Motorcycle Gear for Senior Riders
Article by Mark Trotta
For senior riders, riding gear should be more than a fashion statement. Our head, hands, and feet are more fragile than ever.
Over the last 45 years, I've ridden a lot of motorcycles and worn lots of different gear. Presently I'm riding a 2005 Road King with a windshield, and wearing a 3/4 helmet with my prescription glasses.
If your bike doesn't have a windshield and 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.
Retro is always in, and you can buy a new helmet with the look of the 60's but with today's safety and technology.
Pictured above: Biltwell Bonanza in Megaflake Root Beer
Five years ago, when I was still working full-time and commuting on my BMW R1100R, I wore a Bell Qualifier full face with a transitional lens.
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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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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.
When it's not too hot or cold (Spring and Fall), 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 is over-the-ankle footwear, even in the summer.
These are my Red Wing pull-ons that I wear most of the year (until it gets cold). They're comfortable, easy to pull on and off, and have aluminum safety toes.
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Leather Jackets
Before they were fashionable, motorcycle riders wore leather jackets solely for protection. Today, style certainly sells more jackets, but there's quite a bit of difference between a leather jacket for fashion and one for motorcycle riding.
You can spend as little as $150 for a cheap motorcycle jacket, but it probably won't protect you very well in the event of a crash.
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Actor Marlon Brando's leather jacket in the movie "The Wild One" was a Schott Perfecto "One Star".
Since then, the Perfecto has been widely copied, and is still one of the most popular styles.
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Cold Weather Gear
All of my senior riding friends wear electric warming gear, but I don't, at least not yet. I'm still dressing in layers; short sleeve T-shirt over a long sleeve T-shirt, a vest and then leather jacket.
And I wear a set of leather chaps over my jeans.
Gloves with gauntlets will reduce drafts in cold weather. They can be had with or without lining.
Lace-Up Boots
During winter months, I lace up my 8" Red Wing boots.
The balaclava - those stretchy things that you pull over your head, can be worn as a face mask or a neck warmer. Most of them are made of a moisture wicking polyester.
The Zan motley tube is layered on one side and has insulating fleece on the other.
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Summer Riding
If you ride where temperatures go into the 90's and above, 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.
Last season, I wore this jacket from early May through late September (and then back to leather).
During summer months, I'll often wear fingerless gloves.
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Here are some facts mature 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 motorcycle safety gear will keep us protected from physical harm, as well as the elements. When I ride with proper gear, I feel safe. And when I feel safe, I enjoy the ride better.
Enjoy your ride!
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Related Articles:
Sunday Morning Motorcycle Ride
Motorcycle Helmet Choices
Bell Qualifier DLX Helmet Review
Battery Jump Pack Review
BMW R1100R Review by Owner
