As a motorcycle rider, I’ve had my share of avoidable incidents. As with most people I never cared of having a “proper riding gear”, not even a helmet during the initial riding days. I’ve had to ride more than 100 Kms with a bandage on my right eye, because a glass splinter had lodged in the eye while riding without a helmet. This 100 Km+ riding was done, again, without a helmet and I can still remember the discomfort that I had to endure till I reached back to my college hostel.

I’ve had accidents with dogs and pigs on multiple occasions, having scars to show for each of them. On one occasion, I had to call my friends to pick me up as I was not in a position to ride because I had hurt my knuckles. On the other hand, I’ve been witness to accidents where the rider, not only survived, but was able to ride his bike back just because of the protective riding gear that he was wearing.

I meet a lot of people who ask me why should one wear riding gear while riding. They think that wearing a full riding gear is a sign of “fear” (being a sissy) and that I’m too scared to ride a motorcycle. Many claim that they “don’t need” riding gear while riding and say this with a lot of bravado.

My simple answer to them all is, “I really love riding my motorcycle. Protecting myself with proper riding gear is my way of ensuring that I continue to ride, not just today or tomorrow, but all my life.”

When you ride a motorcycle an accident is not a question of if, but of when. There are numerous reasons for motorcycle accidents: bad roads / turns / corners, motorists (of the 4-wheel+ type) who fail to see or detect a motorcycle, jaywalking pedestrians, dogs, cats, pigs etc. and in many cases vehicle failure. Wearing a protective riding gear will ensure, in most cases, that you live to ride another day without as much as a scratch.

A proper riding gear is all the more important on long rides due to the simple fact that the probability of an accident is directly proportional to the time spent riding.

It is not only about accidents, a proper riding gear also protects you from the elements and makes your long rides comfortable, stress free and less tiring. I still remember the ride to Diveagar that I did with my wife, when I got my RE Classic 500 for the first time. My riding gear during the ride looked something like this:

Yes, no riding gear except a helmet, the carry bag wasn’t even secured well and we were supposed to ride almost 150 Km to a beach called Diveagar in the summer heat of April. As some of you must have already guessed, my arms and legs were totally sun-burnt by noon and the warm winds had sapped all my energy by the time we could complete even 100 Km.

I’ve learnt my lessons the hard way. Today I never ride without my riding gear. My wife, who generally rides pillion, also has full riding gear on her. The image below beautifully sums up what a rider must protect and which riding gear helps him/her in doing just that.

I hope everyone reading this would invest in a proper riding gear and keep oneself safe at all times. This is what my riding gear looks like now.

Ride hard, ride safe. Cheers!