What to wear when riding a motorbike
It is key to keep yourself as protected as possible when out on your motorcycle. With motorcyclists only accounting for 1% of road traffic, but 19% road fatalities – it is important to be safe.
How to choose a motorcycle helmet
Current UK legislation states that motorcyclists MUST wear a helmet. When buying a helmet it is always recommended that the lid has been given the SHARP 5 star seal of approval.
All helmets put through the SHARP testing are given proper, full rigorous testing to make sure they are as safe as possible by running 32 impact tests on each helmet model. Each test is created is measure how well the helmet can protect the brain in the event of a crash.
A properly fitted helmet is the best form of protection available; it can lessen the severity of injury in a crash by spreading the impact over a large area to absorb the energy and cushioning the blow.
Watch a SHARP test in action
How much should I spend on motorcycle helmet?
The cost of your helmet doesn’t always necessarily mean it will protect you more.
The key thing to remember is comfort and fit. You need your helmet to fit properly to give you full protection is case of an accident but it also needs to be comfortable as you’ll be wearing it on a regular basis.
| Helmet makes: | Costs: |
| AGV Pista GP | £799.99 |
| AGV K3 | £79.99 |
| Shark S600 | £119.99 |
| BOX SZ-1 | £94.99 |
| Lazer Kestrel | £214.99 |
Helmets can be full-faced or open faced, clear visor or tinted visors – it’s really down to personal preference.
Protective clothing
Although there is no law regarding the type of protective clothing you should wear when riding, it is a good idea for your safety to invest in high-abrasion grade leathers, gloves and boots. The costs of these items can really add up, but you can’t put a price on safety.
In terms of helmets, visors and goggles, there are some rules you are legally required to follow:
- Your helmet must meet British safety standards
- If you choose to wear a visor or goggles, they must also meet either British safety standards or European standards.
What should I be wearing?
Being a rider in the UK you need to be prepared for all weather conditions so getting extra waterproofs and hi-vis accessories will help massively with your day-to-day commute, not only keeping you dry but also making you more visible.
Here are a few examples of different types of protective gear and their prices:
| Type of protective clothing: | Price: |
| Spada Air Pro Textile Jacket | £109.99 |
| Richa Everest Textile Jeans | £79.99 |
| RST R-14 1 Piece Leather Suit | £299.99 |
| Rev’it Cyclone Waterproof Jacket | £39.99 |
| Spada Blizzard 2 WP Glove | £29.95 |
Leather or textile?
Most people think biker and assume leather but as years have gone past and technology has developed there are now plenty of different alternatives.
Many manufacturers now design jackets and clothing that is breathable, waterproof and protective. They are designed with special CE approved amour inside so that the jacket gives as much protection as possible in the event of an accident.
Unlike the classic leather jacket, the textile jackets are fitted with detachable thermal liners which make them perfect for all-year round. Don’t worry too much about when the hot weather hits, these jackets are made of breathable material that allows a natural breeze to pass through without letting any skin to show.
Watch the video below to see what type of jacket will suite your needs best:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=IjMlEoCfarc
On road safety
With bikers only making up 1% of road traffic in the UK but 18% of road deaths and injuries, you need to be prepared if you are ever involved in an accident.
Wearing the correct protective clothing will help keep you as safe as possible in the result of a crash/fall, but also keeping your bike properly maintained could limit accidents too.
Check out the handy infographic video below which will tell you what to do straight after the accident, who to contact and how to stay safe on the roads to avoid any potential hazards…
One comment on “Motorcycle Safety for Beginners”
If you haven’t passed your test yet what are you waiting for, make it your goal, sort it..no excuses!
If you have passed your test, get into higher training with the IAM or Rospa. Consider a Bikesafe session with the men in blue…they will spot areas you need to work on and advise you accordingly.
Understand some basics about maintenance, this will help you identify potential problems early and address them in a timely manner and not have the machine fail when out.
Watch your tires. Check for embedded debris, check the pressures weekly and if the weather changes abruptly as they are sensitive to temperature.
Periodically brush up your knowledge of the highway code, things change and you won’t know/ remember it all. Signs give a lot of information, don’t forget lane markings like hazard lines.
Wear all the gear all the time you never know when you might come off.
Good observation is key to riding a motorcycle, picking up hazards early so you can deal with them efficiently and smoothly.
It’s quite common for bikers to look in the middle distance and not far enough ahead. FNSR far near, sides, rear. Check your mirrors frequently.
Riding is fun but see it also as an opportunity to practice one of your weak areas.
Don’t become impatient…it temps you to take unnecessary risks like poor overtakes. Be clear when it’s not on and don’t rely on others waving you past, it’s a decision you make.
Be disciplined, self critical, learn from your mistakes…and other’s.
Ride to a high standard, this will minimise risks and you get more enjoyment from it.
Strive to improve but within your ability with a margin for error.
Be a thinking rider not an accident statistic.