How To Get Geared Up (Properly) For Your First Ever Motorcycle

Have you finally decided that you need a motorcycle in your life? Owning a motorcycle is not as simple as going out and making the purchase. If this is your first motorcycle, you need to know that the expense of your purchase will go beyond the bike itself. You will need the proper gear to protect yourself against possible bodily injury. Luckily, gearing up for the first ride of many is relatively easy.

Get Your Head on Straight

Before you ever purchase a motorcycle, you need to use your head. In other words, you need a helmet. Motorcyclists experience injury or even death in over 80% of motorcycle accidents. A motorcyclist's risk of death rises 16 times per mile driven. Fortunately, a proper helmet can reduce that risk by approximately 29%.

Do not just purchase any motorcycle helmet. Ensure that the helmet of your choice fits your head properly. A helmet that is too tight or too loose could result in further injury should you happen to find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident.

Beat Feet for the Right Footwear

Footwear is equally as important. A sturdy pair of motorcycle boots will help keep your feet in the proper position while you are riding your motorcycle. Furthermore, boots will help protect your feet and ankles in the event of an accident. Think of your boots as an added layer of armor to protect you against broken bones and road rash.

Make sure you buy boots that are specifically made for motorcycle use, such as Gaerne bootsChoose a great pair that you can wear for either on road or off road motorcycling. In choosing boots that fit either environment, you will have the proper attire should you face either situation. Make sure you have a professional help you choose a pair of boots that work best for you. Most importantly, make sure the boots fit you both snugly and comfortably. 

Make Some Elbow Room

Elbow pads are yet another important piece of gear to consider. Both elbow and knee pads protect your from potential broken bones. If you experience an accident in which you hit your elbows or your knees against the ground, the pads will help protect you. You can purchase a great pair of shock absorbing pads to help reduce the threat of injury.

Protect Yourself From Front to Back and Side-to-Side

When you think of motorcyclists, do you often picture them outfitted in their leather jackets? Leather jackets are more than just a fashion statement for motorcyclists. In fact, the right leather jacket can protect your chest, back, and sides from possible road rash. If you were to crash your bike and slide along the pavement, the injuries you'd suffer would be tremendously painful.

Road rash can scrape skin off your body. Leather jackets help keep your skin intact. Rather than scraping skin, the road would scrape the leather from your jacket, therefore protecting your skin in the event of an accident. Make sure you get fitted for a jacket that fits you comfortably and snugly enough that it provides adequate protection.

You should also protect the front, back, and sides of your legs. Purchase a pair of leather pants to go with your new leather jacket. The leather pants work the same way the jacket does in that it protects your legs from road rash should you have the misfortune of getting in a motorcycle wreck.

Have a professional help you pick the right gear from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. You will quickly find that everything from the helmet to the boots and everything in between is a necessity before you ever purchase your first motorcycle.


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