Motorcycle riders are known for having a certain look and wearing certain types of gear. This gear has a number of functions, and it looks awesome. If you are new to biking or if you want to get an idea of what things a motorcycle rider might want, here is a list of some of the most common types of biker gear.
- Motorcycle jackets are the most important piece of biker gear. They look tough, protect you from the wind and weather, and are very durable. While many are made from leather, some are now being made out of other materials that are actually a little more durable. They're designed to help protect you if you crash. Motorcycle jackets can be decorated with biker patches, and many riders like to personalize them. Jackets can be found in a number of stores, and some motorcycle brands like Harley-Davidson offer their own jackets.
- Many bikers wear leather vests, especially if it's warm and they don't want to wear their jacket. These vests can also help protect your body from road rash and other scrapes if you crash, but they will not protect your arms. Vests, like jackets, may also be decorated with different biker patches.
- Riding pants are another good thing to have, especially if you plan to ride long distances. You don't want to ever wear shorts while riding because a crash could rip the skin from your legs. Jeans or other regular pants are okay, but even they won't hold up very well if you turn your bike over. Slacks, in fact, may be shredded. Jeans will hold up a little bit better, and you can usually wear thick ones for riding. If you're going long distance or want to look the biker part, you should get a good, sturdy pair of leather pants or leather chaps. Leather is very flexible and durable, and it will protect your legs. Leather pants can be very expensive and somewhat uncomfortable, though.
- There are several different types of motorcycle helmets available. The quarter or half shell style are often worn by bicycle riders and roller skaters, but motorcycle riders can wear them as well. They cover the top part of your head but leave your face open. This means you do not get as much protection from bugs or from the weather, but your face isn't enclosed. That bothers some people, especially riders with claustrophobia. However, full helmets protect riders from the rain and cold. That can be a very big plus for those who live in cold areas or rainy climates.
- When you're not wearing a helmet, you might want to get a baseball cap that features a biker logo on it. If there's not one you like, you can get a plain hat and add an iron-on patch to it. Wool hats can also be decorated with patches, and they can often be worn under helmets to keep your head warm.
- Gloves protect your hands from impact, enhance your grip, and insulate your hands from the wind. Short gloves or cuff gloves mostly protect your hands, while gauntlet gloves are a bit longer and come up over your wrist and your forearm. Choosing a type depends on your preferences. If you were going to be riding in hot weather, cuff gloves would be a better choice, while gauntlet gloves are great for cold weather. Gloves come in a variety of materials. They can be waterproof or insulated to keep you warm in all sorts of weather. If you ride in cold weather often, many companies even make liners for your gloves to provide added warmth.
- Protection from wind and insects is the main reason many motorcyclists wear sunglasses, especially if their helmet does not have a shield. A bug flying into the eye is no fun for anybody, and it is a distraction that could lead to crashes. Wind can lead to watery eyes, making it harder to see the road, and sunglasses offer some protection. Similarly, sunglasses just make the ride more comfortable, as they shield the eyes from glare, making it easier to see the road and other drivers. A good pair of sunglasses should block both UVB and UVA rays.
- For riding in the rain, a rain suit or poncho is a must. These two-piece suits come in waterproof polyester or other synthetic materials. They are full-body, so they will keep you dry even in harsh conditions, and they usually feature a hood to keep the rain off your head. They also come in a variety of colors. You can also add waterproof gloves that feature enhanced gripping materials so your hands will not slip off in the rain. Waterproof boots or galoshes are another good accessory.
- Motorcycle saddlebags hang over the back of the bike above the rear wheel, and they are used to carry anything and everything. Bikers can use them to hold extra clothing, rain gear, or items that they buy on their trips. Saddlebags are made from a variety of materials, including leather or materials like nylon. Most are soft-sided, though formed to a certain shape, while others are hard-sided. It really depends on your personal preference since both can hold many items. How much you plan to carry in them will determine what size bags you need.
- You can also add extras to your bike such as trailers and sidecars. While many may not need this type of biker gear, both can be used when travelling long distance or if you use your motorcycle as your main form of transportation. These two accessories can both be painted to match your motorcycle, and they can be attached and detached as needed.
These are just some of the main types of biker gear that you may want if you are going to be riding regularly.
