Essential Apparel for Riding Motorcycles

Your clothing when you ride motorcycles is more than a fashion statement: it’s a crucial aspect of your ride’s comfort and safety. There are a few crucial items that you should wear all the time on every ride. We rounded up the top pieces of motorcycle riding apparel below. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Road Track & Trail. We proudly serve those in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Gloves

You can’t safely control motorcycles without proper grip. Unfortunately, it’s easy for your grip to get compromised due to weather. When it’s hot, your hands sweat and slip around the controls. When it’s cold, your hands shiver about and struggle to manipulate the controls. Gloves help block out the aggravations of weather so you can maintain a solid grip. They also help guard your skin from scrapes if you topple over.

Riding Boots

Some riders get tempted to slip on sandals or sneakers when they ride motorcycles. But you really should go for specialty riding boots. They provide the grip you need for riding (and to push yourself up after tipping over). They also guard your feet from the hazards you encounter as you ride such as kicked-up debris, engine heat, and so on.

Riding boots are no different than other shoes. You’ll want to take the time to find a well-fitting boot. If it’s too tight or too loose, it can become uncomfortable or difficult to wear. Before you take your first ride with them, be sure to break them in as well.

Neckerchief

Under your helmet and above the top of your jacket rests a strip of exposed skin. It may seem small and inconsequential. But during a ride, it becomes a big inconvenience. The rain drizzles down it to your back. Wind whips against it. The hot sun rays beat against it. The longer you ride motorcycles, the more you notice it! All you need to do is wear a neckerchief, bandana, or neck shield to block out the annoyances of weather. You can also wet it when it’s hot to get some cooling relief.

Outerwear

It sounds counterintuitive, but even on hot days you will want to wear full-length clothes. The material helps block out the negative effects of the sun’s rays and engine heat as well as wick sweat away. It also is an extra layer of protection in the event you crash. You can find lightweight clothing designed to offer ventilation. It’s helpful to seek out waterproof features (just in case you get caught in a drizzle).

Helmet

We saved the best for last! Of course, you know you need to wear a helmet. But it’s just as important to wear the right type and fit of helmet. Otherwise, you won’t get as good of protection in a crash. We recommend going for a full-face helmet - it offers the most protection. Try on several options to ensure you find the right fit (as a well-made helmet can last five years). Only buy helmets that are accredited by a crash test agency. These test the helmet in mock accident scenarios with different motorcycles, so you can have confidence about how they perform.

For everything related to motorcycles, visit Road Track & Trail. We are the world’s largest pre-owned powersports dealership. Visit our store to enjoy the best selection of used motorcycles. You’ll be sure to find one that fits your riding lifestyle and your budget. We also offer parts replacement and servicing to get your motorcycle running like new. We proudly serve those in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Big Bend, and Kenosha, Wisconsin. Come stop by today!