Beginner's Guide to Motorcycle Apparel

Are you just starting your motorcycle adventure? If so, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all of the gear you need and narrow down what's really important. In fact, it's one of the most frequent questions we get asked at Hurtle Gear. Our customers want to know what to buy, how long products last, and why they should purchase certain motorcycle apparel. This is why we have outlined a Beginner's Guide to Motorcycle Apparel to make it easier for you and answer your questions.

The Importance of Quality Motorcycle Apparel 

Riding a motorcycle is different to most other modes of transport because you are without the protection you typically associate with travelling. You can move at a high rate of speed, and should you lose control or become involved in an accident, you're vulnerable to injury. Human bones, skin and organs simply aren't designed to withstand such an impact. There's also the very real possibility of road rash should you wipe out while you're riding. If you slide over the rough surface of a road, it'll shred both your clothing and skin. 

The weather is another factor that you have to consider. Even if it's a warm day out, the wind chill you experience can quickly drop the temperature down to intolerable levels. If you get wet while you ride, it can seem even colder. 

Quality motorcycle apparel can provide a durable layer between your skin and the road in the event of a crash. You'd much rather have the road scrape off a thin layer of your protective gear than your skin. Additionally, armour can help protect your organs and bones by distributing some of the impact force and reducing the chances of life-threatening injuries. 

The right gear can help you with the temperature too. It provides a wind and water-resistant layer between you and the elements to keep you warm, comfortable and dry from the beginning of your trip to the end. Motorcycle apparel makes riding more comfortable, safer and even more enjoyable. Here at Hurtle Gear, we can outfit you with the best. 

Helmet

One of the most obvious pieces of motorcycle apparel you'll want is a helmet. Ideally, this should be a full-face helmet that leaves nothing exposed. Not only will this help to protect your face, but it'll also keep the wind out. You can pair this with a hood for another layer of protection. Most helmets have a five-year lifespan. Once the five-year mark passes, the bode layers or glue that holds the EPS impact-absorption material can begin to let go.

In the event of an accident, your helmet would help to distribute the force around your head to avoid a full-on impact. You'd rather smash your helmet on the road than your skull. Your helmet has to have the ECE 22.05-rating to be legal. 

Jacket or Vest

If you choose to wear a jacket, it should contour to your body and cover all of your important parts like your arms, ribs, organs and back. You can get leather or textile jackets, and textile jackets usually come with Gore-Tex. It's just as durable as leather while being slightly more lightweight and breathable. 

Vests also offer you protection, but they do leave your arms exposed. They come made out of moldable and breathable material that has optional chest plates and body armour inserts. They're easy to adjust, and they typically come with double stitching, pockets and a moisture-wicking fabric. 

Pants

Motorcycle apparel features both motorcycle jeans and armoured pants. The jeans usually feature a combination of Cordura denim Knox CE armour to make them far more durable than traditional pants. They have reinforced seams and a tapered fit that helps them sit close to your body and prevents them from sliding up. Additionally, many come with hidden body armour pockets that you can add in for more rigidity and protection. 

Armoured pants usually sit right against your skin, and they go under your normal pants when you ride. They feature knee and hip protection with additional layers of padding and panels as well. The entire armoured pants features a breathable and moisture-resistant fabric. Finally, you have overpants. They usually don't do much in the way of protection, but they do provide some water and wind-blocking capabilities. 

Boots

Most bikes weigh over 160kg, and you'll need extra support in your legs, feet and ankles when you balance your bike on different surfaces. Your riding boots protect your feet and ankles from twisting and breaking in an accident. Their rigid construction means they can also protect your foot if your bike were to overbalance and fall on you.

Gloves 

Your hands are usually the first thing that touches the ground in the event of a crash, and the road can shred your skin and break bones. Wearing a pair of leather gloves can help to protect your hands and wrists from injury. Ideally, the gloves should overlap your jacket sleeves by a slight amount to give your sleeves room to move up. Also, it's a good idea to get gloves with retention straps around your wrist to keep them on if you crash. 

Armour 

Last up is your body armour. You can purchase full body armour suits, or you can buy it piece by piece. Armoured shirts are popular to provide an additional layer between you and the road if you crash. There's also a variety of back plated armour with six, eight and nine plates that allows you to customise how large it is. You want to protect your chest and joints too. 

All body armour comes rated at either CE1 or CE2. Both grades will work to protect you in an accident, but CE2 is the more durable choice. If you don't get an entire suit, you can buy your armour panel by panel to build out your collection. 

Contact Hurtle Gear Today!

Do you need motorcycle gear to keep you safe while you ride? If so, start building your collection with our quality stock! Take a look around and contact us if you have any questions.