PROPER RIDING GEAR – IS IT NECESSARY?

One of the most important aspects of motorcycling is safety gear.  Though gear can be cumbersome, awkward, and intrusive, it’s also the only thing that will protect you from the road in an accident.  Imagine sliding across the pavement at 30 mph wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and you’ll begin to understand the dangers of riding with inadequate protection.

Here’s a list of the most essential motorcycle safety gear:

Helmets

Even at low speeds helmets protect riders from potentially fatal injuries.  Though they’re optional in many states, a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet is the most basic way to protect yourself on a motorcycle.  Avoid half-helmets and “brain buckets” which are built primarily for looks, not functionality; buy a well-constructed helmet from a reputable manufacturer.

Armored Outerwear

If you dress for the slide, not the ride, you might save yourself from painful road rash.  While leather jackets, pants, and full race suits protect riders in high-speed accidents, many motorcyclists prefer to wear more lightweight synthetic textiles.  Manufacturers now offer convenient weatherproof suits that fit over clothing.  Whether you choose leather or textile outerwear, be sure to include armor with your clothing, which serves to protect you from impact with pavement or another vehicle.

Gloves

It’s a basic human reflex to break one’s fall by extending the arms, and the hands usually suffer considerable damage when a rider is thrown off his or her bike.  Protect your palms, knuckles, and fingers with sturdily constructed, well-padded gloves, preferably gauntlet style ones that extend past the wrist.

Boots

Boots are important not only for crash protection, but also because they provide a way to grip the motorcycle and stay securely mounted while shifting and braking.  Buy a solid pair of motorcycle boots, and they might actually outlast your bike.

We have noticed that many GWRRA members actually believe that we do not need to wear proper gear when riding at slow speeds, like at a rally, just going to the vendors, or moving the motorcycle.  The fact is that where and when is a motorcycle the most unstable?  The answer is at low speeds, and since the GWRRA motto is FRIENDS for FUN, SAFETY, and KNOWLEDGE, should we not practice what we preach?  What example do we send when we talk about proper riding gear and then ride without it?  What do new members see, and what will they do when they see long-time members riding without P.R.G.?

Remember we set the example and if we are going to talk the talk, we had better walk the walk, so to speak.  If this sounds like preaching the same old same old, yes it is.  GWRRA recommends that all motorcycle events etc. should be done in proper riding gear.  Those would in my eyes mean Bike Games, parades, lighted bike shows, and any moving event.

Ride Safe

Ron & Pam Lantz

Region “A” Senior Rider Educators