Many people who don’t ride believe that bikers wear leather because of the way it looks.  To those of us that do ride, our leather means so much more.  Although we may like the way we look in our leather, leather is also a very important source of protection.  In the unfortunate event that we find ourselves sliding down the asphalt at 60 MPH, we no longer care how we look.  At this point, our leather becomes all about the protection it provides.  Leather is thick, durable and will take a lot of abuse.  Bikers have been using leather for protection for many years.  Leather will also serve to protect you from the weather elements.  Leather will keep you warm in cold weather and it is waterproof which will help keep you dry in the case of rain.  In warmer weather, vented jackets will help them not be so hot to wear.  Leather gear usually consists of a jacket, pants or chaps, gloves and boots.  Many riders will also wear a leather vest.

            A properly fitted leather jacket used for riding will be large and roomy enough to allow the biker to properly operate the motorcycle.  It should also be large enough to wear a sweatshirt underneath during those cold rides. Recently, some cruiser riders have been wearing the split-tailed style Drover Coats. These coats are durable, windproof, waterproof, and reasonably priced. As attractive as a Drover Coat might be for riding a horse, it’s less than ideal for motorcycling. These long coats can become tangled in the running gear. This is extremely dangerous and I advise against wearing a Drover Coat while riding motorcycle.

            Many people only wear chaps to keep their legs warm while riding in colder weather.  However, chaps do much more than keep your legs warm.  In the event of an accident, your chaps will act as a tough, thick layer of skin to help protect your legs.  Chaps will also protect your legs from small rocks that are kicked up form vehicles in front of you.  A properly fitted pair of chaps will fit snug while sitting on your motorcycle and have a little play while up walking around.

            Leather gloves are very important.  They protect your hands.  Your hands control the most important aspect of motorcycle riding and it’s important to protect them properly.  It is essential that your gloves fit comfortably and that they are flexible enough to allow you to properly control your motorcycle.

            Leather boots will provide much more protection than ordinary fabric shoes.  The leather uppers will help deflect debris and help prevent your legs from being burned on the hot pipes of a motorcycle.  In the event of an accident, leather boots will help protect your feet from impact and abrasion.  A stepped boot will help you keep your feet on the pegs.  I recommend using a slip-on or zippered boot rather than one with laces.  Laces can become entangled on a motorcycle part while riding or reaching for the ground.  Always, Always, wear boots that have oil resistant, non-skid outsoles.

            Leather vests are a traditional part of the motorcycle culture.  Although they will provide some level of protection, vests are worn more as a statement than for protection.  Leather vests can be worn either under or over your leather jacket.

            Remember, you will always be safer wearing your leather biker clothing while you ride.  Even the safest and best riders can have an accident.  Ride safe and ride often.

Keith D. Theusch