Motorcycle Riding Gear
Riding your motorcycle is a great way to spend a warm summer afternoon. If you’re relatively new to the sport, though, you may not be aware of all the riding gear you need to stay safe on the highway. After all, motorcycle riding is not without its risks, so it pays to protect yourself as much as possible.
This guide to riding gear by your friends over at Maxey's Motorsports of Oklahoma City should help you to outfit yourself well for all your upcoming rides. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about the correct motorcycle gear!
Helmet
The most important piece of gear you can have is a well-fitting DOT-rated helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash. You want a motorcycle-specific helmet that fits you tightly enough to stay on without being so tight it feels restricting. Try on many different styles to figure out which one will work best for you.
You’ll also need eye coverage to protect yourself from flying debris. If your helmet lacks a full face shield, then invest in a pair of goggles. Make sure that these have UV protection built in or else wear sunglasses when it’s bright outside to improve your visibility and prevent sun damage.
Gloves
Even when it’s hot outside, a good pair of gloves will improve your grip. You may find them particularly useful in the heat, in fact, because sweaty hands are unlikely to be able to grasp the controls well and may even slip off. Aside from that, chapping from the wind can make your skin raw and painful after a long ride. If it is very cold out, then your hands will be better insulated with gloves on.
Outerwear
When the Oklahoma summers heat up and temperatures climb towards the triple digits, with oppressive humidity on the forecast, you may be tempted to dispense with the riding suit or jacket and go for a T-shirt or tank top instead.
This is not a good idea! It might seem counterintuitive, but you can actually stay cooler wearing more clothing to protect your skin from the heat. Many people in hot countries around the world find this to be true, so they wear light layers to keep their skin cooler and less exposed. You’ll reduce your risk of sunburn if your limbs are covered, too.
Instead of eschewing your standard jacket and pants combination, try to find a light-colored or white jacket that’s ventilated to make it more breathable. Wear fabrics that are more breathable like cotton and linen if polyester if leather feels too confining.
To protect yourself from getting drenched in a typical summer thunderstorm, you’ll want to have some lightweight waterproof gear on hand, too, whether that’s a poncho to throw over yourself or a waterproof riding suit to slip into before you head out.
Boots
A sturdy pair of boots that comes up to at least your ankles will be necessary for your safety. Again, you might be tempted to go with tennis shoes or flip-flops when it’s hot, but you already know these won’t be very stable when you’re riding. Boots with good tread will help you grip the foot pegs of your bike while it’s in motion and will help you grip the asphalt to keep your bike steady when you stop. They can also help protect your feet and ankles if you slide out or crash.
With some preparation and the right gear, you can ensure that every single ride you take this season will be a success! Still need the perfect gear? Come on by our OKC dealership today to see our full selection of gear and apparel for sale. Maxey’s Motorsports welcomes all of our customers coming from the cities of Tulsa, Edmond and Shawnee, OK.