| er you have just found your dream bike or are just | | | | done by simply lifting up the face shield. |
| getting ready to start shopping around, you'll soon find | | | | Full-face Helmet |
| that there is an overabundance of motorcycle gear | | | | The Full-face Helmet provides the most |
| and accessories to complete your experience. It has | | | | comprehensive protection for the head, neck, eyes, |
| been said that there are almost as many options for | | | | ears and face. This type of helmet also protects you |
| different types of motorcycle garments as there are | | | | from elements such as wind, rain, dust, leaves, particles |
| for clothing in general. With so many different options, it | | | | and insects. Putting on and taking off this type of |
| can be confusing and almost mind-boggling to try to | | | | helmet is a bit more cumbersome, especially if you |
| figure out what you'll need and what will be most | | | | wear glasses. Also, sounds may be muffled while you |
| appropriate for your particular bike and riding | | | | have it on. The Full-face helmet is usually more |
| experience. | | | | expensive than other types of helmets, but well worth |
| The good news is that with the advent of the internet, | | | | it. |
| shopping for motorcycle gear and accessories has | | | | Flip-up Helmet |
| never been easier or more convenient. By using the | | | | The Flip-up Helmet provides much of the protection |
| Web, you can shop around and compare prices, | | | | that the Full-face Helmet provides, while making it |
| shipping costs and times, etc. Before you start | | | | easier to put on and take off without having to slide |
| shopping, read on to have an idea of some of the | | | | the entire helmet on over your head. |
| basics and what to look for. | | | | Motorcycle Gloves |
| Jacket | | | | Motorcycle gloves are another important safety |
| Your needs in terms of a motorcycle jacket will vary | | | | garment that you should invest in before you even |
| a bit depending on certain factors. The main factors | | | | take that first ride. Because most of us tend to reach |
| will be the geographical area of where you live and/or | | | | forward with our palms down when we fall, not using |
| ride, and whether you need maximum comfort for | | | | good gloves can increase your chances of loosing |
| longer rides or just something easy for quick | | | | some skin and blood should you take a fall. |
| commutes. Consider your lifestyle and how your new | | | | There are many different styles, materials, levels of |
| motorcycle will fit into it. | | | | protection and temperature ranges available in |
| A leather motorcycle jacket is classic and also very | | | | motorcycle gloves. The vast majority of gloves |
| good for protection. However, jackets made from | | | | designed for use with motorcycles are made from |
| animal hide can be expensive and get very hot, | | | | leather or other textiles. Look for motorcycle gloves |
| especially during longer rides. Another suitable material | | | | that will be comfortable and provide the level of |
| for riding jackets is Cordura, which is reinforced fabric. | | | | comfort and protection you'll need for your rides. Good |
| If you choose this option, you'll want to make sure the | | | | riding gloves should be snug and not bulky, and allow |
| impact areas (shoulders, back, elbows) are padded. | | | | you to extend and contract your fingers freely. |
| You will want to choose a motorcycle jacket that can | | | | Boots |
| be versatile enough to use through a wide range of | | | | Motorcycle boots are interesting in that most |
| weather conditions. Look for a jacket that contains a | | | | motorcycle riders agree that it is safer to ride while |
| zip-out liner (available as a vest liner or full liner) and | | | | wearing boots, but there is no real standard for boots |
| also vents that can provide good air movement during | | | | in terms of street riding. One thing that can be agreed |
| hot days. | | | | upon is that you should never ride a motorcycle |
| Helmet | | | | wearing flip-flops, sandals, running shoes (or any shoes |
| The helmet is by far the single most crucial piece of | | | | made of rubber) as none of these will protect your |
| motorcycle gear and it's importance should not be | | | | whole foot in the case of an accident. |
| overlooked. The job of the motorcycle helmet is to | | | | Motorcycle boots for racing and dirt-biking can be very |
| save your life should something go wrong. There are | | | | expensive and exceed the scope of your needs. A |
| different types of motorcycle helmets with different | | | | good pair of boots for riding will be tough and durable, |
| levels of padding, shapes, styles, etc. Below is a list of | | | | made of leather or another suitable material, |
| some of the more popular ones. | | | | completely cover the ball of your ankle, and have good |
| Beanie (Pudding Bowl) | | | | traction. |
| This type of helmet is easy to put on and take off, but | | | | Shopping for Motorcycle Gear |
| provides only the minimum amount of protection for | | | | There are many ways to find good deals on |
| the head (mostly the top of the head). The Beanie (or | | | | motorcycle gear. Start by making a list of what you |
| Pudding Bowl) helmet is designed not to obstruct any | | | | need or want. Visit online motorcycle shops or visit |
| part of your peripheral vision or your hearing, but long | | | | your local dealer to look at different options. Then, look |
| rides can be loud if you only wear a Beanie helmet. | | | | online to compare prices from different outlets. You |
| Half Helmet | | | | can also shop for high-quality used motorcycle gear by |
| This type of helmet protects the top and sides of the | | | | looking through online classifieds. Many times, people |
| head, and in many cases also the ears. The Half | | | | take up a hobby such as motorcycles only to find |
| Helmet protects more protection than the Pudding | | | | after a short time that it's not really for them. In these |
| Bowl and is still very easy to put on and take off. | | | | cases, people may try to recoup the money they |
| Helmet (Open-Faced Helmet) | | | | invested in the hobby by selling off items such as |
| This type of helmet protects the head, neck, ears and | | | | motorcycle helmets, jackets and gloves to private |
| eyes. Though putting on and taking off the Helmet is | | | | buyers. Always check to make sure your safety gear |
| not as easy as with other helmet types, many things | | | | is in excellent condition when looking through classifieds. |
| (taking a drink, eating a bite, shooting a photo) can be | | | | |