By Tex Long | Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach | Motorcycle Enthusiast & Safety Advocate

I've been riding motorcycles for [XX years] and teaching motorcycle safety for more than 20 years. During that time, I've helped hundreds of students learn how to operate a motorcycle, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to become safer riders.

And if there's one thing I've learned after all these years, it's this:

No matter how long you've been riding, there's always something more to learn. And no matter how skilled you become, you're never completely immune to the unexpected.

I've worked with brand-new riders who have never touched a motorcycle and experienced riders looking to sharpen their skills. Different ages, different backgrounds, different motorcycles. But I've noticed some of the same patterns over and over.

And a few of them are worth talking about.

1. Confidence Is Good. Overconfidence Can Get You Hurt.

One of the things I see repeatedly is how quickly a new rider can go from being nervous about starting a motorcycle to feeling pretty comfortable operating one.

That's a good thing. Confidence is part of learning.

But there's a big difference between feeling comfortable on a motorcycle and having the skills and experience to handle an unexpected situation.

Motorcycling requires constant attention, good judgment, and skills that need to be practiced long after you've completed a safety course.

My advice? Never stop being a student of motorcycling.

Take additional training. Practice emergency braking. Work on your cornering skills. Learn to recognize potential hazards before they become emergencies.

The day you think you've got nothing left to learn is the day you might want to reconsider your approach.

2. Protective Gear Shouldn't Be an Afterthought.

Here's something else I've noticed over the years: Riders often spend a great deal of time researching their motorcycle, choosing accessories, and making sure everything looks just right.

But when it comes to what they're going to wear, safety sometimes takes a back seat.

I understand why.

Nobody wants to feel uncomfortable, overheated, or restricted when they're riding. And depending on where you live, riding in the summer can make heavy protective gear pretty miserable.

But here's the reality: The pavement doesn't care whether you're riding across the country or just down the street for coffee.

A crash can happen on any ride.

Protective gear can't prevent every injury, but properly designed and fitted motorcycle gear can help reduce certain injuries when things go wrong.

That's why I'm a strong believer in dressing for the ride, every ride.

3. You Don't Have to Sacrifice Comfort to Wear Protection.

One of the biggest objections I hear about protective riding gear is comfort.

It's too hot. It's too bulky. It's too restrictive.

And I get it.

The good news is that motorcycle protective gear has come a long way. Riders have more options today than ever before.

One of the products I've personally chosen to wear is Bohn Body Armor.

[Tex: Add how long you've worn Bohn and how you first discovered it.]

What I like about Bohn is the concept of wearing protective armor underneath your regular riding clothes.

Rather than relying exclusively on a heavy outer garment to hold impact protectors in place, Bohn offers armored base layers designed to fit close to the body, with protection positioned over key impact areas.

That means I can wear protective armor underneath the riding clothes I already enjoy wearing.

For me, that's a practical solution.

I believe the easier it is to wear protective gear, the more likely riders are to make it part of their everyday routine.

And consistency matters.

4. Why Bohn Has Become a Staple in My Riding Wardrobe

As a motorcycle safety instructor, I take my responsibilities seriously. My role in the classroom and on the range is to teach the curriculum, help students develop their skills, and provide an environment where they can learn safely.

It's not my job to promote products or brands during class.

But outside of the classroom, when someone asks me what I personally wear or what protective gear I like, I'm happy to share my experience.

And Bohn is one of the products I talk about.

[Tex: We'd love your personal perspective here. What makes Bohn different for you? Is it comfort, fit, versatility, how the armor stays positioned, or something else?]

For me, having a good set of protective armored base layers is like having a good helmet, gloves, and boots. It's a piece of riding equipment I want readily available.

Bohn doesn't replace the need to think about your entire riding outfit. Impact protection and abrasion protection serve different purposes, and riders should understand what protection their complete gear setup provides.

But I like having a comfortable protective layer that works with my riding wardrobe.

The best protective gear is gear that's appropriate for the ride, fits correctly, and that you'll actually wear.

5. Experienced Riders Aren't Exempt From Making Mistakes.

After more than two decades of teaching motorcycle safety, I've learned that experience is valuable, but it doesn't make anyone invincible.

Even good riders can misjudge a corner, encounter unexpected road conditions, or find themselves dealing with another driver's mistake.

You can't control everything that happens on the road.

But you can control how you prepare.

You can keep improving your skills. You can make smart decisions. You can maintain your motorcycle. And you can choose to wear protective gear every time you ride.

None of those things guarantees your safety.

Together, however, they can help you manage risk.

My Advice to Every Rider

If I could leave riders with a few thoughts after all these years of teaching, they would be pretty simple.

Keep learning. Keep practicing. Ride within your abilities. Pay attention to what's happening around you.

And don't treat protective gear as something you only need for long trips or highway riding.

Make it a habit.

I've spent a good portion of my life around motorcycles and the people who love them. It's a community I'm proud to be part of.

I want to see people enjoy riding for as many years as possible.

That's why I teach.

That's why I continue working on my own skills.

And that's why I take what I wear seriously.

Ride smart. Stay protected. And never stop learning.

Meet Tex Long

[Insert photo of Tex on his motorcycle, teaching, or attending a rally]

Tex Long | Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach & Lifelong Motorcycle Enthusiast

Tex Long has spent more than 20 years teaching motorcycle safety, helping hundreds of students develop the skills, confidence, and awareness needed to become safer riders.

Beyond the classroom, Tex is an active member of the motorcycle community, with extensive involvement in motorcycle touring, rallies, and rider organizations, including BMW Motorcycle Owners of America events.

An advocate for continued rider education and protective gear, Tex believes that good riding habits begin with preparation and never stop evolving.

When he's not helping others become better riders, you'll likely find him enjoying the motorcycle community and doing what he loves most: riding.

[Optional: Add Tex's favorite motorcycle, favorite riding destination, or one fun personal fact.]

Editor's note: The opinions and product preferences expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not represent an endorsement by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or any affiliated rider training program. Protective motorcycle equipment can reduce certain risks but cannot prevent all injuries. Always evaluate the impact and abrasion protection provided by your complete riding outfit.