I'm going to go ahead and tell you that some of you are not going to like this article. I get it, for lack of better words, it sounds like your mom is nagging at you for not doing the dishes. Your wife complaining about the trash not being taken out. Which you always respond with, "yeah, ok, whatever." However, you need to hear this, whether you are a new rider or someone who has been riding since they could see over the handlebars. For the love of all things mighty, please wear proper riding gear.
I get it. Motorcycle riding is about "the freedom". "There are no rules on the road." Etc. To be fair, those rules don't change just because you put on riding gear. Riding gear isn't there to restrict your freedoms, they aren't there to make you more comfortable, they are there to protect your damn skull and body from bouncing off of the pavement like a rag doll on a trampoline.
What is all included in riding gear, you wonder? Let me break it down to the best of my ability.
Helmets: This is by far the most important riding gear you can have. This protects your brain and head from dissolving into the pavement and could easily be the difference between life and death. Make sure you purchase a good quality, reputable helmet, and yes, you get what you pay for. If you are protecting your head with a $100 helmet on a $20,000 motorcycle, I highly advise you to rearrange your priorities. Purchase a full face reputable helmet and thank yourself later.
"But I don't like wearing helmets. It's hot and I like the wind in my hair".
That's great buddy. I also would advise you to not wear your seatbelt and disregard all warning labels. All serious sarcasm aside, we just want everyone to be safe out there.
Jackets: This one can be hit and miss. Only 4% of motorcycle deaths can be attributed to the thorax and chest area. So it's understandable if you aren't hell bent on using a heavy leather jacket in the middle of summer, however, you still need full sleeves, because if you happen to hit the pavement and slide, that Grateful Dead t shirt you got from their 1986 world tour won't help your forearms heal any faster.
Another option is to find a thrift shop with old leather jackets or raincoats. We don't recommend this by any means. But we understand that if you are hard up for cash, and just starting out, this is the one area you can make a sacrifice. (even if only a little)
Pants: We of course recommend riding pants, that include the padding you need. However this area applies the same as the jacket. At the bare minimum, you should be wearing long pants. Jeans or Carhart's are the bare minimum, with riding pants being the median, if you can afford them.
"I like to wear shorts so I can have freedom in my legs."
I would advise you to google "Motorcycle Road Rash" and I pray you don't have a weak stomach.
Gloves: Non negotiable. The second most injured portion of the human body's on motorcycles in the arms. Wrist, fingers, forearms all have the ability to easily snap under heavy pressure. You want good quality gloves with proper sliding features so that your hands slide on the pavement, not bend. These are some of the cheapest gear options you can buy. So no excuse.
"I don't like my finger movements restricted."
Oh stop it. In the heat of the moment, you are going to try to catch yourself if you are falling. Wear gloves or have fun fun not using your hands for a few months. (or longer)
Boots: Another non negotiable item. You want tall boots that protect the legs and calves. Over 50% of breaks happen below the waist, and the most common injury is laying the bike on your legs, so....just wear the damn boots.
"I don't like boots. I wanna wear my crocs"
Get out. Just get the hell out.
Those are the basics we recommend. We want all riders to be safe and come home to their families. Wearing this gear could be the difference between life and death. So please ride responsibly.
If you find yourself in need of riding gear, but don't want to pay those ridiculous retail prices, be sure to check out Sun Coast Cycle Sports for all the gear you need.