New rider here (Heritage Classic) seeking recommendations for safety gear head to toe for self and wife. Planning day trips with some dirt roads. TIA!
my friend rides with a half helmet I see her adjusting it constantly and she says the wind pulls her head back. I thought she didn't have it strapped tight enough but it's as tight as it'll go and a size small. Those half helmets suck.What I find works best in a sub compact .45 ACP for summer and the full 1911 Colt for winter when clothing allows for a little heavier packing.
I have taken to riding with a 3/4 retro lid of late. Boots always.
I have found the 3/4 open face still gives me the peripheral vision I want without the head tip of the damn half helmet.
Excellent advice and post!!!!My gear depends on the day (temp/humidity), but 3 things I will NEVER compromise on:
I have a leather HD jacket that weighs as metric sh|t ton when the weather is cooler/cold, and a Tourmaster textile/mesh jacket (with removable rain liner) and overpants when it's raining or I want my legs to be warmer.
- Full Face Helmet
- Gloves
- Leather boots that go well above the ankle
At s minimum, I would consider:
Helmet
Jacket (mesh or leather) or leather vest
Riding jeans or leather chaps
Gloves
Boots
As others have said, it's a personal choice and location/weather will dictate what you wear. I always say it's easier to deal with sweat than blood. I also have to be a voice for safety for a second here. You stated you're a new rider who got a Heritage Classic. I'd advise getting some serious solo miles down first before you add a pillion. Being new on a heavy cruiser is one thing, adding another human who may not know enough to lean the right way in curves/turns/etc. is a whole other ball of wax. ESPECIALLY if you are planning on riding some dirt roads.
Be safe and enjoy the ride!
I tell my wife to just stay straight up on the bike. If the bike leans she will be leaning but I don't need any extra lean from her.
Geez, to think I rode for 20 years the wrong way... gravity naturally leans, I would just look over the pilots shoulder in the direction of the lean.
Sorry I took this thread a little bit off topic