If you’ve decided to buy a motorcycle, finding the perfect bike is the first step in experiencing a level of freedom most people only dream of. With an array of bikes on the market, though, that’s not an easy process. If speed and agility are what you’re looking for, a sport bike may be the answer. For long rides, touring bikes are best.

 

Cruisers are great for people who plan to ride daily or take weekend trips. Dual sport bikes are perfect for those who enjoy off-roading but want to ride their bikes to backwoods trails. Of course, a standard bike could certainly meet a variety of needs. Several models fall into each of those categories, so the possibilities are extensive.

 

Going Beyond the Bike Itself

 

That said, perusing different types of motorcycles and finding the right one is only part of the process. From there, you’ll need to equip yourself with all the essentials. That includes gear to protect yourself as well as necessities for the bike. Certain just-in-case items enter the mix, too. Once you find a bike, consider the following accessories to round out the experience.

 

Essential Motorcycle Gear for Your Protection

 

First of all, let’s take a look at some of the gear you’ll need to protect yourself and your passengers while riding. People often mistake “the biker look” as a fashion statement, but it runs far deeper than that. All the gear bikers tend to don while riding has a purpose with safety being a main focal point.

 

Helmets

 

Helmets are the first, and arguably the most important, safety measure to consider. They’re called brain buckets for a reason; they safeguard your brain against impacts. The brain is the operation center of the body. It houses thought processes, the catalysts for physical actions, and personality. Without it, you can’t function.

 

It’s no secret that not all states require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. The laws on this matter vary by state. Even if you live in a state where helmets aren’t required by law, it’s a good idea to have one on hand for yourself and your passengers. At the very least, you don’t necessarily want to be restricted to the state you live in. Having a helmet gives you the freedom to travel virtually anywhere.

 

That’s only one factor to consider. Having your head bounce off the asphalt or the reflectors in the roads at even low speeds isn’t a pleasant experience. At higher speeds and harder impacts, a crash without a helmet can be debilitating or deadly. Helmets won’t protect against broken arms or legs, cracked ribs, spleen lacerations, and certain other injuries, but they will protect your skull and the brain within. They’ll guard against facial injuries in some cases as well.

 

Exploring Different Types of Helmets

 

No one is denying that helmets can be cumbersome and restrictive. They can even detract from the riding experience. That doesn’t make them any less important, though. Fortunately, different types of helmets are available, so it’s not difficult to find the right one to suit your needs.

 

Half Helmets

 

Half helmets are among the most popular options for bikers. As the name indicates, they’re bowl-shaped helmets that cover the skull but not the entire head. They’re available in different sizes, and they have adjustable chin straps to keep them securely in place.

 

These helmets can be made of fiberglass, thermoplastics, and various composites. Some are heavier than others, and some offer more protection than others. Composite half helmets provide ample protection, and they’re often lighter than other types. Of course, they’re also more expensive.

 

Full-Face Helmets

 

Full-face helmets are bigger and bulkier than half helmets. That means they’re less comfortable and more restrictive, but they also provide more inclusive protection. They cover your entire head, and they’re equipped with face shields. Those can be fixed or movable. Sometimes, they’re detachable. Face shields cover your face during accidents and keep bugs and flying debris at bay.

 

Choosing the Right Helmet

 

Full helmets are often recommended, but half helmets are perfectly suitable. Above all else, be sure to choose a helmet that fits properly. Remember to buy one that’s DOT approved, too. If it is, it’ll have the DOT stamp clearly displayed on the back.

 

If you live in an area where helmets aren’t required, whether to wear one is certainly your choice. Please keep in mind the potential consequences of not doing so, though. Helmets may be uncomfortable, but facial trauma, skull fractures, and brain injuries are far less pleasant.

 

With so many types of helmets available, it’s possible to find one that offers a blend of minimal awkwardness and optimal protection. It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Besides, helmets make the perfect canvas for all those clever, funny, sarcastic stickers you’ll find during your travels.

 

Glasses

 

Full-face helmets have integral face shields, but other types of headgear don’t. If you select a half helmet or choose to remove the face shield of a full helmet, you’ll need a good pair of glasses to wear while riding. Glasses help to protect your eyes from flying debris while shielding them against UV radiation. They can also divert glare and make the world around you clearer.

 

Bear in mind, not just any sunglasses are appropriate for riding. Polarized lenses are recommended. They reduce glare while making everything stand out. Those are certainly helpful safety features. They reduce squinting and headaches as well.

 

Finding riding glasses with impact-resistant lenses is also crucial. Standard sunglasses don’t offer that feature. They may block a certain amount of dirt, debris, and light, but they offer little protection beyond that. If a bumble bee hits a regular pair of sunglasses when you’re traveling at 55 miles per hour, it’ll shatter them. Where will the lens fragments go? They’ll fly straight into your eye.

 

With all that in mind, polarized, impact-resistant lenses are best. Find a pair of riding glasses that fits snugly and securely, too. Loose glasses can easily fly off of your face while riding. Some riders choose goggles because they’re more secure, but other types of riding glasses are also available.

 

Nighttime Riding

 

Riding glasses aren’t only essential in daylight. Your eyes need just as much protection at night. For nighttime rides, clear or amber safety glasses work well. Various high-end night-riding glasses are also on the market if you’d like a few added safety and vision features. They’re more expensive, though.

