Safety Gear

Safe Looks Good On You

A crash can happen to the most experienced rider out there. That’s why it’s so important to wear safety gear that’s got your back.

Boots, gloves and helmet Boots, gloves and helmet
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helmet effectiveness in preventing brain injuries.

Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/810887.pdf

Sturgis SD Street mural

Safety Feature: Eyewear

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HELMET

  • Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes, so always wear a motorcycle helmet that’s US Dept. of Transportation (DOT) approved.


  • Solid Helmets weigh about three pounds with a thick polystyrene-foam lining


  • Make sure you’ve got sturdy chinstraps to keep everything in place.


  • Helmets protect by shielding your head from penetration and absorbing the shock of an impact.


  • Full helmets with a face shield are best to block wind, rain, bugs, dust and rocks kicked up by cars.

helmet

Leathers

  • Leathers not only look cool; they’ll save your skin (literally) in a crash.


  • Make sure arms and legs are covered on every ride. Long sleeves are the way to go.


  • Add reflective tape and bright colors to stand out to motorists.


  • Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather.


  • Whatever you use, make sure it’s comfortable to it doesn’t distract from the ride.

Black leather jacket

Boots

  • Make sure boots cover your ankles to protect from bone breaks in a crash.


  • Soles should be slip-resistant; look for a steel toe and reinforced heel.


  • Leather looks great and protects from wind and rain.

Black boots

Extras

  • Glove not only let you grip the handlebars better; they’ll protect your hands in case of a crash and keep you warm.


  • If your helmet doesn’t have a face shield, choose goggles over sunglasses for more eye protection.


  • If you can’t sport letters, wear thick, heavy denim to protect your skin. Shorts and flip-flops weren’t meant for motorcycles — ever!

Black gloves

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Know where you’re going before you get there. Use our interactive map to scout different South Dakota motorcycle routes and their difficulty.

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Motorcycle Laws

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Sturgis

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