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September 22nd, aka the first official day of fall, is just around the corner. That means if you’ve just spent the last twelve odd weeks tearing up the streets on your bike it’s almost time to add some layers and ditch the summer gear or you’re going to be shaking in those motorcycle boots. A change in the season shouldn’t mean a change in how often you get to ride. Just because it gets cold outside doesn’t mean motorcycle junkies have to cover up their motorcycles and let them collect cobwebs until spring has sprung once again.
Riding in the fall all comes down to layers. The more you have on the less you have to worry about Mother Nature beating you with her cold, icy stick. In order to make sure that fall ride is enjoyable, we’ve broken down what you need into 4 pieces of Fall motorcycle gear you can’t live without.
- Head and Face Protection: Like our mothers always told us, it’s important to keep the head and ears warm because that’s where a large portion of the body’s heat escapes. Before putting that helmet on you need to start with either a bandana or skull cap; both will act like insulation and help keep your head/ears nice and warm.Next, depending on how cool it is a face mask fits nicely along the lower section of your face around the nose and chin. A helmet with dual visors may come in handy as well. The outside visor shields the face and the other is used to help avoid the eyes from drying out.
- Upper Body Protection: To a biker a motorcycle leather jacket is just as important as what they are riding. A good leather jacket is durable, ageless, needs to keep the rider cool in the summer and warm in the winter. When choosing the perfect jacket you need to make sure you get something that gives plenty of ventilation and is made of good quality leather. Another good tip for fall motorcycling is to make sure to always have a handy pair of gloves that will protect the hands from not only the wind but from the rain as well. Regardless of if you prefer something that goes further up the wrist such as the Gauntlet style or a more typical classic glove design; you need to look for a pair that clasps nicely around the hands in order to keep them dry. For a little extra protection you may even want to consider a vest or a fleece dickie.
- Lower Body Protection: More often than not chaps are what most prefer to wear during the fall and winter. Made to easily slip over a good pair of jeans, a pair of chaps made of quality leather, will take you a long way down the road when the days start to turn cold. Plus they can conveniently be folded up and placed in a saddlebag if you become too hot.
- Footwear: Like there are styles of motorcycles, there are dozens of different types of motorcycle boots. A good riding boot or a harness boot that gives the rider something different in terms of comfort and support will go a long way to calming all weather worries. No matter the style, when looking for a boot that will keep those feet warm during the fall and winter months the question to ask is “Does this product keep water and wind out?”. There is a difference between water resistant and waterproof. Water resistant boots will keep the feet dry until a certain resistance point is reached. Waterproof boots will keep the water out no matter what the circumstances are.
Remember to add layers, look for gear that is wind resistant and waterproof, and to start getting prepared now for those changing temps. Fall will be here before you know it.
