Motorcycle Riding Gear

Before you can safely hit the road on a motorcycle, you need the proper gear. When you are first starting out, it can be hard knowing what gear you actually need and what items are more a matter of preference. Below, we cover the essential items you need to cruise around town. If you have any questions or want to look at motorcycles for sale, visit Wisconsin Harley-Davidson. We are a motorcycle dealer proudly serving those in Milwaukee, Madison, and Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Gloves

Your hands need decent grip to be able to manipulate your controls and steer your motorcycle. Weather can create interference. High heat causes sweat, which makes your hands slip. Bitter cold causes your hands to shiver and shake. Rain causes slickness. All you need is motorcycle gloves to help keep these issues from cropping up. As a bonus, they shield your skin in the event of a crash and help keep your hands warm in the cold.

Outerwear

When the sun is shining, it's tempting to want to head out in shorts and a t-shirt. But you'll want full-length clothing to give you protection from the sun. You'll want a pair of pants as well as a riding jacket. Both should be sturdy enough to protect your skin in a crash. Both these items come in a range of materials, including the iconic leather style. You can find lightweight and breathable clothing so you won't need to worry about getting too hot when you ride. Look for materials that come with ventilation and wick sweat for the most comfort. It's also worth investing in waterproof gear in case you get caught in the rain.

Riding Boots

Sturdy shoes help you stay safe on the road. They give you necessary grip, both for the ride and if you fall over and need to push yourself back up. They also offer protection from wind, kicked-up debris, rain, and so on. Once you find a pair that fits, take the time to break them in before you go on a long ride.

Eye Protection

You need some way to shield your eyes from the hazards of the road. If your helmet comes with a visor, you are covered. If not, you'll want to get goggles or sunglasses. Make sure they fit well with your helmet. You'll also want to ensure that they come with UV protection since you'll be riding in the sun.

A Helmet

Unsurprisingly, this is the most important piece of motorcycle gear you will buy. But it's not enough to simply own a helmet. You need something that fits well and is crash-tested to get the protection that you seek. You can use measuring charts online to determine your head shape and head size, which will help you know what size and shape of helmet you need. Try on a few different options to be sure you get something that fits well. While wearing one in the store, you can conduct a few tests. Slide your head forward to ensure it doesn't slip down. Shake your head from side to side to ensure it doesn't wobble too much. Wear for a few minutes to ensure it doesn't leave red spots or make you sore.

We hope you found this list helpful! Visit Wisconsin Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc to check out motorcycles for sale near Milwaukee, Madison, and Waukesha, Wisconsin. We are a motorcycle dealer, so we’re happy to take the time to chat with you about what you are looking for. Tell us your budget, riding experience, riding lifestyle, and what features you want and we can help you find models that match.