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Leather Motorcycle Jackets

A leather motorcycle jacket is essential for protecting your skin from windburn, will keep you warm in the colder weather and most importantly, will protect you in the event of an accident. A good quality jacket will last for many years and give good protection. The jacket should be long enough in the arms not to ride up when your hands are in a riding position and should be long enough in the body not to leave your waist exposed to the cold. The fit at the waist should be snug to keep out the wind and the front should be cut higher than the back. The front will not bulge out as you ride and the back will cover you adequately. The collar should fit snugly but not tight as this will restrict your movement and ability to see around you properly.

It is best to buy a jacket a little on the large size so that you can wear layers underneath to keep you warm in the cold weather.

Some things to look for when shopping for a leather motorcycle jacket

Good quality – buy the best you can afford
Thick enough leather for good protection
Long enough in the arms and back
Slightly larger to allow layers underneath
Soft leather at the neck to prevent chaffing

Leather Motorcycle Boots

Your feet should always be protected adequately when riding and leather motorcycle boots are recommended. You should never ride in flip flops, trainers, bare feet or sandals as you risk serious injury in the event of and accident. Boots that cover the foot completely, support the ankle and have soles with good traction and preferably that are resistant to oil and gas.

Leather motorcycle boots will give you maximum protection for your feet. Added protection, in the form of steel toe caps can also be used. Although many people think that the steel can damage the toes in an accident this is not the case and as force needed to damage the steel is much more than is usually encountered. Racing track boots and dirt boots are also a possibility although they can be uncomfortable as they are rigid and often heavy.

Many people do not like laced boots as the laces can come undone and become tangled in the bikes spokes or chains. If you use laced up boots make sure that they are always tight and regularly check that they are tied properly. Velcro, sipped or buckled boots are a better alternative.

Some things to look for when shopping for leather motorcycle boots

Good support for ankles
Well made
Covers the feet and ankles adequately
Soles are resistant to oil and gas
Comfortable
Fasten with Velcro, zips or buckles

Leather Motorcycle Gloves

If you fall off your bike you will be glad that you choose a pair of tough gloves! Most people reach out their hands to save themselves when they are falling and the palms of the hands can be severely damaged when they impact the ground. Motorcycle gloves that are tough enough to protect you can be made from the newer synthetic materials or from leather. For style and protection the best gloves are made from leather.

Leather tends to be very warm, which is ideal for cold weather riding. Gloves can also be lined with insulating material for even more warmth. Gauntlet style gloves will keep your wrists and lower arms warm and those with wrist straps can be tightened to fit snugly and keep out the wind and cold. In the summer a cooler, more ventilated glove is required.

Some things to look for when shopping for leather motorcycle gloves

Stitching that is secure
Padding on places that will receive more impact - the palms for instance
A comfortable fit. Too tight gloves will prevent you from controlling your bike properly.
Extra insulation for winter gloves
Extra ventilation for summer gloves
Protection on the knuckles can be handy if you tend to fall on your fists
Thick leather for added protection
Gauntlet style with wrist straps are a good buy