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 holidays are coming up fast and with all of the supply chain issues, it’s likely smart to do your shopping now.
With that in mind, I thought it best to start putting together some holiday gift guides. And if you have a female rider in your family or friend group, you should definitely get her a gift.
Here are my top five picks for gear for the holidays for female riders.
Continue reading “Great Holiday Gift Picks for the Female Rider in Your Life”Multi-tools can be indispensable for all sorts of situations you’ll find yourself in, but what multi-tools should you get? It’s not super clear. There are all sorts out there, and you’ll want one that works great for motorcycle applications.
A tool kit is an absolute must for any motorcyclist, and you should work to build out your toolbox at home with the best screwdrivers and wrenches, but a good multi-tool can really make all the difference.
Below you’ll find my top picks for riders. If you can only carry one tool with you on a bike, make sure it’s one of these.
Continue reading “The 5 Best Multi-Tools for Motorcycles”Most people have a few screwdrivers sitting around the house, but if you’re going to work on your own motorcycle in any real capacity, you’ll have to take a look at these screwdriver sets.
A set of screwdrivers goes hand in hand with a set of wrenches in your motorcycle tool kit.
So, with that in mind, here are some of the best screwdriver sets out there.
Continue reading “The 5 Best Screwdriver Sets for Motorcycles”Cardo makes some of the best high-end Bluetooth communicators. Right now, the company is working with Motorcycle.com to give away a Cardo Packtalk Bold Duo.
In case you’re unfamiliar, the Packtalk Bold Duo (duo meaning two) is one of the best Bluetooth units on the market, though there are more affordable options.
This unique opportunity is a great opportunity for you to score a free headset. Let’s get into how you can get it.
Continue reading “Win a Cardo Packtalk Bold Duo Bluetooth Communicator”You can do quite a lot with the standard open-end wrenches in your tool kit or tool roll, but at some point, you’re going to want to get a good socket wrench set. With that in mind, I thought I’d look at the best ones out there.
Socket wrenches will save you tons of time whether or not you do a lot of maintenance yourself. Even if you just do a few things yourself, like changing your motorcycle’s oil, you’ll benefit from them.
Here are the best socket wrench sets for motorcycles you can buy right now.
Continue reading “The 5 Best Socket Wrench Sets for Motorcycles”Recently, I posted about the best motorcycle soaps you can buy to clean up your bike and make it look good, but in order to use those soaps, you need a good wash mitt.
Wash mitts are pretty typical for automotive detailing, and they should be in your motorcycle care arsenal along with a bucket and some good soap or a good cleaner.
Here’s a closer look at some of the best wash mitts out there for motorcycle use.
Continue reading “5 Best Wash Mitts for Motorcycles”Cleaning your motorcycle is an important part of basic maintenance and buying the right motorcycle soap is imperative.
I’ve discussed waxes and polishes before, but what do you do if your motorcycle is really dirty? You bust out the motorcycle soap and water and get to cleaning.
Below you’ll find my picks for the five best motorcycle soaps and cleaners. These products will get your bike clean and ready to shine.
Continue reading “The 5 Best Motorcycle Soaps and Cleaners”We’ve officially entered fall, and that means that you’re going to start seeing a lot of sales and deals gearing up for the holidays. Speaking of this, Dainese gear is 20 percent off right now at Revzilla.
Still technically part of the summer sale for the company, you should probably strike now if you want to snag these deals.
Below, I’ve pulled some of the best of the Dainese gear that’s currently on sale. But the link in the paragraph at the top of this article will take you to all of the Dainese sales gear.
Continue reading “Get 20% Off Dainese Motorcycle Gear at Revzilla”Airbag gear is the future of motorcycle gear, and Hit-Air’s newest product, the RS-1, is the latest entrant you should pay attention to.
This airbag vest is designed specifically for riders to go to the track. It has a mechanical tether and deploys when the tether separates from the bike.
This vest protects your neck, cervical vertebrae, shoulders, and dorsal and thoracic areas of your torso, so you can ride harder and be safer.
Continue reading “Hit-Air Reveals the All-New RS-1 Airbag Vest”The holidays are sneaking up fast, and you might as well spend some time getting gifts around for the rider in your life.
Every rider needs something. Whether it’s a new motorcycle jacket, motorcycle helmet, boots, luggage, or something else altogether.
Think about how the motorcyclist in your life rides and what he or she could use. Here are some fun options to choose from.
Continue reading “Get an Early Jump on the Holidays with These Motorcycle Gifts for the Rider in Your Life”
