Your Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Safety Gear
As a motorcyclist, there’s little standing between you and the open road.
Thrilling as this may be, it’s also dangerous — you have to brave the elements, dodge road debris, and maneuver through tight spaces, all without the added protection of airbags and seatbelts. To minimize the risk of serious injury, proper safety gear is a must-have.
The Arkansas motorcycle accident attorneys at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton know the importance of wearing safety gear while riding. That’s why we’ve compiled everything you need to know about staying protected on the road: the type of gear you should purchase, the top brands to keep an eye out for, and extra safety tips to help you avoid accidents while riding.
Here’s our ultimate guide to the best safety gear for Arkansas motorcyclists.
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Jacket
A motorcycle jacket is more than a statement about the type of rider you are. It also shields you from sun, wind, sleet, and — most importantly — painful injuries like road rash. If you get into a crash without a robust jacket, the asphalt will scrape away your exposed skin, and you might need extensive surgeries and skin grafts to heal.
To avoid a terrible injury like road rash, always wear a rugged motorcycle jacket. Keep these factors in mind when making a decision:
- Thickness: Even a lightweight jacket with 1.0mm thickness is better than a fleece or a shirt. However, we recommend a durable jacket with a thickness of 1.4mm or more.
- Style: Be sure to choose a jacket matching your motorcycle and personality.
- Comfort: Test your jacket before buying it, ensuring that it’s not too loose or too tight. Consider getting a lighter jacket for warm summer days and a heavier jacket for crisp winter evenings.
- Visibility: A jacket with bright colors and reflective strips will help other vehicles to notice you at night, keeping you safer on the streets.
Jacket types:
- Cruiser: These jackets are comfortable and fashionable but offer less protection because they don’t have body armor.
- Sport: Sport jackets are thick, form-fitting, and aerodynamic. They contain lots of armor and padding.
- Touring: These jackets are more comfortable, so they’re best for long rides. They often come with enhanced features, such as removable liners and layers.
- Adventure: Most adventure jackets are made of strong nylon for maximum protection. They are best for riders who traverse unpredictable terrain.
- Off-road: Windproof and waterproof, off-road jackets are great in a variety of conditions.
- Leather: Leather motorcycle jackets are classics for a reason. Leather provides stout protection as well as style and comfort.
- Textile: Textile jackets offer less abrasion resistance but they can make a great layer for colder weather. The best textile jackets consist of both nylon and polyester.
- Mesh: Mesh jackets provide excellent airflow in hot and arid climates. Many include padding to protect you in case of an accident.
Motorcycle Pants
When picking a pair of motorcycle pants, the name of the game is balance — namely, the balance between comfort and protection. Relaxed-fit pants are perfect for street riding and touring, and sport-fit pants are designed for high-speed track racing.
As usual, the right pants for you will depend on what motorcycle you own and how you use it. Here are the key options to be aware of:
- Riding jeans aren’t your typical jeans. They often have knee armor and Kevlar built right in.
- Mesh pants: Mesh pants are best for riding in hot weather. Though more comfortable than riding jeans, they aren’t as durable.
- Full textile pants: These pants are often waterproof, wind-resistant, and equipped with thermal liners. They can handle crashes at high speeds.
- Leather pants: Leather is the preferred choice for riders who want to go fast. Leather pants are ultra-durable, offering enhanced protection in serious accidents. As such, they’re popular for sport riders.
Recommended products:
Motorcycle Gloves
No doubt, motorcycle gloves are an awesome accessory. Better yet, a tight-fitting pair of gloves will improve your grip, allowing you to shift, brake, and hold on to the handlebars more easily. Plus, if you get into a collision, a sturdy pair of gloves will protect your fingers and decrease your chances of breaking a bone.
Most motorcycle gloves are made of leather, textile, or a combination of both.
- Leather gloves are durable and comfortable, making them popular for riders. They mold themselves to the rider’s hands, easily gripping the handlebars and shifters. They’re not always the best choice for year-round riding, but leather provides superb protection if you’re heading to the track.
- Textile gloves are waterproof and versatile, allowing them to adapt to many different climates. Unfortunately, textile gloves don’t mold as easily to the rider’s hands and sometimes feel bulky when riding.
- Hybrid gloves offer the best of both worlds. They’re breathable and durable, maximizing both comfort and safety. Hybrid gloves can include a variety of features, such as stretch panels or thermal liners.
Make sure to pick a glove tailored to your riding type. If you ride a street bike, go with a pair of high-comfort street gloves. Race gloves offer outstanding protection, and touring gloves are great for riders who travel long distances. If you’re going to be doing lots of off-roading, give ADV gloves or dirt gloves a try.
Recommended products:
Motorcycle Boots
Before you rev up your motorcycle again, double-check that your boots are getting the job done. Use these categories to ensure that your motorcycle boots are cutting it:
- Riding type: If you’re racing, you need a racing-specific boot with molded ankle protection and Gore-Tex material. If you’re commuting to work, you might want a conservative and stylish leather boot equally suited to a day at the office or dinner.
- Material: Many motorcycle boots are made out of thick leather with high abrasion resistance. Some boots, though, are made of more breathable materials. If you purchase leather, make sure it’s treated leather that repels water.
- Closures: Some motorcycle boots come with laces, while others use velcro straps. Be sure that the closures you choose won’t snag on your bike or come undone while riding.
Stitching: The strongest boots are held together with either double or triple stitching. This ensures that your boot won’t come apart during a bad accident and stays durable through all conditions. - Soles: Your sole helps you grip while riding and stops you from slipping when you get off the bike. No matter what type of boot you buy, your soles should be oil-resistant.
Recommended products:
Cold Weather Wear
From gloves to jackets to ski masks, there are a handful of products that you’ll need to brace for the winter. Adding a selection of durable cold-weather gear to your wardrobe will help you focus on your driving during wintertime, allowing you to avoid motorcycle accidents.
Recommended products:
Other Safety Recommendations
Now that you’re fitted with the best motorcycle protective gear, we’ll leave you with our top five tips to help you stay safe on the road:
Before hopping on your motorcycle, run a quick safety check. Are your lights, signals, mirrors, and tires in good shape? If so, you’re good to go.
That way, you’ll know what type of gear to don before you head out.
In case of an emergency, you’ll be able to stop without ending up in a collision.
Since motorcycle riders are harder for cars and trucks to see, try to wear reflective gear and avoid blind spots when possible.
You’ll always want to be prepared for an accident.
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