Riding in hot weather can be challenging, but with the right motorcycle gear, you can stay cool and protected. That’s where mesh jackets come in. Mesh jackets are specifically designed to provide maximum airflow while maintaining safety through protective armor and durable materials. These jackets are a must-have for anyone who rides in the heat.
Continue reading “The Best Mesh Motorcycle Jackets: Top Picks for Comfort and Protection”Category: Motorcycle Gear
The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Gear
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.
1. Motorcycle Helmets: Your Most Important Safety Gear
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.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Full-Face Helmets
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.
Open-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.
Modular 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
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.
Key Features to Consider
Safety Ratings
Look for helmets that meet DOT, ECE, or Snell safety standards. These certifications ensure the helmet has passed rigorous safety tests.
Fit and Comfort
A helmet should fit snugly but not too tight. It should feel comfortable on long rides without causing pressure points.
Ventilation
Good airflow is crucial, especially on hot days. Look for helmets with adjustable vents.
Visor
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.
2. Motorcycle Jackets: Style Meets Protection
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.
Materials and Construction
Leather
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
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
Mesh jackets are designed for hot weather, providing maximum ventilation while still offering some protection.
Key Features to Consider
Armor
Look for jackets with CE-rated armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. Some jackets offer the option to upgrade to higher-level protection.
Fit
The jacket should fit snugly without restricting movement. It should also be long enough to cover your lower back when in a riding position.
Ventilation
For all-season comfort, consider jackets with adjustable vents. Some jackets come with removable liners for added versatility.
Pockets and Storage
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.
3. Motorcycle Pants: Protection from the Waist Down
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.
Materials and Construction
Leather
Leather pants provide excellent abrasion resistance and are a favorite among sportbike riders for their durability and close fit.
Textile
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.
Kevlar Jeans
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.
Key Features to Consider
Armor
Ensure the pants come with CE-rated armor in the knees and hips. Some pants offer adjustable armor pockets for a custom fit.
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.
Weatherproofing
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.
Zippers and Closures
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.
4. Motorcycle Boots: Grounded in Safety and Comfort
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.
Types of Motorcycle Boots
Racing Boots
Designed for sportbike riders, racing boots offer maximum protection with features like reinforced toe sliders, ankle support, and anti-twist soles.
Touring Boots
These boots prioritize comfort for long rides. They are often waterproof and have extra padding for added comfort.
Cruiser Boots
Often resembling regular work boots, cruiser boots are sturdy and offer good protection while blending in with casual attire.
Adventure Boots
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.
Key Features to Consider
Protection
Look for boots with reinforced toe boxes, ankle support, and shin guards. Anti-slip soles are also crucial for maintaining grip on various surfaces.
Waterproofing
If you ride in all weather conditions, waterproof boots are a must. Gore-Tex is a popular material for waterproof motorcycle boots.
Fit and Comfort
Boots should fit snugly but allow for some movement. Make sure they are comfortable enough for walking around off the bike as well.
Closure System
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.
5. Motorcycle Gloves: Essential Hand Protection
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.
Types of Motorcycle Gloves
Racing Gloves
Designed for sportbike riders, these gloves offer maximum protection with features like knuckle guards, palm sliders, and reinforced stitching.
Touring Gloves
These gloves are built for comfort on long rides. They often have extra padding and are made from materials that provide insulation and waterproofing.
Off-Road Gloves
Lightweight and breathable, off-road gloves offer protection against abrasions and impacts while allowing maximum flexibility.
Winter Gloves
These gloves are insulated to keep your hands warm in cold weather. They are usually waterproof and windproof, making them ideal for winter riding.
Key Features to Consider
Protection
Look for gloves with reinforced knuckles, palm sliders, and abrasion-resistant materials. Some gloves also offer impact protection on the fingers.
Comfort and Fit
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.
Weatherproofing
For all-season riding, consider gloves with waterproof and thermal liners. Ventilated gloves are great for hot weather.
Grip and Control
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.
6. Motorcycle Luggage: Carry Your Gear with Ease
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.
Types of Motorcycle Luggage
Saddlebags
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.
Tank Bags
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.
Tail Bags
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.
Panniers
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.
Best Open-Face Motorcycle Helmets: A Comprehensive Guide
Open-face motorcycle helmets offer a blend of protection, comfort, and style, making them a popular choice among riders who value both safety and freedom in their motorcycle gear. Whether you’re cruising through the city or enjoying a scenic ride, the right open-face helmet can enhance your riding experience.
