Why Most Riders Get Motorcycle Gear Wrong—Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes
Motorcycle riding is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with inherent risks. While many riders invest in gear to protect themselves, they often make mistakes that can compromise their safety. With the right motorcycle gear, you not only reduce injury risks but also enhance your overall riding experience. Here, we dive into five common mistakes riders make when it comes to their gear and how you can avoid them for a safer ride.
1. Prioritizing Style Over Safety
Many riders make the mistake of choosing gear based primarily on its appearance. While looking stylish on your bike is important, prioritizing fashion over function can leave you unprotected during an accident. A sleek jacket may look great, but if it lacks proper safety features such as impact armour or abrasion resistance, it won’t help much in a crash.
A jacket’s main purpose is to protect you from road rash, cuts, and abrasions in case of a fall. Materials like PEKEV® provide significant protection. For example, PEKEV® fabric offers one of the highest levels of abrasion resistance available, giving you the best possible defense against road rash.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Always check for safety certifications and materials when buying gear. We combine style and top-tier safety, offering jackets that not only look good but are also designed to keep you safe with features like full PEKEV® lining and D3O® armour.
2. Ignoring the Importance of Fit
A poorly fitted jacket can be as dangerous as no jacket at all. If your jacket is too loose, the armour may shift before the impact / crash occurs, leaving critical areas of your body exposed. On the other hand, if it’s too tight, it can restrict your movement, making it difficult to react quickly while riding.
Riders often buy gear that fits too loosely for comfort, but this can reduce the effectiveness of protective padding in a fall. Properly fitted gear should be snug but allow enough movement to remain comfortable while riding.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Always try on gear or refer to size charts and reviews when purchasing online. A well-fitted jacket ensures that the armour stays in place during a crash. For example, resurgence gear provides comprehensive sizing guides to help you find the right fit without compromising protection.
3. Not Wearing Full Protective Gear
Wearing only a jacket or gloves might seem sufficient for short rides, but every piece of gear plays a crucial role in protecting your body. Many riders neglect to wear full protective motorcycle gear, assuming that a jacket alone will suffice. However, this leaves other parts of the body, like the legs and hands, exposed to serious injury.
Proper gear should include abrasion-resistant pants and protective motorcycle gloves. Our jackets provide excellent upper body protection with full PEKEV® lining, but pairing them with durable pants and gloves ensures that your entire body is covered.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Make it a habit to wear full gear every time you ride. While helmets and motorcycle jackets are essential, don’t forget the importance of gloves and riding pants for complete protection. Consider matching your jacket with protective pants from the same brand for a cohesive, safety-first approach.
4. Choosing the Wrong Gear for Weather Conditions
Weather-appropriate gear is vital for safe riding, yet many riders overlook this aspect. Wearing the wrong gear in hot weather can lead to dehydration and fatigue, while inappropriate gear in cold conditions can cause discomfort, reducing your ability to focus.
Modern motorcycle jackets are designed to tackle various weather conditions. Many jackets are breathable while offering protection, making them suitable for multiple climates. However, for extremely hot or cold weather, it’s important to consider gear with additional ventilation or thermal layers.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Invest in gear that’s designed for the climate in which you’ll be riding. Look for jackets with ventilation systems for summer rides and thermal liners for winter. Multi-season jackets offer flexibility with removable liners and vents, allowing you to adapt to changing weather conditions.
5. Failing to Replace Old or Damaged Gear
Motorcycle gear is built to last, but even the best products degrade over time. After prolonged use or a crash, the protective elements of your gear may become less effective. Some riders continue using old or damaged gear, assuming that it still offers full protection. However, worn-out gear may not hold up during a second crash, leaving you vulnerable to injury.
Helmets, jackets, and gloves should be regularly inspected for signs of wear, such as frayed seams, fading materials, or compromised armour. Over time, even high-quality materials can lose their protective qualities.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Inspect your gear regularly and replace it when necessary. For example, a jacket involved in a crash may appear fine on the outside, but the internal armour could be compromised. While we offer long-lasting, durable products, it’s important to upgrade your gear periodically to ensure maximum protection.
Get It Right with Resurgence Gear
The key to avoiding these common mistakes is to invest in high-quality, well-fitted, and weather-appropriate motorcycle gear. By focusing on safety, fit, full-body protection, and regular maintenance, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury in a crash.
Riders who choose Resurgence Gear benefit from a combination of advanced safety features and stylish design. Our products, with full PEKEV® lining and D3O® armour, offer the perfect balance of protection and comfort, ensuring that you look good while staying safe on the road.
