71 Tips for Selecting Motorcycle Gear

Transcription

1 71 Tips for Selecting Motorcycle Gear How to choose the right gear the first time Liz Jansen

2 Table of Contents Introduction tips for selecting a helmet functions to look for in motorcycle jackets functions to look for in street motorcycle pants qualities to look for in motorcycle gloves functions to look for in motorcycle boots qualities to look for in motorcycle rain gear qualities to look for in heated motorcycle gear

3 Introduction Motorcycle gear is an essential component of a safe and enjoyable motorcycling experience. The right gear can literally make or break your riding experience. It s also a very individual decision. Selecting the gear that s right for you depends on a variety of factors including your physical stature, preferred riding style, seating position, the weather conditions under which you travel and your personal taste. Generally speaking approach any new gear purchase by researching what s available, reading the reviews and trying it on in your seating position before buying it. These tips offer suggestions that will guide you to the gear that is right for you and save you time and money while enhancing your safety. 3

4 10 tips for selecting a helmet The helmet is a motorcyclist s most important piece of safety equipment. It s all about function, not fashion or farkle. Here s a list of important tips for selecting a top-performing and best helmet for you. 1. Understand how a motorcycle helmet works. It's comprised of 4 main components: a. The hard outer shell - specially designed to absorb and disseminate the impact. b. The inner EPS (Styrofoam) protective lining to absorb and soften the impact of the head into the inside of the helmet reducing the shock to the brain. c. The chin-strap (retention system) to ensure the helmet remains on the head. d. The soft fabric lining to ensure proper fit and fatigue-minimizing comfort. 2. Choose a helmet certified with recognized safety standards and regulations. Novelty headwear does not constitute a helmet and offers no real protection to the head and especially not to the brain. Slapping a fake DOT sticker on the back of a salad bowl does not magically give it legal or protective qualities. The helmet is a motorcyclist s most important piece of safety equipment. It is all about function, not fashion or farkle.the various testing agencies (DOT, ECE, Snell, BSI, etc) are certifying a helmet s ability to protect your brain from trauma caused by your brain slamming against the inside of 4

5 your skull in the event of sudden impact. Other tests are done on a it's ability to disperse the impact force over the area of the hard outer shell and ensuring the chin strap will hold it in proper position and not allow it to rotate or come off. 3. Choose a style ½, ¾, full face, flip up. Some riders like the convenience of a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet and the feel of the wind on their faces. However, wherever the wind makes contact, the road will make contact in the event of a crash.1/2 and 3/4 helmets offer the least protection, not only from trauma, but also from the elements, bugs, road debris and noise. Being exposed to the elements can negatively affect a rider's comfort leading to fatigue, hindered concentration, or hearing loss. Full face helmets offer the most protection and comfort. Since most are designed to offer the added benefit of aerodynamics, they also minimize rider fatigue. Many riders are now opting for a flip-up or modular helmet which offers the protection of a full face with the convenience of a 3/4 helmet. Not all modulars are created equal though. Some are tested and certified for full face protection with the shock absorbing EPS in the chin bar. Others only offer protection from the elements. 4. Determine proper fit. Schuberth C3W World Graphic with SRCS 1 A helmet should be snug. Or better explained, like a good handshake, comfortably firm without causing discomfort or pain. The helmet should make contact all over your head and face. Try sticking a pinky between your forehead and the helmet -- you shouldn t be able to get more than the very tip in. If you move it around, it should be tight enough that your skin moves with it. The best bet is to get properly fitted, have a dealer help you, starting with 5

6 a head measurement. Good dealers have staff who are trained to properly fit helmets to heads. These experts help customers find the helmet type and size that best fits their heads and needs. Chose the helmet with best fit and comfort, spend the money to get the best protection, fit and comfort. If cared for properly, your motorcycle helmet should last up to 5 years. 5. Replace a helmet that has been dropped or in a crash. Have you ever bitten into a Styrofoam cup and noticed that the impressions from your teeth stay and don't fill back out? This is what happens to the protective EPS when it does its job absorbing a blow and why helmets are 'single-use' items. Often a helmet can be damaged without any visible signs, so don't take any chances. Falling is an unfortunate outcome that is virtually impossible to predict or avoid. When your helmet has fulfilled it's single-use duty, be sure to replace it right away with another high-quality certified helmet. Some manufacturers offer replacement programs and some insurance companies will also replace the helmet, so do some research before you make a purchase. Look for helmet replacement programs like Schuberth s mobility program. A crashed pre-registered helmet can be replaced with a new one for 1/3 of the retail price. 6. Note clarity of vision. It is just as critical to be able to see as it is to be seen, so select a helmet with a high-quality face shield. Some face shields are injection molded and basically optically perfect. Others are bent to the shape of the helmet which creates distortions. Additionally, note the amount of peripheral vision when the helmet is on and whether the face shield fogs up easily. Some come with an anti-fog coating and some come with a Pinlock visor -- an internal lens that completely eliminates fogging. Some helmets come with an internal sun visor which is handy. It means you won t have to switch to a dark face shield when riding in bright light, or switch back to clear at night. 6

