| Opinions differ widely when seasoned bikers are | | | | storage room in your saddle bags. If you want |
| asked what kind of clothing should be worn while | | | | something snazzier, leather chaps will also fit nicely |
| riding a motorcycle. Some die-hard roadies will | | | | over jeans. |
| guide you towards leather gear, while others will | | | | When picking out a motorcycle jacket you will be |
| pay more attention to comfort, or their wallet. | | | | faced with a tough decision: classic leather or |
| Leather clothes are fashionable and chic, but do | | | | brightly colored synthetic. Leather jackets can be |
| not always give you the comfort, warmth or | | | | heavy and are less visible at night. They are |
| protection you really need. | | | | traditionally shorter in length, have no additional |
| First-time bikers should question experienced local | | | | elbow and back protection, and few feature |
| riders before hitting the stores to pick out their | | | | zip-out linings. In the winter they are cooler and in |
| equipment. Believe it; those who have been riding | | | | the summer can be quite hot. On the other hand, |
| the open road for a while know exactly where to | | | | synthetic biker jackets do not last as long as the |
| shop and what gear is worth buying. When picking | | | | leather ones. They are usually more expensive, |
| out special biker pants make sure they have | | | | appear less stylish and are not often worn as a |
| crash and slide protection, are cool in the summer | | | | regular garment. |
| and warm in the winter. They should be | | | | Whatever gear you want to buy, don't rush it. |
| waterproof, and dry quickly when wet. Knee | | | | Compare prices at the store or online, and wait |
| protection is always bonus. | | | | for a sale! Using your regular clothes until the time |
| To find all of these elements in one single pair of | | | | is right can save you a bundle, or it will allow you |
| pants will be a challenge. Do not be discouraged if | | | | to buy better quality products for the same |
| you have to substitute. You will not be the only | | | | amount of money. |
| one whose wallet is not big enough, or who lives | | | | Safety gear furthermore includes: |
| in a remote area with few specialty shops. | | | | • A DOT-approved helmet; |
| Affordable clothing is easy to find and does not | | | | • Sturdy, breathable/waterproof |
| have to come from a high-end establishment. | | | | over-the-ankle boots (cowboy, work, biker, or |
| Take for example skateboard, or other types of | | | | any other protective footwear); |
| sport pants. Some of them are water resistant | | | | • Full-fingered gloves, preferably leather; |
| and have zippers, and/or snaps, on the side of | | | | • Eye protection, such as sunglasses, safety |
| the legs. Just buy them a size bigger and they will | | | | glasses, helmet face shield, motorcycle goggles; |
| fit nicely over your regular denims, protecting you | | | | • Ear plugs for long rides. |
| from the cold and the rain. They also take up little | | | | |