Is it necessary to wear riding gear for motorcycle commuting?
3 Answers
Motorcycle commuting does not require wearing riding gear. Riding gear is typically used for scenarios such as sports, training, and competitions. Riding gear can reduce wind resistance while riding, with its primary functions being muscle compression and sweat-wicking. Most riding gear fabrics are made of special abrasion-resistant and breathable materials that transport sweat from the body to the surface of the garment for rapid evaporation, ensuring efficient perspiration. The eye-catching appearance of riding gear makes riders more visible to others. It often features reflective grid designs, enhancing safety during nighttime rides and providing greater protection. In the event of an accident, it can effectively protect the skin from injuries. There are many types of riding gear, such as adventure suits, which offer functions like warmth retention, windproofing, waterproofing, and impact protection. A good set of riding gear offers significant functionality and can also enhance aesthetics. For motorcycle enthusiasts, riding gear is as essential as a helmet.
I have been riding a motorcycle to commute every day for five years. At first, I also found riding gear bulky. Later, I saw a colleague who fell off his bike covered in scrapes, while the one wearing riding gear only had his clothes scuffed. The riding gear has hard shoulder and elbow pads inside, and the outer fabric is three times thicker than a regular jacket. Last week, I slipped on a wet road, and my riding pants sparked as they scraped the ground, but my legs were completely unharmed. It also blocks wind and rain, providing excellent warmth in autumn and winter. Nowadays, the commuting models on the market are very lightweight and can even fit into an office desk drawer. Every time I put on the full set of gear before heading out, my family feels reassured. After all, a motorcycle is just flesh wrapped around metal, and with electric bikes darting around unpredictably in the city, it’s too dangerous. The cost of this protective gear is truly something you can’t skimp on.
Wearing riding gear for commuting isn't about showing off, it's about survival. I'm someone who hates hassle, but after seeing motorcycle accident statistics, I gritted my teeth and bought a basic set. The biggest difference I've noticed is in bad weather: the waterproof layer keeps rain out during storms, and the reflective strips make me clearly visible to vehicles behind. In spring and autumn, wind can't penetrate the professional fabric, making it more practical than down jackets. The cuffs have Velcro straps to prevent wind from getting in. The inner lining is removable, and even the ventilated summer version doesn't feel stuffy when worn alone. With my daily 20km commute, the gear shows minimal wear, proving more cost-effective than regular jackets. Once during emergency braking in a near-rear-end situation, the chest armor plate protected me from tank impact, preventing internal injuries. It hangs conveniently on my office chair back without any inconvenience. I recommend getting at least CE-certified protective gear.
