Motorcycle Gear Care: Keep your Motorcycle Helmets and Other Gears Road Ready

Motorcycle rides are the most adventurous and thrilling experience a person can have in their lifetime. That freedom and adrenaline are what every seasoned or beginner rider seeks through these rides. But to experience it, they must follow the golden rules of riding a motorcycle: “Take care of your gear, and it will take care of you,” or “all the gear, all the time.”  

A motorcycle ride is not just about being adventurous. It is also about safety, responsibility, and longevity. Every piece of motorcycle gear, whether it’s a helmet, a tyre, or a jacket, plays a crucial role in keeping the rider protected and maintaining their comfort zone throughout the journey. 

So, let’s dive into this RidingMoto blog, which will provide you with a complete routine guideline on maintaining your motorcycle gear, such as cleaning motorcycle helmets, tyres, jackets, and other essentials.

It also provides some important tips on maintaining gears during different seasons and tells us why the maintenance of gears is so important. 

Why is the Maintenance of Gears so essential?

During ancient battles, soldiers used to wear armour to protect themselves from getting harmed. Similarly, riders should also armour themselves with proper gear while riding a motorcycle. Each year, tyres, clothes, and motorcycle helmets are designed while keeping the rider’s safety in mind. These gears aren’t just a fashion statement; they are life-saving equipment.

These gear, like motorcycle helmets, gloves, and so on, ensure the rider’s safety and reliability of the trip during the ride. This increases the efficiency of the machinery and results in the extension of the life span of the gears as well as the riders.

Proper maintenance of the gears helps in minimizing the friction and the possibility of encountering any kind of failure during any kind of road trip. Now, here are some key benefits of maintaining the motorcycle gears properly, such as

• Extending equipment life span: Maintaining the gears regularly and providing service on time helps in detecting the issue early and increases the reliability of motorcycle gears.
• Improves efficiency and performance: A well-maintained and cleaned gear like motorcycle helmets, for instance, can improve the visibility of a rider and protect them throughout the ride.
• Enhances comfort: Fresh-smelling and well-fitted gear can enhance the comfort of the rider during the trip.
• Reduces the Operating Cost: Proper gear maintenance helps in reducing the operating cost of any equipment in the long run. It reduces the downtime of the gear and extends the lifespan of it.

Basically, for motorcycle helmets and other gear, maintenance is an energetic approach to make sure that the gear’s performance and lifespan increase and the downtime time as well as the high cost of repairing the gears decreases.

Motorcycle Gears and Their Maintenance Routine

Riding a motorcycle on an open road is a thrilling experience that every rider chases. It is about experiencing the adventure while being responsible and keeping safety in mind.

Most bikers spend hours polishing their bikes, inspecting tires, and modifying engines, but they forget to take care of their motorcycle gear. To ensure safety, comfort, and a good riding experience, one must maintain their gear, especially motorcycle helmets.

Now, without wasting any time, let’s take a look at different motorcycle gears, their maintenance routine, and some key aspects of motorcycle gear maintenance. Also, besides learning about motorcycle helmets and other essential gears maintenance tips as well as cleaning guidance, you can visit our RidingMoto app to purchase best and budget friendly gear for your next motorcycle trip.

Motorcycle Helmet

A motorcycle helmet is the most important accessory for a rider. While travelling, It is a lifeline for every rider. Clearing all the dirt or built-up sweat on a motorcycle helmet helps to improve the visibility as well as hygiene of the helmet.

Let’s take a look at the guidelines and some tips to clean, maintain, and prepare your motorcycle helmet from the outside and inside for the next ride.

Steps To Clean Your Motorcycle Helmet

The Motorcycle Helmet is the most essential gear. Keeping your motorcycle helmet clean from all the dirt and grime is very important.  Protecting the shell from getting weak over time is mandatory as it helps protect the rider from getting any serious head injury. Also, For the smooth surface of the visor and to make the paint remain intact, outer cleaning of the helmet is necessary.

• Removing the Loose Dirt: To remove the dirt from all over the motorcycle helmet, make sure to use a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Wet the cloth and wipe the helmet. There is no need to use any cleaner like- Colin’s as they might harm the paint of the helmet surface. You can do the cleaning with just water, too.
• Cleaning the Visor: Vision is very important for driving, and cleaning motorcycle helmets is very important for the safety of the rider.

To clear the Visor, make sure to separate it from the helmet (according to the manual instructions). Use some visor cleaning solution and wipe it with a clean, soft cloth in one direction only, and then again wipe it with a dry cloth too.

• Remove the sticker: To decorate or make motorcycle helmets look interesting, drivers tend to put stickers or decals (specially designed paper) over the helmets. Removing them is necessary to clean the helmet, and to do so-
  • First, warm the sheet for a few seconds to remove the adhesive by using a hairdryer.
  • Slowly peel it off with the help of your fingers or plastic scrapers.
  • To remove the remaining sticky adhesive, dampen the cloth in some cleaning solution and gently rub it to remove it.

