Getting kitted out safely on a budget
If you’re new to motorcycling, or riding a few trips as a pillion passenger, you might be on a budget and not want to spend a fortune on really expensive protective gear.
Wearing the right clothing, that is certified to offer you protection if you have a spill, is essential but you do not have to break the bank.
Daniel Williams, our parts, clothing and accessories manager, said: “Some people ride a motorbike only until they are able to afford and run a car.
“Or they may ride pillion on a friend’s motorbike but not regularly or often.
“If you get bitten by the motorbike bug you can then buy new clothing as you progress and upgrade your riding kit.”
We asked Daniel to give an idea of how affordable it is to kit yourself out with decent protective clothing.
- We have a large stock of helmets from several quality brands with a wide range of prices and styles. But a suitable full-face budget helmet can cost as little at £89.99.
- Protective riding gloves start at £29.99.
- A textile waterproof jacket, with shoulder and elbow armour panels, starts at £94.99. Many jackets have a special pocket for a back protector which you sometimes have to buy separately. Don’t worry we stock them too.
- Textile waterproof trousers, with knee armour, start at £79.99.
- Waterproof boots are from £79.99.
Add it all up and you can be kitted out with proper riding clothing, that is safety tested so will help protect you if you come off, from the wet weather and help keep you warm, for a few pence shy of £375.
It’s also worth knowing that we give a discount to novice riders who have done their training and CBT test through our partner Suffolk Rider Training, based in Ipswich.
Daniel said: “This clothing is designed as proper motorbike wear. It is abrasion resistant and has armour panels in it so, if you were unfortunate enough to have an accident, you know your clothing is designed for the job.
“Specially-designed clothing also fits better when you are on the motorbike and isn’t flapping around,” he said.
“It is also nicer to have your own kit rather than borrowing other people’s stuff.”
If you want advice about buying motorbike clothing, come into the dealership and speak to one of our parts, clothing and accessories advisers. They have years of riding experience and can make sure you get the right size for maximum safety.
Check out our clothing and helmet ranges at orwell.co.uk/shop/clothing and orwell.co.uk/shop/helmets
Suffolk Rider Training is at Unit 17, Dales Road Business Centre, Wharfedale Road, Ipswich, IP1 4JP. Call 01473 463123, email suffolkridertraining@gmail.com or log on to suffolkridertraining.co.uk