Motorbike Safety Gear – Top Tips

Table of Contents

Safety Gear for Motorbiking in Vietnam

Exploring Vietnam on a motorbike gives you a sense of unrestrained freedom and adventure! In fact, motorbikes remain the most popular mode of transport in the country and are used daily by 79% of the population, VNExpress reports. When motorbiking, safety should always be a priority, but, unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see inexperienced riders whizzing around in shorts, flip flops, and without helmets. Protective body gear and clothing is an important aspect of motorbike safety and shouldn’t be missed. After all, It’s the only layer of protection between you and the road in an accident.

Important Notes

Protect Your Head

In Vietnam, wearing a helmet is required by law when motorbiking. Essential for protecting your head on the road, a helmet is a must-have piece of equipment. Get an official snell or DOT helmet as they’re durable and safety-tested. Additionally, goggles or visors protect your eyes from bugs, stones, and debris. If your helmet has a visor, you may not need eye protection, but many riders prefer to double up. Don’t forget earplugs: they’ll protect yours hears from extreme noise of Vietnamese traffic which can be damaging upon repeated exposure.

Honda XRs parked up at the enduro trail in Soc Son
Honda XRs parked up at the enduro trail in Soc Son

Body Gear

Protective gloves are vital. If you’re in an accident, you automatically put your hands out to break the fall — and they’ll get the brunt of the impact. Gloves also protect from extreme temperatures, as well as the constant vibration of the bike (you’ll experience your fair share of rough, bumpy roads here). Opt for sturdy, padded gloves; gauntlet-style ones that go past your wrists are even better. Additionally, elbow and knee guards provide protection for these commonly injured body parts.

Cool Clothing

As for clothing, long sleeves and durable trousers resist abrasions and protect against sunburn and hypothermia. Reflective clothing at night will ensure you remain visible on the road. You’ll also be thankful for packing rain gear, especially in the heavy Vietnamese downpours. A simple poncho is a popular choice, but a rain suit offers maximum protection; you can find one easily in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh.

speed, rain and children

First Aid Kit

Finally, pack a good first-aid kit. It should include disinfectant, plasters, bandages, gauze pads, a wire splint, and antibiotic ointment at the minimum. Check out NomadsRTW article on a good medical aid kit.  Always have your cell phone to hand in case the situation requires outside medical help.

Last But Not Least - SHOES

A study published by the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma found that 4.3% of motorcycle injuries are foot related – which is a pretty big proportion considering all of the different parts of the body you could injure. Taking care of your feet is crucial, and the first line of defense is your choice of boots.

Choosing Your Footwear

The Necessary Safeguards

When choosing a pair of boots that are suitable for physical work, your first consideration should be the basic material you need. Motorcycle boots will have a lot in common with workman’s boots, such as durable materials, that make them sturdy against crashes and touches on the road from stopping and tight turns. Material aside, it’s essential that boots are well-fitting and have protections across the body. Jungle boots have experienced a renaissance given their versatility, and are a great example of how to ensure protection whilst making life comfortable.

two helmets on top of a mountain in Ta Xua, North Vietnam

Looking into Versatility

To really enjoy what Vietnam has to offer, you need to step off the bike and take a trek into the hills once in a while. Vietnamese ripe rice fields are one of many examples of gorgeous natural scenery that the country has to offer, and your boots should be up to the occasion. If they’re leather, ensure it’s treated – otherwise, you’re prone to absorbing water on the trail which can be uncomfortable. On the flip side, if you’re able to have breathable footwear, that’ll make the trip far more bearable.

Go for Quality, Not Quantity

Good quality boots can be expensive, but that’s for good reason. According to Gear Junkie, a good pair of walking boots will last up to 1,000 miles of walking – plenty when you’re getting around on a motorcycle. Conversely, poorly cared for and cheap alternatives will break far sooner. It’s a false economy where you will ultimately end up out of pocket. You’re better off paying out once for a great product, using the correct brush to upkeep the boots, and benefiting the long term.

BMW 1250 GS

Engine Type

air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine

Displacement

1255 cc

Bore X Stroke

102.5 mm x 76 mm

Ignition

FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

12.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm

Rear Suspension

single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever

Front Brakes

dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers

Rear Brakes

single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper

Front Tyres

120/70 R19

Rear Tyres

170/60 R17

Wheelbase

1514 mm

Seat Height

850 mm

Ground Clearance

790 mm

Kerb Weight

249 kg

Fuel Capacity

20 litres

Dimensions

2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

air cooled, OHC, single cylinder

Displacement

149 cc

Bore X Stroke

57.3 mm x 57.8 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

20 mm piston valve carburettor

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel

Rear Suspension

single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

mechanical drum

Front Tyres

90/90 19

Rear Tyres

110/90 17

Wheelbase

1362 mm

Seat Height

825 mm

Ground Clearance

243 mm

Kerb Weight

129 kg

Fuel Capacity

12 litres

Dimensions

2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

Honda CB 500X motorcycle rental

Engine Type

liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke

Displacement

470 cc

Bore X Stroke

67 mm x 66.8 mm

Ignition

PGMI – FI

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS

Rear Brakes

240 mm disc; ABS

Front Tyres

110/80R19M/C (59H)

Rear Tyres

160/60R17M/C

Wheelbase

1445 mm

Seat Height

830 mm

Ground Clearance

180 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

17.7 litres

Dimensions

2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental

Engine Type

single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled

Displacement

286 cc

Bore X Stroke

76 mm x 63 mm

Ignition

Full Transistor Digital

Fuel System

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

43 mm telescopic upside down

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

220 mm disc, single piston caliper

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

120/80 18

Wheelbase

1455 mm

Seat Height

880 mm

Ground Clearance

285 mm

Kerb Weight

142 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.8 litres

Dimensions

2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)