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Helmet

Never get on a motorcycle without a helmet -- it's the No. 1 piece of safety gear for bikers.

iStockphoto/Thinkstock

While technically not "armor," was there any doubt that a helmet would be No. 1 on the list? Just look at the numbers:

  • Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death in a crash by 37 percent.
  • Riders with serious head injuries paid an average of $43,214 for hospital care, compared to $15,528 for riders with minor head injuries.
  • As helmet laws were repealed, motorcycle deaths jumped from 2,897 in 2000 to 5,154 in 2007, a 78 percent increase.

[sources: Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Wald, Workman]

It's a no-brainer. Your helmet is your most important piece of motorcycle armor.

To learn more about motorcycles, check out the links on the next page.

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    Start the Countdown
  • 10: Elbows and Knees
  • 9: Chest Protector
  • 8: Neck Collar
  • 7: Gloves
  • 6: Legs
  • 5: Boots
  • 4: Hip Armor
  • 3: Jacket
  • 2: Back Protector
  • 1: Helmet
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