed of riding a motorcycle. They finally had a reason to set their dream in motion.
Important Gear Tips for Motorcycle Beginners
So, welcome those who decided to learn how to ride a motorcycle during the pandemic. You picked fun and fulfilling means of transportation and hobby. But it is also one of many risks.
Here is some important information about necessary accessories that will help you stay safe while having fun.
Motorcycle Gear
Many professional motorcycle equipment vendors, like Chromeburner, make it easy to find the various gear you need to ride safely. Most essential is your choice of protective equipment. It functions as a shield and impact-redistributor in accidents. And by keeping the rider comfortable and providing him with a better grip, helps you stay alert and in control.
Nobody, no matter how skillful they might be, rides risk-free – there are outside influences you have no control over. step through vs. step over bikes – which one is better?
Motorcycle Clothes
Motorcycle clothes usually consist of a motorcycle jacket and motorcycle pants. Alternatives, like a jumpsuit or armored vests, you can wear over clothing.
The important thing, when it comes to motorcycle clothing, is high-quality abrasion-resistant material. The top picks are leather or synthetic fibers. The fabric must protect you from road-rash or sharp objects that can potentially penetrate your skin. Good motorcycle clothing is padded and reinforced with armor plating in delicate areas. These armor pieces are often placed inaccessible pockets, so they can be changed if needed.
Make sure the clothing fits correctly. The armor plating should correctly cover the targeted areas. The clothing needs to be loose enough, so you can lean forward without a problem. At the same time, it needs to fit tightly, otherwise, the wind will flow through and pull on it. Many motorcycle jackets can be tightened with belts or zippers around the waist and cuffs.
Motorcycle Gloves & Boots
The same applies to gloves and boots. Some gloves lack the appropriate protection, other motorcycle gauntlets and knee-high boots that are worn by professional racers offer the best protection for potential high-velocity impacts.
Something in the middle is a good choice. It would be a pair of gloves with reinforcement over the knuckles and a padded area at the base of the palm. It softens the impact when you catch yourself in a fall. Likewise, it lessens how much the bike’s vibration numbs your hands over time.
A good pair of motorcycle boots should cover the ankle and be stiff to properly stabilize the area while riding and in case of an accident. The toe and heel box should be steel-plated or reinforced in other ways. Laces should be hidden.
Motorcycle Helmet
Motorcycle helmets are obligatory. They receive any impact and redistribute the force evenly over their surface, so less of it will reach your head. There are four things you should consider when it comes to motorcycle helmets:
- buy a certified helmet
FIM, DOT, SNELL, ECE, SHARP and BSI certificates signal a helmet’s safety standard.
- replace helmets every 5 years and after every impact
The padding in helmets loses efficiency after 5 years and every impact can cause invisible fractures that leave a helmet unsafe.
- never buy a used helmet
- always buy a full-face or modular helmet
Only a helmet with a chin guard protects your chin and nose as well.
Dress for the Ride
Not every gear is made for every ride:
Winter Gear
The velocity makes the temperature on a bike seem even lower than it is. Hypothermia is no joke. When you ride in winter, it is vital to choose insulated and padded gear. Some even have battery-powered heating elements.
Summer Gear
Just like hypothermia, overheating is equally dangerous on a bike. Summer gear is lighter and has many perforations and vents to cool you down.
Rain Gear
Most motorcycle gear is somewhat water-resistant, but not all of it is waterproof. A rain suit is light and easy to store in case of heavy rain.
Long-Distance Gear
Long-distance gear is made to keep you safe and comfy for a long time. For example, a motorcycle boot with bracing is built to stabilize your foot, and it prevents hypertension from the wrong posture. This makes them a good choice for long rides. They are less suited for short trips since they are very stiff and hard to walk in.
Conclusion
Motorcycle enthusiasts are glad to have gained many new compatriots in their hobby. It was a surprising result of our current crisis.
New motorcycle riders face some challenges. Starting something new can always be intimidating. That is doubly true for something risky like riding a motorcycle. To stay safe, you must get schooled and practice. A set of protective motorcycle gear will help you reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident.
It is important to choose the right materials, fits, and high-quality items. The right gear will help you stay safe, comfortable, and alert, to avoid accidents in the first place.
