Motocross is one of the most physically challenging outdoor activities. A rider’s entire body is vulnerable to potential injuries during this type of motorcycle racing because of sudden accidents. If you can’t entirely prevent such accidents from happening, at least make sure you protect and shield your whole body to prevent fatalities or irreparable harm with the suitable clothing and accessories.
What do motocross riders wear? A motocross rider must always wear a helmet, boots, goggles, MX kit (pants, jersey, gloves), knee and elbow pads/braces, body armour, and a neck brace for their primary pieces of safety equipment. Remember that all this equipment must have a specially customised design for riders of motocross or dirt bikes. Read on to learn about each piece of protective motocross wear and gear riders must use to their advantage.
Full Face Helmet
A full-face helmet is undoubtedly the most critical piece of a rider’s protective motocross gear. Investing in one is essential because wearing an open face or three-quarters helmet won’t protect your face and chin against fall or crash.
Around 75% of head injuries among motorcyclists result in fatalities, according to WHO, making them a leading cause of death and disability. Therefore, a strong yes is the answer to whether it’s worthwhile to spend so much money on a pricey, high-quality, full-face helmet!
Considering that both street and off-road helmets have specific purposes, it’s crucial to make the right choice. In addition to the jaw protector, a full-face helmet also has one whereas open-face helmets don’t.
Make sure to purchase helmets from companies whose products have undergone quality testing. Ventilation is another important consideration. Multiple vents on high-quality helmets ensure that air circulates effectively. However, hyper-ventilated helmets, which are popular these days, should be avoided as they may reduce the level of the helmet’s protection.
Motocross Boots
The regular boots can’t compare to racing boots for protection. Motocross racing boots protect your calves, shins, ankles, and feet. Your legs are particularly vulnerable to harm when participating in motocross. If you wear racing boots, your ankles won’t sprain or twist because the boot will cushion the impact of crashes.
Boots, just like helmets, are useless unless you buy a pair that fits you like a glove. Ill-fitting racing boots can make riding difficult and uncomfortable. When choosing this kind of motocross gear you must consider ergonomics because they will impact your entire racing experience. Most racing boot models have a typical design, relatively weightless to increase the rider’s comfort, so make sure you buy a pair that isn’t too heavy. Your posture may suffer if you are wearing heavy boots.
Goggles
Motocross goggles increase visibility by shielding your eyes from wind, dust, rain, and debris. Make sure your helmet can accommodate the goggles you choose comfortably. The first factor to take into account when selecting a good pair of goggles is size. The majority of brands sell goggles with big lenses to improve peripheral vision.
The lens of dirt bike goggles may fog up if there is poor ventilation, which is one of the most frequent issues. It’s crucial to purchase anti-fogging goggles of high quality for this reason.
If you frequently ride in the heat, you can even purchase tinted goggles. You can pick from a range of tints, from fully mirrored lenses to hybrid lenses that are useful in both sunny and cloudy conditions.
MX Gear Kit
Jerseys
In some ways, every racing jersey serves as a barrier to keep your skin from getting scratched. They typically have full sleeves and guard against sunburn. Use a jersey made for motocross or dirt bike racing instead of a regular one because they will be more abrasion-resistant.
In terms of sizing, it’s crucial to avoid choosing a loose or baggy fit (unless that’s how you typically ride), as these can easily get caught or pulled. Look for something that both perfectly fits you and is appropriate for the activity.
Pants
Due to their durability, dirt bike pants are essential motocross wear. Additionally, they guarantee that your clothing won’t be constrictive like jeans or other materials and that you can move freely.
Most dirt bike pants have a leather coating around the knee region, which is their key characteristic. This body part requires additional protection because it frequently rubs against the dirt bike and is situated close to the motorcycle‘s exhaust pipe. It not only shields the knee but also gives the rider more control.
Gloves
Dirt bike gloves shield the hands from abrasions, burns, cuts, and bruises. Additionally, they improve your grip. Your efficiency and endurance will increase as a result of the padding’s ability to reduce the vibration you experience in your hands.
Depending on your preference, they can be thin or thick, typically made of stretchy, breathable fabrics. You can wear thick gloves with extra padding if you want extra protection. Just make sure to choose a pair of durable, abrasion-resistant materials.
Knee Braces
One of the most frequent injuries in any sport is a knee injury. Wearing knee braces can help prevent permanent injuries that may even result in immobility.
Choose knee brace brands that make custom braces to ensure a perfect fit for your knee. That’s beneficial because, for most riders, it can be challenging to find knee braces that fit them comfortably. You’ll have enough room to flex your knees with a custom brace.
Elbow Pads
When you fall, one of the most instinctive reactions is to lessen the impact with your arms and hands. Elbow guards can lessen the harm that falls and crashes do to your arms. They also guard against sprains and scratches.
Body Armour
Body armour is a safeguard that shields all of your body’s vital organs and your spine. Even a light, straightforward chest protector can provide you with more protection than simply wearing a jersey.
A roost protector is a light deflector designed to shield you from rocks and other potential trackside debris. Most riders prefer roost protectors because they are more comfortable to wear and don’t raise body temperature.
Chest guards feature a durable material design, but they can be uncomfortable at first (especially if you’ve never worn one before). But if you spend your money on a high-quality brand, you can find one that provides you with both extra protection and enough comfort and ventilation.
Neck Braces
In the past, neck braces weren’t very common among riders, but lately, it’s quite common to see them. That’s because they prevent multiple spinal cord injuries from occurring during collisions. Many companies are starting to create low-profile, comfortable braces that fit the rider’s neck snugly without getting in the way.
