Motorcycle equipment: Safely equipped for the season

Good motorcycle equipment is not just a question of comfort, but is essential for your safety. Protect yourself from head to toe with these crucial components:

• Helmet: Clever minds stay protected: Full-face helmets offer the best protection, jet helmets are more airy and flip-front helmets combine both advantages. When buying, make sure your helmet fits properly and holds recognized certifications such as ECE 22.05.
• Motorcycle jacket & pants: Motorcycle clothing made of leather provides better protection against abrasion, while textile is lighter and more airy. Integrated protectors on the shoulders, elbows and knees provide additional protection, ventilation systems ensure comfort and reflective elements increase visibility.
• Gloves: Gloves protect against injuries and the weather. Leather, textile or a mix – abrasion resistance, comfort and reinforced palms are important.
• Boots: Motorcycle boots protect your feet and ankles and provide stability. There are different types of boots, including touring boots, sport boots and enduro boots. Choose boots that are robust and comfortable and have ankle and shin protection.

In addition to the basic equipment, there are further elements that help protect you on your motorcycle: 

• A back protector offers additional protection for the spine and can be integrated into the motorcycle jacket or worn separately. 
• Thanks to the latest generation of airbag jackets or vests, you are better protected in the event of a collision. 
• A kidney belt protects and supports the lower back. It helps to stabilize posture and prevents fatigue and injuries.
• Reflective elements on your equipment increase your visibility in road traffic, especially in poor light conditions. 

Proper care and maintenance of your motorcycle equipment is crucial to ensure its protective function and longevity. Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Clean and maintain your equipment carefully: 
   Helmet: Clean the visor regularly with a soft cloth and suitable cleaner to ensure a clear view. The inner lining should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.
   Motorcycle jacket and pants: Treat your leather jacket with special care products to keep the material supple. Textile clothing can usually be washed in the washing machine, but take note of the manufacturer's care instructions.
   Gloves: Clean your gloves regularly. Leather gloves should be treated with special care products to protect the material.
   Boots: Clean your boots after every ride and waterproof them regularly to keep them water-repellent.
2. Check your equipment regularly for cracks, abrasion and other damage. Pay particular attention to the seams and protectors, as these can be crucial in the event of an accident.
3. Replace worn or damaged parts immediately. This applies in particular to helmets, which should be replaced after a fall, even if no external damage is visible. Protectors and other safety-relevant parts should also be checked regularly and replaced if necessary.

Adapt your equipment to the prevailing weather conditions. This not only ensures safety but also comfort on your ride.

In summer, lightweight and well-ventilated equipment is crucial to prevent you from sweating. Choose jackets, pants and gloves that are made of breathable materials and have ventilation systems.

Warm and water-repellent equipment keeps you dry and warm in winter. Focus on lined, insulating materials and the onion or layering technique: Several layers help to regulate heat and adapt to different temperatures. Heated gloves keep your hands warm even in icy winds. 

Rainwear and water-repellent covers not only protect you from the wet, but also increase your visibility in traffic.