When dirt bike racing was at it’s infancy riders wore whatever was on the market to protect themselves. Open faced helmets, Jofa pants, natural leather protection… as the protective equipment was not specifically made for dirt and grime bike racing, riders looked similar to confused hockey playing bikies than dirt bike racers!
As the sport (best sport in the world mind you:) became more popular, the growth was then able to sustain ‘parallel’ or complimentary manufacturing industries. Companies enjoy JT USA, Sinisalo or anything else. could now focus primarily on making only motocross items.
More money was today being pushed into exploration and development of motocross items, sponsorship of riders and marketing programs
More emphasis was being placed on style so colour was included in gear to match dirt bike colourings or only to be outrageous and various. Pink was big mid eighties (I did not say it was always in good tastes).
Body armour moved to be worn excessive of race jerseys therefore they became more stylised to fascinate users. In itself to become fashion statement, but was researched together with tested to also fit the bill and offer maximum comfort. Today’s body armour comes with ‘floating’ shoulder cups and flexible back and side panels to cater for both sitting and position positions when riding. Can come in a range of colour options including clear as well as built in kidney belts on some models.
Race pants received at this time there own special treatment made out of heavy duty nylon with doubled stitching, extra room in the butt to cater for the crouched/sitting riding position and cordura, kevlar and leather sections in high wear areas such as the seat and knees. Spandex panels are utilized to allow for movement where necessary. A quality race pant will offer you extra room in the knee area providing for knee braces that more and more riders are wearing.
Jersey material went from cotton to sweat/moisture wicking polyester/cotton blends to consider greater comfort for prolonged periods of riding. Vented panels were positioned in ‘hot spots’ and quite possibly little touches like rubber strips inside tail to hold them into the race pants on quite possibly the roughest ride.
Boots were being designed to deal with high impact landings and ultimate ankle protection. Replaceable feet and buckles prolonging their own use. They are now carefully constructed avoiding the damaging lateral and hyperextension movements in the ankle area.
Dirtbike gloves – choose them wisely and make sure that they fit correctly. Some gloves are better suited to certain types of sitting than others. Motocross gloves offer better feel for any rider with less padding in the palms. Enduro gloves can be the opposite with more padding to allow greater comfort for more time rides.
Elbow protection are available in a “sleeve” that also covers the forearms. Knee/shin guards are lighter and stronger and some hinder ‘lateral’ movement of the knee (gone will be the days of using skateboarders safeguard). Although with your onset of lightweight, composite materials it is possible to have the ultimate with protection with knee braces.
All this protection would mean nothing if you cannot see. So it is very important to properly protect considered one of your greatest assets (as well as one of the five senses) in your sight. Different goggle manufacturers have their own personal registered names for their own lenses, but they basically mean the same principal – scratch resistant, shatterproof protection to your eyes.
So next time you go for a dirtbike ride, dress in the latest motocross gear and be comforted in the knowledge that there is minimized risk to your body if you can. That will allow you to spotlight what you are at this time there for… enjoying the vehicle!
The old saying holds as true as ever – “dress for the fall, not for that ride”.
REFERENCE:
http://www.allusatoday.com/archives/1085063
http://www.doctorfinder.biz/2011/11/looking-at-motocross-gear-and-apparel-for-women/
Motocross Gear - Worn out of Necessity, Shaped Ove 