Motorcycle gear and maintenance

Helmet and gloves: what the law requires of motorcyclists

On the road, two pieces of equipment are mandatory for both the rider and the passenger: an approved helmet, properly fastened, and CE certified gloves, required since 20th November 2016. The helmet carries a certification label sewn onto the chin strap; the ECE 22.06 standard, the latest, adds to the traditional tests of diagonal impacts and multiple-speed shocks. It must also include four reflective elements, at the front, back and sides, to be seen at night. A helmet should be chosen based on the exact head circumference and replaced after a fall, even with no visible damage, since its internal polystyrene shell only absorbs a shock once.

The selection

The motorcycle is organised by type:

• Helmets.
• Rider gear, jackets, gloves, boots and trousers.
• Luggage, saddlebags and top cases.
• Maintenance, cleaners, chargers and repairs.
• Off-road.
• Motorcycle.

Oil, chain and brakes: maintenance that keeps the motorcycle safe

The engine oil is chosen primarily based on the mechanics: a motorcycle with an oil-bathed clutch requires oil certified JASO MA, compatible with the discs, like Castrol Power 1 Racing, fully synthetic, in 10W40, where the first number indicates cold fluidity and the second the hot viscosity. The secondary transmission wears out as a whole: a chain kit Supersprox replaces the chain, sprocket, and the rear cog together, preventing a new piece from wearing out against an older one. For braking, brake fluid Brembo, DOT 4 type, absorbs moisture over the months and is generally renewed every two years, while sintered pads, from Brembo or Galfer, perform better under sporty use and when braking in the rain.

Other sports

The other sports on the site, swimming, padel, fishing, rollers and skateboarding, camping, climbing, golf, fitness, gymnastics, handball, games and pedagogy, are brought together on the other sports page.

Battery, tyres, smartphone: riding without bad surprises

A motorcycle that stays idle all winter loses its charge: plugged in constantly, a maintenance charger like the Fulbat Fulload monitors the battery and only recharges it when its voltage drops, without ever overcharging. For punctures, it depends on the tyre. On a tubeless tyre, the Chaft kit allows you to plug the hole with a plug at the roadside, then reinflate; a tube tyre, common in off-road and older motorcycles, is repaired by changing the inner tube, Michelin or Vee Rubber, to the exact size printed on the sidewall. For navigation, the mount Quad Lock, designed in Melbourne in 2011, locks the smartphone to the handlebars with a quarter turn, and a vibration dampener offered as an option protects the phone's camera.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Which motorcycle can you ride with a category B licence?

With a B licence obtained for at least two years and a seven-hour training course at a motorcycle school, you can ride a light motorcycle of up to 125 cm3, with a power limited to 11 kW. Beyond that, you need to get an A2 licence.

Which motorcycles can be accessed with an A2 licence?

The A2 licence, available from the age of ten-eighteen, allows motorcycles of up to 35 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio limited to 0.2 kW per kilo. After two years of the A2 licence and a seven-hour training course, you can access the A licence, with no power limit.

How to clean a helmet visor without damaging it?

First, soften the stuck insects with a wipe like those from Dr Wack S100 or a damp cloth left for a few minutes, then wipe without rubbing with a clean microfibre cloth. Avoid solvents and paper towels, which can mark the anti-fog treatment.

How to choose a motorcycle intercom?

To ride in duo, a simple Bluetooth model connects rider and passenger. For group outings, Mesh intercoms, like the Sena Spider, automatically connect the group's motorcycles without pairing each one, and maintain the connection even when one of them moves away.

What motorcycle to choose for a beginner?

A light, low-seat motorcycle with moderate power is reassuring at first: a 125 with a B licence or a restricted motorcycle in A2. The roadster, with an upright and manageable position, is more forgiving of mistakes than a sports bike, which puts more strain on the wrists.