The single biggest question when starting to look at motorbike clothing is whether to use Leather or Synthetic. Secondly you need to consider what bike you will be riding and in what weather. You will also need to consider what protection you want and what is sensible for your needs. Lastly you need to ponder what items of clothing you want to buy.
Table of Contents
Motorcycle Leathers Pros and Cons for Beginners
Leather has been a hugely popular option for quite some time now for motorcyclists. It has some serious pros when being used on a motorbike; however, it has significant drawbacks to beginners. Sometimes people go for the look other times for the practicality.
A brief list of pros and cons can be seen below;
Pros of Motorcycle Leathers
- Hardwearing
- Longlasting
- Breathable
- Reduces drag
Cons of Motorcycle Leathers
- Worn Skin tight
- Usually not waterproof Heavy
- Stiff
- Longtime to wear in
Choosing Synthetic Clothing for Motorcyclists
When buying synthetic clothing you need to ensure that you are buying armored clothing, some clothing the armor can be taken out. Some of the cheap Internet options do not include the armor hence the sometimes lower price.
Pros of Synthetic Motorcycle Clothing
- Lightweight
- Easy to wear
- Ideal for commuting waterproof
- Armoured
- Ideal starting equipment
Cons of Synthetic Motorcycle Clothing
- No tough durable surface between you and the ground
Essential Motorbike Clothing
A Helmetis a non negotiable item, this is a requirement of law although you can get a number of different styles. Providing it has the right safety requirements then it is legal. The styles are a full face, a flip top motocross style and open face.
Gloves – there are three different styles to choose from, leather, waterproof and thermal. This might depend more on fit, comfort and weather you will be riding in.
Jackets and trousers can be armoured or non armoured, ¾ length or short in synthetic and lastly it could be leather.
Bootsfor road riding are usually leather and are either more casual touring boots or race style boots which are often armoured.
Summary
Then looking for advice it is usually best to hold off buying any items until after your CBT and Direct Access; this way you can discuss what options you require with the sales person and with the instructors. The instructors should be able to give you sound advice of what they would recommend, you will probably find they have both Leather and Synthetic.
The choice of whether or not to get one or the other can be affected by various decisions and is one you must choose for yourself, but if you are intending to ride for many years there’s nothing to stop you starting on one and changing to something else later on.
