Motorcycle Clothing
Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Motorcycle jackets are not normally sold in regular stores. Don't buy just any leather jacket. Check out local
motorcycle dealers, the motorcycle magazines, and the Internet. Get a good quality jacket with vents front and
back that will allow air to circulate in the summer. It has been proven time and time again that leather is your
best protector! Motorcycle shops like Toads in Dartmouth will sell you the whole package, leather jacket,
chaps, helmet and good quality gloves etc. for a great price.
Leather vest
Vests are great for putting your club patch on. That way you don't have to sew it onto your jacket that you will
use for every day use. Vests are also great for your pins that you collect from all the rallys around
Nova Scotia or wherever.
T-shirts
Most riders wear either a t-shirt, turtleneck or sweatshirt. These usually have pictures or sayings, or other
motorcycle-related text.
Jeans
It goes without saying that most riders wear jeans. Some may want armored jeans for more protection.
Wearing shorts, no shirt or sneakers is just plain stupid when you are riding a motorcycle.. Unless you like
the feel of burning skin.
Riding Pants
Your best bet is a pair of heavy leather chaps or leather pants. The chaps are nice because they are easy to
put on over your jeans and remove when you get to your destination.
Helmet
Helmets are a must in Nova Scotia. Some like the shorties because you can see, hear and feel much better.
And others are very comfortable wearing a helmet that is a half or full face. On the highway there is nothing
like a full face helmet to keep the noise level down and the bugs outta your teeth. DOT helmets are what most
motorcycles wear. With the technology today you can fix just about anything on your body - except one. Your
head! So think about it.
Gloves
Don't ride without gloves. Select a lightweight pair for summer and a heavy pair for cold weather riding. If you
have heated grips then you don't need to worry about winter gloves.
Boots
Full length leather boots with no laces are great. Laces can easily cause your foot to be immobilized just as
you want to put it down to stop. Be sure that the boots have rubber soles and heels to grip the road when you
stop.
Eyewear
Eye glasses for any flying objects is a good idea. I find that without eye wear my eyes water like crazy.
Comfortable wrap around sun glasses are great. At night clear glasses are a necessity. Alot of people find
the safety glasses of today very comfortable for riding. Goggles on the Highway can also create a more
comfortable ride.
Rainsuit
These come in one-piece and two-piece versions. Both will keep you dry when it rains. If you do any serious
riding, you will encounter rain, plus you live in Nova Scotia, so be prepared. Rain boots are a necessity - or an
over the boot type of rubber boot. Ride with wet cold feet once and you will know what I mean.
Leather Triangle
This fits around your neck to protect it and eliminate drafts.
Do-rag
And of course a DO RAG!!! and why do we wear a do-rag
1. It not only looks cool, it keeps your head cooler than a cap when it's hot... dip the do-rag in cold water and
put it on your head for immediate heat relief.
2. It absorbs sweat and keeps sweat from rolling down into your eyes in the heat.
3. It hides "helmet hair" when a rider takes their lid is off.
4. It keeps your head warmer in cold weather than a cap because a high percentage of your body heat
escapes through your scalp.
5. It keeps your hair and hair oil out of your helmet—keeping it clean.
6. It keeps your helmet from sliding around your head.
7. Its really easy to keep clean—just throw d-rags in the wash and then on low heat in the dryer... you can't do
that with a cap!
8. Its easier to carry around than a cap... if you want to take it off, you can just stuff it in your pocket and never
worry about a bill getting bent.
9. Perfect for bad hair days!
Survival Equipment
Roadside Assistance Plan
Maybe your plan is to call a family member to bring a trailer or a nice neighbor that has a truck. I'm sure there
are road side programs out there. I am just not familiar with any in Nova Scotia equiped to pick up a
motorcycle. Best thing that comes to mind is the Nova Scotia Motorcycle Tour Guide has a section in the back
that lists people in the area that will assist motorcyclists that are in need. So you should have a guide with
you at all times. Cant beat that!
Cellphone
Of course you can't answer it while you are riding, but if on vibrate you know someone is trying to get ahold of
you. They are great in case of an emergency. Get one and find a place on the bike to carry it.
Other things to carry
Tool Kit
Flat Kit
First Aid Kit
Sun screen
Water Bottle- On hot rides, you'll need this one.
Reflective Vest - This is highly visible and helps others to see you.
Ear Plugs - Most riders develop hearing problems especially if they ride with no windshield and a minimal
helmet. Ear plugs are cheap, easy to use, and will save your hearing. I wont ride on the highway with out them
Heated Clothing - If you expect to ride in the winter or at high altitude, you must be prepared for cold
temperatures. then you should always carry an electric vest and electric gloves that are connected to the
battery through an adjustable temperature control. The vests are not overly expensive at $119.00 so check
em out. Heated grips again are very good for all weather riders.
Bungey cords - in case you need to stop off for a pizza or something on your way home.
Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Motorcycle jackets are not normally sold in regular stores. Don't buy just any leather jacket. Check out local
motorcycle dealers, the motorcycle magazines, and the Internet. Get a good quality jacket with vents front and
back that will allow air to circulate in the summer. It has been proven time and time again that leather is your
best protector! Motorcycle shops like Toads in Dartmouth will sell you the whole package, leather jacket,
chaps, helmet and good quality gloves etc. for a great price.
Leather vest
Vests are great for putting your club patch on. That way you don't have to sew it onto your jacket that you will
use for every day use. Vests are also great for your pins that you collect from all the rallys around
Nova Scotia or wherever.
T-shirts
Most riders wear either a t-shirt, turtleneck or sweatshirt. These usually have pictures or sayings, or other
motorcycle-related text.
