Shopping for Motorcycle Gear
A big part of owning a motorcycle is having the right kind of gear to go with it. Riding safety should be a top priority for all owners, but sometimes it can be challenging to find the right equipment. Online shopping isn’t always accurate and retail stores don’t always carry what you need. Our team at J&L Harley-Davidson® is here to help you shop for the perfect motorcycle gear so you can ride with confidence.
Think About Your Riding Style
As you begin shopping for motorcycle gear, it’s helpful to keep your riding style in mind. Your style can often determine how your gear is used and how often you actually use it. If you ride year-round, for example, you may need more versatile gear.
When you think about your style, also think about common issues your gear might encounter. Helmet visors and goggles may get foggy and cause visibility problems, so you can look for products that have water resistance and anti-fog capabilities.
Shopping with the goal of finding gear that complements your riding needs will help you get equipment and clothing that you’ll actually want to use and enjoy.
Determine Your Sizing
Once you figure out how your riding style influences the gear you need, you need to find your exact sizing. It’s very important to have well-fitting riding gear for both safety and comfort. In order to get the right gear, you have to take your measurements.
For motorcycle gear, you’ll generally need to know your jacket, glove, and helmet size. You can use a flexible measuring tape to find the circumference of your forehead and your waist size. Then, you can use your numbers to compare with the sizing chart on a website or use it to measure items at the dealership.
A well-tailored jacket will keep you comfortable and provide essential protection, snug gloves will keep your hands dry, and a correctly fitting helmet will keep you safer in the event of an accident.
Ask For Opinions
Shopping doesn’t have to be a solo process. Ask your network of friends, family, and fellow riders for opinions about brands, materials, and retailers. If you don’t know anyone familiar with motorcycle gear, you can utilize online reviews to help you find reputable choices. Spend a little time reading discussion boards and scrolling through reviews that have been left for products you’re interested in.
Make a Shopping List
Now that you have your measurements and research, it’s time to pick your items! If you’ve never purchased riding gear before, it helps to create a shopping list. Here are the most basic items you’ll need:
- Riding jacket
- Riding pants
- Crash-test rated helmet
- Riding gloves
- Eye protection
- Sturdy riding shoes or boots
- Weather-resistant clothing
Motorcycle gear can improve your overall riding experience. Visit us in Sioux Falls, SD, to view our selection. We proudly serve the Watertown and Brookings area.