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.
Are you looking for a badass, racing-inspired helmet?
Simpson motorcycle helmets are a favorite among many riders out there (I own one), but you might be asking, are they any good? Well, this article takes a look at that question as well as where the helmets are made, the history of the company, and the best Simpson helmets out there. Let’s dive in.
Some of the best gear out there is on sale right now!
I know Christmas is already here, and anything you order at this point won’t get there until after the holidays, but the holiday deals are still out there. Cycle Gear has some crazy deals right now, and that means you might as well take advantage of them while the deals are here.
Continue reading “5 Holiday Deals from Cycle Gear to Take Advantage of Before the Big Day”A good update to Scorpion’s lineup.
Are you looking for your next dirt bike or off-road helmet? You should check out the new Scorpion VX-16 EVO Air helmet. The company updated its off-road helmet lineup with this offering, and it has a whole slew of great features for you.
Continue reading “Scorpion VX-16 EVO Air Off-Road Helmet”Looking for some new winter gloves for your next ride? Check out the Alpinestars AMT-10 Drystar XF Gloves. They will give you everything you need to keep your hands warm, dry, and comfortable as the temperature drops.
Continue reading “Alpinestars AMT-10 Drystar XF Gloves”Shoei has long since moved on to the GT-Air II helmet, which I recently discussed in an article about the best Shoei helmets, but the old GT-Air is still a great helmet if you can find one, and Chaparral Motorsports has some 25% off. That means you’ll save around $120.
Continue reading “Save 25% on a Shoei GT-Air Helmet”Get a discount on one of the best comm systems out there.
The Cardo PackTalk Edge Headset is one of the best out there. If you want one but don’t want to pay full price, you’re in luck. Right now Revzilla has the Duo Pack (2 comm headsets) at 20% off. This means you’ll save about $140.
Continue reading “20% Off Cardo PackTalk Edge Headset Duo Pack”The next level of sport touring helmets is here.
The Schuberth S3 is the next level in the sport touring helmet market. The company needed a new entrant into the segment, and this new S3 is it. The company’s new lid is better than the previous Schuberth products.
Continue reading “Schuberth S3 Sport Touring Helmet”A great helmet at a great discount.
If you’d love to own the AGV K6 Helmet, then now is the time to pull the trigger on that lid. The K6 is currently marked down 20% at Revzilla, meaning you’ll save right around $100.
Continue reading “Get 20% Off the AGV K6 Helmet”Get the luggage you really want with Wolfman Threadworks.
Wolfman Luggage has a new made-to-order service called Wolfman Threadworks. The made-in-the-USA motorcycle luggage product line is for adventure riders. The company also has a new PACK bicycle line. All good things from Wolfman Luggage.
Continue reading “Get the Print You Want on Wolfman Luggage with Wolfman Threadworks”A good pair of boots for adventure touring riders.
If you’re looking for a good pair of adventure boots, then look no further than the new Stylmartin Navajo Low WP Boots. These boots are ready for interstate riding or off-road trails. They’re comfortable, look good, and provide good protection.
Continue reading “Stylmartin Navajo Low WP Boots”
