ALT-3 Essential Motorcycle Safety Gear
Today's cars are getting bigger, and the drivers of those cars are getting less attentive. People are in a hurry, and their vehicles are full of shiny little gadgets that distract them. Stereos, cell phones, iPods, GPS systems - everything you could ever want to fiddle with is in your car. This distracts a driver's attention, and makes them a danger to other motorists, and deadly to motorcyclists.
While we can't control the actions of others on the roads, we can prepare ourselves to handle bad situations. I advise every rider I meet to take an MSF-sanctioned Rider Course, to teach you how to ride safely. In addition, wearing the proper gear while you are on your bike, greatly adds to your safety level.
Perhaps the most important item that you should wear is a helmet. I've already addressed the helmet debate in another article, so I won't get into it here. If you choose not to wear a helmet, that's fine with me. However, if you do decide to get a brain-bucket, get a Snell and DOT approved helmet that fits properly, and allows you a great range of visibility.
Next, a pair of sturdy leather or textile gloves always comes in handy. My hands tend to sweat when they are out in the sun, and this can be dangerous when trying to grip the throttle, clutch and break lever. The gloves allow me to grip these components safely with no slipping. Also, in the unfortunate event of an accident, the gloves will protect my scrawny little hands from the pavement. I'm pretty little to begin with, so I can't afford to sacrifice any of my parts to the highway.
Also, a sturdy jacket is another great item to have. I have to admit that I don't always wear my jacket. If I don't have my jacket on, I do wear a good quality leather vest, to protect the vital parts of my anatomy if the bike goes down. I have toothpick arms, so there's not much to scrape off on the street, but I just pray that the Lord will keep me upright, since I don't have much skin and flesh to spare.
A pair of long pants is also a must-have. I like to wear a pair of leather chaps with my jeans - this adds an extra layer of protection between me and the pavement. Also, a sturdy pair of boots or shoes that cover your ankles is another vital piece of gear. I wear a pair of Harley Davidson riding boots.
Another thing that many riders overlook is a good set of crash bars or engine guards. If something happens and you do dump your bike, these guards can save your legs. They keep the bike from going all the way down on the ground, and give you several inches of clearance. This can save you a lot of pain and hospital time later. For an investment of around $150, you can save your leg in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Just remember to stay vigilant out there on the highways. You'll do well to remember that the folks in cages don't see you, and don't care. It's up to you to protect you and your bike. Stay safe!
