Your Gear (THINK Motorcycle Academy)
Wearing the best kit you can afford, that’s comfortable, is vital when riding a bike. Many riders are happy to protect themselves with full leather suits, gloves and good quality crash helmets, but how many times have you seen those who would rather ride in jeans (or even shorts) and t-shirts with training shoes? Don’t be tempted, however hot it is. A slide on tarmac at 30 mph will take skin down to bone in no time. Don’t be tempted to buy second-hand kit: you never know where it’s from or what has been done to it.
Helmets
The most important piece of your kit! Your helmet is key to your safety in the event of an accident, so it’s worth looking around and taking the time to find the right one. It’s vital to TRY before you buy. Remember – a helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t protect you in a crash.
Choosing the right helmet
- Try the helmet on with the strap securely tightened.
- Go for a good, consistent fit all around your head with no tight spots.
- Check that the helmet won’t easily come off in an accident. Tilt your head forward and have someone try to roll your helmet off your head by carefully applying an upward force to the rear of the helmet at its base.
For more info on helmet fitting go to SHARP.
Gloves
Never ride without gloves, even in summer, crash damage to hands can be very severe. When buying, check out the quality of the stitching and the thickness of the leather. Thick gloves may be more protective, but they will need longer to ‘break-in’ and may mean that you lose dexterity or ‘feel’ when you’re on the bike. Make sure you have the appropriate pairs for both summer and winter riding.
Boots
With many styles available it’s important you get the right pair for you. Race-style boots may look the business, but they’re not going to be waterproof, so if you do many miles in all weathers look elsewhere. As always try boots on before you buy them, as certain manufacturers have different styles and some may be too narrow and some too wide. Sit on the bike in your normal riding position and make sure that you can freely operate the motorcycle foot controls without rubbing on anything. Also check that they give good support to the ankles etc.
Leathers and Textiles
Leather kit, whether it’s one or two piece leathers, offers the best abrasion protection and in most cases body armour is fitted. Extra kit such as a back-protector can absorb energy from an impact, like a car crumple zone. They protect the spine and also help to prevent damage to internal organs, like the kidneys, which can be harmed by a heavy external blow. When buying a back protector make sure it meets the latest standards and carries the CE mark. Modern textiles can now offer as good protection as a set of leathers but with the added bonus of flexibility, comfort and waterproofing.
Waterproofs
Always keep waterproofs handy when you ride in the UK. If you’re caught in a downpour, riding in unsuitable clothing, gloves and boots will make you uncomfortable, distracting you. Many manufacturers produce light-weight waterproofs that fit in a back-pack or under the pillion seat.
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