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Many developed countries mandate the wearing of protective clothing by motorcyclists, especially a helmet. Other protective gear may include certain types of jackets, gloves, boots, and pants. Jackets meant for motorcyclists are typically made of nylon, leather, or Kevlar. These jackets typically include heavy padding on the elbow, spine, and shoulder regions. Gloves are generally made of leather or Kevlar and some include carbon fiber knuckle protection. Boots, especially those for sport riding, include reinforcement and plastic caps on the ankle and toe areas. Pants are usually leather, nylon, or Kevlar. Except for helmets, none of these items are required by law in any state in the U.S. but are recommended by many of those who ride.
Trail bike riders wear a range of plastic armour to protect against injury from falling off, hitting other riders and bikes, and from running into track barriers protecting the public. This armour protects the extremities from breakage and dislocation and the back and chest from strain and broken bones. Although fairly efficient, it is of course not always completely effective.
Leathers
The term "motorcycle leathers" describes leather clothing worn by motorcyclists, usually for its armor value against the consequences of falling off their bike, and to provide additional weather protection that normal clothing would not offer when travelling at speed. A well-protected motorcyclist will wear boots with heels that fit on motorcycle pegs and provide good ankle support, leather pants or chaps to protect the legs, a leather jacket to protect the trunk and arms, gloves and a helmet with eye protection.
Originally, motorcycle leathers were adapted from tank corps gear immediately following World War I. Duster coats, which tended to catch in the wheels, were switched for short coats. Wide-pegged breeches were worn by some motorcycle police (and are still worn in Belgium) and by dispatch riders in World War II, but were largely abandoned in the post-war years because of their association with certain Nazi uniforms.
Currently there are two major styles of motorcycle leathers, the tight colorful suits based on traditional one-piece motorcycle racing leathers worn by cafe racers and others following the European style, and the somewhat looser fitting leather trousers and jackets, usually black and often decorated with metal studs, typically worn by bikers. The latter style, the jackets in particular, are also worn by people who are fond of the style but do not ride motorcycles. The classic American motorcycle jacket with epaulets and diagonal zipper, made famous by Marlon Brando in The Wild One, (1954) was invented in 1946 by Ross Langlitz, of Portland, Oregon and is still hand-made by his heirs today. Leather chaps, adapted from cowboy gear, were used by American bikers starting in the early 1960s.
In addition, biker styles have an appeal to some leather fetishists such as designer Tom of Finland.
A lot of modern leathers have armour on the inside at critical impact points such as elbows knees and the spine. The armour ranges from high density foam to foam backed hard armour. It is designed to spread the impact point to minimize injury.
Synthetic materials
Increasingly, motorcyclists are choosing protective equipment constructed of man-made materials rather than leather due to their improved weather protection, from heat, cold and water, and the increased utility these garments tend to provide in terms of pockets and vents. Common materials include high density (600 - 1000 Denier) ballistic nylon (e.g., Cordura) and kevlar (or blends of kevlar, cordura, and lycra such as those made by Schoeller). These artificial fabrics are generally said to be more comfortable, particularly in warm weather.
Synthetic protective clothing is also nearly always worn over ordinary clothing, whereas leather suits—particularly those manufactured for racing—are not. In addition, sythetic fabrics generally provide better protection from inclement weather. For these reasons, synthetics are often practical for commuters and can help make motorcycles an attractive alternative to automobiles.
Performance claims range from somewhat less to somewhat better than competition grade leathers. Key elements of performance include:
- strength - the protective clothing must maintain its integrity in the event of a crash
- abrasion resistance
- ability to slide instead of grabbing tarmac or concrete (grabbing would tumble the rider, likely resulting in greater injury)
- ability to stretch and breathe (for comfort).
Proper fit
Whatever materials one chooses for one's motorcycle gear, it is important to get the correct fit when purchasing it. Incorrectly fitted garments may result in excessive injury if armour shifts out of position during a riding mishap. Flapping due too loose a fit also creates unnecessary wear and tear, wind drag, and noise, and can distract the rider. In the event of a fall, loose garments may grab the road surface, resulting in a tumble rather than a slide.
Boots
Motorcycle boots are a type of protective footwear used by motorcycle riders designed to protect a rider's feet and legs while riding and in the event of an accident.
Helmet
A motorcycle helmet is a type of protective headgear used by motorcycle riders. The primary goal of a motorcycle helmet is to protect the rider's head during impact, although many helmets provide additional conveniences, such as face shields, ear protection, etc.
External links
- Tips in Preventing Motorcycle Injuries - Article that discusses about motorcycle safety gear and preventing injuries when riding.
- Motorcycle Leather Chart - Information about different motorcycle leathers and their safety level.
- Eye catching gear may reduce motorcycle injuries, Summary of New Zealand paper studying effect of rider visibility on accidents. (Full paper available at link.)
- A Purchasing Guide for Leather Motorcycle Jackets and Apparel, Explanation of the different types of leather and the protection they afford to Motorcycle enthusiasts.
"Motorcycle safety clothing"