Page 29 - LHR Motorcycle Magazine May 2024
P. 29

Riding a motorcycle offers unparalleled freedom and          choosing motorcycle gloves:
        excitement, but it also comes with inherent risks. In the   ·      Material: Opt for gloves made from abrasion-
        unfortunate event of an accident, proper motorcycle         resistant materials such as leather or textile with
        gear can make the difference between minor injuries          reinforced palms and knuckle protection.
        and life-threatening consequences. In this guide, we'll     ·      Armor: Look for gloves with integrated armor
        explore the essential gear that can protect you in the      or padding on the knuckles, fingers, and palms for
        event of an accident, ensuring your safety on the road.     impact protection.
                                                                    ·      Weather Protection: Choose gloves with
        1. Helmet                                                   weatherproof features such as waterproof membranes
        A motorcycle helmet is your most critical piece of          and thermal insulation for riding in various conditions.
        safety gear, providing protection for your head and
                                                                    ·      Fit and Feel: Ensure the gloves fit snugly
        brain in the event of a crash. When choosing a helmet,      without restricting movement, with pre-curved fingers
        look for the following features:
                                                                    and tactile grips for optimal control.
        ·      Certification: Ensure the helmet meets safety
        standards such as DOT (Department of                        4. Riding Pants
        Transportation), ECE (Economic Commission for               Riding pants offer protection for your lower body,
        Europe), or Snell.                                          including your hips, thighs, and knees, in the event of a
        ·      Full-Face Coverage: Opt for a full-face              crash. Consider the following factors when selecting
        helmet for maximum protection, covering your entire         riding pants:
        face, including the chin area.                              ·      Material: Choose pants made from abrasion-
        ·      Impact Absorption: Look for helmets with             resistant materials such as leather or textile with
        multi-layered EPS foam liners designed to absorb and        reinforced panels in high-impact areas.
        distribute impact energy.                                   ·      Armor Inserts: Look for pants with CE-
        ·      Retention System: Choose a helmet with a             approved armor inserts in the knees and hips for added
        secure retention system, such as a D-ring or quick-         impact protection.
        release buckle, to ensure a snug fit.                        ·      Weatherproofing: Select pants with
                                                                    weatherproof features such as waterproof membranes
        2. Riding Jacket                                            or removable thermal liners for comfort in various
        A quality riding jacket provides abrasion resistance        conditions.
        and impact protection for your torso and arms.
                                                                    ·      Fit and Adjustability: Ensure the pants fit
        Consider the following factors when selecting a riding      comfortably with adjustable waist straps and
        jacket:
                                                                    ventilation panels for airflow.
        ·      Material: Choose jackets made from durable
        materials such as leather or textile with reinforced        5. Riding Boots
        panels in high-impact areas.                                Motorcycle boots provide protection and support for
        ·      Armor Inserts: Look for jackets with CE-             your feet, ankles, and lower legs, reducing the risk of
        approved armor inserts in the shoulders, elbows, and        injury in a crash. Consider the following when
        back for added protection.                                  choosing motorcycle boots:
        ·      Weatherproofing: Select jackets with                  ·      Material: Opt for boots made from sturdy,
        weatherproof features such as waterproof membranes          abrasion-resistant materials such as leather with
        or removable thermal liners for versatility in various      reinforced ankle and toe areas.
        conditions.                                                 ·      Protection: Look for boots with integrated
        ·      Fit and Comfort: Ensure the jacket fits snugly        ankle protection, toe sliders, and shin guards for
        without restricting movement, with adjustable straps        impact and abrasion resistance.
        and ventilation panels for comfort during long rides.       ·      Sole Grip: Choose boots with non-slip, oil-
                                                                    resistant soles for secure footing and control on
        3. Gloves                                                   various surfaces.
        Motorcycle gloves protect your hands from abrasion,
                                                                    ·      Closure System: Select boots with secure
        impact, and weather elements, while also providing          closure systems such as zippers, Velcro, or laces,
        grip and tactile feedback. Consider the following when
                                                                    ensuring a snug fit and easy on/off.
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