Learning how to operate your motorcycle is half of the safety equation.  The other half is getting the right protective gear for you and your passenger. Having the proper gear allows you to stay visible, comfortable and protected from road and weather conditions.  Though riders can opt to wear street clothes – provided they are sturdy enough – motorcycle specific clothing is designed with the rider in mind.

Helmets
Even though Florida motorcycle law allows for motorcyclists over the age of 21 to ride without a helmet that is securely fastened - this only applies to riders who have a $10,000 insurance policy to cover medical expenses from an accident or crash. The message is plain - it is better to be safe and wear a helmet than risk head injury simply because you have the right insurance coverage. When choosing a helmet, style comes second. Be sure to ask a retailer about helmet fit and noise reduction options. Wind noise can be a major distraction for riders, but it doesn’t have to be, and riders have several options for helmet fit: the full-face, the flip up or Modular, the ¾ and the half-helmet.

Wearing the right protective gear while riding could save your life in a motorcycle accident and keep you comfortable.

Eye Gear
In the Sunshine State, riders are required to wear protective eye-gear at all times. This can be a helmet with a shield, a pair of goggles or shatterproof glasses. So if your lenses are tinted for riding during the day – you will need an additional pair of clear lenses for riding at night.

Jacket + Pants
Now that your head and face are protected – it’s time to think about what to wear on the rest of your body. It is never a good idea to wear a bikini while riding a motorcycle – despite all the evidence to the contrary. Riders should look for a jacket that is made of a sturdy material like denim, corduroy or leather. Since the temperature in Florida rarely dips below 70 degrees year-round, motorcyclists may want to look for a jacket with vent zippers to allow for a breeze to flow through. Pants should be made of a thick material like leather to resist abrasions and gloves worn at all times to prevent hand and finger injuries.

Boots
To protect your ankles and feet, wearing thick rubber-soled boots that go over the ankle will ensure that your feet don’t slip off of the pedals.

Having the right gear for riding and keeping your motorcycle maintenance up to date helps you stay safe, comfortable and enjoying the ride!