Alright, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the beans on what motorcycle gear I actually needed, and how I figured it out the hard way. This ain’t some theoretical “what you should buy” list, this is my real-life, been-there-done-that gear saga.
So, it all started when I finally pulled the trigger on that sweet, sweet vintage Honda CB350 I’d been drooling over. I was so stoked, I almost hopped on in jeans and a t-shirt. Luckily, my buddy, a seasoned rider, smacked some sense into me. “Dude,” he said, “you’re gonna die.” Okay, maybe not die, but definitely regret it. That’s when the gear hunt began.
First Things First: The Helmet
The helmet. Obvious, right? But choosing one was a freaking nightmare. I went to like, five different shops, trying on everything. I wanted something that looked cool, wasn’t too bulky, and most importantly, fit snug. I ended up with a Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS. It wasn’t the cheapest, but the fit was perfect, and that MIPS technology gave me some peace of mind. I tried to cheap out at first, but my buddy was like, “Your brain is worth more than a hundred bucks, dude.” He had a point.
Jackets and Pants: Leather vs. Textile
Okay, next up: jacket and pants. This is where I started getting confused. Leather? Textile? What’s the deal? I did some research, talked to more riders, and realized it really depends on your riding style and the weather. I live in a place with hot summers, so a full leather suit was out of the question. I opted for a textile jacket with armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. It’s breathable, but still offers decent protection. I got a Sedici Federico Mesh Jacket. For pants, I initially wore some reinforced jeans, but quickly realized those wouldn’t cut it in a real crash. So, I invested in some riding pants with knee and hip armor. They’re not the most stylish, but they beat road rash any day.
Gloves: Feel the Road, Not the Pain
Gloves are essential. Don’t even think about riding without them. I learned this the hard way. I tried to get away with wearing some regular work gloves at first. Big mistake. My hands were sweaty, uncomfortable, and I had zero feeling in the controls. I ended up buying a pair of Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves. They’re lightweight, breathable, and have knuckle protection. Game changer. My hands are comfortable, I have a good grip, and I feel way more in control.
Boots: Protect Your Ankles
Boots were another one I almost skipped. I thought my regular sneakers would be fine. Wrong! Motorcycle boots aren’t just for show. They protect your ankles, shins, and feet in a crash. Plus, they provide better grip on the pegs and prevent your feet from slipping. I went with a pair of TCX Street Ace Waterproof Boots. They look like regular sneakers, but they have reinforced toes, heels, and ankles. They’re comfortable enough to walk around in, and they offer way more protection than my Vans.
The Extras: Rain Gear and Earplugs
Okay, so that’s the core gear. But there are a few extras that I found to be essential. First, rain gear. Getting caught in a downpour without it sucks. Trust me. I got a cheap rain suit that folds up small and fits in my backpack. It’s not the most stylish, but it keeps me dry. Second, earplugs. Wind noise can be deafening, especially on longer rides. I use some cheap foam earplugs. They make a huge difference in reducing fatigue and protecting my hearing.
My Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. My motorcycle gear journey. Did I buy everything at once? Nope. It was a gradual process of figuring out what I needed and what worked for me. Did I make mistakes? Absolutely. But that’s how you learn. The most important thing is to prioritize safety and invest in gear that fits well and protects you. And listen to your experienced rider friends, they know what they’re talking about!
- Helmet: Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS
- Jacket: Sedici Federico Mesh Jacket
- Pants: Riding pants with knee and hip armor
- Gloves: Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 Gloves
- Boots: TCX Street Ace Waterproof Boots
- Rain Gear: Cheap rain suit
- Earplugs: Foam earplugs
Ride safe out there!
