Taking a motorcycle course is a great way to make sure you’re really ready get your motor runnin’ (and in some states, they’re a requirement), but one way to increase motorcycle safety after the course is over is to always wear the proper motorcycle safety gear.

Choosing Proper Motorcycle Safety Gear

Below are three key areas you want to cover – pun intended.

Head, Face, and Eye Gear

Your head – and everything attached to it – is arguably the most important body part to protect, so naturally you need a good motorcycle helmet to protect it. (Actually, some states require motorcycle helmets, so be sure to check your state’s helmet laws before you put your motorcycle license to use.)

Full-coverage helmets are the way to go if you want to protect your head, face, and eyes all at once; however, there are other styles (such as open-face and shorty helmets) that can provide pretty solid protection. You’ll need to pair these helmet styles with goggles or a face shield.

No matter which helmet style you want, make sure:

• It fits properly.
• It meets your state’s requirements.
• It’s highly rated by both the Federal Government’s Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Body Gear

Probably the most popular kind of body safety gear for motorcyclists is leather. Leather jackets, leather pants, leather chaps, leather overpants – these are all common kinds of protective wear for bikers and, aside from providing the classic “biker” look, these items also provide serious protection against the elements, flying debris, and road rash.

However, there are other kinds of body gear that don’t employ leather but can be just as protective. Many animal-friendly companies manufacture clothing for motorcycle riders from materials such as “faux leather” and denim, designed to be both stylish and shielding. Too, some riders prefer other kinds of materials – such as nylon – when it comes to choosing riding suits during rainy or chilly weather.

Reflective clothing is a great idea for night riding. If you can’t find (or don’t want to wear) body gear that’s made to be reflective, consider using reflective strips at night.

Just remember that as long as you choose a style of item that fits and covers you properly, and is suited for the protection you’re looking for, you’ll be ready to roll.

Hand and Foot Gear

Sturdy pairs of gloves and boots do more than just keep your hands and feet safe; they also provide protection from the elements such as rain that could cause your hands to slip and snow that could cause your feet to freeze.

Leather or comparably tough material is best for these items, and when it comes to choosing boots, remember that laceless, over-the-ankle styles are safest.