Jackets, pants and suits
- Tip: If you have any doubts, ask an expert - not your mum or your next door neighbour! A reputable dealer, such as one carrying an MTAQ (Motor Trades Association Queensland) label, can give you plenty of great advice.
Jackets, pants and bike suits can do more than just save your skin in a crash. They can help protect joints, bones and some other rather important body parts you'd like to keep in good working order. So it makes sense to choose gear that's designed and constructed to do the job as effectively as possible.
Make sure the visor or goggles you choose meet the Australian Standard 1609: 1981, and:
- are light in colour - you'll be less likely to be hit by another vehicle if you can be seen
- fits comfortably when you're on your motorcycle - not too tight or too loose
- protects your knees, hips, elbows, shoulders and legs and will cover you against continued rubbing against your body, for at least four seconds - your legs are most at risk
- is made specifically for motorcycle use - tough, abrasion-resistant leather or synthetics
- has smooth, slippery exterior surfaces without a lot of pockets, buckles or straps which could catch on your motorcycle or other surrounding objects
- has few joins and seams that can burst open when you hit the road or find yourself sliding along it
- has lining with a high melting point that will not burn or melt onto your skin if you slide on the bitumen.
There are some other things to consider:
- Zips should be placed under the outer surface of the jacket or pants and be covered to prevent contact with the road. They should also have an internal flap of the same material to prevent injury on impact.
- Sleeves and trousers should have some sort of strap on the inside of the wrist or ankle so they do not create a hazard in a crash situation.
- Gear with impact protectors provide the most protection - just make sure the protectors don't move around when you're riding. You need them to be in the right place in the event of a crash.
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