Stop the slaughter

Stop au massacre

The 5 mistakes that ruin your gear… and your style

Properly equipping yourself is a real investment.

Helmet, approved jacket, gloves, premium hoodie: this equipment is designed to last provided it is maintained intelligently.

And yet, out of habit or ignorance, many riders make mistakes that accelerate wear and tear, degrade comfort, and can even compromise safety. Stop the massacre!

Here are the 5 most common mistakes, and most importantly how to avoid them, to preserve your equipment and the DNA of Colibri Riders.


Mistake #1: Cleaning your visor with window cleaner

The reasoning seems logical: it's transparent, so use window cleaner.

In reality, it's one of the worst mistakes you can make.


Household products contain solvents that:

  • attack the anti-fog treatment,

  • weaken polycarbonate,

  • reduce the life of the visor.

The right method

  • Lukewarm water only

  • Clean microfiber cloth

  • No chemical products

For the inside of the helmet:

remove the foams and wash them by hand, with mild soap.

A clean helmet is more pleasant… and more often worn correctly.


Mistake #2: Drying leather on a radiator

After a wet ride, the temptation to speed up drying is strong.

Critical error.


Direct heat:

  • dries out the leather,

  • makes it stiff and brittle,

  • reduces its abrasion resistance in case of a fall.


The right method

  • Air drying

  • Away from any heat source

  • Once dry: nourish the leather with a suitable cream (or a mild lotion)

Supple leather is more resistant leather.

Mistake #3: Washing your hoodie with velcro

This is the silent enemy of your clothes.


The velcro on gloves or technical gear:

  • snags fibers,

  • pulls cotton,

  • damages graphics.

The right method

  1. Close all zippers and velcros

  2. Wash the hoodie inside out

  3. Gentle cycle, maximum 30 °C


This simple habit significantly extends the life of the fabric and prints.


Mistake #4: Neglecting equipment check-up

We often think about the motorcycle.

Much less about what protects us.


A neglected detail can quickly become a problem on the road:

  • weakened seam,

  • misplaced protection,

  • faulty fastener.


The right method

Before each ride, a quick check:

  • Helmet without cracks

  • Intact gloves

  • Protections properly in place (elbows, shoulders, back protector)

Two minutes are enough.


Mistake #5: Enduring the weather instead of adapting

Being cold, soaked, or stiff on your motorcycle is not inevitable.

It's a bad choice of layers.

A tense rider is a less reactive rider.

The right method: intelligent layering

  • Summer: ventilated textile, always covering

  • Mid-season / winter: hoodie as Mid-Layer, under the approved jacket

  • Rain: regular maintenance of waterproofing (dedicated sprays)


The Colibri Riders hoodie plays a key role here:

warmth, comfort, mobility without unnecessary bulk.


In summary: respect your equipment, and it will return the favor

Proper maintenance means:

  1. More safety

  2. More style over time

  3. Fewer unnecessary expenses

Your equipment is an ally, not a disposable consumable.


Take care of it.

Keep it clean. Keep it safe