by Joe Symmes

Created on: October 25, 2008

Want to go fast yet travel economically? Want to feel the visceral power yet sit back and relax? Want to have your cake and eat it too? Today, the risk reward trade off of riding a motorcycle is more equitable than ever. Thanks to modern technology riding gear has become safer and more comfortable than ever. Let's take a look at the head to toe protection available to armor you for your next ride.

No matter what your feeling on helmet laws or rider's rights, motorcycle helmets are probably one most protective piece of gear that a rider can wear. A quality helmet will not only protect your head in the event of a crash, but can also serve to protect your eyes, ears, and face from everyday hazards such as UV radiation and windburn. Full face helmets provide the most protection while half-helmets provide the most comfort. Open face or modular helmets strive to provide a balance between these extremes.

Eye protection can be considered the most essential piece of protective gear. It is physically impossible to ride without some sort of protection for your peepers. If your helmet does not include some sort of face shield, then separate eye protection is required. Most sunglasses do not do an adequate job of protecting your eyes. A quality pair of riding goggles is essential to protect your pupils.

Hearing protection is one of the most often over looked pieces of apparel. Depending on your specific motorcycle and riding speed, some very real, long-term hearing damage can occur if you do not wear hearing protection. Whether you choose disposable, foam, or custom fit, molded ear plugs, any protection is better than nothing. Thanks to lobby groups such as the American Motorcycle Association, it is legal in all 50 states to ride a motorcycle while wearing hearing protection.

Motorcycle gloves are another piece of gear that will not only provide a wealth of protection in a crash, but will also make daily riding much more enjoyable. Especially in cold weather, your hands will get cold and become less functional. The vibration resistance and wind protection of a good, heavy, motorcycle glove is paramount. For summer riding many glove companies also make well ventilated models so you do not have to go without protection when the temperature rises.

One of the most often worn pieces of riding gear is a riding jacket. Generally different than a regular jacket, motorcycle coats are basically characterized by having longer arms, heavier stitching, and better abrasion resistance.

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