Continue reading “Best Open-Face Motorcycle Helmets: A Comprehensive Guide”15 Best Cafe Racer Gloves
Looking for the best cafe racer gloves? This is the list for you.
Owning a cafe racer is a way of life. It’s a style and a culture that’s unlike other sub-segments of the motorcycling community. As a part of that, you should have the right cafe racer gear too.
I’ve discussed cafe racer helmets and cafe racer jackets and more cafe racer gear before, but now I want to focus on one of my personal favorite pieces of gear, cafe racer motorcycle gloves. The following 15 pairs of gloves are imbibed with cafe racer style and give you some added protection, too. Here’s the list.
Continue reading “15 Best Cafe Racer Gloves”15 Best Cafe Racer Jackets
Looking for the best cafe racer jackets? This list is for you.
I recently wrote about cafe racer helmets, but now I want to touch on the best cafe racer jackets. If you ride one of these bikes you need the right jacket.
Cafe racers are as much about style as they are about anything else. Riding one is about the speed and experience of riding an old-school, custom, or retro-styled bike, but it’s also about the gear you wear and how it fits with the bike.
Here are my top picks for jackets that not only provide ample protection and features but also give you what you need in terms of cafe racer style.
Continue reading “15 Best Cafe Racer Jackets”10 Best Cafe Racer Jeans
Get yourself that perfect pair of motorcycle jeans.
Cafe racer riders often get on their motorcycle without fully suiting up. Most of us just jump on the bike with maybe a helmet and some gloves. Some riders do wear a jacket, but often the right pair of cafe racer jeans are an afterthought if they are thought of at all.
That said, having a good pair of motorcycle pants when riding is extremely important and you don’t just want regular denim covering your backside and legs, you want something designed specifically for motorcyclists.
I have pulled together a list of my top picks below. They look great and will work for any and all cafe racer riders. If you have a cafe bike and need some good riding pants, these are what you should buy.
Continue reading “10 Best Cafe Racer Jeans”6 Best Cafe Racer Goggles You Can Buy Right Now
Protect your eyes while riding your cafe racer.
I know a lot of cafe racer riders who wear a full-face helmet. However, if you wear an open-face helmet, half helmet, or a full-face that doesn’t have a face shield then you’ll need some goggles.
Continue reading “6 Best Cafe Racer Goggles You Can Buy Right Now”20 Best Cafe Racer Helmets
These are the best cafe racer helmets on the market today.
Owning a cafe racer is as much about style as it is about performance these days. You want to look good, feel good, and ride fast. All of those things mean you need the best helmet you can find.
You want a helmet that brings the best style, protection, and features to your head at a reasonable price.
That’s where this list comes into play. I’ve pulled together a list of the best cafe racer helmets you could ever hope to own. Check out all of the 20 different options below, and click the links (affiliate) to find out more information and see prices.
Continue reading “20 Best Cafe Racer Helmets”15 Best Full-Face Helmets
When it comes to motorcycle helmets, the full-face variant takes home the prize for being the safest. In my opinion, they also look the best.
Of all the types of motorcycle gear, a helmet is the thing I never leave the house without. And full-face helmets are most often what I put on. Because of this, I wanted to put together a list of what I think are the best full-face helmets out there.
Continue reading “15 Best Full-Face Helmets”The Ultimate Guide to the Best Motorcycle Gloves With Palm Sliders
Dress for the slide and not the ride, right? Well, that’s what they say. And one of the most important pieces of motorcycle gear when it comes to the slide is gloves, specifically gloves with palm sliders. Let’s take a look at why this little feature makes a huge difference, and we can dive in and take a closer look at what are some of the best motorcycle gloves with palm sliders.
Continue reading “The Ultimate Guide to the Best Motorcycle Gloves With Palm Sliders”How Should Motorcycle Gloves Fit? A Guide to Finding the Best-Fitting Gloves for You
When it comes to motorcycle safety gear, gloves play a crucial role in protecting your hands and ensuring optimal control. But how should motorcycle gloves fit to provide the best protection and comfort? I wanted to provide you with some guidance so you find the best-fitting pair of gloves.
Continue reading “How Should Motorcycle Gloves Fit? A Guide to Finding the Best-Fitting Gloves for You”