• To polish and shine: To make your motorcycle helmet shine like a brand new one, use the shine wax (a liquid that is used to polish the gears). Put a small amount of the liquid on a dry cloth, rub it on the helmet in a circular motion and lastly, let it dry.

Now, let’s take a look at the guidelines for the inner cleaning of the helmet. Although the inner side of the helmet doesn’t come in contact with the dirt or grime from the outside, it does come in contact with sweat, oiliness, and bad scent. So, to maintain hygiene and comfort, let’s see what we should do-

• Remove the Liner and Padding:  Follow the manual instructions to remove the lining and padding of the helmet. After removing it, slowly shake the dirt from the motorcycle helmet; meanwhile, put both of the things in warm water with some detergent to remove the dust and smell from it.
• Wash and Dry it from inside: After shaking the dirt off the helmet, washing the padding and liner off comes next. While washing it, scrub it gently, then rinse it with water properly and put it out to dry. Remember, don’t put it directly in the sun as it can damage the fabric, and also put a new coat of paint to seal the fabric after washing.

For the cleaning of the non-removable padding, the same process happens just except for the cloth; you can use a brush, too.

Motorcycle Helmet Maintenance Tip

Besides cleaning the helmet from inside and outside as well as clearing the visor, there are some other things that a driver should check for the maintenance of a motorcycle helmet-

• Inspecting the buckles and straps of the helmet is necessary, as with time, they tend to wear off, and the chances of it getting removed from the rider’s head during the ride increase. So, make sure to inspect it from time to time and change it if required.
• Proper ventilation in the helmet is important, so make sure to check the vents. If there is any issue like dirt or litter stored in one place, then clean it properly with the help of a small brush.
• Storing the helmet properly is very important. To maintain its longevity, keep your helmet in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Also, make sure that you don’t put any heavy objects over it.

Hence, a maintained motorcycle helmet results in better vision, protection, airflow, and safety for the rider on the road.

Motorcycle Jacket

Travelling on a motorcycle requires proper preparation, including motorcycle maintenance to taking care of the gear, is important. Motorcycle gears also include motorcycle jackets.

Motorcycle jackets are made up of different materials; they are mainly made up of leather and textile material. The process of cleaning and maintaining the jacket is the same. So, let’s take a look at the steps that we need to follow to keep maintaining the longevity and appearance of the jacket.

Steps To Clean Your Motorcycle Jacket

• To increase the lifespan of the jacket, make sure to clean the jacket on a regular basis as the material of the jacket requires.
• For leather jackets, first, use a wet cloth to remove all the dirt by gently rubbing it all over the jacket, and then use a specifically designed leather jacket cleaner. Lastly, let it dry with natural wind and away from the sun.
• To clean the textile jackets, you can use a washing machine to remove the dirt or a sponge, too, if you wish to clean the dirt with your hands. Just make sure that you wash it off with cold water, mild detergent and a gentle cycle in the machinery. Just put it on a hanger instead of a machine dryer to let the jacket dry, as that might damage the material of the jacket.

Motorcycle Jacket Maintenance Tip

• To keep the zipper of the motorcycle jacket working smoothly, use zipper wax or zipper lubricant. The wax helps keep the zipper protected from rusting and functioning properly.
• To prevent getting any bad odour, use a deodorizing spray so that whether it’s a leather jacket or textile, it smells washed and fresh.
• If there is some damage, like- a small tear on a jacket, make sure to seek a professional tailor’s help, and if that’s not possible, then keep a fabric repair kit with you.

Motorcycle Tire

Motorcycle tires are the essential gear of a motorcycle. It is often neglected but requires the most maintenance among other gears before hitting the road. Whether it’s a slippery road or a sharply curved road, having motorcycle tyres in good condition is a must for motorcycle road trips.

Here’s a practical guide to help you get your tyres road-trip ready:

• Examine Your Tire Pressure: Before going on any road trip, testing your tyre is very vital for fuel efficiency and a comfortable ride. If the tire pressure gets too low, then your tires will overheat, and if it gets too high, then there is a possibility of you losing the friction. Don’t forget to check them with the help of a reliable meter (always check the tires when they are cold). These small tips will help you in the long run.

