Personal Protective Gear
Cycle Safety Information
Personal Protective Gear
For the Motorcyclist
One of the things that makes motorcycling enjoyable is the freedom
Report". Essentially, an in-depth on-scene investigation was per-
of riding in the open air. Unlike car drivers surrounded by a steel com-
formed detailing the use of helmets and protective gear in 900
partment, motorcycle riders feel as if they are a part of everything
motorcycle crashes.
around them. Of course, sometimes being out there can have its
drawbacks, such as when you are riding in extremely hot or cold
Additionally, researchers analyzed 3,600 police reports of on-highway
weather, when it's raining, when insects are pelting you, or when
motorcycle crashes. This and other research has established that hel-
debris flies up at you. It's for these types of situations, and possible
mets save lives by reducing the occurrence of head injuries, and wear-
encounters between you and the asphalt, that protective gear was
ing a helmet does not reduce essential vision or hearing.
developed.
This well-accepted motorcycle safety study's report has been cor-
Protective gear has two basic purposes: comfort and protection.
roborated since that time in many other research studies. In the
Uncomfortable gear can distract you from riding. Properly fitting pro-
1990s, a number of studies on the value of motorcycle helmets were
tective gear will help you stay comfortable when encountering vari-
conducted and then published as part of the International 2001
ous riding conditions. In the event of a crash, protective gear will help
Motorcycle Safety Conference Proceedings. Among them are: "The
prevent or reduce injuries. Here is a summary of some of the impor-
Snell Memorial Foundation – Past and Present" by Edward Becker;
"Traumatic Brain Injury Associated with Motorcycle Crashes in
tant gear needed for comfort and protection.
Wisconsin, 1991-1997" by Wayne Bigelow; "Evaluation of Motorcycle
Helmet Law Repeal in Arkansas and Texas" by Linda Cosgrove; "How
Helmets
Do Motorcycle Helmets Affect Vision and Hearing" by Scott
The most important piece of protective gear you can wear is a helmet
McKnight; "Autopsy Study of Motorcycle Fatalities: The Effect of the
manufactured to meet DOT standards (FMVSS 218). This was empha-
1992 Maryland Helmet Use Law" by Kimberly Mitchell, and,
sized in the University of Southern California (USC) researcher Harry
"Modernization of the DOT Motorcycle Helmet Standard" by David
Hurt's federally funded study, "Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and
Thom. Copies of these studies may be obtained online from MSF by
Identification of Countermeasures," also called simply "The Hurt
visiting www.msf-usa.org.
Hard outer shell
Impact absorbing liner
Vent
Comfort liner
Visor
Vent
Retention system
Hard outer shell
Helmets help protect your head in four ways. First and second, the
blow off. Most frames have a rubber/cotton-fiber strap that resists
outer shell resists penetration and abrasion. Third, inside the shell is
tearing and stretching.
the equally important impact-absorbing liner that absorbs more of
the shock by slowly collapsing under impact. Fourth, the soft foam-
Maintain your goggles properly: dirty goggles can impede safe sight.
and-cloth liner next to your head helps keep you comfortable and
the helmet fitting snugly. The retention system, or chinstrap, is the
Whether you wear a face shield or goggles, tinted lenses may be used
one piece that keeps the helmet on your head in the event of a crash.
during the day, but you should use clear lenses at night.
Both shell and liner spread the forces of impact throughout the hel-
met material. That's why, in most cases, if a helmet has been damaged
Footwear
in a crash, it will not be protective in another mishap and should be
Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots can protect you from a variety of riding
replaced.
hazards. They protect against burns from hot exhaust pipes and
impacts from flying road debris. Boots with oil-resistant, rubber-based
Consider how a full-face helmet makes riding more comfortable. It
composite soles will give you a strong grip on the pavement and help
cuts down on wind noise in your ears and windblast on your face and
you keep your feet on the pegs. If the boots have heels, they should
eyes. It deflects bugs and other objects that fly through the air. A hel-
be low and wide. In case of a crash, boots help provide valuable
met even adds protection from inclement weather and reduces rider
protection against foot and ankle injuries.
fatigue.
For more information on helmets, order the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation's Cycle Safety Information publication, "What You Should
Know About Motorcycle Helmets". It outlines helmet standards, con-
struction, care and other important information. Single copies are
available free of charge.