7 7. Make sure the helmet has good ventilation. Getting airflow through the helmet isn t just for comfort. It's important also for diluting any toxic gasses from exhaust that can build up inside the helmet. A chin vent is a must along with top vents that push air around the head. A properly venting helmet will have holes in the EPS liner which line up with the vent holes in the shell. Also, ventilation channels in the help direct a higher volume of air around the head toward the exhaust ports. 8. Chose a helmet with a removable liner. Washing a motorcycle helmet will help prolong its useful life. The comfort liner is key to a proper fit (the snugness). Sweat and hair products can cause it to break down faster. 9. Consider communication. Some riders like to talk to fellow riders or listen to music and GPS instructions. There are many options for in-helmet speakers which use Bluetooth technology to pair wirelessly to accessories. Many systems involve clipping a unit to the outside of the helmet which can cause added wind drag and noise. Other companies, like Schuberth, offer systems that can be fully integrated into the interior of the helmet. 10. Never purchase a used helmet! Remember that a damaged helmet might not show any visible signs. You never know what you are getting with a used helmet. Saving a few bucks is not worth the risk of buying a helmet that won't protect you when you need it. Thank-you to Sarah Schilke, Marketing and PR Manager, Schuberth North America for sharing her expertise and contributing this article. Sarah Schilke, an avid street rider turned amateur off-road racer, has made a career out of her passion riding motorcycles. Sarah has worked in the motorcycle industry for almost 20 years, currently as the Marketing & P.R. Manager for Schuberth, the German helmet manufacturer responsible for the award winning C3W helmet engineered specifically for women riders. Her background also includes positions with the International Motorcycle Shows, Hein Gericke motorcycle apparel, the American Motorcyclist Association and 7

8 Electric Motorbike, Inc. Sarah is the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Motorcycle Industry Council and is an expert member of the FIM Commission on Women in Motorcycling. She is also a lifetime member of the AMA. 10 functions to look for in motorcycle jackets Motorcycle jackets are one of the first pieces of gear a new rider or passenger wears. Function, fit and fashion are now integrated in a plethora of styles and materials. Whether you select leather or textile, consider these features. 1. Fit. Try on the jacket, and then assume the seating position you re in on your bike. Reach forward as you would while holding the grips and make sure the sleeves are long enough to cover your elbows. Look for adjustable waists to fit different sizes and accommodate layers. Jackets need to be long enough to cover your lower back while riding. 2. Arm length. Sleeves should look slightly long when standing. Like pants, they re designed to protect you when your arms are stretched in the riding position, not when you re walking around off the bike. You want the gauntlet of your glove to cover the end of your sleeve. 3. Abrasion resistance. Even a minor tumble can have you sliding down the pavement,. Leather and textiles each offer a high degree of protection. Read the label to find out how much. 8

9 4. Armor. The best jackets have padding at elbows, shoulders and back. A proper fit means padding will actually fall below your elbows when your arms are hanging straight but cover your elbows while flexed in your riding position. Look for armor that can be removed for cleaning. All armor is not created equal. Buy the highest quality you can afford. 5. Ventilation. On hot days, good ventilation is a lifesaver. At minimum, look for vents on the chest and back for flow-through ventilation. It s also nice to have underarm vents. Big zipper pulls make vents easier to open and close with gloves while riding. 6. Pockets. On a jacket, you want both interior and exterior pockets. Preferably waterproof with good seals on exterior pockets. 7. Construction. Riding jackets have a variety of fasteners from zippers to Velcro to snaps. Make sure they re high quality and that the jackets themselves have been well assembled. Inspect seams, lining and closures for finishing details. Choose adjustable closures at wrists and neck. photo credit: GORE-TEX Products via photopin cc Although Velcro works anywhere else, stay away from it at your neck. It s hell on helmet straps. 8. Versatility. Zip-in linings extend the utility of your jacket. Most jackets with liners will take you through 3 seasons. Make sure your jacket has enough room for those extra layers you may wear in cooler weather. 9

