Dirtbike Gear Facts

With the combination of two wheels, a fast motor, lots of dirt, rocks, hills and maybe some trees--depending on where you ride--riding a dirt bike can be dangerous. So, aside from acquiring good, solid riding skills by spending lots of time in the saddle, the best way to protect yourself is with proper protective gear.

  1. Helmet

    • A motorcycle helmet is worth its weight in gold.

      A good, snug-fitting motorcycle helmet is worth its weight in gold, but it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Every helmet must meet the DOT (Department of Transportation) standard. Snell M2000/M2005 is a voluntary U.S. standard to which many helmet manufacturers adhere.

      Helmets protect your brain in two ways. According to an article in the Motorcyclist online magazine, the outer shell, which is made of a resin/fiber composite such as fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar, or a molded thermoplastic, protects against sharp objects trying to penetrate the inner lining and absorbs energy from the impact. The dense polystyrene inner lining--the same stuff Styrofoam coolers are made of-- absorbs energy from a moving head. The helmets also have a ventilated mouthpiece that covers the mouth while offering airflow for ease of breathing.

    Goggles

    • Goggles protect your eyes from flying debris.

      Goggles deflect the rocks and dirt that are kicked up by your wheels or the wheels of the bikes passing you. They also protect your eyes from being scratched by low-lying branches that hang from trees lining some of the dirt bike trails. Different lenses also help you see in different lighting conditions--amber for shadows, clear for dark, and tinted for sunny days.

    Boots

    • Sturdy motocross boots are essential gear. They are designed to protect your feet from impacts and your ankles from breaking. The thick, treaded rubber soles help to keep your feet securely on the foot-pegs as well. Some boots are articulated at the ankles to allow for easier walking.

    Pads

    • Knee pads or knee guards are another must, according to www.dirt-bike.us. Some come with shin guards, which are worn inside the boots so shins are offered two layers of protection. Knee pads come in different thicknesses and quality. Thicker pads offer more protection from impacts. Some knee guards are strapped on with Velcro, with others are constructed with a pull-on sleeve. Peruse any motocross or dirt bike gear catalog to explore the full range of products and ranges of protection offered.

    Chest Protector

    • A motocross chest protector aka "roost guard," according to www.atvurge.com, is a plastic shield with foam padding. It has a front and back that slips over the rider's head and secures on either side of the torso with plastic clips. It should cover the entire breast bone and upper ribcage. Not only does the chest protector protect the rider from dirt clods and rocks that are being thrown up by other riders--known as roost--it offers additional protection from, perhaps, a handlebar or foot-peg impaling the rider in a nasty fall. Some come with detachable shoulder and elbow pads.

    Gloves

    • Gloves protect the hands from flying rocks and dirt clods, scrapes and cuts from falls, the elements, while also providing comfort and a non-sweaty grip when riding.

    • "Gear" is the term riders use for their motocross pants and shirt. The pants have hip pads (removable, for laundering), plastic-rubbery decorations/detailing that offer additional protection from falls, heavy material or leather at the inseams to protect from burns, and padding at the knees. Shirts are typically long-sleeved. Some have built-in elbow padding.