Jeans
It goes without saying that most riders wear jeans. Some may want armored jeans for more protection.
Wearing shorts, no shirt or sneakers is just plain stupid when you are riding a motorcycle.. Unless you like
the feel of burning skin.
Riding Pants
Your best bet is a pair of heavy leather chaps or leather pants. The chaps are nice because they are easy to
put on over your jeans and remove when you get to your destination.
Helmet
Helmets are a must in Nova Scotia. Some like the shorties because you can see, hear and feel much better.
And others are very comfortable wearing a helmet that is a half or full face. On the highway there is nothing
like a full face helmet to keep the noise level down and the bugs outta your teeth. DOT helmets are what most
motorcycles wear. With the technology today you can fix just about anything on your body - except one. Your
head! So think about it.
Gloves
Don't ride without gloves. Select a lightweight pair for summer and a heavy pair for cold weather riding. If you
have heated grips then you don't need to worry about winter gloves.
Boots
Full length leather boots with no laces are great. Laces can easily cause your foot to be immobilized just as
you want to put it down to stop. Be sure that the boots have rubber soles and heels to grip the road when you
stop.
Eyewear
Eye glasses for any flying objects is a good idea. I find that without eye wear my eyes water like crazy.
Comfortable wrap around sun glasses are great. At night clear glasses are a necessity. Alot of people find
the safety glasses of today very comfortable for riding. Goggles on the Highway can also create a more
comfortable ride.
Rainsuit
These come in one-piece and two-piece versions. Both will keep you dry when it rains. If you do any serious
riding, you will encounter rain, plus you live in Nova Scotia, so be prepared. Rain boots are a necessity - or an
over the boot type of rubber boot. Ride with wet cold feet once and you will know what I mean.
Leather Triangle
This fits around your neck to protect it and eliminate drafts.
Do-rag
And of course a DO RAG!!! and why do we wear a do-rag
1. It not only looks cool, it keeps your head cooler than a cap when it's hot... dip the do-rag in cold water and
put it on your head for immediate heat relief.
2. It absorbs sweat and keeps sweat from rolling down into your eyes in the heat.
3. It hides "helmet hair" when a rider takes their lid is off.
4. It keeps your head warmer in cold weather than a cap because a high percentage of your body heat
escapes through your scalp.
5. It keeps your hair and hair oil out of your helmet—keeping it clean.
6. It keeps your helmet from sliding around your head.
7. Its really easy to keep clean—just throw d-rags in the wash and then on low heat in the dryer... you can't do
that with a cap!
8. Its easier to carry around than a cap... if you want to take it off, you can just stuff it in your pocket and never
worry about a bill getting bent.
9. Perfect for bad hair days!
Survival Equipment
Roadside Assistance Plan
Maybe your plan is to call a family member to bring a trailer or a nice neighbor that has a truck. I'm sure there
are road side programs out there. I am just not familiar with any in Nova Scotia equiped to pick up a
motorcycle. Best thing that comes to mind is the Nova Scotia Motorcycle Tour Guide has a section in the back
that lists people in the area that will assist motorcyclists that are in need. So you should have a guide with
you at all times. Cant beat that!
Cellphone
Of course you can't answer it while you are riding, but if on vibrate you know someone is trying to get ahold of
you. They are great in case of an emergency. Get one and find a place on the bike to carry it.
Other things to carry
Tool Kit
Flat Kit
First Aid Kit
Sun screen
Water Bottle- On hot rides, you'll need this one.
Reflective Vest - This is highly visible and helps others to see you.
Ear Plugs - Most riders develop hearing problems especially if they ride with no windshield and a minimal
helmet. Ear plugs are cheap, easy to use, and will save your hearing. I wont ride on the highway with out them
Heated Clothing - If you expect to ride in the winter or at high altitude, you must be prepared for cold
temperatures. then you should always carry an electric vest and electric gloves that are connected to the
battery through an adjustable temperature control. The vests are not overly expensive at $119.00 so check
em out. Heated grips again are very good for all weather riders.
Bungey cords - in case you need to stop off for a pizza or something on your way home.
| Hmm I just spent all that money and NOW THIS! |
Riding in Style
Radical Leather in Dartmouth
Toads Cycle Works
Annapolis Leather Barn
Milow Apparel and Accessories
C.R. Leathers
Radical Leather in Dartmouth
Toads Cycle Works
Annapolis Leather Barn
Milow Apparel and Accessories
C.R. Leathers
| Milow Apparel has over the boot Rain boots - check them out |
| What you need when you ride - buying a motorcycle is just the beginning...... |
| When you first begin to ride you have no idea what you need to ride this new bike. You go out and buy your bike and slap down all this cash and then what? I personally think you should take the first year buying all the essentials and gear you need to ride a bike.. then see whats left over to slap down.. you will be amazed the amount you dish out for motorcycle gear!... Support the local leather shops in your area - they are there to help you out and are riders themselves - with all kinds of advice and knowledge.. they do it cause the love it! Here of course are just some suggestions. Here is some essential motorcycle gear that you need to have with you as you ride. As you ride you will learn from other bikers what is good and what is needed.. But for now you can check this out and get a start Of course you will need a legal Motorcycle Drivers License. And I would recommend that you take a Motorcycle Safety Course - Nova Scotia has a great one - with very knowledgeable and experienced trainers. You should book as soon as you can, these classes go quick. Insurance is another thing. In Nova Scotia to my understanding most motorcycles are covered with Primmum. They have increased the premiums this year to everyones dismay. I use Eisenhauer Insurance now for that one reason. Don’t get caught without it! Huge hefty fine for riding without it. |
| Then after all this... you must remember.... if you have a passenger - they too deserve to be protected in the same gear! $$$$$$$$$$$ |