10 9. Visibility. Whether it s piping or inserts, your upper body plays a role in making you conspicuous to others on the road. The reflective surfaces picked up by headlights may be the difference between alerting a car driver to your presence and getting hit. You may want to go all the way to a high-viz color or do as I do and wear a reflective vest. That allows a little more choice in style preferences. 10. Water Resistance. Ideally water proof. Finding breathable, waterproof jackets at an affordable price is a challenge. Although not as impractical as rain liners in pants, my first choice is to shun a waterproof liner in favor of a separate rain jacket. While pricier, the superior overall functionality of GORE-TEX can't be beat. Take your time, ask lots of questions, try on the gear and sit on a bike in a position similar to the one you use. Determine which features are important to you. When a salesperson is trying to close the deal, think through the logic of the features to your own application. You re making a decision about your safety so choose wisely. 10 functions to look for in street motorcycle pants For years, blue jeans were the only type of riding pants I wore. Then I tried real riding pants and now it s rare to venture out with just jeans. The material, functionality and fit of riding pants have come a long way, making it an easy and safer -- decision. While jeans provide some degree of protection and may be the preferred après ride attire, other choices offer comfort and style with greater protection. Whether you select jeans, leather or textile, consider these features. 10

11 1. Fit. Try on the pants, and then assume the seating position you re in on your bike, ideally on a motorcycle. Make sure they re not cutting you in half at the waist, bunching up at your hips or behind your knees and that they re long enough to cover your ankles when you re wearing boots. Leave room for extra layers in the cold. Adjustable waists also allow room for extra clothing. 2. Leg length. Pants should look too long when standing. Remember, they re designed to protect you in the riding position, not when you re walking around off the bike. 3. Abrasion resistance. Even a minor tumble can have you sliding down the pavement, often on your butt. That rules out chaps. Kevlar jeans, leather or quality textile pants will protect your bottom half from road rash. 4. Armor. At a minimum, you need protective padding for your knees. It's a good idea to cushion your hips as well. A proper fit means padding will actually sit below your knees when standing but cover your knees while flexed in your riding position. Although it's sewn into some pants, it will be removable for cleaning in higher quality products. That usually means it resides in a pocket, usually held closed with Velcro. When you're trying them on, note whether your foot gets caught in the pocket. If it does, you're likely to tear it at photo credit: GORE-TEX Products via photopin cc some point. All armor is not created equal. Buy the highest quality you can afford. 11

12 5. Ventilation. On hot days, it s wonderful to be able to open vents and let the air flow through. Some pants have mesh under removable sections of textile. The only caution here is to keep those removable parts in a safe location. They re small and easy to loose track of and you don t want ventilation 24/7/ Pockets. Preferably waterproof with zippers. They re handy for keeping cell phones, ID, receipts, money. While jacket pockets are also useful, jackets come off more frequently for meals, rest breaks, scenic attractions so it s good to have pockets on pants as well. 7. Quality construction. Riding pants have a variety of fasteners from zippers to Velcro to snaps. Make sure they re high quality and that the pants themselves have been well assembled. Inspect seams, lining and closures for finishing details. 8. Convenience for boots. Side zippers allow you to put on and remove pants without taking your boots off. It s convenient if you re using the pants over jeans/shorts and want to take a layer off once you ve stopped. 9. Visibility. Whether it s piping or inserts, even your legs play a role in making you conspicuous to others on the road. Reflective inserts or piping picked up by headlights may be the difference between alerting a car driver to your presence and getting hit. 10. Water Resistance. Ideally water proof. Finding breathable, waterproof riding pants at an affordable price is a challenge. I ve compromised by choosing good water resistant fabric that keeps me dry long enough to pull over and put on rain gear. While pricier, the superior overall functionality of GORE-TEX can't be beat. 11. Bonus: A Note on Waterproof lining. Accept this only as a last resort. I own a pair of otherwise decent riding pants 12

