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RIDING GEAR
Riding three-wheeled, open-air vehi-
cles like the Spyder roadster requires
the same protective gear as motorcy-
cling. Even though the vehicle is more
stable at low speeds than a motorcy-
cle, you can still be thrown off.
This section is based on guidance for
motorcyclists given by the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation (MSF).
In the event of a crash, protective gear
may prevent or reduce injuries. Protec-
tive gear also helps you stay comfort-
able and can help provide protection
against the elements.
Recommended basic protective gear
for riders and passenger includes
sturdy over-the-ankle footwear with
non-slip soles, long pants, a jacket,
full-fingered gloves and, above all, an
approved helmet with proper eye pro-
tection.
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rmo2008-001-019_a
RIDING GEAR
1. Approved helmet
2. Eye and face protection
3. Jacket with long sleeves
4. Gloves
5. Long pants
6. Over-the-ankle footwear
Proper apparel can reduce the severity
of injury in case of a crash for both oper-
ators and passengers.
Helmets
Helmets protect the head and brain
from injury. A helmet can also pro-
tect the passenger's face from impact
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SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
with the back of the operator's helmet.
Even the best helmet is no guarantee
against injury, but statistics indicate
that helmet use significantly reduces
the risk of brain injury. So, be safe and
always wear a helmet while riding.
Choosing a Helmet
Helmets should be manufactured to
meet the appropriate standard in your
state, province or country.
A full-face helmet gives the most pro-
tection against impacts since it covers
all of the head and face. It can also pro-
tect against debris, stones, insects,
etc.
A three-quarter or open-face helmet
can also offer protection. It is con-
structed with the same basic compo-
nents but does not offer the face and
chin protection of full-face helmets.
If you wear an open-face helmet, you
should use a snap-on face shield or a
pair of goggles.
NOTE: Ordinary glasses or sunglasses
are not sufficient eye protection for a
motorcyclist. They can shatter or fly
off, and they allow wind and airborne
objects to reach the eyes.
Use tinted face shields, goggles or
glasses in the daytime only; do not use
them at night or in poor illumination.
Do not use them if they impair your
ability to discern color.
Other Riding Gear
Footwear
Always wear closed toe footwear.
Sturdy over-the-ankle boots protect
against a variety of riding hazards, such
as stones that get thrown up from the
roadway and burns from the hot ex-
haust pipe.
Avoid long shoelaces that can be tan-
gled in the gearshift lever, brake pedal
or other parts. Rubber soles and low
heels are a good idea to help keep feet
on the footrests.
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