Your Gear

Look after your gear– and it’ll look after you

Wearing the best kit you can afford - that's really comfortable is the key to safe, enjoyable riding. Here's our guide...

Always wear the right clothing. To protect yourself, wear the right clothes - leathers, gloves, boots and a really good crash helmet. Don't be tempted to ride in jeans and trainers, even for short trips. A slide on tarmac at 30mph will take skin all the way down to the bone in seconds.

Don't buy second-hand kit. You don't know where it's from or what's been done to it. Chances are it won't protect you properly if you have an accident.

For extra safety, think leathers

One or two-piece leathers offer the best abrasion protection. In most cases, body armour is fitted too. Extra kit such as a back-protector (and nowadays even a chest protector) can help prevent injuries in accidents.

Back protectors absorb energy from an impact, like car’s crumple zone. They protect the spine and also help to prevent damage to internal organs, like the kidneys, which can be harmed by a heavy external blow.  When buying a back protector make sure it meets the latest standards and carries the CE mark

Consider modern textiles
Modern textiles now offer similar protection to a set of leathers, with the added bonus of flexibility, comfort and waterproofing.

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Stay warm and dry

Always keep waterproofs handy when you ride in the UK. If you’re caught in a downpour, riding in unsuitable clothing, gloves and boots will make you uncomfortable, distracting you. Many manufacturers produce light-weight waterproofs that fit in a back-pack or under the pillion seat.

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Protect your hands

When you buy gloves, check out the quality of the stitching and the thickness of the leather. Thick gloves may be more protective, but they will need longer to break in and may mean that you lose dexterity or ‘feel’ when you’re on the bike. Have suitable pairs for both summer and winter riding.

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Get the right boots for comfort

Choose a style of boot that suits the kind of riding you’re going to do. Race-style boots may look good but won’t be waterproof, so if you do many miles in all weathers you’ll need something a bit more robust. Try before you buy – sit on the bike in your normal position and make sure they don’t foul the heel-plates or levers. 

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The most important piece of your kit!

Your helmet is key to your safety in the event of an accident, so it’s worth looking around and taking the time to find the right one. It's vital to TRY before you buy. Remember – a helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t protect you in a crash.

Choosing the right helmet:
 - Try the helmet on with the strap securely tightened.
 - Go for a good, consistent fit all around your head with no tight spots.
 - Check that the helmet won't easily come off in an accident. Tilt your head forward and have someone try to roll your helmet off your head by carefully applying an upward force to the rear of the helmet at its base.

For more info on helmet fitting go to SHARP

Remember – if you look after your helmet, it will look after you. In general, a helmet has a shelf life of around five years, or three years with regular use. Keep your helmet in tip-top condition and clean it regularly.

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