13 that came with a zip-in waterproof liner. So when it rains, I have to pull over, take my pants off at the side of the road, and zip in the liner and put everything back on. If I don t take my boots off, the liner gets covered in mud when I put it on. If I remove my boots, my feet get wet. The liner keeps the rain out but is like wearing a plastic bag, which is what makes it waterproof. Although there s now a barrier between me and the rain, the fabric is taking on water, getting heavy and uncomfortable. Once it stops raining, I remove the liner, again deciding if boots come off or stay on. Now soaked by perspiration from the inside, it s a relief to take off. But my pants are soaked from the rain so I stay wet anyways. My solution: I ve thrown out the liner and wear separate rain pants. Take your time, ask lots of questions and try on the gear. Determine which features are important to you. When a salesperson is trying to close the deal, think through the logic of the features to your own application. You re making a decision about your safety so choose wisely. 10 qualities to look for in motorcycle gloves While most motorcyclists appreciate the protective properties of helmet, jackets, pants and boots, the value of motorcycle gloves gets overlooked. Hands and fingers are vulnerable. Outstretched, they re often the first body part to contact the ground. In addition to providing abrasion resistance and cushioning impact, gloves keep hands warm and dry, aid with grip and prevent blisters and calluses. Most riders have multiple pairs for various weather and riding conditions. 1. Fit. Gloves need to fit snug to your hand without feeling tight or loose. Try them on and then wrap your hands around the handlebars or a reasonable facsimile. Make sure there s no bunching or pressure points. 13

14 2. Gauntlet. They should extend approximately 2 above your wrist so skin is covered at all times. In colder weather, they re invaluable for keeping cold air from going up your sleeves. 3. Abrasion resistance. Even a minor tumble can have you sliding down the pavement. Look for extra padding in the palm and make sure it s attached securely to withstand road friction. 4. Wrist strap. Easy on, easy off. Make sure there s an adjustable strap you can tighten to secure your gloves on your hand once they re on. They re of little use if they come off during a spill. 5. Ventilation. On hot days, good ventilation is a lifesaver even in gloves. Some have ventilation on the back; others, like mine, have fine holes in the leather fingers. Either will allow for airflow, just check for solid construction. 6. Dexterity. Whether you re wearing light summer gloves or heated winter gloves, you should be able to move your hands freely to operate the controls, open and close your visor and zippers on pockets and tank bags. 7. Construction. Inspect seams, lining and closures for finishing details. Choose high quality leather or GORE-TEX and double stitching for seams and additional padding. When trying on lined gloves, put them on and take them off a few times to assess whether the lining is going to stay in place. 8. No pressure points. photo credit: GORE-TEX Products via photopin cc You want seams to be on the outside so they re not rubbing against your skin. Your fingers should reach to the end of the glove without being tight against 14

15 the ends. 9. Visibility. Although they re usually on the handlebars, your hands still help get you noticed. Any movement, whether it s hand signals or adjusting your position can cause reflective piping or inserts to get picked up by headlights and alert drivers to your presence. 10. Water Resistance. Ideally water proof. That can be hard to find unless you re prepared to spend a lot of money. I ve adopted carrying waterproof over-mitts that are thin and fit over my gloves. That way, I can purchase other protective qualities and be able to make whatever I wear waterproof. You touch, feel and sense with your hands. They re valuable tools and your connection to just about everything you do. Choose riding gloves wisely. You want your hands to function a lifetime. 10 functions to look for in motorcycle boots When it comes to riding a motorcycle, feet are often the most taken for granted piece of equipment we have. Not only are they our form of transportation when we re off the bike, we count on them for balance, traction and control. Protecting them can mean the difference between mobility and immobility. Good quality motorcycle boots address the many and diverse functions you count on them for. They provide balance when you re stopped, activate controls, protect against impact and abrasion and repel rain. They re comfortable both on and off the bike and look good. Rule out running shoes, sandals, flip-flops and high heels. Although they may be comfortable and/or make a fashion statement, save them for when you get off the motorcycle. The style of boot will vary with the type of riding you do. Use these tips as a 15

16 general guideline. 1. Fit. Comfortable feet are essential for a comfortable ride. You want boots that fit snugly around your ankle while allowing you to wiggle your toes. An absorbent lining keeps your feet comfortable in the heat and warm when it s cold out. Ironic as it sounds, you want boots that are hard to get on and off. They re more likely to stay on during an accident. 2. Traction. Look for soles that are oil-resistant and have good treads. Pavement can be slippery and uneven. When you put your foot down, you want to know it s not going to slide across whatever surface you re on. 3. Water Resistance. Ideally water proof. If you do any riding at all, at some point, you re going to find yourself riding in the rain. Good boots keep water away from your feet through an effective surface and well-constructed double seams. photo credit: GORE-TEX Products via photopin cc 4. Breathability. Feet get hot when they re closed up for extended periods. A certain amount of this is unavoidable but high quality material and design can minimize it. 5. Height. To adequately protect your feet, shin and ankles, select boots that come up to mid-calf. There are lots of bones, ligaments and tendons in to protect. An ankle injury will affect movement and function in your foot and leg. 16

