Get kitted out

Helmet

Q: Arai, Shoei or AGV - which helmet is the best?

A: The simple answer is, whichever one fits best. A helmet is really no use if it It’s no use if it doesn’t match the shape and size of your head. For a start it will probably come off while you are spinning down the road, which won’t give you a whole lot of protection! Bearing that in mind, unless you’ve actually tried one for fit, it’s not a good idea to buy one via mail order.

Things to look out for

Remember, the lighter the better. Lightweight helmets reduce your chances of getting neck and brainstem damage in a crash.

Ear protection

It’s a fact. Riding, particularly at higher speeds, can give you permanent hearing damage. Sports screens make things even worse by channeling more high-speed air to your head.

So use earplugs. The throwaway ones will do, but bespoke purpose-molded ones are usually better especially if you ride a lot. Good plugs cut out high-frequency wind noise, allowing you to hear the things you need to hear, and reducing fatigue.

Gloves

Choose gloves that are flexible and give good abrasion resistance. Cheap gloves have weak stitching that comes apart easily in a tumble. The ones with knuckle protection could save your hands (and even maybe your livelihood). Reinforced palms are also a valuable bonus in a road slide – but only if the glove stays in one piece.

Jacket

Make sure that your jacket is warm and flexible. Leather is strong and abrasion-resistant, but a good downpour of rain and it quickly becomes cold and heavy. Remember that nylon and similar man-made fibres will quickly melt in a slide. Wear a nylon over suit over leather for good protection in wet weather. A decent cordura jacket works well, combining warmth and rain-resistance with versatility and flexibility. CE approved armor is great but only if the rest of the jacket is CE approved – many have inadequate stitching that comes apart should an accident send you gliding down the road. If you have separate jacket and trousers, your jacket will more than likely roll up during a feet-first slide - exposing your skin, now that sounds painful. Remember, the best jackets and trousers zip together.

Trousers

Consider the same things when buying trousers as when buying a jacket. It’s important that you have the style to suit your machine and riding. For example, touring type trousers can be very uncomfortable on a sports bike because of the cramped riding position. For an optimum riding position on a sports bike you may require elasticated panels behind the knee.

One piece Vs two-piece suits

A one-piece suit offers the highest level of protection. It is the most comfortable option and the least restrictive on the bike if correctly fitted. Not great for wandering around town in however. Bear in mind the previous comments re – stitching, armour, flexibility, rain-resistance etc.
Two-piece suits give a good level of protection (if fitted with a joining zip). They are also more versatile than the one-piece.

Boots

Ideally boots should be as flexible but as strong as possible, particularly around the ankles. Lightweight boots need ankle armour or reinforcement. The ideal choice is a boot that offers the strength of an armoured boot but with the flexibility of a training shoe – this gives you the best feel and control, as well as giving you protection should it all go wrong. In practice it will be a compromise between the two, depending on your budget wallet and type of riding you do.

Visors

Ride without eye protection and you’re really asking for trouble. A well fitted visor will protect you from serious injury and make sure that you are looking forward to hitting the road for many years to come.

View our Protective Clothing Guide (opens in new window)

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