Ten motorcycle gear must haves for bikers

However, with the increasing number of motorcycles as well as passenger and commercial vehicles comes more and more road accidents. In Metro Manila alone, an average of 120,000 motorcycle-related accidents are reported each year. So how do you prevent becoming a statistic? Well, motorcycle gear and equipment is a great start. Here are the ten must have items for any riders out there.  

Knee and elbow guards

  These guards protect your elbows and knees from abrasions, especially if you are dirt biking. The knee protector also covers your shin, while some products extend right up to the thigh.  

Chest armor

This chest pad protects the front and back side of a biker from serious injuries that may damage the body's most vital organs. Made from dense but very flexible foam and rubber, this armor promises both safety and comfort.  

Earplugs

While this accessory is not generally applicable for motorcyclists on the road, it is a must have for any race track or off-road racers. These tracks usually have high powered and noisy motorcycles whose sound can disturb or irritate riders. Lowering distractions is integral to any racer’s success.  

Vest with reflectors

Travelling at night is riskier than riding during the day. As such, wearing a fluorescent or multi-reflector vest can help improve your visibility to other road users. The vest also serves as extra padding, especially if you are already wearing chest armor.  

Motorcycle boots

These boots protect your feet and ankles if you are involved in a serious accident. Always make sure you wear them, especially on long trips. Buy a pair that is made of tough material and has excellent gripping ability.  

Goggles

Your eyes are perhaps the most single most important part of your body that you use when travelling. Journeying to dirt-filled roads is usually risky if your vision is blurred. To avoid this, wear goggles or sunglasses with tints and UV protection to help protect your eyes from the sun’s rays.  

Pants or chaps

Usually made of leather, textile materials or even Kevlar, these pants are necessary to protect your legs from dirt and abrasions and are a must-have for travelling for an extended period, racing, or riding on dirt bikes.  

Jackets

Jackets not only offer a sense of fashion for riders but also protect them from the breezy air that can hit your chest during your trip.  

Gloves

This motorcycle accessory is a great way to protect your hands from possible injuries. When travelling in cold conditions, such as early in the morning, they also steady your nerves by providing heat to your hands.  

Helmet

A helmet is the most important piece of gear a rider can wear as it protects from serious head injuries should an accident occur. Survey show that wearing one could reduce the risk of death by up to 60 percent.