by MJ Miller

Created on: April 16, 2008   Last Updated: May 23, 2008

There are those out there who believe that there is nothing that is "essential" as far as protective gear when riding motorcycles. Others are of the opinion that the more protective gear you can have, the better. In reality, I guess it all boils down to how much you value your own well being and how much of a risk taker you are.

A lot is going to depend on what type of riding you are doing. You'll probably use different safety gear for off-road riding than you would on the street.

So let's take a look at some of the items that could be considered essential to preventing or at least reducing the risk of injury.

Helmet The most important piece of safety equipment to protect the most important part of your body in all types of riding. Buy the best one you can find that is DOT or SNELL approved. They come in all shapes and styles so you can protect your head and look cool too. Save your head, wear a helmet.

Boots I prefer work boots or military type boots that provide more support and protection for your ankles for road riding. I never ride with light shoes or sandals and I don't recommend anyone does. For off-road riding, there are specialty boots made with heavier leather and higher rise to protect your lower leg. One style or the other is a must though. Riding trails through woods and rough terrain is no place for light shoes.

Eye protection If you are not behind a windshield on the street, then glasses or goggles are a must to protect your sight. Believe me, getting hit in the eye with even a small bug at 60 or 70 mph definitely hurts and if it happens to be a pebble that just fell off that dump truck a few cars ahead of you, it not only hurts but can do permanent damage to your eye. For off-road, I recommend goggles. If you are riding with other riders, you are going to be riding through dust, dirt and sometimes water or mud kicked up by the other bikes. Goggles will keep all that out of your eyes. They come with interchangeable clear or smoke lenses for day or night riding.

Jacket I prefer to ride with a leather when I'm riding the street. A lot of riders don't like to wear them when it's hot but it affords a lot of protection. If you don't have a leather, the next best thing is denim. Off-roading is a little different. They make plastic chest protectors that are lighter and cooler than a jacket and they provide very good protection for your upper body. I highly recommend them for that type of riding.

Gloves A must for riding the backwoods. When you're riding through

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