Blog 21 | The Truth About Riding Gear: Comfort, Safety & Real Experiences
Blog 21 | The Truth About Riding Gear: Comfort, Safety & Real Experiences
Owning a motorcycle comes with thrill, freedom, and responsibility — and riding without proper safety gear is never a wise choice. Yet, in India’s massive two-wheeler community, most riders stop at buying just a helmet. A strange belief still exists that jackets, gloves, boots and other gear are “luxuries” meant only for superbike owners. A complete superstition we all have either lived with or passed through.
While awareness is improving among parents and younger riders, many still prefer investing in a new bike for their kids rather than spending on safety equipment. I went through a similar phase myself. So, I’m writing this blog to spread awareness, especially for young riders who want their parents to understand why riding gear matters — and why it’s worth every rupee.
The Rise of Riding Gear in India
A decade ago, riding gear was limited mostly to metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Today, thanks to the rapid expansion of the two-wheeler market and the growing riding culture, gear manufacturers have reached even small towns and remote villages. It's a massive step forward.
Yet, despite such availability, many still risk their lives by not purchasing basic protective equipment. I lost one of my closest friends, Badal, in 2019 due to a road accident. The cause was something proper gear could have prevented. His loss still hurts, and it’s one of the strongest reasons I advocate for safety today.
RIP Badal.
Why Riding Gear Matters More Than You Think
Apart from protection, riding gear also helps maintain proper posture during long or fast rides. Yes, the first couple of rides may feel slightly uncomfortable — stiff armour, snug gloves, and tight boots take time to break in. But once they settle, they become a part of your riding experience. After some wear and tear, you’ll never want to ride without them.
Choosing the right gear, though, is the real challenge. With so many options online and offline, it’s easy to get confused. Personally, I always prefer buying offline. You can check the fit, stretch, and movement in real time. If possible, even sit on your bike to feel how the gear responds.
The key rule is simple: comfort first.
Try it, move around, select the right size, and never buy anything oversized thinking it will be more comfortable. A mentor and a helpful store taught me this early on.
My Riding Gear Setup (With Prices & Experience)
After a year of owning my motorcycle, I finally saved up enough to buy proper riding gear. My setup includes products from different brands — chosen purely based on comfort and fit.
1. Riding Jacket — Rynox Cypher GT (₹5200)
Being new to the gear world, I wanted a jacket that fit my budget and purpose. The Rynox Cypher GT checked all the boxes. I’ve been using it for around six months now, and it has been a reliable companion.
It comes with CE Level 2 Cerros Zero-G protection on the elbows, shoulders and back. However, the chest protection is only EVA Foam Level 2, so I upgraded to Cerros Zero-G chest armour for an additional ₹900.
As an entry-level jacket, it offers great value — proper ventilation, good fit, and functional pockets.
Check details here: https://rynoxgear.com/products/cypher-gt-jacket-navy-blue-light-grey-black?srsltid=AfmBOoqYyzZ_Ajq8jLn0pimnRh4hIsGAUHWckn8TddLFTQgrJIoI3J9P
2. Riding Gloves — Korda Guard Semi Gauntlet (₹4600)
A budget-friendly yet protective pair of gloves. Recommended by the store, I was unsure at first — but they turned out to be excellent. The leather construction provides comfort and solid protection, though it becomes a limitation during rainy rides.
Fit, grip, and padding are all top-notch.
Details: https://powersports.in/products/korda-guard-riding-gloves?srsltid=AfmBOor6N4NnHID1jCpD49aaOs8t4oy35hDWVJFzmIU1QLjkgvWBe2UG
3. Riding Boots — Solace Adventure X Pro (₹14,300)
These are adventure-style riding boots, and when I first wore them, I literally struggled to shift gears. I thought I had wasted money! But after checking with Moto Monastery (amazing store in Bhubaneswar), the owner explained that stiff leather needs time to break in.
He was right — after three months of using them in wet and dry conditions, they finally softened up. Now they feel great and work perfectly.
4. Other Accessories
Balaclava (Amazon) — ₹500
Viaterra B100 Base Layer — ₹1000
Both perform well with good ventilation and comfort during longer rides.
What’s Next?
I’m planning to add riding pants and rain-proof gloves soon. Since I’ve only been using some of these gears for a few months, I’ll continue testing them and share updates in the next blog.
Till then, ride safe, ride smart, and don’t compromise on protection.
Your life is worth far more than the cost of riding gear.
Comments
Post a Comment