THE BIKER’S ARMOUR

JACKETS
Cost: Rs 4,500 to Rs 25,000
Specialised riding jackets come with shoulder, elbow, back and chest protectors that prevent injury in case of a fall. They are mostly made of abrasion-resistant material, which are also dust and water resistant. Some also come with an insulated inner thermal layer to provide protection from cold. DSG and Cramster are available at Rs 4,500 upwards, while US brands like. Alpinestars and AXO cost above Rs 8,000. Alpinestars and AXO also make leather jackets that cost between Rs 15,000 and 25,000.

RIDING PANTS
Cost: Rs 5,000 plus
Specialised riding pants come with knee, shin, thigh and waist protectors. The outer fabric is generally made of high-quality nylon to provide protection against abrasion. The inner lining is polyester. These pants also boast of air vents to allow breathing. Some of the popular brands are AXO, Alpinestars and Cramster.

GLOVES
Cost: Rs 1,200 to Rs 8,000
Gloves come in different materials to suit different riding requirements. Some are made of leather and others of fabric. But all good quality gloves come with carbon-fibre knuckle and wrist protectors. The base versions cost around Rs 1,200 and prices can go beyond Rs 8,000. There are also specialised insulated gloves for riding in wet or snowy conditions. Some of the popular brands are DSG, Cramster, AXO and Alpinestars.

RIDING BOOTS
Cost: Rs 7,000 to Rs 16,000
Riding boots cater to different purposes, like motocross, racing and touring. They are made of PU and high-quality rubber to provide ‘abrasion and impact’ protection to the ankle and the feet. These boots also come with air vents to facilitate breathing. Specialised riding boots for use in racing and motocross also provide protection to the shin and the calf. AXO, Alpinestars and Cramster are the major brands.

PROTECTORS
Cost: Rs 1,700 plus
Separate protectors are available for the knee and elbow. Alpinestars and AXO also manufacture bionic knee-guards that fold at the knee.
A pair of Alpinestars bionic kneeguard costs around Rs 3,500, while the AXO kneeguard costs Rs 2,200. Alpinestars also manufactures a base model that costs Rs 1,700. Progrip, another US brand, manufactures elbow and knee protectors. Their base model knee guard comes with three straps to enable knee movement and costs Rs 1,850. Specialised kidney belts, chest, spine and neck protectors cost anything between Rs 2,400 and Rs 8,000.