Never ride a motorcycle, whatever the engine size or weather conditions, in anything other than clothing designed for the purpose.
The very minimum clothing inventory should consist of:
1. Jacket & Trousers (fitted with CE® approved armour)
2. Helmet which complies with:
a. British Standard BS 6658. Helmets to this standard have two performance levels 'A' and 'B'. The 'A' standard demands a higher performance from the helmet. Helmets to both BS6658 'A' and 'B' continue to be legal for sale.
b. United Nations ECE Regulation 22.05. The 05 series of amendments to ECE Regulation 22 has created a performance level that is equal to or superior to that of BS 6658, and the sale of helmets to this standard was therefore permitted in the Motorcycle (Protective Helmets Regulations) 2000 effective from June 30th.
3. Gloves with robust wrist restraint and protection
4. Boots which give ankle and shin protection.
Sometimes additional equipment may make riding safer, more comfortable or more convenient. Some examples are:
1. Helmet liner or balaclava
2. Neck warmer or ‘Buff’®
3. Glove liners
4. Anti fog device or spray (for visor)
5. Ear plugs (a must for long distance riding)
Clothing
Riding motorcycles for recreational purposes is very different from riding one in a working environment.
Riding all day, in all weathers requires a different mind set and therefore a different approach to clothing. Leather is still one of the most resilient and durable materials although it can be uncomfortable in extremes in temperature variations.
Some specialist materials other than leather are nearly as safe and with the addition of CE armour protection offers comfort, weather protection and safety. Check out the link for Aerostich Riderwear! If you know your size and what you want we can order it for you.
Materials
Clothing is generally made from leather or alternatively, high impact/scuff resistant fabric (‘Cordura’® being the best known). There is now little difference between the protection offered by leather or the higher quality fabrics, although leather is still the favourite of many motorcyclists. The biggest drawback of leather is that it can be cold when the weather is cold and hot when it’s not. ‘Gortex’® or similar materials give superb protection against the most extreme weather such as wind and rain resistance. |
