Exposure to outside elements is the downside to the fun of taking a motorcycle road trip. But it doesn’t have to keep you away; getting the right gear significantly reduces the risk of getting into an accident and the resulting harm when one inevitably occurs.
Your safety shouldn’t have to be legislated, but most states, including Michigan, have specific laws addressing proper gear for riders aimed at ensuring their safety. Still, the law doesn’t address everything, and just because the law doesn’t mention it, doesn’t mean you do not need it. Here is the essential rider safety gear you should always have when on the road.
Helmet
Head trauma is a leading cause of motorcycle rider and passenger deaths in accidents. Riders and passengers under 21 must always have a helmet while on the road. After 21, the law deems you mature enough to make the right decision and, of course, more experienced at riding and thus less likely to get into an accident.
But it’s never a good idea to ride without one, irrespective of age or experience level. An accident doesn’t have to be caused by your mistakes; another road user can cause it, and you must be prepared for that. Full-face helmets offer the most protection. But any other helmet is allowable if it fits and is DOT-approved.
Eye Protection
You have seen many riders rocking dark shades when on the road if they do not have a helmet or if their helmet doesn’t have a visor (glass shield). These shades are not a fashion statement but a legal requirement for riders doing speeds of more than 35mph. Glasses and visors protect the eyes from things like bugs, dust, flying debris, and collusion with birds, which can cause a rider to lose control and cause a motorcycle accident. Unless you are riding a few meters or on a clogged-up road, you will definitely do more than 35 mph at some point, so it is best to have your glasses on at all times for compliance and personal safety reasons.
Rider Suit
Rider suits are optional but a worthy investment if you care about your safety, as they can help protect you from road crashes and injuries to other critical organs in an accident. Go for rider suits made from abrasion-resistant material, for example, motorcycle-grade leather and denim.
Besides protection against injuries in a motorcycle accident, a rider suit should protect you from outside elements, so go for one that is versatile, for example, one with adjustable venting to ensure comfort in hot and cold conditions.
Visibility should also be a critical consideration when purchasing a rider suit; if it doesn’t come with reflective stripes, ensure you add a reflective vest on top. Get accompanying gloves for your suit to protect your palms and knuckles in an accident while also helping with improving your grip in all conditions.
Boots
Every other part of your body is protected so far but your feet. Like a rider suit, there is what is appropriate for your feet and what is not. Avoid ordinary shoes and open-toe sandals, especially when going on long cruises on your bike.
Instead, invest in appropriate rider boots that provide ample grip to your feet and ankle protection in the event of an accident. You can get pretty good recommendations for appropriate boots from rider forums and shops, so get asking.