Face Protection
Any motorcyclist who has been hit in the face by a stone or an insect
can tell you about the benefits of face protection. Windshields and
most prescription eyeglasses simply do not provide adequate protec-
tion. Wind, insects and pebbles may be blown behind a windshield.
Eyeglasses with shatterproof lenses may protect the eyes, but most
don't seal out wind which makes your eyes water.
"The Hurt Report" states that motorcycle riders with shields covering
their faces suffered fewer facial injuries than those without. It also
reports that helmets providing full-face coverage with strong chin
pieces and energy-absorbing liners are especially effective in reduc-
ing face injuries.
Face Shields
Gloves
Face shields come in a variety of designs to fit most any helmet. Some
Full-fingered motorcycle gloves protect hands from blisters, wind, sun
flip up for convenience. There are non-flip types, such as the flat
and cold and will help prevent cuts, bruises and abrasions in a crash.
shield, that snap directly to the helmet. If you select a bubble shield
(either a flip-up or a snap-on style) make sure that its compound
Gloves that fit properly will improve your grip on the handlebars. If
curves do not distort your vision.
your gloves are too loose or bulky, you may have problems operating
the controls of your motorcycle. If they are too tight, circulation will be
When using a face shield, be sure it is securely fastened to the helmet.
restricted and your hands will become cold. Seamless gloves or gloves
It should be impact-resistant and free from scratches. Scratches can
with external seams will help prevent blisters. Gauntlets will keep cold
refract light and blur vision.
air from going up your sleeves.
Tinted shields help avoid eye fatigue during daylight hours, but
Motorcycle gloves are available in many styles, weights and thick-
always wear a clear one at night. Make sure the shield you choose is
nesses. Lightweight gloves may be more comfortable in summer
designed for your helmet and does not interfere with any eyeglasses
warmth while heavier, lined and/or insulated gloves are available for
you may wear.
additional protection from winter cold.
Face shields may be cleaned with a mild solution of soap and water or
Jackets, Pants, Riding Suits
a quality plastic cleaner.
Protective gear will help you stay comfortable while riding in adverse
conditions. In a crash, proper riding gear will help prevent or reduce
Goggles
injury. "The Hurt Report" states that covering the body with leather or
Riders wearing goggles receive eye protection, but they are not pro-
an abrasion-resistant fabric (e.g., Cordura®, Kevlar® or ballistic nylon)
tected from possible injury to other parts of the face. As has been
also provides a high level of injury protection.
emphasized before, full-face helmets and face shields provide better
protection for the entire face.
Protective apparel designed specifically for motorcycling will afford
the best combination of comfort and protection. These garments are
Goggles should be securely fastened over the helmet so they do not
cut longer in the sleeves and legs, and fuller across the shoulders to
Basic Riding Gear
Cold Weather Gear
Close-fitting collar
Zippered front
High, close collar
with wind flap
Thermal underwear
or layered clothing
Sturdy abrasion-
resistant jacket
Insulated suit or
windproof
outer layer
Retroreflective
stripes or jacket
fabric
Snug cuffs
Well-fitting,
full-fingered
gloves
Belted or close-
fitting waist
Abrasion-resistant
pants
Insulated gauntlet
gloves or heavy
gloves with liners
Heavy boots
with insulation
Sturdy, over-the-ankle
boots
accommodate your riding posture. Special overlaps and flaps help
cycle dealers carry a varied line of riding jackets and suits. Your riding
seal out the wind and padding helps protect you in a crash.
habits, budget and local weather conditions will influence your choice
of purchase. Shop wisely, making sure your purchase fits properly and
Motorcyclists often wear leather because it is durable and abrasion-
is specifically made for motorcycling.
resistant, giving good protections against injury. Many modern fab-
rics, such as Cordura® and ballistic nylon, are also abrasion-or wind-
Your gear should fit comfortably without binding. However, wide-
resistant, waterproof or have high-visibility properties. Many motor-
flared pants, flowing scarves and similar items should be avoided
because they could become entangled in the motorcycle. A jacket
with a zippered front will be more wind-resistant than a jacket with
buttons or snaps. A flap of material over the zipper of a jacket gives
additional protection against the wind. Jackets with sleeves tapering
to fitted cuffs and waists are recommended to help keep wind from
blowing into the garment. Be careful about collar style–a large, loose
collar will flap when riding and may irritate your skin or distract you.
