Adventure Motorcycling is an exciting and captivating activity that allows riders to embark on thrilling journeys, immersing themselves in unexplored landscapes while pushing their limits on the back of a motorcycle. The feeling when you ride is like no other; it’s a freedom that can’t be expressed in words - it must be experienced to be understood. Nevertheless, it is essential not to overlook the inherent dangers associated with this type of adventure. The adage that says, “There are two types of bikers: those that have crashed and those that still have to crash,” cautions riders to prepare for the inevitable.
By investing in the right safety equipment, you can greatly decrease the chances of serious injury and potentially save your life, as I learned through personal experience. As a newcomer to the world of adventure motorcycling, I followed the typical path of an aspiring adventurer with big dreams: obtaining my license, purchasing and outfitting the bike, and scheduling my first off-road excursion – which turned out to be the simple part.
Next up was the gear. Where to start?
Entering a bike accessory store can be overwhelming due to the multitude of options available. As a novice female rider, I felt lost and unsure of where to begin, especially with conflicting advice from different salespeople. Ultimately, I opted to stick with my motorcycle brand and purchased BMW boots, a jacket, a liner, pants, gloves, and a rain suit. My initial helmet choice was an Arai, as it was the preferred option among my biking companions at the time. This gear was suitable for the type of riding I had been doing so far.
As I improved my riding abilities, my affection for exploring unconventional routes increased, leading me to focus more on off-road riding rather than on paved roads. The rough and demanding terrain, along with the picturesque and dynamic landscapes of our stunning country, deeply fascinated me and ignited a passion within me to further pursue this endeavor.
But I had a problem: my gear was cumbersome, heavy, and just downright hot to wear during more technical off-road terrain manoeuvres. I would find myself hot and drenched in sweat, having to take off my bulky jacket at every rest stop opportunity available on hot summer days. But I surrendered to the fact that that was a small price to pay for the thrill of the ride.
Earlier this year, my partner was due for an upgrade on his riding gear. After researching the various options available in the market, he settled on the Leatt Body Protection System, worn by many of the Dakar competitors during the last desert race, which comprised a body protector, knee guards, an outer jacket and pants, and Leatt 5.5 Enduro Boots.
The gear was lightweight, easy to wear, and looked good on him.
But what sold me was how cool it kept him. Where I was left overheating and drenched in sweat on a ride we did together, he was cool and comfortable. This gear was the way to go.
Upon returning from our excursion, my first task was to go shopping for new gear. I decided to switch from my BMW boots to the sturdier and more supportive Leatt Enduro 5.5 boots for enhanced ankle protection. I purchased the Leatt Knee and Shin Guard System to safeguard my knees from hyperextension and shield my shins, along with the Leatt Impact Shorts featuring hip protection. Opting for the snug-fitting Alpinestars Bionic Action V2 protective jacket, I ensured my torso, shoulders, and elbows were well-protected in a breathable mesh vest with adjustable straps to maintain a secure fit during intense activities. I preferred this jacket over the Leatt brand due to its centred zip and protective pad positioning, which suited my body type better. Additionally, I acquired the Leatt 5.5 Enduro lightweight jacket and pants. As for my helmet, I upgraded from the Arai to the lighter BMW GS Carbon Evo equipped with the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS).
One might assume that purchasing the armour protective system in separate components would be more expensive, but in reality, it turned out to be quite affordable and cheaper than buying new adventure bike gear from certain top brands. I was fully equipped and prepared to "hit" the road.
I was riding at the back of the pack on the Motorrad Adventures 5-day Karoo Two Motorcycle Adventure, and I was excited to see how the new gear would perform when put to the test. It did not disappoint, and I believe it saved my life...
On the third day of the trip, as we left the Baviaanskloof and headed towards Uniondale, a fellow motorcyclist ahead of me missed a turn. He stopped by the side of the road and, without checking for traffic, made a U-turn back onto the road right in front of me. It was clear that this was an unintentional error. Fortunately, I noticed his mistake and had already begun to slow down. When he turned in front of me, I hit the brakes hard to try to avoid a collision. Unfortunately, I forgot to disengage the clutch while performing the emergency braking, causing the engine to stall and the rear wheel to lock up, leading to me skidding at a speed of over 100 km/h. This resulted in me losing control of the motorcycle. I was thrown off on the high side and landed heavily on the road, with the bike then rolling over me. I was knocked unconscious as a consequence...
Motorrad Adventures has a medic on every one of their motorcycle tours. On this tour, the medic was also the sweep rider and was following me. He witnessed the entire accident unfolding in front of him, and as he ran toward my motionless body, he expected the worst.
