Essential Gear, Supplies, & Resources Every New Biker Needs
New bikers can look forward to getting out on the road and the thrill of riding with their recent bike purchase. After following tips for buying your first motorcycle, new riders will need to buy gear and supplies that are important for safety, comfort, and performance, and also check out resources to get acclimated with the new lifestyle. To get you started, Cycle Trader is sharing the essential gear, supplies, and resources every new biker needs.
Motorcycle Gear for New Bikers
After shopping for the top motorcycle models for beginners, new riders should look into purchasing essential riding gear. Here are the basics to stay safe on the road while looking stylish and feeling comfortable riding on your bike.
1. Helmet
The first and most important piece of gear you should buy with your new bike is a helmet. Full-face and modular helmets give your entire face protection, but make sure that the one you buy comes with a face shield. You may also choose a three-quarters or half-helmet when you ride, but you’ll have less protection in the event of an incident. Check your locality for specific helmet laws when you ride your motorcycle. Also consider goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes, and earplugs to keep down the noise while you ride.
2. Jacket
Different riding conditions and different seasons call for certain motorcycle jackets when you’re on your bike. Leather jackets are made for harsh weather conditions and lighter textile jackets are ideal for everyday commuting. Look into off-roading or motocross jackets for slinging mud if you’ve found a new or used dirt bike for sale. Do a close look at designs and linings on jackets, and whether it may have an armored feature. Give yourself a little more protection when you ride and consider elbow pads.
3. Gloves
Keep your grip on your new bike and protect your hands from injury with a pair of riding gloves. Shop for leather or synthetic textile gloves that are waterproof, and inspect the padding and stitching for quality. Depending on where you live or where you plan on riding, buy different gloves for the seasons, especially winter and summer.
4. Pants
For protection and comfort, any old pair of jeans won’t do when you ride, since you’ll be exposed on the road to the elements. Armored pants are another safe bet when you’re cruising, giving you a layer of protection for your knees, legs, and ankles. Kevlar jeans are a durable option for riding, giving you comfort against chafing while taking on the wind, rain, and other inclement weather you may face on the road.
5. Boots
Boots are a big buy when it comes to supporting your feet and legs while you ride. Plus, they’ll help prevent injuries and keep you comfortable on your bike when you ride through bad weather or take your motorcycle out for a long trip. The right pair of boots will protect your toes and support your heel while giving you a great grip on your bike. Make sure your footwear is waterproof, reinforced with a durable material, and breathable for the most comfort.
Motorcycle Supplies for New Bikers
For maintenance or repairs, and on-the-road emergencies, new bikers should stockpile a collection of essential motorcycle supplies. While you should perform regular maintenance and look into companies that provide roadside assistance, here’s a rundown of the basic supplies you’ll need as a new biker.
Maintenance and Repairs Supplies
- Correct motor oil for your bike
- Oil filter, when it’s time for a change
- Motorcycle battery
- Tire pressure gauge and tire pump (with the pressure gauge)
- Spare tire
Emergency Supplies for On-the-Road Repairs
- Flashlight
- Safety flares
- Hazard cones or triangles
- Reflecting vest
- Screwdrivers
- Wrenches
- Pliers
- Tire patches
- Portable air compressor
- Jumper cables
Motorcycle Resources for New Bikers
New bikers need all the resources they can get when it comes to getting a greater appreciation for your bike and how it runs. There are plenty of resources to check out to expand your knowledge with your motorcycle, plus communities that are all about the riding lifestyle. We’ve got you covered here with a few essentials.
Cycle Trader Resource Center
Cycle Trader is the leading nationwide marketplace for buying and selling motorcycles, and is a valuable resource for the community of riders. Check out our Cycle Trader Resource Center for online buying and selling resources to get the best information on the motorcycle market. Plus, our Resource Center provides insight on safety, maintenance, and lifestyle tips and topics for new and veteran riders.
Motorcycle Communities for New Bikers
New riders should explore the vast amount of resources available online dedicated to the motorcycle life, including forums, podcasts, videos, and social media pages. These resources can also be helpful for when you go to buy a used bike for sale by owner or from a dealer.
There are also a number of publications and websites covering the latest motorcycle news and industry trends. Look around in your community for local social groups and motorcycle clubs to meet up with fellow riders. And organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation provide safety training and courses for riders to improve driving and protect bikers on the road.
Get all your gear ready, stock up on supplies for your motorcycle, and check out community resources, like thousands of motorcycle reviews from riders on CycleInsider. Now that we’ve covered all the bases, it’s time to get out on your new bike and go for a ride. If you’re looking for your next new or used motorcycle, make sure you see all the listings on our nationwide marketplace at CycleTrader.com. And, for more articles and tips for beginner riders, visit Cycle’s Trader Beginner Rider Resource Page.
Ryan Miller
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