Essential Motorcycle Gear and Accessories
When you’re preparing to rule the road on your brand new motorcycle, you might be overwhelmed by all biking gear and accessories available. This guide from Harley-Davidson of Fort Wayne walks you through your options, starting with the basic essentials and ending with some additional items we recommend for the serious biker.
Still looking for the perfect bike? Harley-Davidson® of Fort Wayne has a great selection of new and used Harley-Davidson® models in stock at our dealership in Fort Wayne, IN.
The Basics
There’s a common saying among bikers that you’ll often see abbreviated to ATGATT. That stands for “All The Gear, All The Time.” The following pieces of safety gear are absolutely critical, whether you’re embarking on a long-haul journey or just commuting across town.
Helmets
As a new rider, your helmet is going to be your most important investment apart from the motorcycle itself. Take time to consider your options and choose a helmet that fits comfortably.
Full helmets offer the most protection, covering the entire head and face. The ¾ helmet is your next best choice, shielding the side, top, and back of the head. Half helmets cover only the top of the head, and should be worn in conjunction with additional protection, like goggles.
Clothing
Every aspect of your riding outfit should be carefully considered. Look for durable riding pants made with leather, kevlar, or heavy-duty denim. You also want a close-fitting motorcycle jacket. Protect the exposed skin between your jacket and helmet with a bandana or neck shield.
Riding suits are another option. These full-body garments resemble wetsuits, but they’re designed with bikers in mind, with special abrasion-resistant materials, protective padding, and mesh liners for ventilation.
Don’t forget to include plenty of waterproof outerwear and visibility gear in your riding wardrobe. A retro-reflective vest is an especially smart choice when riding after dark.
Footwear
You can wear any high-quality boot when riding your motorcycle, provided they’re sturdy enough and offer plenty of traction. Motorcycle boots are designed with specific features aimed at supporting the ankle and keeping out moisture. Whatever boots you choose, make sure they’re a comfortable fit, and always tuck in the laces to prevent them from catching on a foot peg.
Gloves
Never underestimate the importance of riding gloves. Your gloves shield your hands from the elements, allowing you to maintain a steady grip on your handlebars in any weather. They also protect your hands from scapes if you happen to fall on asphalt.
Riding gloves come in a wide variety of materials and designs, with leather being a popular choice. Many of the gloves manufactured today are touchscreen-compatible, so you don’t need to remove them to operate your smartphone. It’s well worth investing in some insulated gloves if you plan on riding in cold weather.
Mini Toolkit
Roadside repairs are always a nuisance, but you’ll be much better prepared for unexpected maintenance issues with an on-board toolkit. Your kit should include a headlamp, tire pressure gauge, CO2 inflator, screwdrivers, spare spark plugs, wrenches, and a mini-compressor.
Extras
Now that we’ve covered the bare necessities, let’s take a look at some accessory options that can further enhance your riding experience.
Body Armor
Motorcycle body armor comes in the form of padded vests, back protectors, and guards for protecting high-impact areas like the shins, knees, and elbows. You can even find body armor with built-in airbag systems for increased safety.
Eye Protection
If your helmet doesn’t have any built-in eye protection, motorcycle goggles are absolutely essential. As well as shielding your eyes from wind and debris, a good pair of motorcycle goggles will provide UV protection.
Hearing Protection
Even when wearing a full helmet, riding at speeds over 40 mph can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Thankfully, a simple pair of earplugs is enough to muffle engine and traffic noise, without blocking out any important sounds in the environment.
Security Features
There are many different security features available for motorcycles, from basic to high-tech. Employing several different security methods gives you the best defense against theft, and the best chance at recovering your bike if it does get stolen. Consider multiple locks, a GPS tracking system, and a motorcycle cover to conceal your bike.
Windscreen
Outfitting your motorcycle with a windscreen cuts down on wind fatigue, reduces drag, and can keep you drier in wet weather. Long-distance rides are going to go a lot smoother with a windscreen.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions about motorcycle gear and accessories, come chat with our team at Harley-Davidson® of Fort Wayne. We take pride in serving our local motorcycle community, along with our neighbors in Auburn and Kendallville, IN, and throughout the Fort Wayne region.