With the advent of free parking for motorcycles across the country, more people are realizing that two-wheelers aren’t just for rough, loud, reckless bikers.
If you decide to take the plunge, make sure your apparel doesn’t make you look like you need training wheels. Here’s my guide to motorcycle style.
Helmet: You can’t go wrong with a vintage half-helmet with sunglasses or goggles. It’s very cool choice – both in style and temperature. They also allow for better peripheral vision and hearing, which makes them a safe choice.
Jacket: Again, vintage is a great way to go. That said, the longer Belstaff styles are pretty perfect, though they do cost the equivalent of about six vintage jackets. Just be sure you save the one piece and the body armour for the track. Not-leather options include a Levis jean jacket and a Lee stormrider. Finally, I must mention my own company’s issue, the Red Canoe RCAF Summer flying jacket – perfect for scorching summer days.
Footwear: Blundstones are hard to beat. Dayton Boots, out of Vancouver, has a few legendary hardcore classic boot styles that suit those looking to proclaim their biker identity a bit louder. The key is to keep the ankles covered – your Converse or Camper high tops work when it’s too hot for boots. You’re asking for nasty road rash if you go to the flip flops or Birkenstocks!
National Heritage Brands Inc. is a product development company I founded in 2002. Our core product line of Heritage Based Men’s Clothing, Headwear and Accessories is called Red Canoe. Check us out at: redcanoebrands.com.
Image courtesy of Picture Esk.
There’s nothing safe about a half-helmet. Serious riders call them “pretend” helmets for a reason. In a crash, they don’t protect even the part of your head that they cover very well. Say goodbye to your jaw and all your teeth if you fly off and face-plant. If you *like* your head (and it’s kind of hard to do anything without one), buy a full-face helmet that fits snugly. Any DOT approved full-face that fits you well, even the cheapest one, will protect better than a half-shell.
Also, if your jacket is only denim, be prepared for the asphalt to scrape your skin off like a cheesegrater if you slide farther than five feet. Leather may be hot, but showers are faster, cheaper and far less painful than skin grafts. If you absolutely can’t stand even to wear perforated leather, try one of the many mesh textile jackets. They’re good for only one slide, but will have done the job of keeping your skin in one piece.