How to Dress for Advanced Motorcycle Riding
Safety is the most important factor when it comes to riding a motorcycle. Whether you take your sport bike to the track for some high-speed action or carve corners in canyons, proper riding apparel is the first step you should take to minimize the effects of a spill. More aggressive sport-bike riding requires optimal protection.
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Things You'll Need
- Form-fitting undergarments
- DOT/SNELL approved helmet
- Riding Pants
- Riding Jacket
- Gloves
- Boots
Instructions
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Dress to Impress
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There's nothing rewarding about having riding apparel (especially leathers) chafe. Invest in a good set of form-fitting undergarments, such as Under Armor. This will help wick away sweat and minimize chafing.
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Buy a quality helmet. Most helmets today are DOT and SNELL approved. Brands like Shoei and Arai are two of the top players in the market. Make sure your helmet fits snugly and feels a half size too small because there is a short break-in period. Full-face helmets offer the most protection.
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Leather jackets offer the best protection. Make sure your jacket has CE approved or higher padding in the shoulders, elbows and back. CE approval indicates that the product passed certain quality tests. If leather is out of your price range, then textile gear is the next best thing. A one-piece track suit offers exceptional protection, keeping the body stable in the event of a crash. Some even have built-in kevlar pads for impact and abrasion protection.
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Time for pants. If you chose to buy your jacket and pants separately, rather than as part of a two-piece riding suit, make sure the pants have CE approved knee padding and spandex in the crotch. You should be able to swing your leg over the bike with ease while wearing your pants. This way, it's much easier to move around on the seat. Most pants have large velcro patches for knee pucks. If you're a frequent knee dragger, (ususally a technique for track racing) make sure the pants are compatible before you buy.
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Choose a pair of gauntlet-style riding gloves that are not only comfortable to wear, but offer maximum protection. Hard plastic or metal knuckle guards, abrasion-resistant palms, and a multiple-stitched construction are key factors in selecting a quality set of high-performance gloves. Getting the correct size is very important. Gloves that are too large will cause your hands to get lost in them, while gloves that are too tight will limit mobility significantly. Choose a glove that is slightly too small and it will break in.
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Proper riding boots can save an ankle or foot. Plastic toe inserts can help gauge how far the bike is leaned over and will save the outside of the boot from excessive wear. Make sure your boots leave about a half inch clearance from your toe to the front of the boot. Flexibility is important, especially when your feet are perched on rearsets, which are footpegs that are mounted farther back toward the end of the bike for a more sporty riding position. Make sure you can crouch down and bend your foot at the ankle without any major hang ups. Remember, boots need to be broken in as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Ventilation is also important. Be sure that your riding gear is perforated for warm riding days, allowing your body to breathe.
Most advanced riders buy two-piece or one-piece riding suits, but jackets and pants can be bought separately. If you choose to go this route, make sure the pants and jacket are compatible to zip together.
Always ride responsibly and never exceed your abilities.
