Shopping for Motorcycle Gear

When it comes to riding your motorcycle, what you wear can make all the difference in your ride experience. Whether you are going out for a short trip to the store or hitting the open road across the states, the right motorcycle gear will keep you safe and comfortable. From helmets to riding jackets, there are plenty of options, and you’ll want to pick up something that’s of good quality and fits properly. We have rounded up some tips for choosing the must-have gear. When you’re ready to start shopping, stop by St. Charles Harley-Davidson in St. Charles, Missouri. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will help you find what you’re looking for.

Consider Your Riding Needs

Think about the conditions your bike gear will be used in. If you’ll use it year-round, then it must be versatile. If you’ll use it seasonally, look for specialized features. For example, winter gear should keep you warm, while summer gear should help you stay cool.

Next, consider the common issues you might face with your gear. For example, goggles and helmet visors can fog up, impairing your visibility and making it harder for you to safely ride your bike. Look for gear with anti-fogging capability. Check online for issues other riders have faced to prevent those problems from happening to you.

Your unique needs will also play a role in your final gear choices. You may need to wear glasses when you ride, which means you’ll need a compatible helmet. You could be taller or shorter than average, in which case you’ll need clothing for your unique size. Whatever you buy, it should fit you well.

Finally, think about how often you ride. If you use your bike for daily commutes or for frequent road trips, invest in more comfortable motorcycle gear. Focus on the cost-per-wear rather than the overall cost. A $600 jacket that you can use daily is a better purchase than a $200 one that doesn’t last long.

Check Reviews

One of the great things about online reviews is that you get to hear personal experiences from individuals who have tried the product. Anything can look appealing, but is it worth the money? Spend some time on forums and sites to see what people are saying about the motorcycle gear you’re interested in. You can also ask your riding buddies about their opinions and experiences. 

Know Your Size

Motorcycle gear must be of the right size to be of any real use to you. Before you buy anything, take your measurements. If you’re buying a jacket, measure your shoulders and if you’re buying a helmet, measure your forehead. Most brands display sizing charts so you can check whether you’ll need a small, medium, or large size.

Know Your Options

You'll want to try on as many brands and products as possible. The more you do, the better you'll understand what makes for a good or bad fit. A motorcycle trade show is a great option since you'll be able to see a huge variety of bike gear in one location. You can also come into our dealership to check out our stock. You’ll have to spend some time doing your research deciding what gear to invest in because you want to choose something that should last you a long time.

Online or In-Person?

Online stores give you more product options and often greater personalization in terms of sizes, features, and colors. But they often charge extra for shipping, which increases your cost. You also don’t know the quality of the product you’ll end up with and if it’ll fit you well. You may have to pay more to ship it back. Going to a store allows you to try before you buy, but you’ll see fewer options. Many riders find a combination of both works well. Go in-person to find a brand that consistently fits you and then look up their options online.

What You Need

If you’re new to motorcycle gear, here are a few things you should add to your collection:

• A crash-test rated helmet
• A riding jacket and riding pants to protect your skin during a crash
• Waterproof outerwear to keep you dry and warm during rain, snow, or hail
• Sturdy riding boots
• Riding gloves
• Goggles for eye protection if your helmet doesn’t have a visor

We hope you found our guide helpful! When it’s time to shop for riding gear and apparel, head to St. Charles Harley-Davidson in St. Charles, MO. We carry a wide range of Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® in our store, so come in today and see them for yourself. We welcome all our patrons from St. Peters, MO.