Your motorcycle is ready to hit the roads, your itinerary is all planned, and you are all excited for this adventure… but is your outfit the right one?
To ensure your safety on the roads, you need to ensure that you dress the right way when you ride. This is especially the case if we are talking about long rides where you will cover hundreds of kilometers, for example, if you plan to travel across Thailand.
At Big Bike Tours, we know this very well, and that is why we ensure that all of our tour attendees dress correctly, to guarantee their safety.
We are going to share this same knowledge in this guide, so just keep reading and discover all about it!
What Elements Compose the Perfect and Safe Motorcycle Outfit?
To summarize it, it all comes down to the following elements:
- Jacket
- Helmet
- Boots
- Gloves
- Eye Protection
- Pants
- Rain Gear
Important: Even though you won’t dress insurance, it is important to have it, in any something bad happens. It is only wise to be ready for the unexpected, and that is why we invite you to buy a proper insurance plan.
Now that this point is clear, let’s talk about each element in detail.
The Jacket:
It will not only make you look awesome, but it will also play a fundamental role in your safety when you ride.
You need to choose a jacket made of a material that will protect you in case of an accident. The best materials, in our opinion, are leather and Kevlar. Our recommendation is to buy a jacket with a thickness of 1mm (lightweight) to 1.4mm (heavyweight, professional weight), because this way it will stand abrasion a lot better, and therefore, keep you protected.
You also need to consider the size of the jacket. Ideally, it should be long enough in the back so it does not ride up when you sit to ride your bike. A real leather jacket will fit better over time, so consider this. True fit above everything else.
Furthermore, you also need to consider visibility. Make sure that it includes reflective materials (in case it is full black), so other drives can see you without problems. Preferably, try to go for a bright color that is easy to see.
Finally, in case you are buying a jacket specifically crafted for motorcycling, them make sure it comes with protection for your elbows, forearms, shoulders, spine and back. Ideally, they should be made of Kevlar or Carbon Fiber, to truly protect you in case of an accident.
The Helmet:
For evident reasons, it is a must-wear, because you do not really want to crush your head against the pavement or the road if you have an accident: 37% effectiveness in preventing motorcycle deaths and 67% preventing brain injuries.
In addition, a good helmet will protect you against the environment (sun and wind) and the unexpected, such as little stones, bugs and debris. You never know what you will find.
That is why it is important to choose an excellent helmet… but how can you do this?
First, you need to know the different types of helmets:
- Full Face
- Open Face
- Dual Sport
- Half Shell
It all depends on your personal preferences and what you intend to do. For touring, for example, you can opt for a full-face helmet, because it is better for keeping you protected, especially during long rides.
Comfort is another essential element when choosing a helmet. Make sure that it fits perfectly, not too loose, not too tight. In addition, proper ventilation is necessary.
The Boots:
The boots you choose must cover your ankles, low heels and soles that make it easy to grip the foot pegs and the pavement. As always, make sure that they fit perfectly, because comfort is necessary to ride your motorcycle, especially when you are going to use it to cover hundreds of kilometers…
They are necessary because it protect you from burns and debris, stones and things flying off the road (that is why it is important to cover your ankles completely).
The Gloves:
You must be ready for the unexpected, and your gloves are going to you with that, because they will provide your wrists the protection they need from things flying off the road. It may not sound like a big deal, but a bit of debris can hurt like hell and make you lose control of your motorcycle.
You need to factor in the weather. If it is winter, make sure they offer proper insulation to protect you from the cold. If it is summer, then make sure that they are light enough to be comfortable.
The Eye Protection:
This only applies to open face, skullcap and half-shelf helmets, because the rest come with incorporated eye protection and that is why we recommend full-face, modular and dual sport helmets, as they offer more safety.
You need to wear glasses made with a resistant material and proper UV protection. For long rides, you may want to bring an additional (or more) pairs of glasses.
Pants:
Similar to your jacket, your pants will serve two functions: make you look awesome and protect you. Our recommendation for you are leather or Kevlar trousers, and even better if they include protective gear for your hips and knees.
As a last resource, you can wear a pair of heavy jeans, although, if you are going to cover long distances, you had better invest in a proper pair of trousers, because they will protect you much better and make you feel a lot more comfortable.
Conclusion and Final Words:
That is all. Now you know how to dress when riding your motorcycle, because your safety is very important. Sure, some things can be a bit expensive, but they are totally worth it, because your life is worth it!
If you have any question or doubt, feel free to let us know and we will get back to you!