Motorcycles are also seen as a way of life for many riders, who crave the adrenaline rush that comes with hitting the open road. Whether you are planning on urban riding or off-road, safety is one of the most important things to consider when riding a bike.
Any experienced motorcyclist can tell you that wearing appropriate gear is very important for safety during a ride. More than one lakh road accidents happen every year in India, and having appropriate riding gear can be the difference between life and death, especially for new riders. The right gear can help you to be safe and protected, be comfortable, improve visibility and add style to your riding.
In this article, we will discuss: what is riding gear, tips while shopping for riding gear and the factors that you should consider while buying.
A] Essential Motorcycle Gear You Need To Know About
1. Helmets
The most important of the motorcycle gear are the riding helmets. Helmets are arguably the most important aspect of riding gear. It protects the rider from face, head and brain injuries which can even be fatal.
2. Riding Gloves
Riding gloves like the full gauntlet, short cuff, and winter gloves are all extremely useful for new riders to protect the hands from the elements such as debris, sun and cold wind and provide better grip.
3. Riding Jackets
Riding jackets are very tough and durable which helps to protect the rider’s upper body. High-quality riding jackets also have armour on the elbows, shoulders, and back. Refer to a riding jacket size chart on the website while purchasing the jacket to find the perfect fit for you.
Want to explore jackets from the top brands? Check out our guide featuring the best motorcycle jacket brands available in India!
4. Rain Gear
Rain gear includes rain jackets, waterproof pants, waterproof socks, waterproof gloves, and waterproof boots are all important to wear during rain to stay dry and safe on the road.
5. Socks
A good pair of riding socks is a very important aspect of riding gear. The socks should be able to keep your feet dry during monsoon and should also be breathable and skin-friendly so your feet do not sweat and you stay comfortable. We advise you to try Rynox H2Go Pro, waterproof knee socks made with coolmax coated yarn.
6. Eyewear
Goggles and sunglasses are both essential for protecting the rider from dirt, dust and the harsh rays of the sun. It increases your visibility, reducing the risk of accidents. Bikester has two of the most popular sunglasses brands, Raida for daytime use and Spectra Glasses for excellent HD night vision.
7. Pants
Riding pants and riding jeans are designed to withstand high levels of friction for long use and if you are ever in an accident, they can keep your knees and legs from scraping. So not only are they comfortable to wear, they also offer protection.
8. Performance Layers
Performance layers include base layers, cooling vests, and winter liners which all help to regulate and maintain body temperature during riding. The base layer is for absorbing sweat, the cooling vest is usually worn in summer to keep the temperature cool and winter liners act as insulation in winter.
9. Protectors
Protectors are designed to reduce the impact of a collision and protect you from injuries. protectors include back protectors, chest protectors, elbow and shoulder protectors, hip protectors, and knee protectors. These protectors are useful when worn inside a jacket or pants, they are inserted into a jacket or pants.
10. Riding Boots
Riding boots are meant to protect your feet and ankles in case of an accident. You can choose between short Boots or tall riding boots according to your style and preference.
11. Riding Knee Guard
Knee guards are made with durable, abrasion-resistant material which protects the rider from knee injuries. If you are looking for knee guards, you should try brands like Rynox, Axo, Fly Racing, Korda and Raida, they are some of the best knee guard brands. We recommend Rynox Bastion Bionic Knee Guards, which offers impact-resistance and provides improved airflow.
12. Women’s Gear
Women’s riding gear is more narrow and toned than men’s gear to accommodate women to be as comfortable as possible while riding a bike without compromising on safety.
B] Tips For Shopping For Motorcycle Gear Online
- Know Your Measurements: Measure yourself with a measuring tape before shopping for your bike riding gears online. This will help you to learn your size and find better-fitting gear. Remember to also check the riding gear size chart that’s present on the website.
- Read Product Descriptions Carefully: The product description will help you understand a lot of things about the gear including, materials used, features, and sizing information. The product description is basically a motorcycle riding gear guide for the buyer.
- Check Customer Reviews: Before buying any gear online, you should definitely read all the customer reviews to learn more about the quality, fit, and performance of the item from real customers. Reading reviews is always a good idea and will help you to make an informed decision.
- Compare Prices and Deals: When buying any gear such as a glove, jackets or boots, you should compare the prices of other items in the same category to get the most value for your money. Of course, built and quality are also important factors to consider.
- Stick to Trusted Brands: Sticking to trusted and well-known brands will ensure that you get high-quality gear which is safe, durable and comfortable.
- Consider Shipping and Return Policies: Finally, you should also consider the shipping charges and time required to deliver the gear to you along with the return policies. Check the return policy in case the gear doesn’t fit or has some defects.
C] Factors To Consider While Buying Motorcycle Gear
- Size and Fit: The riding gear should fit you properly, it should not be too loose or too tight. Wearing the gear in the wrong size can make you feel uncomfortable and won’t provide adequate protection.
- Quality: The level of protection a riding gear provides is dependent on the quality of the materials used. High-quality riding gear is generally made with leather, textile, or abrasion-resistant materials.
- Durability: The safety gear is for long-term use, hence, durable gear will last you a long time and can combat the harsh weather conditions and wear and tear and the elements on the road.
- Comfort: It is important to be comfortable while wearing your gear, it can reduce fatigue while riding and reduce distraction while riding. Check for ventilation, moisture-wicking properties, or padding in key areas which will provide maximum comfort.
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Style: Choosing the riding gears that fit your style and suit your personality is essential to make your rides more enjoyable and memorable. When your gear reflects your personality, you feel more confident.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wearing appropriate and complete motorcycle gear is very important for safety and comfort while riding. The concept of ATGATT (All the gear, all the time) is not so well-known, but it is important. It can save you from catastrophic injuries and potentially save your life.
We hope our motorcycle safety gear guide has eased your confusion on why riding gear are important and how you can choose the right gear. Visit Bikester global shop today to browse through an extensive collection of top biking gear and find your perfect riding gear for your need.
Riding Gear FAQs
1. How much should I spend on gear?
For starters, you should at least spend 15 thousand to 20 thousand INR for a complete bike riding gear set, including a helmet, jacket, shoes, socks, gloves, protective gear, and rain gear. Of course, you can go above this price range if you want to buy higher-quality gear which provides more comfort and durability.
2. How to clean and store gear?
Keeping the gear clean and storing it properly is very important for the gear’s longevity. The best way to do so would be to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
3. When to replace gear?
The bike gear is meant to last long, however, knowing when to replace them is essential to ensure safety. You should always change gear, After a crash, when the gear shows signs of wear and tear, after the expiration date and when the safety technology is outdated.