Find the Section You Need Here - Why Fall Gear is Important | Helmets | Jackets | Gloves | Pants | Boots | Layering | Accessories
Fall 
is upon us, and you know what that means—crisp air, colorful foliage, and the undeniable urge to hit the open road. But hold up! Before you rev that engine, let's talk gear. Fall riding is a beast of its own, with fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather. In fact, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), nearly 50% of motorcycle accidents occur due to improper riding gear or lack of equipment. That's why having the right gear isn't just about looking cool; it's about optimizing your performance and, most importantly, staying safe.
So, are you ready to gear up for an epic fall season? Stick around because we've got the expert advice you've been craving. We're diving deep into helmets, jackets, gloves, and more to ensure you're fully equipped for whatever the autumn skies throw your way. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), helmets reduce the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by 37%. Proper riding jackets and pants can reduce abrasion injuries by up to 85%. Trust us, you won't want to miss this!
Let's ride into fall like the legends we are! Stay tuned for crucial information on how the right gear can save lives and maximize your riding experience.
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! Fall is a season of contrasts—think warm afternoons followed by chilly evenings, clear skies turning into sudden downpours. It's like Mother Nature can't make up her mind, and that's precisely why your gear needs to be as versatile as the conditions you'll face.
Temperature fluctuations are the name of the game in the fall. One minute, you're cruising under the sun, and the next, you're hit with a cold wind that makes you wish you'd packed that extra layer. And let's remember the wet conditions. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), nearly 50% of motorcycle crashes occur due to wet or slippery road surfaces. Fall is notorious for its unpredictable rain showers, and the last thing you want is to be caught in a downpour with gear that needs to be put up to snuff.
So, why does having the proper gear matter so much? Simple. It's not just about comfort; it's about performance and safety. Imagine navigating a wet, slippery road with gloves that don't offer a good grip. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the suitable gloves can reduce hand injuries by over 60% in the event of an accident. Or think about how a poorly ventilated helmet can fog up, compromising visibility. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that limited visibility plays a role in nearly 15% of motorcycle crashes.
The right gear acts like your second skin, adapting to varying conditions while protecting you. It enhances your control over the bike, keeps you alert, and, most importantly, minimizes the risk of injuries. So, when we talk about gearing up for fall, we're talking about setting yourself up for an exhilarating yet safe riding experience.
Stay with us because we're about to break down the essential gear you'll need to own the road this fall. Trust us, this is info you can't afford to miss!
Helmet on, world off—that's the mantra, right? But not just any lid will do when facing fickle fall weather. A well-fitted, season-appropriate helmet is your first line of defense against the elements and unexpected spills.
For sport riding, go for premium race helmets like the AGV Corsa R or the Shoei X-Fourteen. These offer lightweight, aerodynamic performance and features like emergency cheek pad removal systems.
For long distance touring, prioritize comfort and visibility with helmets like the Nolan N100-5 or the Schuberth C4 Pro. Excellent ventilation and flip-up modular designs allow you to ride for hours in comfort.
For cruising, style counts. Check out retro helmets like the Bell Custom 500 or the HJC RPHA 11 Cadet to combine protection with that timeless look.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a proper helmet can reduce fatality risk by 37%. Beyond style, look for safety features like MIPS anti-concussion technology or a Snell Memorial Foundation certification.
To be prepared for changing fall weather, consider a model with adjustable vents, photochromic visors, and breathable liner materials. With the right lid, you'll stay safe and comfortable all season long!
Now, let's move on to jackets. Fall is that tricky season where you can go from basking in the sun to shivering in the cold over the course of a ride. That's why you need a jacket that's as versatile as you are—a true road warrior's armor.
For sport riding, check out jackets with removable, insulating liners like the Alpinestars Oscar Monty Jacket. It has a water-resistant shell and CE-certified BioArmor in the elbows and shoulders.
For adventure touring, go for jackets with vents and weatherproofing like the REV'IT! Traverse H2O Jacket. It features a Hydratex waterproof, breathable liner and no less than 16 vents!
For cruisers, look for protective leather with style like the Milwaukee Leather Police-Style Biker Jacket. Top grain leather construction and classic styling never goes out of fashion.
According to studies, the proper riding jacket can reduce abrasion injuries by up to 85%. Materials like SuperFabric, Cordura, and full-grain leather provide exceptional abrasion resistance.
No matter your riding style, seek out jackets with armor, like the Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector, and consider airbag systems like the Alpinestars Tech-Air Street System.
With the right jacket, you can ride dry, stay warm, and feel confident charging into whatever adventures autumn has in store. Just don't forget to bring the layers for truly legendary fall rides!
Let's talk about the unsung heroes of your riding gear—gloves. When the temps drop, keeping a vice grip on your bars is crucial for control and safety.
For serious insulation, go with winter gloves like the Alpinestars Spectrum Glove, featuring PrimaLoft insulation and an OUTDRY membrane for waterproofing. The Firstgear TPG Monaco Gloves and Held Phantom Winter Gloves are other toasty options.
For milder temps, try midweight gloves like the REV'IT! Summit 3 Gloves. They have removable windproof liners and goatskin construction. The Icon Twenty-Niner Gore Gloves are another versatile pick with GORE-TEX technology to block wind and water.
And don't forget mobility. Look for pre-curved finger construction and flexible materials. The Alpinestars Oscar Brass Gloves provide exceptional feel through the levers. Knox Handroid MKIV Gloves take flexibility even further with robotic exoskeleton-inspired design.
