| When riding a motorcycle, proper safety gear is | | | | more protective textile suits that are now common |
| essential for your own safety, security and | | | | and generally made from synthetic fibers. Leathers |
| enjoyment. Here is an overview of important | | | | have been worn since World War I and were |
| motorcycle safety gear. | | | | originally adapted from WWI tank corps gear. |
| Helmet | | | | Leathers provide some impact protection, as well as |
| With many states and countries enacting helmet | | | | protection from abrasion, scratches and punctures. In |
| laws, it's pretty much a requirement that if you own | | | | addition, there is some weather protection, however, |
| a motorcycle, you need a helmet. A helmet provides | | | | leather tends to take a long time to dry from being |
| your head protection in the event of an impact or | | | | wet and also tends to stay colder longer than regular |
| accident. Many helmets also include face shields, ear | | | | clothing. |
| protection and even communications devices. There | | | | Nowadays, many bikers choose to opt for special |
| are three basic types of helmets, the full face, open | | | | motorcycle clothing made from synthetic fibers |
| face and 1/2 helmet. A full face helmet covers the | | | | instead of traditional leathers. These man made |
| entire head, with a face shield covering even the | | | | textiles offer far better protection from the |
| face. This type of helmet offers the most protection | | | | weather, heat, cold, rain and water. These materials |
| of any helmet type, since statistics show that 35% | | | | also provide highly functional pockets and vents. In |
| of all motorcycle crashes showed major impact in the | | | | addition, the synthetic materials are generally more |
| chin and bar area. The open face helmet is similar to | | | | comfortable in different kinds of weather, even |
| the full face helmet but lacks the face shield and chin | | | | warmer weather. Synthetic fibers also take much less |
| protection. Very little face protection is provided with | | | | time to dry out than their leather counterparts. |
| these types of helmets. With the open face helmet, | | | | These synthetic textile suits can also be worn over |
| it is crucial to augment with wraparound motorcycle | | | | your regular clothing while still remaining comfortable, |
| goggles for proper eye protection from wind, dirt | | | | something not possible with leathers. The suits are |
| and bugs. The third type of helmet is the 1/2 helmet, | | | | usually made from high density ballistic nylon made |
| which only covers the back of the skull, offering the | | | | from Kevlar, Cordura, Lycra or a combination thereof. |
| least amount of protection during an accident and the | | | | They are also generally lined with waterproof material |
| minimum coverage allowed by most laws. The color | | | | like Goretex. |
| of helmets is also important. While black helmets are | | | | Boots |
| stylish, they are also among the most difficult to see | | | | Special boots are available specifically for bikers. |
| by other motorists. Helmets are generally made from | | | | Generally made from heavy leather, biker boots tend |
| plastics, including kevlar reinforced plastic and carbon | | | | to have a shorter heel in order to allow maximum |
| fiber. Inside, a helmet is generally lined with fabric and | | | | control while on the bike. Biker boots may also include |
| foam for padding and comfort. | | | | metal, plastic or composite materials. Quality biker |
| Motorcycle Clothing | | | | boots can protect the bikers feet, ankles and legs |
| There are several types of clothing generally worn | | | | during an accident. |
| by bikers, including the traditional "leathers" and the | | | | |