Motorcycle riding clothing is as big a part of motorcycle riding as the ride itself! You need it to ensure your safety but also to esnure your comfort; riding in the cold against the elements can be distracting and make your ride unpleasant. Motorcycle gear has and continues to made a “biker” statement throughout motorcycling history where many enjoy wearing it without even owning a motorcycle! Once your initial investment is completed, you’ll be set for a few years and like most riders, will tend to add pieces to your "collection" -different jackets, different moods! Personally, I ride off road as well as street and track. Each activity has an entire range of gear. Yet the first decisions can be a challenge particularly when today there ares so many options available.

LEATHER
Leather has always been and still is today the established material for motorbike riding. It’s tough, and performs like a reinforced second skin. It provides excellent protection against blows and scrapes plus its longevity is worth its price. You can choose modern or retro classic styles right off the rack or opt for something made to measure-which personally I find the best solution (you can also have standard garments fitted).
One drawback to leather is that it isn’t naturally waterproof and will remain wet when exposed to water. There are many brands that combine a waterproof membrane or lining (usually removable) which solves the problem. Leather though breathable tends to be too hot in summer and not warm enough in winter so layering clothing is usually a combined accent to wearing leather.

TEXTILE
Today’s textile garments have come a long way since the classic waxed cotton of earlier eras. They’re waterproof, breathable, reinforced with Kevlar or use comparable fibres to leather for protection. They’re extraordinarily cool and warm when required. It’s common that textile jackets and pants come with removable linings, as well as inside pouches for adding or removing armour.

STYLE
You’ve got to be you! So your personal style and colour preference should be of course incorporated into your gear choices, but firstly it’s the type of riding you’ll be doing which will be the first lead to the type of gear you'll purchase. Fortunately today there’s no lack of style selections be it classic, trendy, urban or cruiser. Even enduro or touring gear is a category with wide choices. Each motorcycle manufacturer also produces their own line of high quality clothing with a great diversity of choice!

If you enjoy taking your sport bike on the track you will want the reassurance of leather, in fact many lapping events do not permit textile. Best  style is an overall or a one piece suit. A two piece suit that zips together is the next best thing, however, if a mishap occurs such as a high speed crash, the sliding you’ll do can actually be too much for the zipper and your pants could detach, come off and fail to protect. Once again, a one piece is usually a requirement on the track and a regulation if you decide to race.

Garments with armour added should have and wear the CE approved stamp on them confirming their composites are up to the task of protecting you-fairly similar to the rating system developed for helmets. You should check these-yes pull them out and inspect. Armour is generally not found in older leather styles or motorcycle garments but is truly an important component of proper gear. It will add extra protection to knees, elbows, hips and back. You can purchase upper armour vests that can be worn underneath or over your jacket.

Your motorcycle clothing has numerous demands to satisfy. It’s to keep you comfortable in various environments but needs to keep you safe.  You need it to keep you warm and dry, but cool and ventilated in the warmer seasons. Even more important, it should protect you if you come off your motorcycle or scooter. And finally you want it to fit well, not be too big and gather air - and look stylish too!

ONE PIECE  or 2 PIECE SUIT
When you’re riding, a one-piece suit offers better protection from everything including weather, but once you get off the motorcycle it can be cumbersome and make even toilet stops more work. If you go for the convenience of a two piece suit, where jacket and pants zip together, ensure these fasteners overlap well preventing rain or air from getting in.

RAIN WEAR
Rather than go for a waterproof outfit, you might prefer to get a separate rain suit which is designed specifically for motorcyclists. This is made to go on over any gear you wear. You’ll only have to use it when it rains. Rain suits are usually highlighted with built in reflectors or brighter colours aiding in your visibility to other traffic in dark rainy weather conditions. They fit well with good closures over wrists and ankles, and usually have double closure methods to ensure you stay dry inside.

Keep in mind that your rain suit is worn over your usual protective gear so be sure not to buy a size too small. It should easily go on and come off over your boots, without having to remove your helmet. It should be roomy enough to move around when riding. So be sure to check this out before you depart for your long tour.

Rainsuits usually pack away into an included easy-to-carry pouch. One suit I’ve used has its own built right into the suit! Smart!

PRICE
Buying a full outfit can seem expensive, but motorcycle gear is durable and will last for several years. You get what you pay for too, like most sporting goods. Some manufacturers such as BMW or Ducati are known for a higher end product, but you in their name alone, know you’re getting top quality and design.

A few more tips:

• When trying on jackets and pants or leather suits, be sure to sit on a motorcycle. This will give you a more realistic feel to the clothing and what you can expect when riding. Look for such things as: do the sleeves cover your wrists? Does the jacket ride up? Are the pants comfortable enough for long hours of riding? Can you turn your head freely for those traffic checks over the shoulder and do you have room for warm clothes underneath if you need extra layers?
• You may be tempted to ride without proper motorcycle gear. It is, ultimately, your choice. However, bear in mind that a simple t-shirt will be entirely gone in less than 2 metres of road skid.
• Riding gear can be purchased through your local dealership, but you can also find large selections of new or nearly new items online at E-bay, Craigslist, Motorcycle Superstore, etc.
• Try to wear something that makes you more visible, a jacket with reflective trim perhaps, or get a hi-visibility vest you can slip on over your jacket; then stow when you arrive.
• Gear for touring or cruiser style motorcycles will be different from enduro, moto cross or sport riding. Just as your stilettos are different from your Mary Janes.

*VGray