You. The open road. Your bike. There’s nothing better, right?
Motorbike, motorcycle, scooter – whatever your ride, the gear you wear is the only buffer between you and the road.
Given seven out of 10 riders have injuries that may have been reduced or prevented by wearing the right gear, investing in a few key biking pieces is an easy way to increase your safety.
To do the job, the first thing to do is to make sure your motorcycle and scooter safety-wear meets the safety standards.
RAC's top 10 tips for motorcycle gear
1. Check all your gear fits you properly and will stay in place in a crash.
2. Use insulated, waterproof, and windproof materials to protect you from the cold.
3. Check all fastenings are secure and will be protected from contact with the road or other surfaces in a crash.
4. Check the seams on your gear – there should be more than one line of stitching and at least one line of concealed stitching on exposed seams.
5. Use impact protectors over your joints, such as within your gloves. Armoured protection wherever possible on your motorbike gear will give you added safety.
6. Cover your whole body (not just the bits that look cool).
7. Protect your skin with abrasion-resistant material in vulnerable areas.
8. Avoid external pockets or straps that could become tear points or snag on something in a crash.
9. Use reflective or light colours and ventilation to protect you from heat.
10. Don’t carry anything in your pockets that could cause injury in a crash.
Last updated October 2017
