Motorcycle Leathers And You

By Author: Lee MacRae
Total Articles: 27
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How often have you seen people riding around on motorcycles while wearing only cutoff shorts or a thin T-shirt? I'm sure the answer is, often. Many people foolishly believe that's all they riding apparel they need while motorcycling around town. But nothing could be further from the truth

Motorcycle leathers are an extremely important accessory for the motorcycle rider. You can say they can act as a security blanket between you and the gravel or pavement during a fall from your bike. Motorcycle leathers can be like an insurance policy against losing a ton of skin. They are a safety device necessary for the bike rider. Even a minor accident or simply misjudging a turn can leave you in agony if you're not properly dressed.

You can easily imagine how important motorcycle leathers are to a motorcycle rider by visualizing what happens when someone is spilled from their bike. It's highly unlikely that they "land on their feet"! They usually hit the pavement or the gravel on their side or on their back. And considering they usually get dumped from their bike while traveling at some rate of speed they also begin an agonizing ...
... slide along the unforgiving surface. What's between them and the loss of skin? Obviously not much if they are wearing shorts and a T-shirt!

Most people don't realize that most motorcycle injuries will occur below the belt. Your legs and feet are extremely vulnerable to road hazards. Getting pelted by debris, small stones or rocks kicked up by the vehicle in front of you can cause a lot of pain on your bare skin. A good thick pair of motorcycle trousers, reinforced at the hips and knees will not only last a long time but will protect you as well.

Motorcycle jackets are more than just a fashion statement. Or at least they should be. Motorcycle jackets [and especially ones reinforced at the seams] will offer you a great deal of protection if you happen to be spilled from your motorcycle and you end up sliding down the road. For that simple reason, don't just go for a thin, fashionable leather jacket thinking you're saving money. A good quality, well-maintained leather motorcycle jacket can last as long as 50 years if you care for it properly!

Motorcycle leathers can go a long way in protecting the exposed human body against the elements. It might serve simply as a fashion statement for people like James Dean and Fonzie but for the average motorcycle rider it can help you to stay warm and in one piece and save a lot of wear and tear on exposed skin. Be smart, be safe and stay riding, not hospitalized.