Motorcycle Apparel For Sale in Baton Rouge, LA
Motorcycle Apparel for Beginners
If you’re new to riding, buying your first motorcycle is the big step, and it’s one you will likely remember for years to come. But buying your riding gear is an important step, too. Riding apparel is essential for keeping safe while you ride, and it’s also an opportunity to express your personal style. Whether you prefer the old biker club look or you want a sleek aesthetic with modern materials to match your sportbike, you can personalize your look to match your bike and your style. Here at GN Gonzales, we’ve assembled this brief guide to show you everything you need and what to look for when buying it all. If you need parts, services, or accessories for your new bike, stop by our dealership in Baton Rouge, LA.
Gloves
The main thing to consider when riding a motorcycle is that moving air will quickly cool you off in even mild weather. Your fingers and hands will likely be the first parts to get cold. A good pair of gloves will block the effects of wind while remaining breathable enough to not make your palms sweaty. Your gloves should also overlap with your sleeves so that you don’t get any drafts on your wrists. You should also look for gloves with armored knuckles to protect them from any road debris that might get kicked up at your hands. Some gloves provide palm armor as well to provide protection in the event of a crash. The true test of a glove is whether or not it allows you to comfortably operate your bike. So remember, don’t take the tags off your gloves before testing them with your bike.
Boots
Boots are another important piece of riding apparel. It’s tempting to simply wear the most comfortable boots or shoes you can find, and while comfort is certainly one element of choosing the right pair of boots, it’s far from the only consideration. Your boots should have solid soles that allow you to plant hard against the pavement, supporting your own body weight and keeping your bike stable. Your boots should also be tough enough to stand up to rocks and road debris. Finally, you may want to consider riding-specific boots, as these will provide more protection in case you crash.
Riding Jackets
Riding jackets can look a thousand different ways and are made from a diverse array of materials. The classic look is the leather riding jacket. If you have a big, air-cooled American motorcycle like a Harley-Davidson or Indian, this type of jacket will certainly match the aesthetic. Leather is a good material during a crash because it will protect your skin from road rash. On the other hand, leather isn’t very breathable, and you might want something lighter weight. Some riding jackets provide padding on numerous points such as the elbows, shoulders, and spine. These jackets are commonly worn by superbike riders. If you want to use your bike for touring, you’ll likely want something with cooling vents to keep you from getting sweaty, and you’ll also want some padding for added crash protection. Riding jackets are often cut quite tight, but it’s key that you can actually move in your riding jacket. Only buy one that allows for a good range of motion in the shoulders, chest, and arms.
Riding Pants
Riding pants, like riding jackets, can vary greatly in style and construction material. Leather riding chaps provide a great deal of protection in a crash, and they also shield your legs from the heat from your engine. They aren’t exactly practical, though, if you plan on going somewhere specific on your motorcycle, like to a restaurant or movie. Many people choose denim pants or blue jeans for riding. Denim is breathable, comfortable, and relatively tough. But compared to specific riding pants, it provides basically zero protection in a crash. You’ll want to make sure your riding pants fit well and aren’t too tight across the front, as this can make it difficult to safely mount your bike.
Helmets
The single most important investment you’ll make once you’ve bought your motorcycle is the helmet you buy. A helmet can make a life or death difference in the outcome of a crash. Buy a helmet that fits snugly and offers clear lines of sight. Look up consumer reviews on a number of helmets and find one that’s well-rated. If you live in a cool or rainy environment, a helmet with anti-fogging features will help you maintain clear vision. If you’re new to riding, you should probably consider a helmet with full face protection and eye shield. This type of helmet provides the most protection, and as you learn how to ride your motorcycle, you’ll find that it was worth the money.
Body Armor
While most riding jackets come with shoulder and elbow pads, these features are not crash-rated, and only offer some basic protection. For added protection, you might want to consider wearing padded body armor on your shoulders, back, elbows, and other vulnerable parts of the body. Another option is a full-body riding suit with built-in armor, which provides maximum freedom of movement while protecting you from injuries.
Hopefully this brief guide has offered you a few points to think about when buying motorcycle apparel. If you have more questions, stop by GN Gonzales in Baton Rouge, LA. Our team of enthusiastic riders and motorcycle enthusiasts can help you find everything you need. We welcome our neighbors from Walker and beyond!