Can Comfort = Safety?

Wearing the right gear is a safety factor in the autumn. As the temperature varies through the day, you should be able to adjust your clothing to avoid heatstroke or frostbite.

Leather is great for fall riding. A leather jacket is warm and it shields you from the wind. And, if your jacket has removable lining, you can start off in the chill of the morning with the lining in, then zip it out when the world is warmer. Chaps are perfect for fall riding, too.

Carry an extra pair of gloves so you can replace those warm, lined gloves with lighter, fingerless ones when it gets hot. Remember that cold hands make it tougher to maneuver your bike.

It’s wise to carry rain gear on autumn rides. Riding wet and cold is not only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. The next newsletter will focus on rain gear, but for now, consider it as a safety factor.

In autumn, days are shorter, and skies are often cloudy, so you are more apt to be riding in low light conditions. When you purchase gear for use in the fall, consider visibility both in color and in reflective features. And give a thought to adding reflective decals or LED lights to your motorcycle.