How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Riding Apparel and Gear
When it comes to riding your motorcycle, wearing the right gear is important to stay safe and comfortable. Whether you use your bike for commuting to the office or you like to explore the outdoors on weekends, you can’t just hop on your motorcycle and hit the road in your street clothes! Riding a motorcycle leaves you more vulnerable to the elements and you’re at a higher risk of getting injured in a collision or an accident. You need to be wearing protective gear to keep yourself safe from all the dangers around you.
From helmets to riding jackets, there are plenty of options available, and you’ll want to pick up apparel and gear that are of good quality. Plus, they should fit you properly so you don’t feel uncomfortable on the road. Bartels’ Harley-Davidson is happy to help you out with the shopping process, so we have created this brief guide to get you started. If you have questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, head over to our dealership in Marina Del Rey, California.
Create a Shopping List
Start by building a list of all the riding gear you need to buy. If you’re a beginner, here are a few things you should add to your collection:
- A crash-test rated helmet
- A riding jacket and riding pants to protect your skin during a crash
- Waterproof outerwear to keep you dry and warm during rain, snow, or hail
- Sturdy riding boots
- Riding gloves
- Goggles for eye protection if your helmet doesn’t have a visor
Consider Your Riding Needs
Think about the conditions your bike gear will be used in. If you’ll use it year-round, then it must be versatile. If you’ll use it seasonally, look for specialized features. For example, winter gear should keep you warm, while summer gear should help you stay cool.
Next, consider the common issues you might face with your gear. For example, goggles and helmet visors can fog up, impairing your visibility and making it harder for you to safely ride your bike. Look for gear with anti-fogging capability. Check online for issues other riders have faced to prevent those problems from happening to you.
Your unique needs will also play a role in your final gear choices. You may need to wear glasses when you ride, which means you’ll need a compatible helmet. You could be taller or shorter than average, in which case you’ll need clothing for your unique size. Whatever you buy, it should fit you well.
Finally, think about how often you ride. If you use your bike for daily commutes or for frequent road trips, invest in more comfortable motorcycle gear. Focus on the cost-per-wear rather than the overall cost. A $600 jacket that you can use daily is a better purchase than a $200 one that doesn’t last long.
Check Reviews
One of the best things about online reviews is that you get to check out personal experiences from individuals who have tried the product. Anything can look appealing, but is it worth the money? Spend some time on forums and sites to see what people are saying about the motorcycle gear you’re interested in. You can also ask your riding buddies about their opinions and experiences.
Know Your Size
Motorcycle gear must be of the right size to be of any real use to you. Before you buy anything, take your measurements. If you’re buying a jacket, measure your shoulders and if you’re buying a helmet, measure your forehead. Most brands display sizing charts so you can check whether you’ll need a small, medium, or large size.
Explore Various Options
You'll want to try on as many brands and products as possible. The more you do, the better you'll understand what makes for a good or bad fit. A motorcycle trade show is a great option since you'll be able to see a huge variety of bike gear in one location. You can also come into our dealership to check out our stock. You’ll have to spend some time doing your research deciding what gear to invest in because you want to choose something that should last you a long time.
Whether to Buy Online or at a Store?
Online stores give you more product options and often greater personalization in terms of sizes, features, and colors. But they often charge extra for shipping, which increases your cost. You also don’t know the quality of the product you’ll end up with and if it will fit you well. You may have to pay more to ship it back. Going to a store allows you to try before you buy, but you’ll see fewer options. Many riders find that a combination of both works well. Go in-person to find a brand that consistently fits you and then look up their options online.
We hope you found our guide helpful! When it’s time to shop for riding apparel and gear, get in touch with us at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson in Marina Del Rey, CA. Our expert staff will be happy to assist you with whatever you need, from finding the right helmet to finding the perfect motorcycle. We proudly serve all our friends coming from Malibu and Santa Monica.