So you’ve decided to make the leap and get your first motorcycle. Congratulations! You’re about to join a worldwide community that believes in the freedom of the open road. As you search for your first motorcycle, you should also put the same time and effort into finding the right riding gear. The combination of added safety and style that high-quality gear offers will make each adventure even more memorable.
Riding a motorcycle is an incredible experience, but it can also be dangerous. Sadly, in 2021 (the most recent year we have data for), nearly 6,000 US motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents, and almost 83,000 were injured. Despite only accounting for 3% of registered vehicles, motorcycle riders make up 14% of US traffic deaths. It’s a sobering number to think about.
The good news is that numerous studies, including this 2011 study from the Georgia Institute of Public Health (GIPH), have found that the risk of injury or death is significantly lower if a rider wears appropriate safety gear. In addition to being a leading dealer of Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph, and other top motorcycle brands, SF Moto has also spent decades helping people find the best motorcycle gear in the San Francisco Bay Area. This beginner’s guide to motorcycle gear covers the five essential items you need before you hop onto a bike.
Helmet
The state of California requires all motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear helmets. Even if a motorcycle helmet weren’t required, though, we would still wear one. Studies have found that riders who wear a helmets are up to 73% less likely to die in a crash and are more than three times less likely to get a brain injury. Helmets save lives, plain and simple.
There are many types of motorcycle helmets depending on how you ride:
- Full-face helmets offer maximum protection and are aerodynamic for sport bike riders.
- Open-face helmets allow cooling airflow for cruisers and baggers.
- Flip-up modular helmets switch between full-face and open-face designs.
- Off-road helmets have a protective chin bar and extended visor that lets riders wear goggles to seal their eyes against dirt.
- Dual-sport helmets are similar to off-road helmets but have integrated removable face shields.
- “Skull cap” half-shell helmets are popular among old-school riders offer the most airflow but the least protection.
The most important thing when choosing a helmet is to look for a DOT symbol on the back and a Snell label on the inside. This means the helmet meets the FMVSS #218 federal standard and/or the Snell certification standard for protection. Watch out, though, as some companies have been found to falsely label their equipment. A federally approved helmet should weigh roughly three lbs. If a helmet weighs significantly less than this, it is likely unsafe to use when riding. Another sign of an unapproved helmet is the use of plastic buckles.
Helmets are also a great way to express your personality. You can get a basic solid-color helmet or cool graphic artwork, images, and patterns to show off. Most helmet styles come in hi-visibility designs, which help you be seen if you frequently ride at night or in cloudy areas.
Gloves
You can’t cruise down I-80 or navigate the Mission District without your hands, so cover them with a good pair of gloves. Motorcycle gloves serve multiple purposes on a bike. First, they give you a better grip on the handlebars. Second, they shield your hands from sunburn, wind, rain, and cold temperatures. Third and most critically, when you put your hand out to try and break a fall, they protect vulnerable bones and skin.
Many studies, including one in traffic injury prevention, have found that gloves and other clothing greatly reduce lacerations and abrasions in a crash. However, you’ll need to choose the right pair. The best motorcycle gloves are made of leather or reinforced textiles. These materials offer excellent impact and abrasion resistance while being comfortable to wear. You can find different levels of breathability, insulation, and water resistance. Finally, the gloves should be snug, completely cover your hands, and be easy to put on and take off.
Jackets
When it’s 90 degrees and humid, the last thing most people want is to wear a jacket. To us, being a little sweaty is worth the protection from ultraviolet rays, windburn, and injuries. The GIPH study linked above found that wearing a motorcycle jacket reduced the chances of being injured in a crash by 17%, and riders were less than half as likely to suffer abrasions or cuts (i.e., the dreaded “road rash”). A jacket with body armor was even more effective, lowering the overall injury risk by almost 32%. Since the first motorcycle leather jacket was introduced in 1928, they have become increasingly common, with estimates putting their use at nearly 60% of riders. In addition to leather, you can now find jackets made of Kevlar, military-grade Cordura nylon, waxed cotton, and other materials. Each is known for its excellent impact, water, and wind resistance. For most riders, the choice comes down to comfort and style. Jackets can also be customized with graphics and patches, though you’ll need to be sure not to run afoul of any local motorcycle clubs.
Pants
You might enjoy feeling the breeze on your legs as you roll through Eureka Valley or Mission Bay in a pair of shorts. One tumble, though, and you could be out of commission for months. Motorcycle pants are another type of gear proven to lower the chances of injury, whether road rash or fractures. Like with jackets, many pants have the option to add body armor for more protection.
While a pair of denim jeans is better than nothing, a high-quality motorcycle pant material is best. Options are similar to jackets, with leather pants and a variety of synthetic textiles. If you want pants that feel casual but will protect you in a crash, buy denim pants with inner Kevlar panels or foam padding. Mesh textile pants with built-in armor will let you continue to feel the breeze on your legs but will also provide the protection you need.
Boots
Like your hands and fingers, the feet and toes are more brittle and easier to break, fracture, or sprain. Speaking from experience, a simple ankle sprain can take months to fully recover. Having a sturdy pair of boots is a must for any serious rider. As a wise man once told us, “You don’t mess with feet.”
Interestingly, this is one area where you don’t necessarily need motorcycle-specific boots. The GIPH study found that even a “regular” pair of boots cut the chances of fractures, abrasions, and overall injuries by more than half. Still, there are some qualities you should look for in your motorcycle boots. They should fit well, have rigid outer materials, and fully cover the ankle or shin to keep it from twisting. Look for thick, oil-resistant outer soles that resist punctures. Good inner foam will be more comfortable and help absorb impact. Other useful features include waterproofing, steel toe boxes, and molded ankle cups.
Protect Yourself with Great Motorcycle Gear
Like your soon-to-be-prized bike, motorcycle gear is an investment. It’s something that can look cool, but more importantly, it protects you from the weather, other drivers, or a slip-up. You can ride more confidently and often using high-quality motorcycle gear.
You should always try on motorcycle gear before you purchase it. Gear that fits will offer more protection in a crash, be more comfortable, and you’ll enjoy wearing it much more. Visit SF Moto to find your San Francisco motorcycle gear and get ready for riding. We carry all the latest gear from the leading motorcycle gear brands, including Biltwell, Shoei, Alpinestars, and Joe Rocket.
