We didn’t grow up riding dirt motorcycles, and I’m thinking that many of you who found this page didn’t either. Fortunately, it’s never too late to begin.
However, getting started is typically the most difficult part of the process. When I first started riding dirt motorcycles some years ago, I didn’t know what to wear for dirt bike riding and was surprised to see how many different pieces of equipment there were, and I didn’t have a clear grasp of what I should be searching for or the “why” behind the various alternatives.
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Let’s Break Down What To Wear For Dirt Bike Riding
Motocross is a sport that must be taken seriously as it can cause life-threatening injuries if you are not well-equipped. The most essential safety gear that you absolutely must use is your helmet, boots, body armor, knee and elbow pads, neck brace, and goggles. Without these, even minor falls and impacts can greatly affect your vital organs.
So let’s start with the basics and then go through the needed dirt gear.
Protection for the head
A dirt helmet is not the same as a regular street helmet. A peak visor is found on the top and is useful for blocking roost, ducking beneath trees on the route, and occasionally shielding the sun. On the peak visor, a quick note for you. I usually search for helmets that have a breakaway system built into the visor or that use plastic screws on the side. If you do a lot of trail riding, the peak visor can get stuck under low-hanging branches and cause an injury by pulling on your neck too hard. If the visor has a breakaway system, it should really break away from your neck and head rather than pulling on it.
Dirt covers, on the other hand, allow excellent ventilation. You move your body a lot on a dirt bike – stepping up on the pegs, crouching down for the corners, throwing out a leg for balancing. Because you’ll be generating body heat, ventilation will be your biggest ally.
However, safety is the most important consideration. On the trails or even at their local MX circuit, riders come across a range of surfaces and terrain, which means varied types of impacts in a crash. Sand is a little softer, and it happens to be one of my favorite places to crash (I crash a lot). Clay can be extremely difficult to work with. The purpose of the helmet is to absorb and disperse the impact energy.
And if you are looking to buy some of the best headgears to keep that crown intact, here are some.
Goggles
Motocross goggles shield your eyes from the elements such as wind, dust, rain, and debris, allowing you to see more clearly. Just make sure they fit inside your helmet comfortably. When it comes to selecting a nice pair of goggles, the size is the most important factor to consider. To improve peripheral vision, most firms sell goggles with big lenses.
One of the most prevalent issues with dirt bike goggles is that if they don’t have enough air, the lens can fog up. As a result, it’s critical to invest in high-quality goggles with anti-fogging ventilation.
If you typically ride in the sun, you can even obtain tinted goggles. There are several tint options available, ranging from a fully mirrored lens to a hybrid lens that may be used in both sunny and cloudy settings.
When purchasing motocross goggles, seek comfort, clarity, and sweat absorption, as well as an anti-fog and scratch-resistant lens with moisture absorption foam to help prevent sweat from running down your face. Additionally, it should include a detachable nose guard!
Neck Brace
Although neck restraints were once unpopular among motorcyclists, they have become increasingly widespread in recent years. This is due to the fact that they aid in the prevention of multiple spinal cord injuries during car accidents. Many businesses have begun to develop low-profile, comfortable braces that suit the rider’s neck comfortably and without obstructing it. Always choose a neck brace that can be adjusted to fit your size, since this will allow you to achieve the most comfortable fit and position. Purchase a lightweight neck brace as well, since this will keep you from experiencing any additional strain on your shoulders and neck.
Body Armour
All of your vital organs, as well as your spine, are protected by body armor. Even if you don’t require a heavy-duty chest protector, a light, simple one can provide more protection than just a jersey. When it comes to body armor, you’ll have to make a number of selections before purchasing one. Let’s have a look at your greatest possibilities:
Roost Protector
Roost protectors are sometimes confused with chest protectors. A roost protector is a small, lightweight deflector designed to keep you safe from rocks and other debris on the track. Most motorcyclists choose roost protectors because they are more comfortable to wear and do not overheat the rider.
Chest Protector
Chest protectors are composed of durable materials, although they can be uncomfortable at first (especially if you’ve never worn one before). However, if you invest in a high-quality brand, you can discover one that provides additional protection while also providing appropriate comfort and breathability.
Braces for the Knees
One of the most prevalent injuries in any sport is a knee injury. Knee braces can assist prevent long-term injuries that can result in immobility.
It’s best to look for brands that produce custom knee braces to suit your knee exactly while picking the right knee brace. This is due to the fact that most motorcyclists have a difficult time finding a knee brace that fits them properly. You’ll have ample room to flex your knees with a custom-made brace.
Elbow Protectors
When you fall, one of the most natural reflexes is to defend yourself with your arms. Elbow protectors can help protect your arms from injury during a fall or crash. They also protect you from sprains and scrapes.
It’s a good idea to have elbow protection with straps so that it doesn’t move about while you’re riding. It will also keep the guards in place in the event of a fall. A bicep cuff is included with certain dirt bike elbow guards as an added precaution to keep the guard from moving.
Boots
Dirt boots are stiff and may take some time to get used to, but they’re created that way on purpose. The boots’ rigidity will assist prevent torsional and lateral injuries, which we have covered briefly with knee braces. And, speaking of knee braces, dirt boots are made to fit knee guards and braces, so you shouldn’t have any problems wearing them with your boots.
To know more about what to wear for dirt bike riding, click here.