• Keep an eye out for Damage: Except checking the pressure of the tires. It is necessary to give a thorough inspection of the tires before you hit the road. Remember to check the grooves carefully. Look out for any cracks, cuts or objects being stuck in between, like nails, glass, or stones. If you think that your tires look damaged or worn out, then go to the mechanic to get them repaired or changed.
• Uneven Pattern on Tire: Usually, the surface of the tires is very smooth, flat and even, but if you witness any sapped pattern on them, then there is a possibility that your tires might have some major issue and need replacement. It can be some misalignment on tyres or bulges in the pattern. So, remember if something like this appears on your tires or one side of the tire looks worn out, and the other one, then don’t get replaced. Don’t let your idleness affect your journey.
• Don’t Ignore Tire Age: Sometimes, tires appear to be in perfect condition, but that doesn’t mean that they are in the right condition in the long run. The duration of tires matters a lot, as with the passage of time, the rubber of tires hardens and deteriorates. For your safety, get your motorcycle tyres replaced every five years. To check the manufacturing date of tires, check the DOT date code on the sidewall.
• Pack a Tire Repair Kit: There is no guarantee about what might happen to your motorcycle while traveling. So, for your safety, always be prepared with a tyre repair kit

for roadside tyre issues. Make sure to carry a mini air compressor or CO₂ inflator with you for your road trip on a motorcycle. This repair kit is very beneficial in situations like getting stuck in a remote area or in the middle of nowhere. This temporary fix will save you from hours of waiting. 

Motorcycle Tires Maintenance Tip

For the safety of a rider while on a long journey, tyre treads are very important. So,  before starting your journey, make sure to check the depth of the tyre tread. On the manual or tyre, the tyre tread depth level is always written, so if the depth is measured more than the suggested 1-2 mm level, then it’s time to get your tyres replaced as it’s dangerous to do long-distance travelling with worn-out tyres.

• As mentioned earlier, don’t forget to check your tyre pressure using a reliable meter. 
• We can’t deny that tyres play a crucial role in any kind of journey.  No matter if it’s through mountain passes or passing the endless highways, tyres are necessary and our only connection to the road. So, preparing our motorcycle for a road trip means keeping the tyres in perfect shape to experience a safe and smooth ride. 

Except for these three, there are two other important motorcycle gear: gloves and boots.

Motorcycle Gloves Maintenance

Boots and gloves are the most important part of motorcycle gear and the rider’s outfit, too. Now, let’s take a look at the basic maintenance guidelines for motorcycle gloves. 

• After every ride, remember to take a complete glove off your motorcycle gloves.
• Every once in a while, wipe the outside of the gloves with a fresh, dry cloth. To remove all the dust and dirt from the outside.
• At least once a month, wash the leather gloves with mild shampoo.
• After washing, clean your gloves with a leather cleanser by moving the moist towel in circular motions and then letting it dry.
• Remember to avoid using any kind of fabric softener as it can damage the waterproofing feature of gloves.

Remember the lining:- To keep your gloves intact and in good condition, remember to store them in a cool and dry location. Avoid keeping them in direct contact with sunlight. Don’t put them in small locations where they will get cramped up. To keep your leather gloves unharmed and in shape, keep a newspaper stuffed in them. 

Motorcycle Boots Maintenance

The routine for boot care is very similar to that of motorcycle gloves. 

• With the help of a fine-haired brush, remove all the mud, grit or dirt from the boots. Make sure to give proper attention to the treads and seams of the boots.
• With the help of some mild soap and a sponge, wash them carefully. Be careful while washing, and don’t let the leather get soaked in the water, as the moisture in the gloves can harm the membrane and adhesive.
• After washing them, let the boots dry in the wind; don’t keep them in contact with direct heat. Then, use some replenished oil to maintain the leather’s elasticity and prevent it from getting cracked on the surface.

Boot Maintenance Tips

Besides following all these steps for the cleaning, there are some additional tips that every rider should follow to keep their boot in good condition, such as 

• Keep inspecting your boots, straps, toe sliders and insoles from time to time. Make sure your boots are tightened and are in good condition.
• To prevent getting any kind of fungus in your boot soles, remember to remove the insole from within the boots. Wash them properly and clean all the linings of the boots properly. After that, put them outside to let them dry and, at last, put them back together.
• Don’t forget to clean the lining or boot surface. Use a soft surface brush and gentle cleaner that won’t harm the texture of the boot material.

The maintenance of equipment doesn’t require a lot of effort. All you need to do to keep the equipment safe is – brush and wash them regularly, seal the boots properly and do a deep cleaning of them at least once a month. Remember that with proper maintenance, your boots and gloves will keep looking and perform better and will be prepared for your next ride.

Looking to go the extra mile to make your trip adventurous? Headover to the RidingMoto app and explore as well as plan your trip with the help of our full collection on route navigation, travel planning, maintenance guidance, unique destinations for motorcycle ride and best tips to make your journey more safe and thrilling.

Conclusion

Therefore, for the safety of every rider, the maintenance of motorcycle gear like- motorcycle helmets and other essentials is very necessary. Remember that equipment is not just for show or to look nice; they are for your protection. So, keep inspecting your equipment on a regular basis, just like you do with your bike and then, just like that, you will be prepared for your next ride.

FAQs

You can follow us on 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | YouTube

By: RidingMoto Rider