As an experienced motorcyclist, How Do You Protect Your Legs On A Motorcycle I’ve had my fair share of road trips, dirt rides, and thrilling adventures on two wheels. Amongst the various concerns and safety measures that come with the territory, today I’d like to shine a spotlight on one particular aspect – protecting our legs while motorcycling. We all know how vital it is to keep our heads protected with a helmet, but our legs are equally crucial and deserve significant attention too. After all, they’re not just there to kick-start your ride; they’re your connection to the road and the motorcycle itself.
How Do You Protect Your Legs On A Motorcycle? A Rider’s Guide
1. Wear Proper Riding Gear
The first step towards leg safety begins with investing in high-quality motorcycle riding gear. When it comes to your legs, that means wearing motorcycle pants or leather, which are specifically designed to protect against road rash, burns, and impact injuries.
These specialized trousers often come with reinforced padding at the knees and hips, abrasion-resistant materials, and sometimes even armor inserts for added safety. For those riding in colder climates, thermal linings can provide added warmth. Motorcycle jeans have become increasingly popular, offering a good balance between style and safety with Kevlar linings and pockets for optional armor.
2. Choose the Right Footwear
One cannot emphasize enough the importance of sturdy footwear when riding a motorcycle. Boots specifically designed for motorcycling provide not just foot, but also ankle and lower leg protection. Make sure your boots have non-slip soles for when you have to put a foot down, and ideally, they should be high enough to protect your shins as well.
Some boots come with added features like shin and ankle armor, reinforced toe boxes, and even gear shift pads to protect the top of the foot. In terms of material, leather remains a reliable choice due to its durability and heat-resistant properties.
3. Use Motorcycle Leg Guards
Also known as crash guards, these are metallic structures installed on motorcycles to protect the rider’s legs. In case of a mishap, they ensure the motorcycle’s weight doesn’t directly impact the rider’s legs, which could lead to severe injuries. While not all motorcycles come with these, if you regularly commute or travel long distances, it would be wise to install them.
4. Practice Safe Riding Techniques
A proactive approach to leg protection involves adopting safe riding techniques. Keep your feet on the footpegs unless you’re stopping or walking the bike at low speeds. Dangling feet can easily get caught in the moving parts of the bike or scrape the road.
Remember to keep your knees slightly tucked into the bike. This position not only aids control and stability but it also reduces the chance of your legs flailing out in case of a sudden stop or impact.
5. Regular Maintenance of Your Motorcycle
Regularly servicing and maintaining your motorcycle can reduce the likelihood of malfunctions that could lead to leg injuries. For example, leaking fluids can make the bike’s surface slippery, posing a risk of burns or slips. A well-maintained motorcycle is not only a joy to ride but also a safer one.
6. Attend Safety Courses
Lastly, consider enrolling in motorcycle safety courses. These not only improve your riding skills but also teach you how to handle emergency situations, minimizing potential injuries, including those to your legs.
In conclusion, as motorcyclists, it’s incumbent on us to make our rides as safe as possible. We owe it not just to ourselves but also to our fellow riders and road users. So let’s gear up, ride safely, and continue to enjoy the thrill of the open road while keeping our legs safe and secure!
J