Remember that even in relatively warm weather, moving air is cooler
and constant exposure to wind when riding may cause a chilling
effect that leads to hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition of sub-
normal body temperature that can cause loss of concentration,
slowed reactions, and loss of smooth, precise muscle movement. You
may lose your ability to concentrate and react to changing traffic con-
ditions. Proper riding gear, such as a windproof jacket and insulated
layers of clothing, is essential.
Riding gear that is just right for cold-weather riding may be too hot
once you stop. Dress in layers so that the outer clothing may be
removed as necessary.
When preparing to ride in cold weather, several layers of clothing are
necessary, usually starting with thermal underwear. Extra layers of
pants, shirts and jackets should be worn to aid body heat in forming
a warm insulation. Topping your clothing with a windproof outer
layer will prevent the cold wind from reaching your body.
High, close collar
Another alternative when riding in cold weather is to wear
a winter riding suit. These lightweight, insulated suits
worn over your street clothes provide the warmth need-
ed to prevent hypothermia. Another option available to
motorcyclists is an electrically warmed suit or vest.These
items can be quite effective.
Elasticized or
adjustable cuffs
Regardless of temperature, wearing proper protective
riding gear, including a long-sleeved top and long pants,
will reduce your chances of becoming dehydrated.
The gear you wear when riding can also serve to make you more
visible in traffic. Choose brightly colored gear when possible.
Only two riders of the 900 crash cases studied by "The Hurt
Boot covers
Report" were wearing brightly colored clothing. If you wear
dark clothing, retroreflective vests may be worn over your jack-
et. Also, it is a good idea to affix reflectorized tape striping to
the gear you wear regularly when riding. Jackets made with
retroreflective material also will help make you more visible at
night.
One-Piece Rain Suit
Finally, there are gear enhancements available for even more
Pant stirrups
crash protection such as body armor, spine protectors and kidney
belts. These may be single items you wear under your gear, or
they may be built into the protective gear you buy.
Rain Suits
Two-Piece Rain Suit
For the avid motorcycle rider, a rain suit or waterproof riding suit
is a must. A dry motorcyclist will be much more comfortable and alert
Also consider purchasing glove and boot covers. Most glove covers
than a rider who is wet and cold.
are large enough to fit over gauntlet type gloves without interfering
with hand flexibility. The boot covers have tie-strings on top and
One- or two-piece styles are available in a variety of materials and col-
should be worn under the pants.
ors, the most common being polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nylon. High-
visibility orange or yellow are good color choices.
For more information on the importance of protective gear and for
answers to other motorcycle safety-related questions, visit
There are usually only small differences in rain suit styles. The pants
www.msf-usa.org or call the MSF Order Department and ask for a
should have elastic at the waist and stirrups (or tie-strings) on the legs
Publications List.
to wrap around the rider's boots. The jacket should have a high collar
that is held closed by a snap or adjustable hook-and-loop fastener.
The front zips up and a wide flap fastens across the opening.The wrist
openings fit snugly with more elastic.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, not-for-profit laws, there may be organizations that hold differing opinions.
organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs
Consult your local regulatory agencies for information concerning
in rider training, operator licensing and public information. For the
the operation of motorcycles in your area. Although the Motorcycle
Basic or Experienced RiderCourseSM nearest you, call the national toll-
Safety Foundation will continue to research, field test and publish
free telephone number: (800) 446-9227. The MSF is sponsored by
responsible viewpoints on the subject, it disclaims any liability for
the U.S. distributors and manufacturers of BMW, Ducati, Harley-
the views expressed herein.
Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Victory,
Vengeance, and Yamaha motorcycles.
The information contained in this publication is offered for the ben-
efit of those who have an interest in riding motorcycles. The infor-
Revised August 1986
Reprinted November 1986
mation has been compiled from publications, interviews and obser-
Reprinted March 1988
vations of individuals and organizations familiar with the use of
Revised September 1990
Reprinted December 1991
motorcycles, accessories and training. Because there are many dif-
2 Jenner Street, Suite 150
Reprinted May 1993
Irvine, CA 92618-3806
ferences in product design, riding styles; and federal, state and local
Revised December 1997
(949) 727-3227 • www.msf-usa.org
Revised and Reprinted September 2001
