This quick guide should give you all the major information you need to know about motorcycle clothing.
When you buy your motorbike, it’s probably at the same time that you will purchase new motorcycle clothing. Here is our guide to making sure you protect yourself properly.
Leathers – The golden rule with choosing leathers is basically to spend as much as you can afford. There are usually loads of good deals to be had on all types of motorcycle clothing and we’ve seen savings of over 70% at some of the bigger shows. Always read the tests in specialist magazines, particularly in Ride magazine which from our experience carries out much more stringent tests than other titles.
Helmets – Now then, your head is probably fairly important to you and on that basis don’t take any silly chances when buying a new helmet. Never ever buy a second hand helmet as you do not know its history. Always go for a tight fitting, and really the tighter the better as the last thing you need when purchasing a helmet is for it to come off if you crash. Helmets are probably the most important item of motorcycle clothing you will buy.
Gloves – Can you imagine the pain of crashing a bike and then having your gloves shred as they slide along the road? We’ve seen it and it’s not pretty. As with virtually all other motorcycle clothing its imperative that your gloves fit properly and are always fastened correctly when you are riding your bike. Don’t think that just because you were a medium in one brand that you will be the same in another. Like most clothing, sizes change according to the brand. Try them on!!!
Boots – There was once a test in Performance Bikes magazine about different types of boots and the protection they gave. The results were amazing. Cost does not always equal quality. As with the other types of motorcycle clothing listed above, your boots have to be researched before you buy. One thing we recommend is to go on to bike forums and ask people what they think. After all, no better recommendations can be had than from others that have experienced good or poor quality boots.
The Bike Insurer – the UK’s only motorbike insurance comparison website.