Motorcycle safety: when to renew your equipment? | BMW Motorrad Tips

Ensuring your protection while riding a motorcycle is an absolute priority, which is why it's necessary to regularly renew your gear. In this article, our team of experts addresses a crucial question: when should you renew your BMW motorcycle gear? From the helmet to the boots, including gloves and suits, we go through all the safety gear that makes up a rider's outfit.

Discover the actions to take to spot signs of wear, expert recommendations, and safety standards. Whether you're an experienced rider or a novice, we guide you in making decisions to ensure that your gear provides optimal protection for every ride.

Motorcycle Helmet: When to Replace Your BMW Motorcycle Helmet?

The motorcycle helmet is the most important safety element while riding because it protects your head in case of a fall and reduces brain injuries in case of an accident. Therefore, it's necessary to have a motorcycle helmet in perfect condition for each ride to maintain an optimal level of safety.

In general, experts recommend replacing your motorcycle helmet every 5 years even if it still appears to be in good condition. Over time, the interior materials can deteriorate and wear out, becoming less protective. For example, the inner foams can dry out, especially if your helmet has been stored in the sun. Additionally, motorcycle helmet foams can retain moisture, which, if not properly dried, can cause discomfort.

During the life of your helmet, it's recommended to replace the inner foams once or twice to extend its lifespan.

Helmets are designed to absorb any impact and reduce its effect on your skull, which is why they crack in the event of a fall. Therefore, if your helmet has experienced an impact or a fall, even from a low height, it's imperative to replace it. Microcracks may be present without being visible to the naked eye.

Regularly inspect your helmet for cracks, dents, or other signs of wear. If you see any, you should immediately replace your helmet.

In addition to these safety criteria, other more personal factors may influence the need to replace your helmet. For example, in the case of weight changes, your helmet may no longer fit optimally, compromising its ability to protect you in case of an accident.

Another factor is simply the evolution of safety standards and helmet technologies, which may render your current helmet obsolete compared to newer models. An upgrade may be necessary for optimal protection and greater comfort.

Motorcycle Gloves: When to Renew My Pair of BMW Motorcycle Gloves?

Regularly renewing your BMW motorcycle gloves is equally crucial to ensure your safety on the road. Like helmets, gloves can undergo deterioration over time, which can compromise their ability to protect you in the event of a fall. It's recommended to replace your gloves every two to four years, even if they show no visible signs of wear, as materials can degrade gradually, affecting their abrasion resistance and shock-absorbing capabilities.

Furthermore, gloves that have been damaged in an accident should be immediately replaced, as their structural integrity may be compromised, rendering them ineffective in protecting your hands in future collisions. Visually, you can perform an inspection by checking two elements: material wear and the holding of the Velcro tabs.

Similar to motorcycle helmets, other factors may influence their replacement. For instance, if they are no longer waterproof, have loose seams or excessive rubbing in protective areas, they may no longer provide adequate protection against elements and abrasions. Weight factor can also impact the fit of your gloves.

Advancements in technology and safety standards may also prompt you to upgrade to more secure gloves.

To extend the lifespan of your gloves and maintain optimal safety levels, remember to maintain them regularly, you can especially refer to our motorcycle glove cleaning guide.

BMW Motorcycle Boots: When to Replace Your Motorcycle Boots?

Renewing your BMW motorcycle boots is essential to ensure your safety and comfort during your motorcycle rides. Like a pair of regular shoes, motorcycle boots undergo natural wear and tear over time, especially on the sole and friction areas, which can compromise their grip and protection against abrasion. It is recommended to replace your boots every three to five years, even if they seem to be in good condition, as materials can deteriorate over time, thus reducing their effectiveness in protecting your feet in case of an accident.

Regularly inspect the condition of your boots for wear, tears, cracks, or signs of deformation. If your boots are no longer waterproof, or no longer properly support your foot and ankle, they will not be able to provide adequate support and protection against injuries while riding, so they need to be replaced.

Motorcycle Gear: When to Replace My BMW Motorcycle Jacket and Pants?

Regularly replacing your BMW motorcycle gear is essential to maintain optimal protection and comfort during your motorcycle rides. Like other protective gear, natural wear and aging of materials can reduce the effectiveness of your jacket and pants, which is why it is recommended to replace them every 5 to 7 years. This ensures optimal protection against impacts, abrasion, and external elements.

In addition to normal wear and tear, other factors can influence the need to replace your motorcycle jacket and pants. For example, in case of body changes, make sure to always have a proper fit.

In case of a fall, it is imperative to immediately replace your gear, as their ability to protect you may be compromised.

Regularly inspect your BMW motorcycle jacket and pants for tears, loose seams, or any deterioration. Check the proper fit of the protectors to maintain an optimal level of safety.

To extend the lifespan of your gear, remember to maintain them frequently, you can especially rely on our complete guide to motorcycle gear maintenance.

In conclusion, while BMW Motorrad gear is designed to last over time and ride alongside you for several years, it is necessary to regularly check their integrity and replace them every minimum of 5 years, depending on the type of gear. With this guide, learn to recognize signs of wear and ride with confidence with optimal protection on the road. When it's time to change gear, find all BMW Motorrad rider equipment on our website.