Motorcycle Gear for Senior Riders
Article by Mark Trotta
I've been riding street motorcycles for over 40 years. It's not as easy as it once was, but when I ride with proper safety gear, the enjoyment is the same!
Here's some facts senior riders can't ignore:
In the past two decades, riders 50 and older have moved from last place to first place in motorcycle fatalities, previously held by young men under 29.
Riders over 60 are three times more likely to be hospitalized after a crash than younger ones.
Here's another concern. More than ever before, older riders (with slower reflexes, weaker eyesight, and older bones) are returning to motorcycling after years of not riding.
Wearing proper safety gear will keep us protected from physical harm, as well as the elements.
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Safety Eyewear
While riding the Road King with the windshield on, I wear my regular prescription glasses.
Five years ago, while commuting to work on my old BMW R1100R, I wore a full face helmet with a transitional lens.
If you're wearing an open face helmet, look for sunglasses designed for wind protection.
Mechanic's safety glasses (clear or tinted) also work well, plus they have crack resistant lenses.
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Helmets - It's All About The Fit
The best motorcycle helmet in the world is worthless if it doesn't fit your head right. You may find that a less expensive helmet fits better than one costing several hundred dollars.
Related Article: Motorcycle Helmet Choices
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Wind Noise and Hearing Loss
Many of us already have tinnitus and hearing loss, but we still want to protect what we have left!
Ear Plugs
Ear plugs are small and light and available in foam (disposable and cheap) or rubber (need to be cleaned). They can also be custom-molded (more expensive).
Many earplug wearers report lower fatigue after hours of riding, than when riding without them. They still allow you to hear low-frequency sounds, like cars and trucks and approaching sirens.
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Summer Riding
If you ride where temperatures go into the triple digits, you know how it feels to sit motionless on a running motorcycle while wearing a leather jacket!
Mesh jackets are made from abrasion resistant material which allow airflow through the jacket. Most have body armor at the shoulders and elbows, and some have a pocket for back armor.
My current summer jacket was purchased at a Bulldog Harley-Davidson in Smithfield, NC. It was probably more expensive than other brands, but the girls in the motorclothes department can be really helpful with choices and fitment.
Features on this jacket include inside and outside pockets and reflective material front and back. The shoulder and elbow armor is sold separately, probably to keep the initial price down.
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Textile Motorcycle Jackets
Leather jackets will always be more popular with riders, but textile jackets are far more versatile. With removable thermal liners and vents, they are well suited for early spring and late fall riding.
Textile motorcycle jackets are wind and water repellent, which really help when you get caught in a sudden shower.
Some of the better-known brands include Joe Rocket, Firstgear, Olympia and Viking. Prices start around $175.
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Riding Gloves
If you fall off a motorcycle, you'll instinctively put your hands out to help break the fall. What will be on your hands?
Motorcycle gloves that have protective material will be CE rated.
Some riding gloves have gauntlets, which are for reducing drafts while riding in cold weather.
During summer months, I usually wear fingerless gloves.
When it's not too cold, I'll wear Mechanix gloves.
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Footwear
Just like your head and hands, your feet and ankles are also fragile, particularly on older riders. The best protection for feet is over-the-ankle footwear, even in the summer.
Oil-resistant, rubber-based composite soles help grip the pavement. They also help keep your feet on the pegs. Strong, moderately flexible boots with stiff soles will provide ample protection in the event of an altercation.
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Conclusion
For senior riders, riding gear should be much more than a fashion statement. When I ride with proper motorcycle gear, I feel safe. And when I feel safe, I enjoy the ride better.
Extended Vision Cupola Caboose, Selma N.C.
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Related Articles:
Sunday Morning Motorcycle Ride
Motorcycle Helmet Choices
Bell Qualifier DLX Helmet Review
