To be effective, eye or face protection must:
• Be free of scratches.
• Be resistant to penetration.
• Give a clear view to either side.
• Fasten securely, so it does not blow off.
• Permit air to pass through, to reduce fogging.
• Permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.
Tinted eye protection should not be worn at night or any other time when little
light is available.
Clothing
The right clothing protects you in a crash. It also provides comfort, as well as
protection from heat, cold, debris, and hot and moving parts of the motorcycle.
It can also make you more visible to others.
•
Jacket and pants
should cover your arms and legs completely. They should
fit snugly enough to keep from flapping in the wind, yet loosely enough to
move freely. Leather is very popular and offers good protection. Sturdy
synthetic material provides a lot of protection as well. Wear a jacket even in
warm weather, to prevent dehydration. Many are designed to protect without
getting you overheated, even on summer days. Some riders choose jackets
and pants with rigid “body armor” inserts in critical areas for additional
protection.
•
Boots or shoes
should be high and sturdy enough to cover your ankles and
give them support. Soles should be made of hard, durable, slip-resistant
material. Choose boots or shoes with short heels so they do not catch
on rough surfaces. Tuck laces in so they won’t catch on your motorcycle.
•
Gloves
allow a better grip and help protect your hands in a crash. Your
gloves should be made of leather or similar durable material.
•
Hearing Protection -
The roar of engines and the rushing wind is
exhilarating, but sustained exposure, even in a good-fitting helmet, can result
in hearing loss. Earplugs are cheap and disposable – keep a supply handy and
use them! Tests show that earplugs can prevent hearing loss by reducing
sound levels by 30 decibels. Whether you choose disposable foam plugs or
reusable custom molded devices, be sure you adhere to state laws regarding
hearing protection.
In cold or wet weather, your clothes should keep you warm and dry, as well as
protect you from injury. You cannot control a motorcycle well if you are numb
from the cold. Riding for long periods in cold weather can cause severe chill
and fatigue. A winter jacket should resist wind and fit snugly at the neck,
wrists, and waist. Good-quality rainsuits designed for motorcycle riding resist
tearing apart or ballooning up at high speeds.
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