Being part of the world of people enjoying their two wheels can be exhilarating. Having a shiny new motorcycle brings about great excitement and joy.

However, it is better to minimize injuries and stay prepared if accidents happen. Essential gear must be secured, especially for beginner riders.

With so many options to choose from – ranging from novelty motorcycle helmets to motorcycle boots – one might wonder which gear is the most essential. This article details which five pieces of equipment are the most needed for any motorcycle ride.

1. Motorcycle Helmet

If one has to pick the essential gear, it is the motorcycle helmet. The helmet is multifaceted regarding the benefits it provides for motorcycle riders.

For one, helmets help save lives. If a motorcycle accident cannot be prevented from happening, being in full gear, especially with a full-face helmet, allows one to live and sustain minimal injuries.

It is no exaggeration to say that people can lose their body parts in a motorcycle crash. Having a helmet keeps one’s head in place and helps secure survival; after all, 45% of motorcycle accidents impact the face – which is why full-face helmets are the most common suggestions.

Helmets also offer protection from insects, especially bugs. When one rides, bugs can hit a motorcycle’s eye or mouth, which can be pretty uncomfortable, not to mention dangerous.

The face protection that helmets accord a rider is not limited to just exuding mystery, but it also, more importantly, provides the needed safety to ride correctly.

A word to the wise: Check if your country has helmet laws and abide by the rules.

It’s also good to check ratings; for example, SHARP’s independent rating body rates helmets through well-rounded tests in the UK.

Consider other helmets, too, though many consider the safest of the full-face helmet. Half-face helmets tend to give more comfort to the skin, which is why cruisers and racers prefer them.

There are also modular helmets that are crosses between full-face and half-face helmets.

2. Motorcycle Gloves

Gloves are also essential pieces of gear for motorcycle riding.

After all, many say that whenever one has an accident – be it falling off a skateboard, being part of a bicycle crash, tripping while on a walk – the most common human instinct is to extend one’s hands and cushion the fall.

The palms and wrists then take the brunt of the physical trauma, extending to one’s shoulders and back.

While it’s hard to avoid having this instinct, a good way to prevent further harm is to have hand protection through gloves.

There are many types of gloves that you can choose from; even weatherproof gloves help protect the hands from solid winds.

Other options include heated gloves and leather gloves. Just note what fits best for you; you can also vary your glove usage depending on the season (especially those with extreme temperatures – summer and winter) or the ongoing style for riders.

3. Motorcycle Jeans

Some might think that any pants will do for motorcycle rides; they are wrong. At the most basic, riders must wear thick material; after all, denim can easily rip in case one falls on the pavement.

Most riders recommend jeans lined with Kevlar (also known as armor jeans), which can protect riders from harsh cuts.

Others also opt to have jeans made from waterproof textiles to avoid various elements and dirt; these jeans also come with multiple pockets and a thermal lining.

4. Motorcycle Boots

Riders must do everything they can to avoid getting their feet caught between their motorcycle and the road – especially if they tip over. A human’s lower limbs take a lot of impact in high-speed accidents.

Riding-specific shoes enter the picture: They help prevent injury while a rider is on board a motorcycle, especially shoes that go over the ankle.

Even if these boots can be expensive, it is not a bad idea to buy a decent pair made out of sturdy materials, impact-resistant, and slide-proof.

Remember, keep both safety and comfort in mind when purchasing your motorcycle boots. They now even come in waterproof versions and with armor across the ankles.

5. Motorcycle Jackets

Lastly, though some debate whether this is essential equipment or an accessory, we believe riding jackets complete this critical motorcycle riding gear list.

It meets one’s preventive methods against injury, given that the human torso can take the brunt of most traumas and result in complications like life-threatening hemorrhages.

In choosing riding jackets, riders recommend picking those with elbow protectors, chest protectors, shoulder protectors, and spine protectors. Some pads come in D30 armor, which reduces trauma effectively.

Conclusion

We hope that this list is helpful, especially for beginning motorcycle riders.

There are other accessories and vital gear needed in motorcycle riding, but we believe that those that prioritize the body’s protection must be on top of the list.

Keep in mind that beyond functionality, you can also always opt for gear that suits your style. Good luck, and be safe in your rides!