Essential Safety Gear for Dirt Bike Riding

If you’re new to the world of riding dirt bikes, then you’ll want to educate yourself on all the ins and outs of this pastime. For one thing, you’re probably aware that dirt bike riding isn’t exactly the safest thing you can do with your time. Several pieces of gear are necessary to ensure your safety while you’re coasting through the mud and riding dirt paths.

1. Helmet & Eye Protection

The most important piece of safety gear is a well-fitting, DOT-rated helmet that can protect your head from an injury. It’s possible that you’ll be thrown from your bike if you hit something, so you need to protect your head to prevent concussions. Motocross helmets work well for dirt bike riding as they have a low profile. Make sure your helmet fits you snugly and that you can see well while wearing it. Many people also wear motorcycle helmets, which offer the added benefit of a full face mask.

The face mask on a motorcycle helmet serves the purpose of protecting your eyes from flying pebbles, dust, and other debris. If you wear a motocross helmet instead, then you’re also going to need a pair of snug-fitting goggles for eye protection. Both goggles and masks can be found that have UV coatings on them to protect your eyes from the sun, too.

2. Riding Boots

You’re very exposed when riding a dirt bike which is why your gear has to protect you as much as possible. A pair of dirt bike boots with good treads will help you stay balanced and keep your feet safe. Look for boots that don’t have laces, as these can easily tangle in your bike’s pedals or chains. Make sure that you try on several pairs of boots to find the right size and break them in before you wear them on a ride.

3. Knee Braces

One of the most common places that dirt bike riders injure is their knees. Wearing knee braces will shield your knees and lower legs from damage. Many knee braces are adjustable so that you can get the optimum fit. Flimsy braces won’t offer nearly as much support as a heavier brace, but make sure that the brace is still comfortable to wear while being protective.

4. Gloves

A pair of snug gloves will keep your hands protected from flying debris and scrapes while also ensuring you have a firm grip on your handlebars. Your bare hands can become sweaty, which reduces your ability to hang on tightly. Find gloves that are sturdy enough to protect your hands without being too stifling. Make sure the gloves fit snugly since loose gloves can cause problems with grip or get caught on your bike levers.

5. Chest Protection

Your torso is also vulnerable in the event of an accident. Many dirt bike riders wear either a “roost” protector or a chest protector. Roost refers to the rocks and dust kicked up by other riders and it’s the most commonly used protection because it’s lightweight. A full chest protector is heavier and made to protect you in the event of a crash.

To shop dirt bike riding gear, stop by Sky Powersports Sanford here in Sanford, Florida! Our expert staff will be happy to help you find all of the important safety gear you need for your first ride, and we’re always happy to assist those nearby in Orlando, Deltona, and Daytona Beach, FL.