The gear or apparel you wear when you ride should, whenever possible, be gear designed specifically for motorcycling — made of leather or rugged, abrasion-resistant textile, or both. For instance, ‘Gloves’ doesn’t mean gardening gloves or ski gloves, it means Motorcycle Gloves, which are designed and constructed specifically to protect you while riding. Motorcycle riding involves a distinct set of conditions and challenges that apparel intended for other purposes is not designed to meet. Also, it’s important to choose gear that’s appropriate for the season when you’re riding. Riding a motorcycle requires your full attention. Feeling too hot or too cold because you’re wearing the wrong gear is not only a distraction, it’s dangerous! Wearing the proper apparel is crucial to your health and safety, therefore, a very important part of managing risk. That said, here is a short list of the essential gear every rider should have:
Helmet (DOT approved, or better)
Riding Jacket
Gloves
Pants
Boots (ankle height, or above)
Eye protection (especially if your helmet does not have a proper faceshield)
Two other items which are not essential but highly recommended:
Earplugs
Reflective Vest (if your riding jacket does not already have reflective material on it.)