Riding Gear Requirements
CAREFULLY REVIEW THE FOLLOWING GEAR REQUIRMENTS TO ENSURE YOUR RIDING GEAR MEETS (OR EXCEEDS) OUR MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS!
VISC requires all students to wear appropriate protective gear while taking part in any of our courses*. We understand that purchasing motorcycle gear can be a costly endeavor, so we have provided a list of acceptable clothing/riding gear for our courses.
The below listed gear illustrates our minimum requirements. Feel free to exceed these requirements if you already own adequate motorcycle gear.
Helmet
Minimum requirements for helmets are a full face or modular*, DOT approved motorcycle helmet. If you currently do not own a helmet, VISC has full face helmets available to use in both our Novice and Traffic Skills Courses at no additional cost.
* chin bar must be closed and locked when riding
Half or 3/4* helmets are
NOT PERMITTED!
* 3/4 helmets permitted in ERC and RRT.
Jacket
Minimum requirements for jackets are a denim or heavy work type jacket (Carhartt®). Something that is going to provide you with some level protection in the event of a fall or tip over and cover your wrists when arms are extended. Leather jackets are great, just be careful of using a ‘fashion leather’ jacket where the material is very thin.
Vests or windbreaker jackets are NOT PERMITTED!
Pants
Minimum requirements for pants are regular denim jean or a heavy canvas/cotton work pant (Carhartt®), and long enough to cover your ankles/lower legs when sitting. Something that is going to provide you with some level protection in the event of a fall or tip over.
Shorts, ripped jeans, jeggings, stretchy/yoga, or exercise pants are NOT PERMITTED!
Gloves
Minimum requirements for gloves are a leather work/gardening glove or a “mechanics” type glove. You want something that will fit your hands well and not too bulky that it may inhibit your dexterity and ability to operate controls (levers and throttle). If you have brand new gloves, we suggest wearing them ahead of time in order to break them in.
Finger-less gloves are
NOT PERMITTED!
Footwear
Minimum requirements for footwear are a basic hiking or work boot*. Footwear must cover and protect the ankle area and give you good stability and support.
* Steel toe boots may have difficulty getting under the shift lever due to toe box height.
Blundstones® or sneakers/running shoes are NOT PERMITTED!
Rain Gear (optional)
All of our courses are conducted rain or shine and rain gear is not provided by VISC. We strongly recommend checking the weather conditions prior to your course and dress appropriately.
We also recommend dressing in layers to keep you comfortable and dry.
* Failure to meet our minimum gear requirements may result in a student not being able to participate in their registered course and no refunds will be provided.
Unsure about our gear requirements or have questions about the gear you have? Ask us. We’re here to help you!
Gear FAQs
What if I can’t afford motorcycle gear?
We’ve listed our minimum gear requirements as a guide so students don’t have to spend a lot of money on new motorcycle gear in order to participate in our courses. As long as the clothing you wear on your course meets, or exceeds, what is listed above, you are good to ride! Other gear options would be borrowing gear from a friend or looking for second hand gear.
But my sneakers cover my ankles?
Sorry, but VISC does not allow ANY form of sneaker/running shoe to be worn for any of our courses. This also includes Blundstone® leather footwear as the ankle bone is not protected.
Will you really send me home?
Simply put, if you gear does not meet the above listed minimum requirements then you will not be allowed to participate in your course. Arrangements will be made to transfer* you to another course. We take student safety very seriously.
* transfer/cancellation fees apply
Are motorcycle ‘riding shoes’ ok to wear?
Yes. Although they can resemble a traditional sneaker, ‘motorcycle shoes’ that cover the ankle bone are acceptable footwear for use in our courses.
Is an ‘armored hoodie’ ok?
Yes. Hoodies that are specifically designed for motorcycle riding and that contain armor inserts in the arms, elbows and back are suitable to wear in our course. We ask that you notify your instructor that the hoodie you are wearing has these protective features.
Do I have to pay to use a VISC helmet?
No. If you do not have a helmet that meets our minimum requirements, VISC will provide you a helmet to use on your Novice or Traffic Course at no additional cost.
NOTE: VISC in not responsible for any damage that may occur to student’s personal riding gear and equipment during any of our courses.