Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in a crash. Quality protective clothing can go a long way to reducing the risk of severe injury and should be factored into the cost of purchasing your new ride, in addition to your insurance policy.

Compared to other road users, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to risks on a daily basis. In Victoria, motorcycles make up just 4% of registered vehicles, however riders account for 17% of the deaths and serious injuries on and off the road.

When an incident occurs, riders are particularly susceptible to impacts from contact with the road, another vehicle, roadside objects, or even their own bike, as well as abrasions from sliding along the ground.

Reducing your risk

Although it is not possible to eliminate the risks, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of severe injury in the case of an incident. Key among these is adopting the mantra of “All the gear, all the time”; this means always wearing quality protective clothing, whether riders are off for a quick trip down the road or a longer tour on the weekend.

A good online resource that evaluates the best protective gear is the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MOTOCAP) website. MOTOCAP is a rating system for motorcycle protective clothing that assesses jackets, pants, gloves, and other riding equipment using rigorous methods, enabling riders to choose the best protective gear.

For people buying their first bike, riders should factor in the cost of quality protective clothing, as this can cost thousands of dollars. Given the high price of riding gear, riders may also consider an insurance policy that also covers their protective gear, not just their bike.

Cover your riding gear with eric!

The good news is that our comprehensive motorcycle insurance policies cover your riding gear if it is lost or damaged in a covered event.

Subject to terms and conditions, we will either replace the item if it is less than two years old or reimburses the current market value for items between two and ten years old!

You can find out more about the best motorcycle insurance policy for you.

This article may contain general financial product advice that does not take into account your personal financial circumstance. Make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decisions about your insurance.