 

Riding Boots

 

Boots are crucial riding gear as well. Never wear flip-flops, sandals, or Crocs when riding a motorcycle. They offer no crash protection. Sneakers aren’t much better. They inevitably come off the feet during accidents, and they can be crushed by the bike or shredded by the asphalt just as easily as your bare feet. Boots are always best.

 

Furthermore, you need a good, sturdy pair of riding boots. Plenty of branded riding boots are at your disposal with Harley-Davidson being among the most popular. Still, you don’t have to spend the extra money to pay for a brand name.

 

At the very least, find a solid pair of leather riding boots that covers your feet and ankles. The leather will keep road rash at bay and can fend off some of the crushing weight of the bike if your feet are under it when it goes down. Slip resistance is also helpful especially in rainy weather. Try on several pairs of boots to find one that melds comfort with protection.

 

Riding Pants or Chaps

 

Riders’ legs also need to be protected. Shorts aren’t good for riding. They don’t protect your knees and lower legs. Besides that, if a bee flies up the leg of your shorts when riding, you can’t pull over fast enough to rectify the situation. Jeans and leggings aren’t recommended, either. Asphalt can easily rip them to shreds.

 

You’ll find a vast selection of riding pants on the market. Some are made of leather. Others are made of reinforced denim. Some are even composed of Kevlar and other materials with enhanced structural integrity. Pants designed specifically for riding give you far more protection than their standard, off-the-rack counterparts.

 

Chaps are another alternative in this category. They’re made of leather for protection against debris and asphalt. What’s more, they’re worn over regular pants, and they can be removed once you reach your destination. Getting chaps broken in takes a little time and patience, but it’s well worth it in the long run. Many people prefer chaps over riding pants.

 

Motorcycle Jackets

 

Jackets are yet another type of vital gear for riding. They give your arms, shoulders, elbows, and midsection added protection. If you’re riding in cool weather, they’ll help keep out the wind, too.

 

Traditional motorcycle jackets are made of leather. As mentioned, leather is strong and provides plenty of protection. It can also be hot and heavy, though. Because of that, several other riding jackets have been developed.

 

As is the case with riding pants, jackets are available in various styles and made of different materials. They’re reinforced with Kevlar and other materials to improve safety. Some feature vents to provide better airflow. Even when riding in warm weather, be sure to wear a jacket; after all, you’re dressing for the ride rather than the destination.

 

Gloves

 

Gloves can also be important. In cold weather, having a protective layer of leather over your hands can be a godsend. Perhaps even more importantly, good riding gloves give you better grip on the handlebars, brake controls, and accelerator. Some feature padded palms for added comfort and padding for the knuckles to further protect your hands in the event of a crash.

 

Essentials for the Bike

 

Now that we’ve covered crucial riding gear for you and your passengers, it’s time to discuss some essentials for the bike. Saddlebags certainly fall into this category. Most people don’t consider saddlebags to be must-have motorcycle equipment, but they should.

 

Saddlebags give you space to stow other gear as well as non-essential cargo you might want to take along. In truth, they can also provide a little extra leeway to get your leg out from under the bike if it goes down. That brings us to other necessities for the bike.

 

Tools and Parts

 

A tool kit definitely tops the list. It should include pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and other basics. It’s always helpful to have zip ties and duct tape on hand, too. Consider keeping extra spark plugs, a spare drive chain or belt, and an extra brake hose or two in tow as well.

 

You never know when or where you might break down, but it’s bound to happen. With a motorcycle, the extra space you have for tools and spare parts is limited. Still, it’s best to have a few of the basic essentials in stock just in case.

 

Insurance Coverage

 

Some might point out that insurance coverage goes without saying. Still, some people try to forego that extra expense. While you can, technically, ride a motorcycle without insurance, you really shouldn’t. Insurance is required by law for any vehicle being operated on the nation’s roadways.

 

Insurance will also help cover the cost of repairing or replacing the bike if you’re in an accident. Moreover, it may cover the cost of medical care for you and your passenger. That’s particularly important if you have a run-in with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

 

Added Necessities

 

With many of the basic necessities covered, we can venture into a few extra supplies you might want to keep in the saddlebags. Bringing along extra water and snacks is advisable. If you break down in the middle of nowhere, they’ll certainly come in handy.

 

Spare riding glasses are also helpful. Even the most secure safety glasses can unexpectedly leave your head when riding at high speeds, and few people have fast enough reflexes to catch them. Because of that, consider keeping spare daytime and nighttime riding glasses on hand.

 

You may want to pack a couple of rain suits in the saddlebags as well. They don’t provide full coverage against torrential rain, but they’ll help. Trudging around in wet leather after getting caught in a rainstorm can be miserable and exhausting.

 

Aside from those items, it’s always a good idea to have a personalized first-aid kit handy. This may seem like a trivial thing, but anything can happen while you’re out on an adventure. From allergic reactions and asthma attacks to basic scrapes and cuts, it’s best to be as prepared as possible.

 

Be Ready for Anything and Prepared for Everything

 

Those are some of the basic essentials for motorcycle owners. Protecting yourself is vital. No one goes out expecting to be in an accident, but as countless people can testify, it can certainly happen. It’s best to bring along some tools and basic essentials to repair the bike if it breaks down as well. Having a few extra necessities on hand can make accidents, breakdowns, and other eventualities more manageable, too.

 

When you go out on the bike, almost anything can happen. Some of the most amazing adventures take shape when you least expect them. Unfortunately, unpleasant experiences can also arise. With the resources we’ve listed here, you can be ready for anything and prepared for almost everything while you’re enjoying the ride.