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Motorcycle Riding Gear

Jan. 2 2019 Miscellaneous By ___

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As any seasoned motorcyclist knows, you have to dress the part when you’re taking your bike out for a spin. Even on a short ride, you’ll still want to be properly equipped for both safety and comfort. Wearing the correct riding gear on your motorcycle is a smart move, but what is it that you need? This guide by Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® lists the types of riding gear you’ll need and what features to take into consideration when purchasing this apparel. Visit us in Eugene, OR, if you have any questions!

Outerwear

Whether you’re riding in the cold rain, high winds, light snows or the hot sun, you’ll want to be dressed adequately. Your outerwear can help keep you more comfortable and regulate your body temperature no matter what the ambient temperature is. While you might be tempted to wear less when it’s hot, the truth is that keeping your skin covered in the heat with a lightweight and breathable fabric is better than leaving it exposed. Not only will you protect yourself from sunburn, but your body will be able to keep your temperature down if you’re wearing ventilated clothing that wicks away sweat.

For rain and snow conditions, you’ll want more insulated gear that’s also waterproof on the outside. A full riding suit or rain pants and waterproof boots with a waterproof jacket will do wonders to keep you dry and warm on your ride.

Gloves

Because you’re using your hands to steer your bike and hold down the throttle, you’ll want to have superior grip to maintain control. Weather conditions can affect how good your grip is, from hot sun making your palms sweat to cold rain making the handlebars too slippery to hold. High winds can chap and blister your knuckles raw, which is no fun. A good pair of motorcycle gloves improves your grip and protects your hands from the weather, and will also help protect them if you slide out or fall.

Boots

Sturdy riding boots with good treads will be the best option for footwear. Sneakers aren’t strong enough and the laces could get caught in your machine, while sandals are an absolute no-go when your feet are so close to asphalt as it rushes by at 60 miles an hour. Boots are the best option for stability and safety. Make sure they fit well and take some time to break them in before you ride. Tie them snugly around your feet and tuck the laces in to avoid them catching on anything.

Helmet

The most essential piece of your riding ensemble is a well-fitting, DOT or Snell rated helmet. If you crash, you’ll want the benefit of the best protection you can get for your head. Make sure your helmet of choice fits you well; it should last about five years and should be replaced if dropped or if you do have an accident while wearing it.

Eye Protection

Your helmet may offer a full-face mask that protects your eyes from flying debris, rain and snow. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to invest in some riding goggles that fit well with your helmet. You can get riding goggles that have UV protection to keep your eyes shielded from the sun and improve your visibility.

Jacket

A well-fitting jacket made of sturdy fabric will protect your arms and torso in an accident, keep your skin protected from the weather and help to regulate your body temperature. The iconic motorcycle jacket is a leather one, as leather is tough and durable, but it isn’t very breathable. More modern jackets are made of lightweight and breathable materials that may prove to be a better choice. Some even come with strategic padding to cushion your joints in a fall. You might even end up investing in a few different styles of jacket to suit different conditions. Make sure you can move well in your jacket, whatever style you get.

Part of safe motorcycle riding involves wearing the right gear. If you’re still looking for the motorcycle part of the equation, then visit the Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® showroom in Eugene, OR. Our staff will be more than happy to show you our selection of new and used Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for sale. We also proudly serve our customers coming from Corvallis, Portland, Medford and Salem, OR.