Sunday, December 10, 2006

Essential Gear Required In Motorcycling

There are some essential things that you cannot do without, while you are riding a motorcycle. A helmet is very essential and is a must in motorcycling. Most riders do not want to wear helmets because they feel uncomfortable and they think that they look weird. But you will look weirder if you have had an accident on the street and were lying in a hospital, your head bandaged. Bikers dislike the enforcement and the existence of helmet laws. The law enforcement authorities may not be wrong all the time.

Buy a helmet that fits well. With advanced material and helmet designing, helmets today are a manufacturer’s wonder. The strong material used not only gives protection to the head but also makes you look cool. There are different types of helmets available, the full-face, the flip-up and the open-face, all having their advantages and disadvantages depending on how you ride. A good pair of boots, pants and a jacket is a must. Your head alone is not prone to risks while you are riding - other parts of the body are equally vulnerable. A leather jacket can be humid and hot, so look for a jacket that is made from material that offers good ventilation and is smartly designed. Jackets are not just made from thick leather; they are made out of different materials. The fit of the jacket is very important, to ensure agility to maneuver the bike.

Leather pants can sometimes be tight, uncomfortable and irritable. But remember that on a bike, pants are an essential gear. Safety is vital but comfort cannot be ignored especially for long distance rides. Kevlar Keprotec is good to protect the groin area and inner thighs. Wicking mesh keep the rider dry on hot days. Waterproofing will be advantageous during the rains. Don’t forget the boots. It is so important that you have a good pair when you are riding. You have to take care of your feet and ankles, so while riding a motorcycle you should not wear running shoes or flip flops or any other kind of dress shoes. There’s a wide choice you get in boots when compared to other motorcycle accessories. You must first consider what kind of rider you are and how often you ride. You may not be able to manage with one pair of boots in the long run. The basic divisions in boots are off-road, racing and street boots. Choose the right pair of boots that will serve your purpose. The boots must not be rigid but stiff unless you need them for s specific need, such as boots for professional racing.

When it comes to boots, the basic black leather, old-fashioned ones that have rubber soles are a good choice. Thing have changed since Brando’s appearance in the classic biker movie based on a true real story that was named, ‘The Wild One’. The basic black boots work, but are not very comfortable, nor are they very protective.

Boots come in various high-tech varieties today and are made out of different materials. You have the Kevlar lining boots and boots that can be easily removed with zippers, ski boots come with buckles, you have the upper calf boots and then you have boots that are lined with wicking mesh. It is important that your boots fit you well and are comfortable. Shin plates could be helpful, but only racers require metal base plates. A lot of colors are available - choose a design that will suit your personality.

Apart from the basic protective gear that is available, there is a large variety of useful tools and accessories that will help make your ride convenient and comfortable. Handlebar attachments, repair kits, saddlebags, Dick Tracy-style watches, the choice is endless. Things sure have come a long way as far as bikes are concerned.