The choice of clothing for a motorcyclist is an issue that comes first. Each protection element serves as a means of preventing injuries and increasing ride comfort. In addition, clothing must meet the requirements of aesthetics, because a motorcycle is always a performance, a vivid sight. A number of highly specialized companies are engaged in the production of motorcycle equipment. This explains the high quality products of famous brands.
For well-known cross and enduro competitions held for over 100 years, special motorcycle equipment is used. It protects the body parts of riders, so it must be reliable, strong and durable.
Motorcycle Features
The choice of equipment has some features that should be considered by each buyer. As motorcycles are divided into classes depending on the operation in different conditions, so the clothes of the rider has its own classification. Off-road tourism has its own specifics of using protection.
Motorcycle gear for enduro is divided into several layers:
- thermal underwear - protects the body of a motorcyclist from temperature extremes;
- protection - hard clothes that prevent injury to the athlete;
- outerwear.
The most important part of protection is the second layer. Any motorcycle equipment for riding an enduro is made of special materials endowed with shockproof properties. They also allow the body of the rider to breathe freely and protect him from adverse weather conditions. Therefore, in protective equipment it is not too hot during the day, and not cold at night.
The material for the manufacture of the protective layer may be:
The uniform requires special care, depending on the choice of material. The size of the clothes is also important - the denser the motorcycle equipment for the cross and the enduro is adjacent to the body, the more reliable its protection will be.
Helmet - what to look for?
Helmets from different manufacturers differ in weight, level of comfort and quality of ventilation. When choosing low-cost models, you should pay attention to products of well-known brands. The size lines of each company are quite original, so before buying a helmet, you should try on it. All Enduro motorbikes are selected this way.
A helmet is usually bought with hanks. This is practical, because some models may not match in size. For the nose, a protective shield will not be superfluous. The choice of lenses should also be considered. They are mirrored, tinted and monochromatic. For enduro, transparent glass is more suitable - it will be convenient in conditions of frequent changes in lighting.
Helmets from manufacturers Shoei and Arai are considered the most popular. Their products are much more expensive than analogues of other brands. This is explained by the level of comfort when using the product. It is felt only in long races. Therefore, the best motorcycle equipment for enduro is represented only by time-tested brands.
Experienced riders are advised to choose a helmet with a second retractable visor. It perfectly saves from the sun, suitable for day and night riding.
Motobots - convenience above all
Unlike a helmet, motorbots are worth choosing at a price. Saving money here is unreasonable - cheap options do not hold water well, do not last long, and it’s quite difficult to drive them. Also, special attention is paid to accessories and a hinge (which should be present), the presence of a removable boot and the possibility of replacing the sole. The sole protector should not be too “evil” - otherwise it will make it difficult to move the foot in order to shift gears. Motorbike equipment for cross-country and enduro should be convenient in the first place.
Knee pads
The knee pads form a single unit with the ankle of the foot. Inexpensive options are focused on application in motocross conditions. They have one feature - a small extension angle. This protects the knee from possible injuries. A long trip involves frequent travel on their own. Therefore, enduro motorbike gear should include fully extendable knee pads.
Cross and enduro knee pads are bulky enough. However, they provide good protection for the knee joint. There are 3 types of knee pads:
- for beginners;
- semi-professional;
- braces.
The level of protection for beginners is quite low. She is used for cross-country. Semi-professional kneecaps have a joint that prevents twisting and stretching of the joint. It is made of metal or plastic, and also differ on the right and left.
The best Enduro motorcycle gear includes professional knee pads called braces. They have a rigid structure, equipped with a hinge and fully stabilizing the joint. They are made of the following materials:
- carbon;
- heat resistant plastic;
- lightweight aluminum.
Braces are sold in pairs or individually.
Torso protection
Endurist protective gear for the upper body is presented in 2 versions: carapace and tortoise. In the first case, you need to buy elbow pads, since this option is intended only for the chest and back. For an endurist, turtles are most preferred. It is universal and compact in size, and also fully protects:
- shoulders
- elbows
- chest;
- your back.
When choosing a tortoise, you need to bend your arm at the elbow - the joint must be fully protected. The level of protection of cheap "turtles" is in no way inferior to many branded models. However, the quality of the seams and the strength of the threads of such protection leave much to be desired.
Motorcycle shorts and gloves
They are not essential items, therefore, raiders use such protection at their discretion. Motor shorts protect against hips and tailbone. Hard enduro uses soft-padded options that provide comfort during a long trip.
Motorcycle gloves are made from:
- skin
- plastic;
- carbon fiber;
- textile.
In summer, light motorcycle gloves with inserts for protecting the fist and a suede palm rest are more suitable for an endurist. Insulated motor gloves with leggings protect from cold. They prevent cold air from entering the sleeve. Enduro winter outfit is selected with the conditions of the terrain of the competition.
Motorcycle Enduro: reviews
Before buying Enduro gear, it’s important to know a few opinions from experienced riders. The predominant number claims that the best among manufacturers are well-known brands. For example, buyers of Shoei helmets talk about the reliability and durability of products of this brand. Many users wear items from this manufacturer for more than 2 seasons.
Motorcycles from Alpinestars Tech have also gained recognition from a huge number of motorcyclists. They are considered one of the most durable and comfortable. For serious knee protection, experienced Endurists use Thor Force products. According to reviews, they have reliable fastenings, are made of strong materials (there are models with qivlar inserts) and last quite a long time.
In general, protection should be acquired immediately after buying a motorcycle. Other layers are secondary. The rest of the Enduro motorcycle equipment (thermal underwear and outerwear) is more designed to create comfort than to protect.