My Experience with Motorcycle Gear

I browsed this sub for about a year or two before I suddenly found myself in a position in life where I could only afford a motorcycle. I am definitely not negative about living the bike life, its been an experience! But because I’ve lurked this sub for long I became familiar with the saying “dress for the slide not the ride”. When learning to ride I discovered theres more to gear than simply protection when you’re rubber side up.A helmet, keeps insects and or tiny rocks away from your face. I had an incident where I had a bee landed in the middle of my visor and refused to let go even at speeds of 40. It was hilarious and made me laugh at the moment but I’m sure I wouldn’t have been happy without the helmet. Also keeps your face warm in cold weather, even down to 40 degrees. My helmet is a high vis modular for reference. Modular or full are the only two I’d go for.A jacket, which is a wind breaker. Will keep hot or cold air out. Keeps your torso insulated from heat or cold. It gives you safe storage for valuables you don’t want in your pants from fear of slipping but still want on fast access. I personally put my phone and wallet in my jacket because I sure as hell don’t want those slipping out of my pants at 40 mph. Plus it looks badass, even if its high vis colored like mine.Gloves, they look badass, they feel badass, and they provide essential grip. They insulate your hands from the surrounding and keep them safe for proper switch gear usage. I got used to riding with gloves and cannot imagine riding without them.Boots. They’ll wrap solidly around your feet, and make you feel more confident. I rode for a while without motorcycle boots and my legs felt like noodles even driving at the speed limit. I felt like one unlucky fall and I’m going to be confined to a wheelchair. Since getting boots, the feeling of something solid around my feet gives me the confidence to drive better. Mine are cheap boots that look like regular shoes but even those are a huge upgrade in riding feel over regular shoes.Pants or jeans. Yes these help riding too. Was the last piece of gear I got but they made a big difference. The knee padding provide a cushion between your knees and the hard fairings of your gas tank. The armor padding also provides easier grip onto your gas tank which keeps your bum from sliding forward when you brake.While building up to full gear I found that every gear I added contributed to a more comfortable and confident riding experience. I can’t imagine riding without full gear, and the confidence they provide. via /r/motorcycles https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/eylwxi/my_experience_with_motorcycle_gear/?utm_source=ifttt