What To Wear You'll talk to so many different people about riding gear and what you should and shouldn't wear, however we understand wearing full leathers is just not realistic for scooter riders. Leonie Griffiths What you choose to wear on your scooter or bike is completely up to you, however there are some strong recommendations on suitable riding gear that won't cost you a fortune.
Firstly and most importantly is your head. Whether you call it a helmet, hat, cap, bucket or skid lid, you must have an Australian Safety Standard approved helmet and it must have a sticker on it to say so.
You should always purchase a new helmet for yourself when buying your first scooter. Second hand helmets are like a lucky dip on brain damage. They never fit you correctly and there could be damage to the shell structure that you can't see. If this is the case and you fall off and hit the helmet in the same place, it won't do it's job.
The best advise I was ever given about helmets was to try on everything you could and find the best fit. You don't want a helmet that's uncomfortable, too tight or too lose. If you wear glasses try the helmet on with them. Keep in mind how you wear your hair as well. If you have big hair, pony tails, dreads or something similar it's an idea to consider it when picking a helmet.
The helmet will shape to your head, so go for one that fits firmly and sits well on your crown. Ask your dealer for help on picking the right helmet if you're unsure.
  
I personally feel gloves are the next on the list. They're generally the first thing you put out if you ever come off. Depending on what you ride and where, there is a huge range of gloves ranging from lightweight wrist length scooter gloves right up to heavy leather gauntlets. In the tropics we go with hard-wearing light-weight gloves with double stitched palms. Knuckle protection isn't necessary but usually comes standard. If you do a lot of miles travelling across the tablelands or up and down the coast a thicker pair of gloves are a good idea but not necessary.
Jackets follow up next. They protect you from the elements and from the road. Like gloves you can get them from very light textiles right through to the leathers. For scooters we stock textiles with and without rainproof liners in them and all with CE approved armour. The rain liners are handy for rain, and as wind-blocks in what we call winter. Jackets come in all different designs - you can get adjustable arm straps, waist straps and cuffs; long and short lengths and materials.
You can ask anyone who has come off a scooter or bike without a jacket whether they recommend them or not. They'll tell you without hesitation to wear one all the time. Accidents happen when you least expect them.
If you can't afford a scooter jacket, or don't want to wear one - at least protect yourself with a jacket of your own, or at least a long sleeved shirt. Singlets may get you a nice tan, but grazes with gravel infections don't look very nice to match.
Long pants are recommended over shorts. The same concept applies with singlets. There are riding pants available, some in lightweight synthetic material with knee-pads, and others like Draggin Jeans that look like normal pants, but have kevlar stitched into the knees and butt to protect you from grazes and all matter of dirt and rubbish that you can pick up from the road. These are a really good alternative and come in many different styles including denim, cargo, zip -offs, chino/business trousers, stretch and skinny.
Leather pants are also available, but on a scooter around town are not ideal.
Shoes are just as important as a helmet, because you have 28 bones in each foot. You're always putting your feet down at lights and they touch the ground just as quickly as your hands do. Closed in shoes are the smartest way to go. Pluggers, thongs, flip-flops or barefoot is a big no no. You're not protected in any way and can be dangerous. If you wear running shoes or sandshoes, make sure all laces are tied securely and tucked away. Laces getting caught in your wheels is dangerous and can easily lead to a broken ankle.
On bigger scooters and bikes boots are a great idea. Make sure you cannot pull them off easily. If you can, do them up tighter or get something that fits better.
Be wary of buying protective clothing online. The money you save on buying from overseas could be a fatal mistake. Australia has safety regulations for a reason.
This may sound morbid or distasteful, but safety is key to enjoying your next ride. Queensland Government is coming down hard with the statistics and want to keep our riders safe. They promote safe riding and clothing protection like we do. If you don't follow even the most basic list of gear, you may find yourself in a sticky situation and have no protection, and there is four words you don't want to hear. "I told you so."
So for a safe and comfortable ride on a scooter or motorcycle follow this list;
- An Australian Safety Standard Approved Helmet
- Vented Textile Jacket
- Protective Jeans or Trousers
- Boots or riding shoes
- A pair of light gloves
Enjoy your ride!
For more information visit http://www.motorcyclesafety.qld.gov.au
published 10/09/2009 |