Motorcycle Riding Gear

As you learn to ride a motorcycle, there are some essential pieces of gear you need to obtain before hitting the road. You need this gear to ensure your safe and comfortable when you ride. You’ll want to take your time when deciding what gear to invest in because you want to choose something that’s high-quality and that fits properly. 

Here at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson®, your safety is our top priority. Give us a call or swing by to learn more about motorcycle apparel and gear. We’re conveniently located in Marina Del Rey, California near Malibu and Santa Monica. We proudly serve all of SoCal.

Helmet

It probably goes without saying that a helmet is the most crucial motorcycle gear investment you’ll make. After all, your head is a pretty valuable body part! Be sure to do plenty of research before landing on a specific helmet. You’d also be wise to try on a variety of different helmets to find the perfect fit. Leave the helmet on for a while to see how it feels. It should remain in place when you move your head from side to side. A helmet that slides around should be avoided, as should a helmet that pinches or causes redness after being worn for a while. You should choose a helmet with crash test ratings that are up to standard.

Outerwear

Remember, there is always the potential for danger when you ride a motorcycle. You run the risk of battling the elements or taking a fall. You want to protect your body as much as possible, so it’s important to invest in protective motorcycle gear, like outerwear. Simple street clothes aren’t going to cut it when you’re hitting the road at high speeds on a bike. Fortunately, there are plenty of options.

The best and most convenient option to consider is a one-piece riding suit. While this might be a bit bulky and expensive, it offers the seamless protection you’ll find. This is a worthwhile investment if you’re someone who rides your motorcycle frequently. If you only plan to ride occasionally, you might be able to get away with a durable riding jacket and a pair of riding pants. Whatever type of outerwear you choose, you’ll want to pick something that’s made of sturdy material and that’s waterproof, too. It might not be pouring rain when you ride, but these sturdy items will protect you from spray and debris that gets kicked up by other vehicles.

Boots & Gloves

Now that your body is covered, it’s time to protect your extremities with the right motorcycle gear. Your feet play a major role in controlling your ride, so make sure you wear the right type of footwear. Sneakers aren’t going to provide enough protection and they also wear down much too quickly. We highly recommend investing in a pair of solid riding boots. If you’re lucky, you might score a pair that’s casual enough to wear for the rest of the day so you never have to change into another pair of shoes.

Your hands and fingers need protection, too, so you need to choose the right pair of gloves to prevent them from being torn up. If you’ll be riding in cooler weather, gloves are a great way to keep your fingers warm on the road.

Neckerchief

You might be surprised to learn that your neck is one of the most common areas to get cold while riding. Therefore, you’ll want to add a bandana, scarf, or thick collar to your motorcycle gear checklist. Even when you ride in warm weather, the cool wind can blow pretty hard as you zip up and down the roads on your motorcycle. You’ll notice these chills running down your spine on long rides if your neck isn’t properly protected. 

Now that you know what motorcycle apparel you need to be safe and comfortable on your ride, don’t forget to stop by Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® for all of your parts, repairs, and rental needs. We’re conveniently located in Marina Del Rey, California near Malibu and Santa Monica. We proudly serve all of SoCal.