It is crucial to understand the risks of being on a motorcycle. Covering yourself with protective armour becomes necessary.
As a motorcyclist, one learns that it is essential to practise defensive riding, in order to keep that safety net on the road. However, not every time it can be kept at bay and keep 100% safe lines. But that does not mean that you cannot minimise injuries. How? Well, let’s learn how to safeguard yourself, in case you are hit while on your motorcycle.
Of course, it may be warm and sunny in your local shire, tempting you to hit the road on your set of wheels in shorts and a t-shirt, but that is an invitation to disaster and a point that will prove one stupid. Hence, one of the best ways to keep yourself protected on a motorcycle in an accident is to practise wearing certified personal protective gear. The best place to find appropriate gear is on www.reisemoto.com.
Well, let’s look at ways it can be tuned to your comfort keeping safety in mind.
Body armour & choosing the right one for you
While different types of body armours provide varying levels of protection, do consider these options based on your needs:
Motorcycle Armour: Designed to protect against road crashes. Look for CE-rated armour (CE Level 1 or CE Level 2) for impact protection in jackets, pants and suits.
Racing suits: Full-body suits with integrated armour, often used in motorsports, could add the best to your rides.
Motorcycling armour: For mountain biking or mild off-roading, include chest protectors, back protectors and padded shorts.
Ensure Proper Fit
Body armour must fit correctly to be effective. And to ensure that, do follow these guidelines:
- a) Armour should be snug but not restrictive, allowing freedom of movement.
- b) Ensure it covers vital areas like the chest, back, shoulders, elbows, knees and hips.
- c) Look for adjustable straps or closures to secure the armour in place.
While proper layering and positioning can enhance protection, you can start with learning how under or over clothing works. Some armour is designed to be worn under clothing, while others go over. Follow manufacturer recommendations for the best fit and protection. With that, do not ignore the alignment and make sure the armour is properly aligned with your body.
Most importantly, regular maintenance ensures your armour remains effective. And to do that, you can check for damages by inspecting the armour regularly for cracks, tears, or other damage. Furthermore, do clean them properly by following the cleaning instructions of the gear to maintain the integrity of the materials. In case need, do replace when necessary because body armour will degrade over time. Replace it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines or if it shows signs of wear.
Of course, you won’t be comfortable from day one of usage since you weren’t born with it. Hence, training and familiarisation is as crucial as using it. Get comfortable using your body armour by practising - wear it during shorter rides too, to get accustomed to the way it feels.
Now, the familiarisation process includes adjusting based on your experience and feedback the gear gives you. This includes considering a combination of armour and other safety measures, like a helmet. Always wear a helmet appropriate for your specific ride; which of course, doesn’t mean that gloves, boots and other protective gear isn’t crucial! They are!
Last but not the least, while body armour will not protect you to the T, it can significantly reduce the risk of injury in a crash when chosen, fitted and used correctly. Prioritise quality, proper fit and regular maintenance to ensure maximum protection.
- Vishal Joshi , Expert Motorcyclist & Blogger
