| Riding gear says a lot about who you are as a | | | | protection because they all have polycarbonate |
| motorcyclist, but the most important thing to | | | | visors. Full-face and flip-up helmets protect all sides of |
| consider is that your motorcycle gear must protect | | | | your head and face and also protect the eyes, nose |
| you in a crash. How good your jacket looks won't | | | | and face from rocks, bugs or even birds. If you ride |
| matter if its seams shred when you hit the | | | | with the front of your flip-helmet flipped up, you |
| pavement. And, it's not good if the soles of your | | | | need to wear goggles that can withstand an impact |
| boots are made of slick leather that slides when you | | | | from a rock. |
| put your feet down at a stoplight. | | | | Three-quarter Helmets |
| The wrong gear can result in serious injury in a crash. | | | | Three-quarter helmets can make you feel less |
| There are lots of helmets, jackets, gloves, boots and | | | | claustrophobic than wearing a full-face helmet. But, |
| pants available to motorcyclists that are designed to | | | | three-quarter helmets, although comfortable, leave |
| protect in a crash. One of the most critical pieces of | | | | your face unprotected not only from a crash, but |
| gear is your helmet. | | | | also from stones, bugs or rain, which can sting when |
| Helmets are the best protection for your brain; they | | | | you're cruising at 55mph. |
| protect your noggin. Helmets are required in most | | | | Half Helmets |
| states, although helmet laws can vary. All states | | | | Sometimes called "beanies", half helmets offer little |
| require that you wear eye protection. Some states | | | | protection because motorcyclists rarely fall directly on |
| let you ride without eye protection if you have a | | | | top of their heads in a crash. A half helmet is better |
| wide screen on your motorcycle. Bottom line, if you | | | | than no helmet at all and is usually worn by bikers |
| don't wear a helmet, you need one. | | | | forced to wear helmets by state law. |
| There are different types of helmets and you need | | | | There are a lot of helmet styles and colors in the |
| to decide which type fits you: | | | | marketplace so you can find something you like in |
| · Full-face helmets | | | | prices ranging from $100 to $700 or more. You can |
| · Flip-up helmets | | | | also buy a white helmet and have it custom painted |
| · Three-quarter helmets | | | | if you're looking for a unique helmet. Check with a |
| · Half helmets | | | | custom bike builder or the Internet for custom |
| Full-face and Flip-up Helmets | | | | painters. |
| These helmets offer maximum motorcycle gear | | | | |