Riding classic motorcycles offers huge rewards — character, heritage and a connection to the past — but does it also encourage riders to take unnecessary risks when it comes to safety? A frank look at what many classic riders wear suggests the answer may be uncomfortable.
At bike meets across the country, it’s common to see beautifully restored motorcycles paired with decades-old helmets, unarmoured leather jackets, casual gloves and work boots. While these choices may look period-correct, modern safety research shows they offer far less protection than many riders realise.
Older helmets, particularly those 10–20 years old, suffer from material degradation caused by UV exposure and age. The outer shell becomes more brittle, the EPS liner loses its ability to absorb impact, chin straps weaken, and internal padding compresses — allowing the helmet to move during a crash. Visors can also become scratched or prone to shattering, significantly reducing visibility and protection.
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Period leather jackets may look superb but often lack impact armour, back protection and reliable abrasion resistance. Over time, leather dries out and loses strength. Similarly, everyday gloves, jeans and work boots provide little defence against impacts or abrasion, leaving hips, ankles and hands particularly vulnerable.
As riders age, reaction times slow and physical resilience decreases. Combine that with modern traffic volumes, distracted drivers and the limitations of older bikes — including six-volt lighting and lower cruising speeds — and the risks become clearer. The familiar phrase “they didn’t see me” offers little comfort when the consequences are serious injury.
Practical steps to ride safer
Modern protective gear no longer means sacrificing comfort or style. Open-face helmets with modern certification are widely available at affordable prices. Armoured jackets, jeans, gloves and boots offer vastly improved protection while remaining comfortable for longer rides. Earplugs can reduce fatigue, improve concentration and protect hearing.
Advances in rider safety continue to accelerate. Innovations now include noise-cancelling helmet systems, ultra-light pre-preg carbon fibre helmets, optically precise visors, improved ventilation, and interiors that allow for a tailored fit. Airbag systems — now lighter and more affordable — integrate seamlessly with modern riding gear, while new materials offer better breathability, water resistance and reduced environmental impact.
Crucially, many manufacturers now produce protective under-layers that can be worn beneath traditional clothing, allowing riders to maintain a classic look without sacrificing safety.
The choice available to classic riders has never been greater. With modern technology making riding both safer and more enjoyable, the message is simple: protecting yourself means more riding, fewer injuries, and a longer time enjoying the bikes you love.
Original article by Matt Hull, with thanks to Scorpion Helmets, PMJ jeans, Falco boots, Halvarssons clothing, Five gloves and Bowtex under armour for photos. For more information, see bikerheadz.co.uk
This article appeared in Classic Bike Guide. To subscribe, please visit https://www.classicmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-guide
