Thrill of the Motorcycle Ride at Smart Moto

Motorcycle gear is the focus of a new retail store, Smart Moto, which opened last week on Mink Street. Owner Jason Beaver chose the small road connecting East Providence and Seekonk not only for its heavy traffic, but also for its proximity to three motorcycle safety schools within ten miles.

Though the inventory is still getting up to speed (all puns intended), the store currently stocks helmets, jackets, pants and gloves with high-end brand names such as Racer, Held, Arai and Firstgear. Beaver says they’ll also eventually stock heated gear, custom earplugs and technology like Bluetooth communication devices that interface with helmets.

Beaver comes to the retail business with an immense amount of knowledge about riding. He first experienced the thrill of the motorcycle at the age of 12 when visiting Brazil. As he tells it, someone on the street let him take a bike for a spin, and he was instantly hooked. Though he bought his first helmet on that trip, it wasn’t for another three years that he was able to use it again.

“I got a motorcycle without my parents knowing it and kept it at a friend’s house,” Beaver says. “And that’s how it began.”

Since his rebellious teen years, Beaver has crossed the continent by bike multiple times, riding year-round in all kinds of weather. He has worked for a motorcycle dealer making sales, and is a certified safety instructor. In that regard, he hopes Smart Moto will provide him a platform to educate more riders about safe habits and gear. He says the best thing a rider can do is invest in training and wear quality gear with a proper fit.

“There was a study done that said close to 60% of Americans wear gear that’s too large,” says Beaver. “So, if there’s an accident the gear doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do. It slides up or comes off.”

Beaver hopes Smart Moto will become a nucleus for the riding community. He is already scheduling regular group rides and is planning “Fit Days” and maintenance seminars. And, while he’s excited about the new venture, he’ll always look forward to getting on his bike at the end of the day.

“Riding isn’t free therapy, because you have to pay for the motorcycle and everything else, but it is very therapeutic,” he says. “It demands 100% of your concentration. When it demands that much it really clears your head out.”