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), proper gloves can significantly improve your handling, especially in cooler weather. With the right amount of insulation, weather protection, and dexterity, you'll stay warm and keep an iron grip on the controls when temps drop.
Now, let's talk pants and riding suits. If you think these are optional, GET REAL. Proper riding pants or full suits offer extra protection that jeans just can't match. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the right riding gear can significantly reduce injury severity if you go down.
For materials, you'll want something durable yet flexible. Leather classics like the Dainese Racing 3 Pants or Alpinestars Oscar Brass Pants are ideal, as are textile options like the REV'IT! Lombard 2 Pants. Cordura is another fantastic fabric - check out the RHOK Gen3 riding jeans for a Cordura option.
Fit is crucial too; your pants or suit should be snug but not restrictive. Look for articulated knees and stretch panels like those on the BMW Atlantis 3 Suit for maximum flexibility.
And let's talk extra protection—knee pads, hip pads, and sliding pucks can literally be lifesavers. The Alpinestars Oscar Freeman Jacket comes equipped with Alpinestars' Nucleon knee and shin protectors. Or you can add protection to any pants with knee guards like the Icon D3O Viper 2 Knee Guards.
When it comes to one-piece riding suits, the Dainese Avro D-Explorer 2 is a exceptional option, offering abrasion resistance and vented, CE-certified armor throughout. Another great choice is the Alpinestars Missile Leather suit with full-grain leather construction and removable inner lining.
So there you have it! The right gear can make a world of difference in both your ride and your safety. And let's be honest, there's nothing like the confidence of knowing you're fully suited up and ready to take on whatever the road dishes out.
Let's get those feet covered, shall we? When it comes to riding, your boots are your connection to the bike and the road. A sturdy, waterproof pair is non-negotiable, especially when navigating slippery fall roads.
For sport riding, check out performance boots like the Alpinestars SMX Plus Boots, with their anatomically shaped ankle brace and injected TPU protectors. The SIDI Crossfire 3 SRS Boots are another fantastic option, featuring replaceable heel cups and shift pads.
For cruising, go for protective touring boots like the Icon Basehawk Revolt Boots or the Harley-Davidson Branded Boot Collection. Prioritize comfort features like cushioned insoles, flex panels, and quick-adjust buckles.
And don't forget weather protection. Waterproof boots with sealed seams like the Rev'It! Nova Boots or the TCX X-Five Boots will keep your feet dry. Insulated options like the Firstgear Kathmandu Boots are perfect for cooler temps.
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), the right boots can improve your bike's control and stability. Ankle support is a must to prevent rolls and sprains. Sole grip is crucial too for traction in slippery conditions. And don't skimp on insulation - numb toes can be a dangerous distraction.
With the proper boots, you can ride harder and corner with confidence. Protect those paws and stay connected to your machine!
Ah, the art of layering—a rider's secret weapon for tackling fickle fall weather. The idea is simple: wear multiple layers you can add or remove as conditions change.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Options like the Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Tactical Hoodie, the Firstgear Kathmandu Base Layer, or the Ferro Fuse Long Sleeve Baselayer are perfect.
Next, add an insulating mid-layer for warmth like the Alpinestars Airflow Textile Jacket, the Icon Raiden Portage Fleece Hoodie, or the REV'IT! Shield HV Vest. Synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft is ideal for trapping heat without bulk.
Top it off with a weatherproof outer shell to block wind and rain. The REV'IT! Cayenne Pro Jacket offers exceptional weather protection and visibility. Other excellent options include the Alpinestars Oscar Flint Jacket, the Joe Rocket Alter Ego 4.0 Jacket, and the Icon Overlord Resistance Jacket.
With the right base, mid, and outer layers, you'll stay comfy in shifting temps. Swap layers as needed—warm up with vents open, then insulate and seal out weather when the temps drop. Staying dry and regulating body heat is the name of the layering game!
Before we wrap, let's hit on those extras that can elevate your ride.
For chillier temps, neck gaiters like the Buff USA Polar Neck Gaiter or Klim Neck Warmer are clutch. Heated grips like the Oxford Premium Cruiser Grips or Koso Apollo Grips add comfort on cold days too.
For tunes, check out helmet headsets like the Cardo Packtalk Bold or Sena Momentum EVO. These Bluetooth systems let you jam to your playlists and chat with riding buddies on the go.
And don't forget visibility. Reflective gear like the FL Design Reflective Vest or the ScorpionEXO Luminous Jacket makes you stand out. Extra lights are essential too - the Clearwater Krista and Rokform Roklights offer compact yet powerful illumination in low light.
Other handy extras include phone mounts like the Quad Lock Vibration Dampener to navigate with GPS, hydration packs like the OGIO No Drag Mach 3 for water on the go, and portable tire inflators like the Slime 40033 for quick repairs.
With the right accessories, you can customize your ride, stay visible, jam out, and be prepared for anything the road throws your way. Just don't forget to keep the rubber side down!
Conclusion
There you have it, the definitive guide to gearing up for epic fall rides. From lids to boots and everything between, the right gear is your ticket to a safer, comfier, and downright wicked ride. We at L&D Race Tech are all about delivering premium experiences, and that starts with investing in quality gear.
Don't settle when you can ride like a legend. Check L&D Race Tech's curated selection of fall gear and get ready to own the road this season.
Here's a great video in addition to our article from MCrider on Youtube: