Motorcycle gear is not just about looking cool while riding. It’s a critical aspect of safety and comfort on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, equipping yourself with the right gear is essential.
This guide will walk you through the must-have motorcycle gear, covering everything from helmets to luggage, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your next ride.
Motorcycle helmets are the most crucial piece of safety equipment for any rider. They are designed to protect your head in an accident, potentially saving your life. There are several types of motorcycle helmets, each with its own advantages.
These helmets offer the most protection, covering the entire head and face. They are ideal for high-speed riding and long-distance trips.
Read about the best full-face helmets.
Also known as three-quarter helmets, these cover the top, back, and sides of your head but leave your face exposed. They are popular for city riding and lower speeds.
Read about the best open-face helmets.
A hybrid between full-face and open-face helmets, modular helmets have a chin bar that can be flipped up, offering versatility.
Read about the best modular helmets.
Half helmets cover only the top of the head and are lightweight and offer minimal protection. They are often favored by cruiser riders.
Read about the best half helmets.
Look for helmets that meet DOT, ECE, or Snell safety standards. These certifications ensure the helmet has passed rigorous safety tests.
A helmet should fit snugly but not too tight. It should feel comfortable on long rides without causing pressure points.
Good airflow is crucial, especially on hot days. Look for helmets with adjustable vents.
A clear, scratch-resistant visor is essential for good visibility. Some helmets come with tinted or anti-fog visors for added convenience.
Investing in a high-quality helmet can make a significant difference in your safety and riding experience. Always replace your helmet after an impact, even if there are no visible signs of damage.
Read all of my motorcycle helmet articles.
A motorcycle jacket is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a critical piece of protective gear that safeguards you from the elements and potential injuries. A good motorcycle jacket can provide abrasion resistance, impact protection, and even climate control.
The classic choice for motorcycle jackets, leather offers excellent abrasion resistance and durability. It’s particularly popular among cruiser and sportbike riders.
Read about the best leather motorcycle jackets.
Textile jackets, often made from materials like Cordura or Kevlar, offer versatility and are usually more breathable and lightweight than leather. They often come with waterproof liners, making them ideal for touring and adventure riding.
Read about the best textile motorcycle jackets.
Mesh jackets are designed for hot weather, providing maximum ventilation while still offering some protection.
Look for jackets with CE-rated armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. Some jackets offer the option to upgrade to higher-level protection.
The jacket should fit snugly without restricting movement. It should also be long enough to cover your lower back when in a riding position.
For all-season comfort, consider jackets with adjustable vents. Some jackets come with removable liners for added versatility.
A good motorcycle jacket will have plenty of secure pockets for storing small items like keys, phones, and wallets.
Your jacket should offer a balance between style, comfort, and protection. It’s an investment in your safety, so choose wisely and ensure it suits your riding style and conditions.
Read all of my motorcycle jacket articles.
Motorcycle pants are an often-overlooked piece of gear, but they play a vital role in protecting your lower body during a ride. Just like jackets, motorcycle pants are designed to offer abrasion resistance, impact protection, and comfort.
Leather pants provide excellent abrasion resistance and are a favorite among sportbike riders for their durability and close fit.
Textile pants offer more versatility and are often waterproof or breathable, making them ideal for various weather conditions. They are a good choice for touring and adventure riding.
These look like regular jeans but have Kevlar reinforcements in key areas, offering a balance between style and protection. They are popular among casual riders and commuters.
Ensure the pants come with CE-rated armor in the knees and hips. Some pants offer adjustable armor pockets for a custom fit.
Motorcycle pants should be comfortable and allow full range of motion. They should also fit well over your boots and not ride up while you’re on the bike.
If you ride in various weather conditions, consider pants with waterproof and breathable membranes. Some pants have removable thermal liners for added warmth in cold weather.
Look for pants with secure closures, such as YKK zippers and adjustable waistbands, to ensure a snug fit.
Investing in a good pair of motorcycle pants can save your skin in case of a fall. They also add an extra layer of comfort on long rides, making them a must-have in any rider’s wardrobe.
Read all of my motorcycle pants articles.
Motorcycle boots are designed to protect your feet, ankles, and lower legs from injuries in the event of a crash. They also provide support and stability when you’re riding and when you put your feet down at stops.
Designed for sportbike riders, racing boots offer maximum protection with features like reinforced toe sliders, ankle support, and anti-twist soles.
These boots prioritize comfort for long rides. They are often waterproof and have extra padding for added comfort.
Often resembling regular work boots, cruiser boots are sturdy and offer good protection while blending in with casual attire.
Built for off-road and adventure riding, these boots offer a balance between protection and flexibility, with rugged soles for better grip on uneven terrain.
Look for boots with reinforced toe boxes, ankle support, and shin guards. Anti-slip soles are also crucial for maintaining grip on various surfaces.
If you ride in all weather conditions, waterproof boots are a must. Gore-Tex is a popular material for waterproof motorcycle boots.
Boots should fit snugly but allow for some movement. Make sure they are comfortable enough for walking around off the bike as well.
Velcro straps, buckles, and zippers are common closure systems. Ensure the closure is secure and easy to use.
A good pair of motorcycle boots can make all the difference in your riding experience. They not only protect your feet and ankles but also enhance your overall comfort on long rides.
Read all of my motorcycle boots articles.
Motorcycle gloves are crucial for protecting your hands from injuries, weather conditions, and improving your grip on the controls. The right pair of gloves can make a significant difference in your riding experience.
Designed for sportbike riders, these gloves offer maximum protection with features like knuckle guards, palm sliders, and reinforced stitching.
These gloves are built for comfort on long rides. They often have extra padding and are made from materials that provide insulation and waterproofing.
Lightweight and breathable, off-road gloves offer protection against abrasions and impacts while allowing maximum flexibility.
These gloves are insulated to keep your hands warm in cold weather. They are usually waterproof and windproof, making them ideal for winter riding.
Look for gloves with reinforced knuckles, palm sliders, and abrasion-resistant materials. Some gloves also offer impact protection on the fingers.
Gloves should fit snugly but not be too tight. They should allow for full range of motion and not restrict your ability to operate the controls.
For all-season riding, consider gloves with waterproof and thermal liners. Ventilated gloves are great for hot weather.
The gloves should offer a good grip on the handlebars and controls. Look for gloves with textured palms or silicone grips.
Investing in quality motorcycle gloves is essential for hand protection and riding comfort. Whether you’re riding in the summer heat or winter cold, there’s a pair of gloves suited to your needs.
Read all of my motorcycle gloves articles.
Motorcycle luggage is essential for carrying your belongings securely while riding. Whether you’re going on a long tour or just commuting to work, having the right luggage can make your ride more convenient and enjoyable.
These are mounted on the sides of the motorcycle and offer a good balance between capacity and accessibility. They come in hard and soft variants.
Mounted on the fuel tank, these bags are great for carrying small items like maps, wallets, and phones. Some tank bags are magnetic, while others use straps.
Attached to the rear of the motorcycle, tail bags offer extra storage without the need for a full luggage system. They are ideal for short trips.
Similar to saddlebags but typically larger and more rigid, panniers are great for long-distance touring. They provide ample storage
Read all of my motorcycle luggage articles.
Below are all of the latest articles on motorcycle gear.
The Scorpion EXO-GT930 EXO-COM Transformer Modular Helmet offers versatility and cutting-edge technology, designed to cater to the needs of touring and commuter riders alike.
Its standout feature is the helmet’s ability to transform from a full-face modular design into an open-face configuration, providing flexibility and convenience for different riding scenarios.
Continue reading “The Scorpion EXO-GT930 EXO-COM Transformer Modular Helmet Is 25% Off”For riders everywhere safety and affordability are key priorities when choosing a motorcycle helmet. Like any other product, helmets vary in quality and features depending on price, but you can find good full-face motorcycle helmets under $200.
