Leather Motorcycle Gear

We recently mentioned that it’s important to observe motorcycle helmet laws in different states while you are on an interstate road trip. This can get tricky if you’re, say, riding from helmet-free Illinois to full-helmet Missouri and forget to put on your helmet. Make a list of states you will be in where you need to wear a helmet and keep it with you. There’s no point in ruining your trip by getting a fat traffic ticket!

There are also laws in the states that require helmets about what kinds of helmets are acceptable. In many instances, motorcycle novelty helmets are not considered legal helmets, as they do not meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. These legal helmets will have labels on them to indicate that they are DOT-approved, and they usually have an inner lining of one-inch-thick foam. Plus, they don’t flex as easily as many novelty helmets, and are designed to reduce injury in the event of an accident. Be sure to have the right helmet, both for your safety and to avoid a citation.

Motorcyclists love to take advantage of their wheels with unrestricted views and take road trips in the summer. You’ll often see motorcycles whizzing by on highways, stopping at greasy spoons, and flooding tourist towns to see the sights. In fact, I recently encountered dozens of riders during a weekend vacation in the town of Winthrop, Washington. It turned out that the small town is at the end of Highway 20, a gorgeous road that runs through an old growth forest with several lakes, mountains and waterfalls to view along the way – a very popular route for riders!

There are entire websites dedicated to the best riding roads in America, and it’s no wonder. With the freedom you have while riding a motorcycle, nothing could stop you from seeing the most beautiful parts of this country. Just make sure you have the proper motorcycle gear! As with any interstate motorcycle trip, it’s important to know the various motorcycle laws in each state. Washington state’s law is that riders must wear a helmet that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). A DOT-approved helmet has a sticker on the back that identifies it as such.

When you’re first purchasing motorcycle apparel and accessories, your main focus should be on safety. Style is a consideration, but keep in mind that motorcycle safety gear is one of your only lines of defense in the event of a crash. Since you have no seatbelt, airbag or vehicle frame to protect you from injury, you’ll be relying on your helmet, jacket, chaps, boots and more to keep you safe. You should plan on spending between $500 and $1,000 for a full set of good-quality motorcycle gear.

One of the most important pieces of motorcycle safety gear is your motorcycle helmet. A full-face helmet is best because it will provide you with face protection if you slide over the pavement after a crash. The fit of your helmet is very important. If it’s too small, you’ll hate wearing it and may leave it at home, leaving your head and face vulnerable in the event of an accident. If the helmet is too big, your head will bang around inside it if you crash and you may sustain head injuries. Whether or not your state law requires motorcycle helmets, it’s a good idea to have one – your head is the most important body part you want to protect if you crash.

Motorcyclists recognize that their helmet expresses much about their character, and it’s important to have a helmet that offers protection while also being fashionable. There are several different types of motorcycle helmets. There’s the classic bucket helmet with a chinstrap, reminiscent of the kind of helmets soldiers wear in combat. Then there’s also the wrap around helmet which encases the entire head and comes with a protective visor that flips down. For adverse weather conditions, a wrap around helmet is the clear choice, but for fair weather, a bucket helmet works great. For those with a bucket helmet, it’s also a good idea to invest in a pair of sunglasses to shield against the sun and also protect the eyes from objects and even bugs. There are several different motorcycle helmet brands, but in general, Outlaw motorcycle helmets are great for bucket helmets, and Hawk offers an extensive selection of functional wrap around helmets.

It’s a good idea to start off with a wrap around helmet, and then move on to a bucket helmet as riding becomes more comfortable. But experienced motorcyclists might be happy with wearing either full time!