Riding a motorcycle enables you to run errands and go on long-distance trips in a fast, efficient, and affordable way. However, unless you’re vigilant and practice safe riding tactics, motorcycling can be dangerous, too. So, you’ll want to take all precautionary measures to ensure your rides are comfortable and safe.

We here at Ol’ Red’s Motorcycles want you to ride without losing out on the fun! That’s why we have rounded up the essential pieces of gear you’ll need to commute safely. If you need more information, connect with our team in Simpsonville, SC. We proudly serve our friends from Greenville and Columbia, SC, and Charlotte, NC.

Visibility Gear

When you’re riding your motorcycle on a highway, you’re surrounded by much bigger vehicles. To avoid getting into an accident, you’ll have to maintain plenty of distance from these vehicles. However, there can be motorists waiting to take advantage of this gap and come closer to you. So, you need to be vigilant and make yourself visible to others, too.

Wearing reflective and neon-colored vests or jackets, or reflective patches on your riding gear can help you stand out. Such pieces of gear will make other drivers notice you and reduce the chances of a crash.

Hearing Protection

If you frequently ride your bike on the highway at high speeds, you’ll know how noisy it can be for your ears. The noise of the traffic and wind, and the rumbling of your bike’s engine can damage your ears and cause hearing difficulties. To protect your ability to hear, wear ear plugs or wax balls along with your helmet.

Neck Protection

The exposed skin on your neck between your helmet and your jacket remains vulnerable to the elements. Unless you wear turtlenecks on every ride, you’ll need a scarf or a balaclava to block out the wind. Wear neck protection to ensure your safety and comfort are in place.

Gloves

Invest in a pair of good-quality gloves for boosting your safety and experience while riding your motorcycle.

While the scorching sun in the summer can make your palms sweaty and slick, the chilly wind during the winter months can make them shiver and go numb. These factors can affect your riding experience and interfere with your ability to control your bike.

Therefore, you’ll want gloves to maintain the grip you need for controlling your motorcycle and keep your hands comfortable, too. Choose a pair that fits you well; they shouldn’t be tight enough to restrict your movement or loose enough to make your hands slide in them.

Riding Boots

Riding boots are a must-have for motorcycle riders. These shoes must go above your ankles and come with sturdy toes and soles. Riding boots keep your feet comfortable and secured and improve your riding experience. 

Your riding boots will give you the grip you need to stay in control (on the road and to push yourself back up if you tip over) and offer you protection against kicked-up debris, inclement weather, and so on. That’s why, no matter how tempted you may be to use your work boots or tennis shoes while riding your bike, you must resist the temptation.

We hope these tips help you make your commutes safer and more comfortable. If you need more such tips or help with upgrading your motorcycle, visit Ol’ Red’s Motorcycles. We have an impressive collection of motorcycles for sale near Greenville, SC, and we’ll help you choose a model that matches your riding style. Come down to our dealership in Simpsonville, SC, where we serve our customers from Greenville and Columbia, SC, and Charlotte, NC.