Wearing proper motorcycle gear doesn’t just help protect you, it also helps you stay comfortable during your ride.
Nothing takes your focus off riding more than being uncomfortable: too hot, too cold, too wet. But you don’t have to pack a closet full of gear, either. It just takes a little bit of planning, and a little bit of shopping.
So let’s take a look at what Mother Nature might put us up against, and what you need to take her on.
Some might think that wearing shorts and t-shirts will keep them cool. Not only does it leave their arms and legs unprotected, but it also leaves them exposed to sunburn.
But there are great options out there that keep you cool and protected. Many brands offer riding jackets and pants that are mesh, allowing a lot of air to pass through, but are made of abrasion-resistant material. They also have armor to protect your joints.
If you plan on riding through very hot areas, base layers made of sweat-wicking material can help, too. You can also look into cooling vests, which work through evaporative cooling. You dunk the vest into water, then put it on over your base layer but under your jacket. As you ride, the air will pull moisture from the vest, helping you stay cool.
There are many options for rain. Some riding jackets and pants, even some of the mesh gear, come with a removable rain liner. Or you can get a rain suit to go over your gear. You can get them as a one-piece or separate jacket and pants. And don’t forget liners for your boots, too!
Rain suits are very packable as they roll up into a small package, making them easy to toss into your motorcycle bags or backpack. And consider getting bright-colored rain gear so you will be easier to see in the weather.
Let’s say you start your journey in the warm desert, but you’re going to ride up a mountain for amazing views. Temperatures can drop 20 degrees or more during your ride. Luckily, many gear manufacturers make riding jackets and pants that can be adjusted for temperature on the fly. These are often called three-season gear, as you can wear them nearly all year round.
The outer layer will most likely not be mesh, but made of a breathable textile material that is also abrasion resistant. Many will also have vents that you can open to let more air in if you need. The outer layer will also have armor for the shoulders, elbows, and knees.
Some jackets and pants will have waterproofing and windproofing baked into the shell. Others will include a rain/wind liner. As you ride up the mountain and feel a chill, you might start by adding the wind liner. As you get higher in elevation, it cools even more. Time to put that removable liner back into your jacket and pants.
Who in the world would ride when it’s 32 degrees or below? Actually, many do and they aren’t cold, either. No, they aren’t polar bears, they just use heated gear. There are many options for heated gear, including gear with rechargeable batteries, or for hard-core riders who plan on hours and hours of cold rides, they might opt for heated gear that is directly connected to their motorcycle, so it gets constant power.
You can get heated gloves, socks, boot liners, heated pant liners, jacket liners, neck warmers, and more. Wearing heated gear under a water/windproof outer jacket and pants will definitely keep you toasty.
Most helmets — especially full-face helmets — are made to adjust for weather. If it’s warm out, you can open up the vents to allow for more airflow. In cooler temps, keep those vents closed and check to see if your helmet has a chin curtain, which will help keep even more air out. And if it’s raining — amazingly, quality full-face helmets will pretty much keep your head completely dry.
So go on and explore — and window shop online or in person — for the right gear setup for you. Chat with your local motorcycle dealer or retailer for more suggestions. Happy motorcycling!
