Whether you just bought a motorcycle or are thinking about buying one, the next thing you will need to think about is motorcycle gear. You will need helmets, bags, jackets, more bags, gloves, boots, even more bags, (you can’t have too many bags!) and things you haven’t thought of yet. The gear you need to ride safe and look stylish while doing it can get expensive, and that is why you need to know three ways to save money on motorcycle gear.

Buy Used Gear

There is a huge market out there of used motorcycle gear, and you can save money if you find the right equipment in good shape. The problem is trying to determine why it’s for sale. Did the seller give up riding and needs to unload all of their stuff? In that case, you may be able to find some bargains. Did the seller discover that they bought the wrong gear and wanted to unload it? In that case, it might not be right for you either. You can save money buying used, but you have to be careful, and never buy a used helmet.

By Online

Buying online may be a better option because at least you know you are getting new motorcycle gear. Online vendors can offer a higher variety of gear as they do not have to maintain the inventory along with the related costs. They also don’t have high overhead associated with a store and can pass those savings along. If you know what you are looking for and can find a good deal online, then this is an excellent way to save on motorcycle gear. For some gear where fit is vital you may still need to go to a store or purchase it at an expo or rally.

Buy Good Quality and Get it Right the First Time

Buying quality from the start is the best way to save money on motorcycle gear. You need to buy good quality equipment that is going to get the job done and last a long time, and you need to buy the right product the first time. If you buy a cheap product or something that isn’t quite what you wanted because it cost less, you will replace it and will have wasted the money.

Every piece of motorcycle gear you buy will be primarily for one of three reasons: Safety, comfort, or convenience.

Safety is the most important and where you should never scrimp. You want excellent quality in things like helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, and you need to make the choice knowing that your skin or your life may depend on it. If you buy the right piece of equipment up front, you may never have to replace it again.

The second criteria is comfort. Even the slightest imperfection in the design of motorcycle gear will become unbearable after several hundred miles of riding. If you buy something cheap and uncomfortable, you will end up replacing it after the first ride.

Finally, there is the convenience. Whether you are on your bike for hours or days, everything you need is on that bike, and you need to be able to get at it quickly and easily. If you have to spend time fumbling with a cheap and poorly designed bag when your fingers are cold to get at something you want, you will regret having taken the cheap route.

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most fun things you can do, but doing it with the wrong gear can be a miserable experience. Save money on motorcycle gear by investing in good quality equipment.