Essential Apparel for Riding Motorcycles

When you drive a car, all you need to bring is your license. When you hop aboard your motorcycle, the list is a bit more extensive. Riding motorcycles is a different ballgame and requires more gear to keep you safe and comfortable. When you are new to the motorcycle lifestyle, it can be tough knowing what accessories you actually need and what accessories just boost the salesperson’s commission. We gathered up the top gear you need to ride motorcycles below. Be sure to check out our selection of gear at our online shop. You can also come visit our store - Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County in Orange County, California.

Gloves

Your hands are how you manipulate your controls. When these get compromised, so does your ability to safely steer. Weather can be a big culprit. Brutal heat leads to sweat, which makes for slippery grip. Beating winds make your digits cold, which can lead to shivering. Gloves help keep the issues of weather at bay so you can maintain a solid grip. As a bonus, they protect your skin against scrapes during a fall and keep them warmer in the winter.

Neckerchief

Between the top of your jacket and the bottom of your helmet rests a small spot of exposed skin. This minor area becomes a big annoyance the longer you ride your motorcycle. The heat of the sun bears down on it. Wind whips against it. Rain trickles down on it. The more time you spend on the road, the harder it will be to ignore. All you need to do is throw on a neckerchief, bandana, or neck shield to remedy this issue. It also doubles as relief on hot days - just wet it with water to help cool yourself down.

Riding Boots

Many riders are tempted to throw on tennis shoes or work boots when they ride motorcycles. Sure, this is better than wearing sandals. But you really do want to wear specialty riding boots. Riding motorcycles present unique needs, such as protection from engine heat or grip to push yourself up when you tip over.

Outerwear

On those hot summer days, it may seem appealing to wear shorts and a t-shirt. But you will want to wear full-length layers. They offer some protection from the sun’s rays. Plus, in an accident you’ll want every extra bit of protection you can get. Look for lightweight materials built to wick sweat and provide ventilation. You will also want waterproof outerwear for those days you get unexpectedly caught in a drizzle.

Helmet

We know you know this - you must ride a helmet when you ride a motorcycle. But it’s just as important that you wear the right type and fit of helmet. Different types offer different levels of protection, like half helmets versus full-face helmets. We recommend opting for full-face helmets as these provide the best protection.

You’ll also need to make sure the helmet fits correctly. A well-fitting but cheap helmet can protect you better than an expensive but ill-fitting one. Take the time to try on plenty of options and find one that fits well.

For all your motorcycle needs, visit Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We proudly serve those in Orange County, Santa Ana, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Los Angeles, and Anaheim, California. Our showroom offers a wide selection of new and used motorcycles available, making it easy to find one that is within your price range. We also do parts replacement and operate a service department so you can get your motorcycle running smoothly again. Whatever you need, our friendly staff can help you find it!