Riding Gear For Motorcycles
The horizon is beckoning, and your motorcycle is the best way to meet it. Your bike is more than just a vehicle, it’s a symbol of freedom and a guaranteed adrenaline rush—plus, it saves you a lot of gas money. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the game, though, you need the right gear to make your ride as same, comfortable, and convenient as possible.
We here at Car Corral Polaris® have thought it over and put together a short list of riding gear that will bring your motorcycle riding to a whole new level. If you want to know more about maximizing your riding experience, or you’re just shopping for a new bike, stop on by Car Corral Polaris® in either Carmi or Flora, Illinois! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready and waiting to help you with whatever you need.
Visibility
No matter what other gear you bring with you on your ride, the most important thing on the road is to see and be seen. Other drivers and riders are the biggest hazards for a motorcycle on the road, and whether or not they’re paying attention, you need to be. Stand out by investing in some visibility gear. Brightly colors and highly reflective clothing or stickers on your bike can make sure you don’t blend in to the background.
Face Protection
Once you’re sure you’ll be seen, you need to make sure you can see well, too. Eye protection can keep the wind from stinging your eyes and protect them from bugs, sand, and other debris. If you’re wearing a helmet with a visor, you’re set. If not, we recommend a pair of sunglasses or goggles that you can keep with you or in your bike.
A helmet does more than just protect your eyes, of course. This is one of the most important safety accessories you can include. Without a seatbelt and enclosed cab, you run the risk of falling or flying off your bike in an accident. A helmet will make sure that you can tell that story down the road. Because you’ll be wearing it a lot, it’s important to make sure you get one that fits well and sits comfortably on your head. A photosensitive visor can make sure you don’t need sunglasses under the helmet on bright days, as well.
Hearing Protection
Your average helmet does a lot for you, but they won’t help much with the noise. Once you hit 40 miles per hour on your motorcycle, you risk irreversible damage to your hearing thanks to the combination of road noise, your engine, and the rushing wind. A motorcycle is more fun when you ride fast, so that threshold is probably being passed regularly. To keep your ears functioning properly, we recommend disposable earplugs, reusable wax balls, or custom-made earplugs.
Rain Gear
If you rely on your motorcycle for everyday travel, sooner or later you’ll have to ride in the rain. Even if the forecast is promising, sudden showers are always a possibility. If it’s still safe to ride and you’re comfortable doing so, you might just have to. We recommend waterproof outerwear to keep your clothes—and you—as dry as possible. There are plenty of lighter outerwear options out there that you can even store in your bike, like ponchos and rain coats. Remember to get these in bright colors and reflective materials to keep you as visible as possible, especially in poor weather and low light!
Security
Whether you travel a lot or live in a rough neighborhood, it’s a good idea to consider adding a few security measures to your bike. Locks are the most obvious way to keep your bike where you left it, but there are alarms you can set up that will draw unwanted attention to anyone trying to claim your bike for themselves. You might also install a GPS tracking system that you can control from your phone or computer. That way, even if someone does take your bike, you can provide location information to authorities to get your bike back.
We hope you found some of our tips useful! If you want to know more about riding gear and accessories, or you’re looking for a new bike, stop by Car Corral Polaris®. We proudly serve the people of Flora and Carmi, Illinois—let us serve you today!