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Motorbike maintenance and protective equipment

Whether you’re new to riding, a regular or back to biking, it’s important to have the skills to maintain your machine.

Learn more about the key checks you need to carry out regularly on your motorbike, as well as the options there are for protective equipment.

A motorbike parked in a garage

Motorbike Maintenance

We recommend using the POWER acronym:

  • Petrol (fuel): check that there is fuel in the machine.
  • Oil: check the level and top up when needed. You should check the bike when the engine is cool.
  • Water (and other fluids): if your machine is water cooled, check that there is enough water in. You should also check other fluid levels where appropriate such as brake fluid.
  • Electrics: check that all of your lights are working and are clean.
  • Rubber: check your tyres for pressure, tread depth and any damage as well as the rims and spokes.
Someone adding oil to a motorbike

In addition to POWER, you should also regularly check:

  • Drive chain: that it is lubricated, properly tensioned and that the sprocket is in good condition.
  • Mirrors and reflectors: are clean and in good condition.
  • Suspension: that it’s working properly and no signs of damage.
  • Steering head: check for wear and that it is adjusted correctly for you.
  • Control cables: check for wear, lubrication and that they are functioning properly.
  • Brakes: that they are working and in good condition.

If you are unsure of any of this, you should have a qualified mechanic assist you.

A man stood next to a parked motorbike, wearing full safety gear for riding

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Whilst a helmet is the only legal requirement, we would always recommend maximising your safety through proper eye protection, a jacket, trousers, gloves and boots.

Three motorbike helmets on the floor of a garage

Helmet

There are three types of helmets - open face, full face and the system (flip).

Full-face helmets offer the best protection, covering the entire head and face. Look for the BSI Kitemark, ECE 22.05/22.06, or SHARP rating. These ratings should be stitched into the helmet. Beware of helmets with no rating or where the ratings are on stickers, these will not have been tested properly.

Never buy a used helmet and replace it if it is dropped or involved in a collision. Helmets that have taken damage lose their ability to protect you.

Helmets are available with a number of different fastenings. They include ratchet, seat belt, bar and buckle, double D’s, and magnetic. In our opinion, double D’s are the safest.

With regards to flip helmets, they will be marked with a letter or letters on the rating which shows what kind of protection they provide:

  • “P" is full protection, meaning the helmet must be warn in the locked down position whilst riding.
  • “U” is unprotected and means that it is an open faced helmet.
  • “U/P” means it can be worn as open or closed.
  • “NP” means not protective this can be found on flip helmet and some full face helmets and means that the helmet is not going to provide facial protection in the event of a collision.

Eye protection

Visors or goggles should be worn to protect against wind, debris, and insects. These must also meet safety standards (BSI Kitemark or European equivalent). 

These must be replaced when scratched. If you wear glasses you should ensure your primary eye protection conforms to the EU standard 05 or 06 the most cost effective way of achieving this is by using a visor or goggles.

Visors must allow a minimum of 50% light transmission. Tinted visors or goggles that transmit less than this are illegal for road use. Using tinted visors or goggles at night or in low visibility is illegal. If it says for daytime use only it is illegal to ride with it at night. Dark/Iridium/Mirrored Visors: Most "black" or mirrored visors transmit much less than 50% light and are illegal for road use.

Jacket and trousers

Go for leather or abrasion-resistant textiles like Cordura or Kevlar lined.

Your jacket and trousers should include CE-rated armour (EN 1621-1) at key impact points: shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips. Look for EN 17092 certified gear, with ratings ranging from A (light duty) to AA and AAA (highest protection).

Zips that connect the jacket to the trousers are recommended to prevent the gear from riding up in a slide. 

Gloves

Full-finger gloves made of leather or Kevlar with reinforced palms are essential. Gloves should be CE-approved (EN 13594:2015), with Level 2 offering superior protection.

Pair of motorbike boots on the floor of a garage

Boots

Boots must cover the ankle to protect against twisting and crush injuries. Reinforced soles and toe boxes, without laces (or with laces tucked in) to avoid getting caught in the chain. CE-certified to EN 13634. 

Boots should have a good grip to ensure you can keep you and your bike under control.

Additional recommended gear

  • Hi-vis clothing
  • Base layers
  • Water proof layers
  • Earplugs

With regards to clothing in general, it’s good to keep the following in mind:

  • Fit: Ensure all gear fits snugly. Loose gear can move during an impact, rendering it useless.
  • Weather: In cold or wet weather, ensure gear is waterproof and insulated, as cold can affect your handling and reaction times.
  • Visibility: Use reflective panels on gear to improve visibility at night. 

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