the right stuff is a guide to choosing the best protective gear for riding your motorcycle,or as a pillion passenger.

Good protective riding gear is essential – it is the only defence against injury for motorcycle and scooter riders in a crash. Without the right protective gear riders and pillion passengers can experience serious injuries, or worse, even in low speed crashes. Remember that crashes can happen anytime, including on short trips close to home.

In a crash, as a rider or pillion passenger, you are at risk of injury from two things:

• Impact – when you hit the bike, the road or other objects, such as a car, which can cause fractures, internal injuries and bruising.
• Abrasion – when you slide along the road surface, leading to loss of often large areas of skin, muscle and other tissue. These injuries can be very severe, leading to lengthy hospital stays, reconstructive surgery and extensive rehabilitation.