It can be a tempting thought to wear your jeans and a t-shirt when riding your motorcycle, but neither will provide you with sufficient protection. This article includes information to help you choose the right gear to stay safe on your motorcycle.

What to Look for When Choosing Motorcycle Safety Gear

If you're new to riding a motorcycle, looking to buy one, or are just interested in a refresher course on the safety gear you should be wearing while you ride, Amsoil Dealer - Jim Ackney has some information below to share.

Let's Start at the Top

If you were thinking that you could get away with looking 'cool' like somebody from a 1950's movie by not wearing a helmet, then get ready for some news, and it isn't going to be 'cool'. Arguably the most important part of your body, your head requires the most protection while riding your motorcycle. Here's what to look for when choosing a motorcycle helmet.

• A motorcycle helmet is never going to be the most comfortable item you've ever worn. However, it isn't supposed to be so uncomfortable that it distracts you from riding. Make sure it fits, that it fits well, and that you aren’t tempted to take it off while riding or not put it on in the first place.
• Staying cool in the climate sense is important as you ride, and something which your helmet can help with.  Take note of the various ventilation options and technology each helmet offers and choose one that's going to keep your head cool.
• Speaking of technology, motorcycle helmets can include options such as Bluetooth connectivity and noise-reducing features. Consider these options, even if you don’t use the features straight away. You may want these features in the future which will require a new helmet.

Moving Down to Your Torso

Next on the list is your motorcycle jacket. As 'right on', 'hip', and 'funky' you may think you look riding around in your denim jacket, should you come off your bike, how stylish you look isn't going to protect your body.

• High-quality leather is going to be the most common material you will find when shopping for motorcycle jackets, and with good reason: it works well in a crash. Alternatively, a Kevlar/denim blend can also provide good protection. However, don't be fooled by the '/'. It means the denim is mixed with Kevlar to provide extra protection. It's not advice to choose straight denim.
• Temperature control is also something which your jacket can help with. Check out the different types of ventilation each jacket offers to help keep you cool when riding in the heat.
• While you don't have the body of a car to protect you, motorcycle jackets come with reinforcements down your arms and your back. But they are by no means limited to these areas. Check each jacket you're interested in thoroughly to make sure it includes suitable reinforcements for your riding style and needs.

Staying safe on your bike also means keeping your bike and it's engine in good condition. After all, if a fluid runs out or a screw becomes loose while you're riding, it's not going to be a pleasant experience. If you aren't sure which products you should use to keep your bike at its best, check out the online store and start with AMSOIL's 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil which has been purpose designed for use in motorcycles. Alternatively, give Jim Ackney a call at (780) 476-0545 to get professional advice.

Next up, It's Your Gloves

Gloves are often considered to be 'optional' by many riders, largely because of the amount of gear they're already wearing. However, if the time comes, even a small incident can cause serious damage to your hands if they're unprotected.

• Make sure your gloves fit extremely well and allow you to easily and safely operate the controls of your bike. If they're too tight and it's a struggle to reach a lever, keep looking.
• Similar to your jacket, gloves can include reinforcements for additional protection such as wrist protection.
• Just like all of the other items on this list, make sure they're made well and from a high-quality material. Again, leather is likely to be the most common material you will see.

Down to Your Pants

No, this doesn't mean you should only ride in your pants. In fact, pants are just as equally important as every other item on this list. When choosing which pants are right for you, keep the following thoughts in your mind.

• Again, leather is going to be your most frequent offering. However, similar to your jacket, you will likely see Kevlar blend options which can offer increased protection. It all comes down to your personal preference and budget, however, don’t let your budget get in the way of getting good quality gear.
• Look for pants which include reinforcements in areas such as your waist and right down your legs.
• The heat isn't going to be your friend if you get pants without adequate ventilation. Take a look at the options available and see which best suit you and your riding needs.
• Although they're for riding your bike, you're going to be wearing them to and from your bike, potentially including social events. Make sure they have enough pockets for your personal items; as long as this doesn't come at the expense of your comfortability of your ability to ride well in them.

Last, but Certainly Not Least, Your Motorcycle Boots

Those limited edition Chucks look great, don't they! Do you know where they won't look great? Ripped up! Take them off and get yourself a pair of riding boots which include features such as the ones below.

• Give any boot you're interested in buying a good twist. The more they twist, the more your foot is going to be allowed to twist if you have an accident. The less twist is often the better.
• Given that your feet are likely to be the first thing to touch the ground, reinforcements are necessary. Your ankle, in particular, will need support.
• Wet weather isn't just dangerous because of the road conditions, it can also be dangerous if your boots don't have sufficient grip to hold on to your pegs. Make sure they're going to hold on tight in all weather conditions.

Keep Your Bike Performing at Its Best With a Synthetic Oil Change in Edmonton, AB Canada

Just as was mentioned earlier in the article, riding safety includes keeping your bike in excellent condition. Simple maintenance such as a synthetic oil change in Edmonton, AB along with regular checks of your bike's condition can go a long way. If you aren't sure which products you should be putting into your bike, have a look at the online store for more information about each product. If you would like some personal advice, give Jim Ackney a call at (780) 476-0545 and speak with an expert.