| Everything that goes in the name of | | | | 4. Wear impact protection gear. They are |
| protective gear may not necessarily be as | | | | available separately. You can also go for |
| safe as the claims may be. In Europe, for | | | | motorcycle clothing with a degree of impact |
| example, apparel has to undergo a series of | | | | protection built in. This way whenever you |
| lengthy tests to qualify as safety clothing. | | | | wear clothes you have at least a degree of |
| These include abrasion, tearing and impact | | | | protection. |
| tests. If they are passed they are CR | | | | |
| certified. In the US, where there are no such | | | | 5. Choose the right helmet. This is |
| tests all riders should acquire a set of | | | | absolutely imperative. The helmet is the most |
| motorcycle protective clothing by keeping the | | | | important protective gear that you can have, |
| following points in mind: | | | | never get on to the bike without it. |
| | | | |
| 1. Wear a sturdy pair of high boots and | | | | At the minimum, when you are on your bike you |
| protective pants. Your pants should be | | | | must have the following:a. Helmet: Make sure |
| reinforced at the knees and hips and the | | | | it is DOT certified, and fits your head |
| boots should be made of thick leather with | | | | snugly.b. Eye Protection: A full-face shield, |
| flexible sole. | | | | three-quarter helmet, goggles, or |
| | | | close-fitting eyeglasses should be used to |
| 2. Traditional motorcycle gear has been made | | | | provide adequate protection to the eye.c. |
| of leather, but thick nylon and other | | | | Gloves: Since we reflexively put our hands |
| synthetic material are good too. If you must | | | | out while falling, the palms are likely to |
| wear jeans wear Kevlar ones; they are more | | | | get bruised unless there is protective |
| abrasion resistant. The same goes for jackets | | | | covering on them. This is why gloves are so |
| too. If it is made of leather make sure the | | | | important.d. Jacket: Jackets protect the |
| leather is thick and the jacket's elbows and | | | | bikers against the elements and also provide |
| shoulders are reinforced. Some impact | | | | some impact absorption on falling.e. Long |
| protection would be ideal. | | | | trousers: Long trousers can protect your legs |
| | | | against insects, bugs and highway debris. |
| 3. Get yourself a decent pair of gloves with | | | | They also provide some impact protection |
| reinforced palm patches. This is absolutely | | | | against falls.f. Above-the-ankle footwear: |
| essential because palms get terribly bruised | | | | These cushion your feet in case of a fall; |
| during a fall. Knitted Kevlar is a very good | | | | they also protect your feet against stinging |
| choice; reinforced leather works well too. | | | | insects. |
| | | | |