Motorcycle clothing: what kind of motorbike gear do I need?
There's a risk of accidents when you ride your motorbike: every year, more than 1,000 people are seriously injured in Switzerland as a result of motorcycle accidents. The right equipment can save you from painful consequences. Comparis explains what you need to be aware of.
14.03.2023
iStock / LordHenriVoton
1. What kind of motorcycle clothing do I need?
Safe motorcycle clothing can save lives in the event of an accident. You therefore shouldn't skimp on protective gear. The following equipment belongs on the shopping list of every motorcyclist:
Full-face helmets offer the best protection. They are equipped with a chin guard and visor. You should be able to open the helmet with one hand, and it should be well fitted to your head. Important: after a crash, you must always replace your helmet.
Cheap full-face helmets are available from about 100 francs. Branded helmets cost up to 800 francs. Tip: buy a helmet in a striking color or with light-reflecting materials to make you more visible on the road.
In the event of a fall, the hands usually hit the ground first. That's why it's worth getting reinforced or leather gloves. They should be abrasion resistant. Having a stable wrist strap is also important.
Prices for good motorcycle gloves start at around 50 francs. Tip: the gloves should be on the tight side when you buy them, as they typically stretch out with use.
The calves are at the greatest risk of injury in a motorcycle accident. Proper protection is provided by special motorcycle boots with high legs and reinforcements. Without this protection, accidents can quickly lead to bad consequences – particularly when the motorcycle comes down onto a leg during a crash. Low shoes offer considerably less protection.
High rubber motorcycle boots usually cost at least 120 francs, leather boots more. Tip: connect your boots directly with the protectors on the motorcycle pants.
Motorcycle clothing offers protection in an accident and prevents the body from getting too cold in the wind. Leather offers the best abrasion resistance and fit, while textiles provide greater comfort and better water resistance. Good protective clothing is fitted with protectors on the shoulders, elbows, lower arms, knees and shins.
One weakness is the dividing seams, which can loosen and slip in the event of a crash. A one piece motorcycle suit that incorporates a jacket and trousers has no dividing seams. If you wear a separate jacket and trousers, both parts should be joined with a zip.
Cheap leather motorbike suits are available from around 250 francs. Brand-name motorbike suits cost about 500 francs. Suits made of textile are slightly cheaper than leather options.
A kidney belt insulates and reduces the risk of injury to the organs. A kidney belt can also be combined with a back protector. It protects better than a back protector built into the jacket because it extends up to the coccyx.
Kidney belts are available from 15 francs upwards.
A protective vest is an alternative to a motorbike suit with integrated protectors. Wear the vest close to the body and tighten it with Velcro or laces. Protector vests are especially suitable for protective clothing that slips easily.
A protector vest usually costs about 100 francs. Along with vests there is also protective underwear, which is usually cheaper.
Are you travelling for several days in the elements? Rain gear protects you from getting wet. It should preferably be in light or bright colours. This increases visibility on the road. Zips make it easier to put on and allows your motorbike suit to still fit snugly.
A rain suit starts at around 50 francs.
Motorcycle insurance: protective clothing is important
Your motorcycle insurance provider is also interested in your gear. Those who do not protect themselves properly may be guilty of gross negligence. This can lead to benefit reductions in the event of an accident – including from your accident insurance.
2. What gear is compulsory when riding a motorbike in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, only helmets are compulsory when riding a motorcycle or scooter. The helmet must be tested and comply with the “ECE 22-05” standard. In some European countries, you also need a safety vest, motorcycle gloves, or a warning triangle for breakdowns.
3. How much does good motorcycle clothing cost?
Full motorcycle gear costs at least several hundred francs. At the higher end, there are basically no limits on how much you can spend. Costs depends on the material, quality and brand. Here's a guide to help you:
| Motorcycle gear | Price |
|---|---|
| Full-face helmet | from 100 francs |
| Gloves | from 50 francs |
| Boots | from 120 francs |
| Motorcycle suit | from 250 francs |
| Kidney belt and back protection | from 15 francs |
| Protective vest | from 100 francs |
| Rain gear | from 50 francs |
| Total | min. 685 francs |
4. Is my motorbike gear also insured?
Motorcycle clothing is expensive: whether or not your insurance covers damage to or theft of your gear depends on your cover and the circumstances.
Theft of motorcycle clothing
The supplementary option of "personal belongings" under your motorcycle insurance often excludes safety clothing. To protect your motorbike equipment from theft, you need additional "motorcycle clothing" cover. It is important to note that only theft from sealed containers is covered.
Alternatively, you can supplement your contents insurance with supplementary "simple theft away from home" cover. With this insurance, not only is your motorcycle clothing insured against theft, but also other valuables. However, you should check exclusions, maximum amounts and any deductibles carefully. For theft from your garage or apartment, home contents insurance comes with "simple theft" cover.
Damage to motorbike gear in the event of an accident
Some insurers automatically include cover for motorcycle clothing. With others, you will need additional insurance. You can include this option in the Comparis insurance comparison tool.
This article was first published on 19.05.2014