Fortunately, several full-face helmets on the market offer excellent safety, comfort, and style at that price point. Here’s a breakdown of the best options available: the HJC i10, Scorpion EXO Ryzer, Bell Qualifier, Icon Airform Dark, and LS2 Stream helmets.
Continue reading “The 5 Best Full-Face Motorcycle Helmets Under $200”The LS2 Challenger GT Propeller Helmet is a top-notch sport-touring helmet, blending advanced safety features with aerodynamically refined design.
Built from LS2’s proprietary High-Performance Fiberglass Composite (HPFC), the shell offers robust impact resistance while remaining lightweight, reducing neck fatigue on longer rides. This makes it an ideal choice for both daily commuting and extended touring adventures.
Continue reading “The LS2 Challenger GT Propeller Helmet Is 60% Off”Owning a motorcycle brings freedom unlike anything else—twisting the throttle on an open road, wind in your face, and the hum of the engine beneath you. But with this sense of liberation comes a responsibility that often gets overlooked: the need to protect your motorcycle from theft.
Motorcycles are a prime target for thieves due to their size and value. Here, we’ll cover essential security measures and anti-theft strategies that can keep your bike in your hands—and out of the hands of criminals.
Continue reading “Protect Your Motorcycle: Security and Anti-Theft”Akrapovic Racing Exhaust Systems are for riders who see their bikes as more than machines—they’re instruments, finely tuned and ready to play. Right now, these exhaust systems are up to 10% off at Revzilla.
Continue reading “The Akrapovic Racing Exhaust Systems Are up to 10% Off”Few things capture the spirit of motorcycle customization like a well-wrapped exhaust. It’s functional, it’s stylish, and, yes, it even offers a hint of mystery. But wrapping an exhaust isn’t just about the aesthetics.
It’s a practical upgrade with real benefits for performance and comfort. If you’re ready to dive into the world of heat-resistant tape, then follow along to learn why you might want to wrap your exhaust, what tools and materials you’ll need, and, finally, how to do it yourself.
Continue reading “How to Wrap a Motorcycle Exhaust: A Guide for the Bold and Practical”The Dainese Energyca Air Jacket feels like the summer breeze on two wheels. Built for those hot, sunny rides when every ounce of airflow counts, the Energyca Air doesn’t just keep you cool; it feels like it was engineered to disappear. Right now it’s 17% off at Revzilla.
Continue reading “The Dainese Energyca Air Jacket is 17% Off”Riding down the open road with a clear mind and a filled-up hydration pack: there’s nothing quite like it. Long rides demand good gear, especially when it comes to staying hydrated. A solid motorcycle backpack with a built-in hydration pack keeps water right where you need it, letting you sip on the go without fumbling for a bottle at every stop.
Here’s a look at some of the best motorcycle backpacks with hydration systems that not only hold your water but carry your gear, sit comfortably on your back, and look the part. Whether you’re carving through city streets or winding down a dirt road, these packs are ready to ride.
Continue reading “The 5 Best Motorcycle Backpacks With Hydration Systems”Helmet cameras for motorcyclists have become an essential part of the modern gear setup. Capturing thrilling rides, logging travel routes, and even providing a bit of insurance in tricky traffic situations, these compact cameras are here to stay.
But with so many options, which helmet cameras stand out from the pack? Here’s a deep dive into the best helmet cameras for motorcyclists, breaking down what each has to offer so you can capture the open road from the perfect angle.
Continue reading “The Best Helmet Cameras for Motorcyclists: Capture Every Ride”In the world of motorcycling, there’s a distinct appeal to gear that channels the spirit of a bygone era. And nothing captures that vibe like a good retro motorcycle helmet. Riders love the classic look—the sleek lines, the minimal branding, and the throwback feel that reminds us of old cafĂ© racers, choppers, and bobbers. But while style is key, safety is paramount. These helmets give you both.
In this guide, we dive into the best retro-styled helmets that combine classic design with the latest in protective technology. Here’s what makes each one stand out and why they’re worth considering for your next ride.
Continue reading “The 5 Best Retro Motorcycle Helmets with Modern Safety”
