Essential Motorcycle Riding Gear

When you’re riding a bike, wearing the right gear is just as important as staying comfortable. Your gear can help you to stay focused on the road and protect you from injuries if you get in an accident. That’s why you should spend some time and invest in apparel and equipment that can protect you as much as possible.

At North County Indian Motorcycle®, we are here to help you with all your motorcycle riding gear needs! Read on for more information or head into our dealership in San Marcos, California, to explore the best motorcycles around. We proudly serve all our friends in San Diego and Oceanside.

Gloves

Keeping your motorcycle under control often comes down to maintaining a solid grip. Sweaty palms get in the way of manipulating the controls, and elements like rain can give you the same issues. Even cold or numb hands can be an issue. Riding gloves are the solution to these problems, as they offer protection from the elements while keeping your hands warm, dry, and functional. Gloves will also guard your skin against scrapes if you fall and can be fitted with extra support for even more protection. On cold days, gloves can offer that extra bit of essential insulation.

Boots

Sneakers or formal shoes just don’t cut it on a motorcycle! A solid pair of boots will protect you from exposure to wind, rain, road debris, engine heat, and a host of other issues. You need something sturdy to maintain balance and provide you support if you have to lean your bike over or stand it back up from a fall. Riding boots are an essential riding gear, so there are lots of options to choose from. Try on a few pairs just like you would do with other footwear to find the right fit.

Riding Jacket

Exposed skin while riding makes you vulnerable to various harsh elements, whether it’s the scorching sun, a chilling wind, or a heavy downpour. Ideally, you shouldn’t be riding in such extreme conditions, but it’s wise to be always prepared for the worst. A riding jacket acts as a shield for your skin, which improves the safety and comfort of your ride. Look for a jacket with ventilation, which is comfortable to wear during summer. Get another one that’s waterproof to keep out the rain.

Bandana

If you’ve ridden for long, you’ll have noticed a small spot between your jacket and helmet that doesn’t get covered by either. It can be a real annoyance, but all you need is a bandana or other shield to guard your neck against wind and heat. When things get too hot, you can wear it on your forehead and it'll catch sweat before it drips into your eyes. Another use is to simply soak the bandana in water and tie it around your neck to keep yourself cool.

Head and Eye Protection

Helmets are the most important piece of riding gear you’ll need. It guards your head in the event of a crash, and riding without one is illegal in most states. Try on several helmets to find the best fit, since fit affects how it protects you in an accident. Look for a helmet accredited by a respectable crash test rating agency. Eye protection usually goes hand-in-hand with a helmet, but that’s not always the case. Make sure your helmet has UV protection, and if it doesn’t, consider sunglasses as an additional form of protection.

There’s a lot of motorcycle riding gear out there, from essentials like helmets and jackets to gloves and boots. Whatever you need, head into North County Indian Motorcycle® to explore the options we have for you. You’ll find us in San Marcos, CA, and we proudly serve all those in San Diego and Oceanside.