Tag Archives: motorcycle gear

Motorcycle fatality rates on rise in Illinois

June 18, 2013 Brandon Leave a comment

For a month dedicated to emphasizing awareness and safety, May turned out to be deadly for motorcyclists in central Illinois.

According to data compiled by the Illinois Department of Transportation, motorcycle fatalities in Illinois climbed from 131 in 2010 to 148 in 2012 for the last two years. An increase of 13 percent is very disturbing according to all motorcycle-transportation officials.

Lt. Col. Scott Abbott of the Illinois State Police said it’s hard to peg one specific reason for why more people are dying on motorcycles. One thing analysts do know, is that more people are riding motorcycles.

The Cause of the Problem is…

Records show that Illinois has seen a 57 percent increase in the number of motorcyclists registered in the state over the past decade. On average, Illinois sees about 13,000 new motorcyclists each year, which could be at the heart of the problem. Plus many new riders aren’t getting the proper training while most learn bad riding habits from friends and family members. Other leading accident factors include improper lane usage, not negotiating curves correctly and alcohol.

IDOT launched a campaign called “Start Seeing Motorcycles.” However, Abbot believed that one of the most important thing in preventing fatalities is encouraging people to wear the proper gear. The GHSA listed motorcycle helmet laws as the most effective way to prevent motorcyclist fatalities and serious injuries, noting in the report that 706 motorcyclists would have lived nationally in 2010 had they been wearing a helmet.

Also, Abbott believed that training can correct numerous bad habits and misnomers, such as it’s wise to only use the rear brake to avoid flipping the bike. If more motorcyclists were properly trained, it could reverse the troubling trend.

“In the hands of a skilled rider, motorcycles are as safe as any vehicle,” Abbott said. “But the problem is most people are not as skilled as they could be.

To read the original article, CLICK HERE.

Motorcycle Rain Suits

How to Buy the Right Motorcycle Riding Gear?

January 30, 2013 Brandon Leave a comment

Your Guidelines in Buying a Motorcycle Riding Gear

More and more motorcyclists say that it’s more fun riding your motorcycle in different seasons. Owning a motorcycle and having the best riding gear makes you feel comfortable and sure of yourself while driving. A complete motorcycle riding gear helps you enjoy more activities and adventure whether it’s raining hard or super hot. Because of this, it is very important to choose the right gear.

In order to buy the right motorcycle riding gear, you need to make a guideline. This guideline will help you choose your gear with ease. Once you know exactly the things you want and the characteristics you’re looking for then buying a riding gear won’t be a problem. If you want to buy a motorcycle riding gear, what are the possible things to look for? What can be your guideline?

Here are the guidelines in buying a motorcycle riding gear:

Make sure that you check the materials used to create the gear you are going to purchase. Most gears are made from leather, Gortex, and nylon. Buying high quality gear helps you save money and time because this gear can last for long period of time and can survive constant use.
Buy your suits a little bigger than you so that you will feel comfortable while riding your bike. Wearing a too tight gear may hinder your movement and prevents you to control the bike especially when riding under difficult condition.
When buying a motorcycle helmet, see to it that it’s a full-faced helmet and transparent so that you can clearly see your surroundings. This kind of helmet will also protect your face against small insects and dust particles that you may encounter while riding.
Make sure that you buy an adjustable shoulder, knee, and elbow protectors. It is very helpful to have a riding gear that you can adjust to fit you comfortably and perfectly.
Look for a motorcycle rain suit that has pockets and other useful features. This can be an advantage when touring.
Remember to choose a riding gear that can provide ultimate safety and comfort.
Make sure that you are buying a gear that will protect your body during accidents and at the same time fashionable. This helps your self-esteem and confidence.
And most important is to know how to ask for discounts so that you can save more money while buying good quality riding gear.

These are the simplest guide you can follow when buying a motorcycle riding gear. This guideline is a reminder that you should always choose the best gear for your personal safety and happiness. A good riding performance can be achieved when you are comfortable on top of your bike and knowing that you are protected by the best motorcycle riding gear.

Motorcycle Rain Suits, Riding a Motorcycle in the Winter

Best Winter Clothes for Motorcycle Riders

December 12, 2012 Brandon Leave a comment

How to Ride Comfortably in Winter?

Motorcycle Riding Suits for the Winter — Image source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/

When winter shows it’s ugly side, most people bundle-up, settle-in and write-off this time of the year as “not great for riding.”

Admittedly, this is one of the most difficult seasons for motorcycle riders. It’s not easy to drive a motorcycle on the snow and the cold weather makes riding uncomfortable. In the winter, riding is very different. You are exposed to the harsh weather, traction suffers, other drivers can be complete nuts.

How can you make riding during this time of the year comfortable and safe? Well, you can start with good protection.

What are the best winter clothes for motorcycle riders?

One of the primary concerns of riders during the winter season is how to protect their body against the cold, chilly and biting wind or snow. Even seasoned riders will admit that riding during the winter season is really hard and uncomfortable. However, this is not reason enough for you to stop riding.

First, a true rider does not shrink from a challenge.

Second, there are times that you can’t avoid riding your bike even if it snows.

Third, there are winter clothes you can use which can make riding in the snow bearable, safe and comfortable.

Here are some of the winter clothes for motorcycle riders:

1. Waterproof motorcycle rain suit. Wearing a one piece or two piece motorcycle rain suits during winter season can provided added protection against the harsh weather. There are different kinds of motorcycle rain suits in the market but you need to choose wisely. Choose motorcycle rain suits with thermal inner lining to keep you warm despite the snow or rain.

2. Thermal undershirt or long sleeves. Wearing a thermal undershirt can keep you warm and comfortable. It will protect your body against the cold and will not allow wind, rain or snow to get through your skin. Choose a thermal undershirt that fits perfectly to your body. A bulky undershirt can be a problem while riding.

3. Jacket. A waterproof jacket (if you don’t have a full riding suit) will not only keep you warm but will prevent you from getting soaked to the skin. The perfect motorcycle jacket is one made with breathable membrane, has front and back air vents and has a thermal lining to keep your body heat. It must be made from thick leather and waterproof.

4. Water Resistant Motorcycle Pants. Motorcycle rain pants or trousers can keep the lower part of your body warm and dry. There is no use wearing a water resistant jacket when you can’t protect the lowers part of your body from freezing from the cold.

5. Waterproof boots and gloves. To fully protect your body against the cold during the winter season cover your feet and hands with waterproof boots and gloves. Remember that these parts of our body are as exposed to the cold also. Despite wearing a motorcycle rain suit, you’ll still feel the cold if your hands and feet are not properly covered. Controlling your motorcycle is difficult if your fingers and toes are cold.

Proper clothing is very important in order to ride safely not only during the winter season but at all times. Listed above are the essential winter clothes motorcycle riders should use.