MotorClothes® Tips
There's more to the art of motorcycle maintenance than just the motorcycle itself! Your apparel and accessories are essential components to riding safe and comfortable, but - just like with your bike - you need to make a few adjustments and inspect your gear regularly along the way. Luckily, we've got tips and tricks to help you take care of the gear that takes care of you!
Helmets
Your helmet protects the most important part of your body - your head! So make sure to check your helmet for damage, loose screws, and store it properly!
- Tighten those screws! The vibration of your motorcycle eventually loosens the screws on your helmet. Take a coin and find the "slit" in the head of the screw and tighten all the visible screws on your helmet. It's good practice to check and tighten these screws 2-3 times per month. Missing a screw? MotorClothes® has spare screws for purchase!
- Helmets don't last forever! Check the inside of your helmet for the date of manufacture. Harley-Davidson® recommends that you replace your helmet every 3-5 years, even if your helmet has never received an significant impact or crash. If your helmet has sustained impact or been in a crash, please replace it immediately! Upgrade or replace your helmet here at Harley-Davidson® of Scottsdale to keep your most precious possession (your brain) safe!
- Store your helmet properly! One way to help maintain the integrity of your helmet is to not store it in the garage. The extreme temperatures can degrade the materials of the helmet over time. So, store your helmet inside your house or in some kind of space with a moderate temperature
Leathers
You've invested in a nice pair of boots and leather jacket to keep you safe on your ride, so take care of your investment by cleaning and conditioning your leathers!
- Clean and Condition! Leather is a breathable material, and, over time, dust settles, mud splashes, and water stains your precious boots and jacket to clog the pores. Cleaning and conditioning your leathers two to three times a year will extend the lifespan of your leather and keep it from becoming a stinky, grungy mass. Simply use Harley-Davidson® Leather & Suede Rain & Stain Repellent (think rainy/wet season) OR Harley-Davidson® Leather Care with UV Protectant (most of the year in AZ) to get your boots and jacket feeling fresh and clean!
- Not every day is a leather day - we get it. Mesh jackets are wonderful for hot weather riding, so sometimes you have to hang up your leathers. Proper storage will make sure your leather jacket, vest, or chaps keep up with you over the years. Keep it dry, keep it cool, and hang it up!
Riding Tips
Riders are exposed to all kinds of riding conditions. It makes us tougher, stronger, and builds character! But there's no reason to be uncomfortable on your next ride, especially if it puts your riding career in danger. A happy rider is a safe rider, right? Here are some tips on how to make your ride more comfortable so you can keep enjoying the ride no matter where you roll.
Space Saver
When planning your next trip, it may seem daunting to pack everything you need onto a [small] two-wheeled vehicle. Motorcycles don't have the seemingly endless amounts of space for all of your knick-knacks and gadgets like a car does. We have to be extremely picky about what we bring along and how; but, that is the beauty of riding a motorcycle! Pair down on the essentials for your trip and pack efficiently to save space on your next ride. We've got a few tips to keep your ride neat and tidy wherever you go.
- Roll your chaps! If you're going on a long trip, you can save space in your saddle bags by rolling up your chaps when you aren't wearing them (there's even a special technique for this - see our video) and placing it on your seat for lower back support. You are saving space and giving your chaps an additional purpose! Plus, who doesn't love lumbar support on a long ride?
- Don't just pack it in! Roll up your clothes in your saddle bags or consider stuff sacks to help sort your clothes and other miscellaneous items.
- Invest in Multi-functional gear! Another easy way to get the most out of your gear and save on space is by investing in multi-function gear such as waterproof gear, 3-in-1 jackets, or 2-in-1 helmets. Stop by the store and our MotorClothes® Professionals would love to help you find the perfect gear for your next adventure!
Beat the Heat
Let's face it! We live in the desert. It's going to get hot, but this shouldn't have to stop you from riding! In addition to staying hydrated, eating a healthy meal before riding, covering up or wearing sunscreen, and taking breaks to stop for shade during a long ride, Harley-Davidson® makes gear that can help you stay cool on your next summer adventure.
- Cool down with a hydration vest! Hydration vests are essential to desert motorcyclists. If you haven't tried one out yet, your world is about to change! Purchase a Harley-Davidson® hydration vest that you soak in water then wear to keep cool during your summer rides.
- Bandanas are out, cooldanas are in! Sure, Harley-Davidson® Cooldanna's add a little flair to your style, but they're more than just a fashion statement. These Cooldanna's contain micro-beads that absorb and retain water to keep you cool longer. Cooling your head, neck, and chest help keep your temperature down better than other parts of your body so this little accessory can make a huge difference!
- Open your vents! Don't skip out on wearing your riding jacket this summer. Most jackets have vents to increase airflow, so make sure to unzip these vents to feel the breeze and cool you down on your next ride.
- Mesh breathes! Rather than leather, you can wear a mesh riding jacket to help keep you cool. Harley-Davidson® mesh jackets are completely perforated to allow air flow through your jacket while riding. Remember, dress for the crash - not the ride!
