How to Choose Clothing for Riding Your Motorcycle

Proper clothing and footwear can help protect you against injury in case you fall or your motorcycle falls on you. Here are some pointers for selecting the right jackets, pants and boots.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle Gloves
• Motorcycle Jacket
• Motorcycle Pants
• Motorcycles
• Eye Protection For Motorcycle Riders
• Federally Approved Motorcycle Helmets

1. Choose jackets and pants that will cover your arms and legs completely. Wear a jacket even in warm weather.

2. Select riding clothes that fit snugly enough to prevent flapping while allowing you to move freely. Be wary of pant cuffs that can catch on exposed parts of the motorcycle.

3. Wear boots or shoes that are sturdy and high enough to protect your ankles.

4. Check that the soles on your boots or shoes are made of hard, durable materials.

5. Buy footwear with short heels, which won't catch on rough road surfaces.

6. Avoid shoes with rings or laces that can catch on the controls.

7. Purchase gloves made of leather or heavy cloth, which will keep your hands warm while protecting them. All your gear should be designed to keep you warm and dry while guarding you against injury.

8. Purchase rain suits specifically designed for motorcycle use. Otherwise, they can tear apart or balloon up at high speeds.

Tips & Warnings

• You can't control a motorcycle when you're numb with cold. Riding for long periods in cold weather can cause severe chill and fatigue.
• Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[truckson]

on 10/5/2007 there are new motorcycle jackets coming out with airbag-like things in them, in places like around your neck and on your back etc. They are activated when you fall off your bike. http://youtube.com/watch?v=pYu0b3cLQVI

on 11/22/2005 You should never wear any shoes that have a lace-up closure, as the laces are easily caught on the footpegs, brake pedal and gear shift or other bike parts. Having your shoelace tangled around a brake pedal could prove fatal.

on 11/22/2005 The easiest and fastest way to get rubber motorcycle rain booties over your boots without a struggle is to slip your shoe into a plastic grocery bag first. Then, the rubber bootie will slip on in seconds - just as if it was greased!

on 11/22/2005 If you can't handle full leathers, try Kevlar jeans - although "real" experienced bikers ALWAYS wear FULL LEATHERS. Once you've seen what happens or have gravel wire-brushed from your skin, you'll do it, too!