Essential Motorcycle Riding Accessories
If you’re the proud owner of a motorcycle, you already know that it’s a great way to travel to your destinations. Not to mention, you’ll get to enjoy an exciting adrenaline rush in the process. You’ll finally have a way of escaping the monotony of sitting passively behind the wheel of your car. Plus, you’ll spend less on gas thanks to improved fuel efficiency. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to use your bike for your daily commute. However, to stay safe and protected while riding a bike, it is important to have the right gear. Here is a guide to essential motorcycle riding accessories you should have before hitting the road.
Visibility Gear
When the time comes to hit the road on your motorcycle, the biggest threat you’ll encounter is other motorists. They could be texting and driving, feeling drowsy, or engaging in other dangerous behaviors. The more you stand out on the road, the harder it will be for other drivers to miss you. This is where visibility gear comes in handy. You should look for items that are brightly colored, like a vibrant neon vest.
Rain Gear
In a perfect world, you could easily avoid riding your motorcycle when it’s raining. However, you might run into situations where it’s unavoidable. The weather forecast may have promised blue skies and halfway through your ride, a light drizzle starts coming down. If it’s still safe to ride, you’ll want to push through it to avoid being late. Waterproof outerwear will help you get through an unexpectedly rainy ride. No one wants to arrive at their destination sopping wet. There are lightweight outerwear options that are easy to store on your bike. This is another instance where bright colors are ideal so you can stay as visible as possible in the rain.
Hearing Protection
Did you know that once you exceed 40 miles per hour on your motorcycle, you’re putting yourself at risk for irreversible hearing damage? This is due to the roaring combination of road noise, your engine, and the wind. Unless you’re riding on backroads on your way to work, you’ll probably be traveling above 40 miles per hour during your commute. You must invest in hearing protection and use it whenever you ride. If your helmet doesn’t block out the noise, you’ll need disposable earplugs, reusable wax balls, or custom-made earplugs.
Face Protection
Your face, specifically your eyes, needs protection as well. First, you’ll need a helmet to protect your whole head. If you’ll be riding frequently, it’s even more important to find a comfortable, well-fitting helmet. It might cost you a bit of money, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Try and find one with a photosensitive visor that’ll darken in bright sunlight for additional comfort.
Secondly, you’re going to need eye protection. If your helmet is equipped with a visor, you’re good to go. If it’s not, you’ll need to bring a pair of sunglasses or goggles with you. Last but not least, you need adequate neck protection. Some examples include a handkerchief or a balaclava. They will help shield your neck from wind and debris while you ride.
We hope that this information on motorcycle riding accessories has been helpful. If you’re still searching for the perfect bike to buy, visit St. Charles Harley-Davidson®. You’ll find us conveniently located in St. Charles, MO, where we proudly serve all those in St. Louis and St. Peters.