It’s a shame to ruin quality gear you’ve paid good money for, through incorrect storage. Also, transporting gear is fraught with problems that can damage it and cause danger.
Space is short on a motorbike. And anything you carry can become a missile in an accident.
When riding, never carry a helmet by shoving your arm through the aperture or fastened strap. It affects your control and can cause severe injury in an accident.
Nor should you carry a helmet around strapped to the helmet hook: you’ll likely damage the helmet and your bike. Use only when stationary.
A helmet in an ordinary backpack, or strapped to one, is also dangerous in a crash.
The only ways to carry a helmet are in a purpose-designed backpack (with back protector), a big tankbag or tailpack, or, preferably, inside a locked topbox or pannier. Always wrap the helmet with soft clothes or bubble wrap to prevent damage.
Proper motorcycle luggage is always the best way to transport your gear around. But if you do have to carry something, think carefully about safety.
A pair of gloves may just fit under the seat. But make sure they won’t interfere with electrical connections or the seat locking mechanism.
At a push, you can bungy boots to the pillion seat. Make sure they’re done up and cannot move or slip.
If you are going to strap clothing to the pillion seat, keep the load small and wrap the clothing up securely. There’s the risk of a sleeve or leg coming loose. Apart from potential distraction, the real danger is it could catch in the chain and lock the rear wheel.
Use cling wrap or a strong plastic bag big enough to fold under itself. Bungy the package down tightly so it cannot slip or slide in any direction.
The best gear can be compromised by bad storage. Keep it in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place; not a damp shed or garage.
Store helmets collar side down on a shelf or use a helmet bag. Forget a mannequin head - it will compress the interior padding - and never hang helmets by the chin strap.
These can be stored flat but a good hanger is better. Make sure it has large, round shoulder support for jackets and one piece suits. For leather, textile and waterproof jeans, use a waistband clip hanger. Hang kevlar-lined denim jeans in your wardrobe.
