Riding a sports bike is a thrilling experience. As the gear picks up, the bike enters its peak performance, the rider lives one of the most exhilarating moments of their lives. Keeping the bike in top shape with proper maintenance and care is necessary to keep the top-notch speed and performance. To ensure safety, it is also crucial for the rider to take proper care and precautions. Equipping yourself with all the required riding gear offers more benefits than one. Your safety is enhanced; you feel more comfortable and ride with confidence; your appearance is also elevated.
Sports Bike Riding Gears
The must-haves, the legal requirements, and tips regarding riding gear – read about all these important factors here:
Helmet
1988’s Motor Vehicles Act makes it mandatory for all bike riders to wear helmets when riding. It is to ensure safety on the road. Now, you should not simply don any random helmet and start riding. It should have a minimum thickness between 20 and 25 mm and a weight of 1.2 kg. Oval-shaped helmets are often recommended, and they must cover the entire head.
A clear and anti-scratch visor is best to maintain visibility, especially in adverse weather conditions. Make sure to check if the helmet has sufficient padding and proper ventilation. Straps will further secure the helmet. The most important part is the ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark, as legally, helmets must have this marking.
After a thorough inspection of said features, try a helmet on and see how it feels. You should feel comfortable, should be able to move your head without any difficulty, and there should be breathability.
Gloves
The need for a strong grip while riding is an already-established fact. If you are unable to have a proper grip, it leads to a loss of control and unwanted mishaps. Gloves are important for keeping the grip, maintaining control, and also protecting your hands. They are not a legal requirement, but they are highly recommended for new and seasoned riders alike.
There are certain factors to consider when buying a pair of gloves. Leather is often a popular choice of material for gloves for the durability and abrasion resistance it offers. The material further provides breathability and a classy appearance. Selecting gloves with hard knuckles ensures added protection during any fall.
Proper wrist closure provides a secure fit and also prevents the gloves from slipping off. Accurate ventilation keeps the hand cool and comfortable, especially during hot weather. A pair with touchscreen compatibility is a smart choice, as it will let you access your smartphone without taking off your gloves. Finally, give the gloves a try. They should fit your hands snugly and offer flexibility of movement.
Eye Protection
Wind crashing at your eyes at high speed often makes it impossible to keep your eyes open when riding. There can be debris flying with the wind. It gets trickier due to scorching sun rays and during rainfall. Helmets have visors to provide a shield; that said, investing in good-quality goggles is also a nice idea. High-quality goggles with UV protection are the best picks.
Footwear
The choice of footwear significantly impacts performance and safety. Boots are popular picks; regardless of what type of footwear you like, you must consider a few factors. Quality materials like leather provide abrasion resistance and are also durable. Anti-slip soles are also necessary to ensure balance.
Elbow and Knee Guard
Elbow and knee guards provide a shield against impacts, scrapes, and road rash. They can prevent serious injuries if there is a fall. Pick elbow and knee guards that properly fit, and they will not restrict your mobility and will help improve your performance. These guards will help maintain a more aggressive position when riding and minimise drag. The elbow and knee guards are also designed using breathable materials and keeping comfort in mind.
Protective Clothing
Pants, preferably abrasion-resistant pants, and jackets made with durable and breathable materials can make quite a difference in the riding experience. The key here is to try different pants and jackets and find options that give you a nice fit without any compromise on comfort or flexibility.
Clothing can also elevate the appearance of the rider and, consequently, help in riding more with more confidence. Do not shy away from experimenting with different colours and designs. You can also twin with your sports bikes. Suppose you own a BMW S1000RR. You can buy riding clothes and gear in the same colour as the bike.
In a Nutshell!
Multiple factors combine into a riding experience. The correct riding gear is among those crucial factors. It is best to get your hands on all the necessary riding gear when you purchase your bike. Keep updating the gear as needed because regular wear and tear exists. Do consider the manufacturer’s suggestions and recommendations. For instance, if you decide to buy a BMW sports bike, check out the riding gear at the same time.