17 6. Armor. Look for padding for toes, ankles and shins. Bones are close to the surface and vulnerable to injury. 7. Abrasion resistance. Recently I watched a rider slide thirty feet across the pavement after losing control of her bike. She wore a layer off one side of her boot but her foot was uninjured. Even during routine riding, you want to protect your feet from gravel or other objects that can fly up from the road surface. Extra padding 8. Closures. Boots that lace up are actually better at protecting your feet than those that slip on. Done up tightly, laced boots keep water out and are not as likely to come off in an accident. Just make sure the laces are tucked in. 9. Reflective bits. Whether it s piping or inserts, even your feet play a role in making you conspicuous to others on the road. Headlights pick up reflective surfaces on heels and the sides of your feet. 10. Movement. The primary purpose for boots is related to operating the motorcycle. Boots must offer enough flexibility to easily operate the brakes, be comfortable in the riding position and allow you to move your feet around while riding. Make sure the toe is slim enough to easily activate the shifter and heels don t get hung up on foot pegs. Do your research thoroughly before purchasing riding boots. The initial cash outlay may be high, but they re a wise long-term investment. Not only will they last longer while giving you a comfortable ride, they ll do a better job of protecting your feet. There s no price tag for that. 17

18 10 qualities to look for in motorcycle rain gear Riding in the rain is underrated. In fact, it s quite enjoyable -- all part of being alive and experiencing nature. Other than being confident in your skills and having good tires, the secret is having proper rain gear If you do any riding at all, at some point you re going to get caught in the rain. Even a drizzle can make you uncomfortable if you re not prepared and once you and your gear are wet and cold, it s a miserable and unsafe ride. Unless you re wearing high-end gear with inherent waterproof properties, you ll need separate pieces. I avoid zip in linings, especially in pants. It just doesn t make sense to have to take outer wear off to zip in a lining, and then be left with a heavy, wet outer layer, even after the rain has stopped. 1. Fit. Rain gear needs to fit over whatever you re wearing, still allow you to move freely and operate controls with ease. One-piece suits have an edge on separate pieces in that you won t experience a bare or drafty midriff. As with other gear, try it on and assume your riding position, making sure it s not uncomfortable, constricting or otherwise impeding movement. 2. Overlap. Make sure rainwear covers your riding gear, otherwise water will wick up under the rainwear. You want pants that cover your ankles when your knees are bent and sleeves that cover your wrists when your arms are extended. photo credit: a_whisper_of_unremitting_demand via photopin cc If you have waterproof gloves, get gauntlets that extend approximately 2 above your wrists. Jackets need to extend well over the top of pants to 18

19 prevent runoff from running in! 3. Neck seal. Aside from leaky gear, one of the most common places for water to get in is around your neck. Make sure it s secure without feeling like you re choking. Avoid Velcro which will damage your helmet strap. A useful jacket feature is a thin hood that fits under your helmet and prevents rain from going down your back. Try it on with your helmet to make sure it s not creating undue pressure on your head, or impeding neck movement. 4. Adjustability. While one rain suit is all you ll need, the gear under it can vary, depending on the season. Look for adjustability in waist, wrists, ankles. 5. Construction. Inspect seams, lining and closures for finishing details. You want double seams that are well sealed. Ideally, consider ventilation. This is a tough one because anything that lets in air also lets in water. At minimum, easy to open closures aid ventilation between showers. Big zipper pulls make for easier use while wearing gloves. 6. Access. Struggling to get gear over boots or shoulders is annoying and frustrating. Even worse, especially for women, is getting access for a bio break. If you wear heated gear, unless you have a wireless controller, consider how you re going to reach it so you can make adjustments while riding. 7. Pockets. There are a few things you ll want readily available, without having to root through tank bags or luggage in the rain. Pockets should have sealed, waterproof zippers covered by flaps. 8. Visibility. Rain makes it even more difficult for others on the road to see you. If you don t wear high-viz colors, at least make sure there are reflective pieces on your gear and/or wear a reflective vest. 19