At the accident scene, I received medical attention and was stabilized. My bike was then loaded onto the trailer, and I spent the remainder of the day as a passenger in the support vehicle. It turned out that the MIPS system in my helmet effectively shielded and cushioned my head, while the body armor absorbed the impact, ensuring my safety. I consider myself lucky to have escaped with just a minor concussion, a few achy muscles, and three scrapes on my right hand. Despite the damage to my bike, gear, and glove, my injuries were minor enough for me to be cleared to continue the journey as a passenger with a spare helmet the following day, allowing me to enjoy the rest of the tour.
Having had the opportunity to reflect on the accident since returning from the tour, I now possess a newfound appreciation and a deep respect for the sport. The thought of the potential outcome if I had been wearing subpar rider gear still sends shivers down my spine.
The biggest lessons I learned from my accident were:
Ensuring head safety is crucial. There should be no compromise when it comes to purchasing a high-quality helmet. Personally, I believe that opting for modern, lightweight helmets with MIPS technology is the best choice. Although my BMW Helmet was damaged in the accident, it performed effectively, and I promptly replaced it with a new BMW helmet.
Protective eyewear is crucial for motorcycle safety, especially during off-road riding where riders face risks from dust, stones, insects, and other natural elements. Goggles play a vital role in safeguarding the eyes, as exposure to these elements without proper protection can impair vision and lead to accidents or injuries. Simply wearing sunglasses under a visor is insufficient off-road, as dust can still enter the helmet and cause eye irritation. Goggles paired with an enduro or adventure-style helmet offer an extra layer of defence. They not only provide physical protection but also feature foam rims and sponge filters that create a snug fit, allowing airflow to prevent fogging. Riding goggles with elasticized straps and silicone grips ensure a secure fit on the helmet, minimizing distractions and potential hazards. It is essential to choose goggles that fit correctly for optimal protection and comfort. Bringing along one's helmet when purchasing goggles helps ensure a proper fit for both the helmet and the face, enhancing the riding experience by providing a clear view and reducing discomfort from poorly fitting eyewear.
For effective body protection, it is essential to invest in high-quality protective gear. Opt for a well-known brand that adheres to top safety standards, fits your body properly, and is suitable for the type of riding you engage in. I strongly recommend the body armour system I had on during my accident, as it offers superior protection in key areas compared to even the priciest adventure jackets on the market. Initially, I had doubts about the necessity of such fitted body armour, finding it excessive in comparison to my previous gear. However, after wearing it on a 5-day tour and experiencing the level of protection it provided, I now consider it indispensable for any off-road adventures.
For adventure riders, fitted knee and shin guards offer better off-road protection than traditional padded adventure riding pants. While adventure riding pants come with built-in protective pads, these may not stay in place during off-road rides, potentially leading to discomfort and inadequate protection in case of a crash. In contrast, knee and shin guards like the Leatt Dual-Axis knee and shin guard system are designed to move naturally with the body, ensuring optimal protection. Made from lightweight and breathable materials, these guards provide comfort on long rides. The Leatt Dual-Axis system features dual pivots on each side to mimic the knee's natural motion, offering a secure fit and reducing movement restrictions. With an anatomical design for both knees, these guards combine impact-absorbing foam with a hardshell chassis for cushioning and durability. They are secured in place with a comfortable strapping system to prevent sliding or shifting while riding, and their slimline design allows them to fit snugly into enduro boots without causing discomfort.
Opting for the Right Footwear: I swapped my BMW boots for the Leatt Enduro 5.5 boots. The Leatt boots provide enhanced support and protection while ensuring a comfortable riding experience. The impact foam surrounding the ankle and the heel grip interior deliver a cushioned sensation, preventing any discomfort even during extended periods of riding. With a spacious design, these boots offer ample foot room suitable for various foot shapes. They excel in lateral stability and rigidity, providing a secure grip and enhancing the overall bike handling. Additionally, the built-in plates in the soles prevent the feet from bending over the footpegs when standing off-road. The sole drawback, in my view, is their lack of waterproofing, a common feature absent in most enduro boots.
Training and Time in the Saddle: Practice is essential for developing the knowledge of your bike and the skills to react to obstacles instinctively. Following my difficult experience, I understood the importance of revisiting fundamental techniques. This includes mastering effective manoeuvring in confined areas and different terrains, performing emergency stops instinctively and efficiently, predicting and avoiding obstacles, and ultimately enhancing your riding abilities. If you haven't already done so, book some adventure bike training ASAP!
Little did I know at the time, my choice to purchase protective equipment turned out to be vital in saving my life. Even though my gear bears the marks of the incident, they act as a continual symbol that having the right gear can make a significant difference.
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Keep the Rubber Side Down,
Big Love, the Motorrad Adventures Team.