All the Essential Gear for Beginner Motorcycle Riders
When you start riding a motorcycle, there’s plenty to learn. This is an exciting time, but you also want to be sure you’re prepared for it. First and foremost, you’ll need to invest in a few essential pieces of gear before you can hit the road. Here at Barnes Harley-Davidson, we want to help you get ready for the ride of your life. We’ve provided some important details on motorcycle riding gear below. If you’re still looking around for the perfect bike, swing by our dealership. We also offer parts, service, and a wide range of MotorClothes® you won’t want to miss out on. You’ll find us conveniently located in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops, British Columbia.
Helmet
This one is probably an obvious choice. A helmet is easily the most critical piece of motorcycle gear you’ll own. You should do ample research before selecting a specific helmet. Be sure to try on various helmets so you have a better chance of finding an ideal fit. Leave it on for a while and see how it feels. Keep in mind that it should stay in place when you move your head from side to side. A helmet that slides around with a bit of movement should be avoided, as should one that pinches or causes redness after being worn. Choose a helmet with crash test ratings that are up to standard.
Boots & Gloves
Your extremities need to be protected just as much as your head does. It should go without saying that your feet play a crucial role in controlling your ride. Therefore, you’ll need to be wearing the appropriate footwear. Sneakers aren’t going to cut it in this scenario because they don’t offer enough protection and they wear down too quickly. The best option is a solid pair of riding boots. If you search hard enough, you’ll be able to find a pair that’s casual enough to wear throughout the rest of your day, too. Don’t forget to protect your hands and fingers, too. A good pair of gloves will prevent them from getting torn up on the road.
Neckerchief
New riders are often surprised to learn that your neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body when you ride your bike. If it’s cold out, you’ll want to wear a scarf, bandana, or a thick collar. Even when you ride in warm weather, the cool wind can blow quite hard as you zoom up and down the road. These chills will start running down your spine on long rides if your neck isn’t adequately protected. Fortunately, there are many neckerchief options to choose from.
Outerwear
As fun as it might be to ride your motorcycle, you should remember that there’s always the potential for danger. You run the risk of having to face the elements or possibly taking a spill. This is why it’s important to invest in protective motorcycle apparel, like outerwear. Simple street clothes aren’t going to provide enough protection when you’re traveling at high speeds on your bike. You’ll be pleased to learn that there are quite a few apparel options.
One of the best options is a one-piece riding suit. While it might be bulky and expensive, it’ll offer the seamless protection you need on your motorcycle. The investment will be worthwhile, especially for frequent riders. If you’re only planning to ride every now and then, you can probably get away with a durable riding jacket paired with riding pants. No matter what type of outerwear you choose, you should make it a point to pick something that’s made of sturdy, high-quality material that’s waterproof. While it might not be pouring rain when you first head out on your bike, you never know what’s going to happen out there. Whether a storm suddenly hits or you’re faced with debris that’s being kicked up by other vehicles, outerwear will protect you.
With all the right gear, you’ll be ready to hit the road confidently and safely, even as you’re still learning how to master life on two wheels. If you need additional help, or if you want to check out some of the motorcycles for sale on one of our lots, stop by Barnes Harley-Davidson and let one of our experienced staff know how we can help you. We welcome you to our dealerships in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops, British Columbia.