20 9. Flap Factor. While you want free movement, you also want a snug fit. Some degree of wind flap is understandable, but left to excess, it wears gear more quickly, is distracting, uncomfortable and looks amateurish. 10. Compactness. It s good practice to carry rain gear with you at all times. Get gear that packs up easily and tightly, to minimize its space requirements. We all know the accuracy of weather forecasts. Many times it s forecast and never materializes. Other times, it blows up unexpectedly. Be prepared with good quality rain gear so that when it does happen, it s a minor interference to stop and put it on, rather than a deterrent. You may discover that you too enjoy riding in the rain! 10 qualities to look for in heated motorcycle gear Wearing heated gear from neck to ankles extends my safe and enjoyable riding season significantly. In fact, it s unsafe road conditions, not the cold that pulls me off my bike in winter Going 100 kph/60 mph on a motorcycle in 4-degree (C)/40-degree (F) temperatures makes it feel about 20 degrees cooler outside. That s significant if you re riding all day and can cause fatigue, impairment and reduce your enjoyment. Gerbing, First Gear, Tourmaster and Powerlet have the market share on heated gear. It s important to get it right because except for gloves, it goes on under just 20

21 about everything else so it s hard to adjust once you re underway. It s also a significant investment that can make or break a ride. How much "coverage" you get depends on how much cold weather riding you do - and how cold it will be. I started with a vest and gradually progressed to gloves, jacket and pants. Socks are next. 1. Fit. Heated gear is worn over a thin layer of clothing, like a t-shirt, and under your outer gear. As such, you want it to be snug without being too tight, and follow the guidelines for outer gear sleeve and leg length described in 10 Functions to Look for in Motorcycle Jackets and 10 Functions to Look for in Motorcycle Pants. Some manufacturers have leg and sleeve lengths in regular or tall. Get the one that works best for you. 2. Interior wiring. Design ranges from heated panels that are integrated into the lining, to microwire and Carbon Nanotube technology, which heats evenly and quickly without hot spots. You ll pay more for quality but it s worth it. My jacket developed a hot spot and burned me. It was repaired under warranty but the problem has since re-developed. 3. Versatility. Particularly applicable to the jacket liner, it s convenient to be able to take off your outer jacket when going into a restaurant and using your liner as a lightweight jacket without cords visible. 4. Flexibility. Photo credit: Revzilla Apparently, all systems use the same connectors so it s mentioned here more for awareness. You can mix and match brands and interconnect them successfully. However, check the warranty; some manufacturers will not stand behind their product if you ve hooked it up to another. It s difficult for 21

22 them to prove but worth keeping in mind. 5. Electrical Draw. Make sure your motorcycle can handle the extra draw on the battery. Powerlet has a convenient feature that tells you the excess electrical capacity on your specific motorcycle and what it will support. 6. Warranty. Each manufacturer warranties products for different terms and it varies between electrical, non-electrical and the controller. Check around. 7. Service location. Some manufacturers will work directly with consumers; others ask you to go through their retailers. Almost certainly it will be done in the US and be inconvenient. If it happens at the beginning of cold weather season (as it did to me twice), your article is gone for a few weeks when you need it most. Canadians can expect extra cost and delays for cross-border shipping. 8. Customer Reviews. Revzilla has customer reviews and star ratings on all its products. It s an excellent resource. 9. Controller. Your choices are wired and wireless. Mine is hard-wired and were I purchasing now, I d go wireless. Not only do you not have to be concerned with routing the wiring harness, but most importantly, is the ease of access. Donning rain gear on top of your riding gear means a controller attached to your waist or in a pocket is hard to get at. When you re riding in the rain, fully geared, including heated winter gloves, and you need to reach under your rain gear to either increase or decrease the temperature, it can get very awkward and frustrating. 10. Circuits. The controller can be single or double zoned, depending on how many articles you re wearing. I have the double, which allows me the versatility to use one or multiple garments. My jacket is on one circuit; gloves and pants on another. 22

23 71 Tips for Selecting Motorcycle Gear This may vary with manufacturers. The amperage drawn is cumulative; the more pieces you ve got turned on, the higher the fuse rating you ll need. Most come with a variety of fuses and instructions on how to use them. Wiring is very simple to install. Like any other accessories, gear should be turned on only AFTER you ve started your bike. If you do much riding at all, heated gear is well worth the investment. It takes the chill off even mildly cool days, which helps you stay focused and comfortable on your ride. Give it a try. Who knows? You may discover a new love for coldweather riding. Thanks go to Hakim Driouche at online gear-heaven retailer Revzilla, who answered my questions about brand and feature comparison. Liz Jansen is a writer, speaker and workshop leader. The author of Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment, her work is dedicated to creating experiences that instill a sense of adventure, freedom and community. her at: mailto:liz@lizjansen.com or visit her website at lizjansen.com Sign up for her FREE newsletter to receive more valuable tips, insights and updates. 23