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

arai motorcycle helmet

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

motorcycle jackets for new riders

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

adventure motorcycle pants

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

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

Reax Tasker motorcycle Gloves

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

Nelson Rigg Mini Expandable Sport Saddlebag motorcycle luggage

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.

5 Best Tank Bags for Your Motorcycle

If you’re looking for some piece of motorcycle luggage that will keep your things close at hand while riding, you need to check out tank bags.

These types of bags put your things right on the tank of your motorcycle, and they can be super handy while on any ride, whether it be around town or across the country.

Here are my top picks for the best tank bags for your motorcycle. These bags come highly recommended not just from me but from customers who bought them. Let’s take a closer look.

5 Great Motorcycle Helmets Under $150

You’ve got to have a good motorcycle helmet, but your helmet doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of great motorcycle helmets under $150.

While you won’t have the most recent features and technology in some cases at this price point, you will have a good safe helmet that’s comfortable to wear while riding.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best motorcycle helmets under $150 that you can buy.

5 Great Motorcycle Jackets Under $150

Motorcycle jackets don’t have to be expensive. I’ve written about super affordable jackets in the past, but if you want to take a step above that, then the jackets listed below could be a good choice.

These motorcycle jackets under $150 have a lot of great features and with riding season coming around, then you need something good.

Let’s take a closer look at some great motorcycle jackets under $150.

Review: XYZCTEM 300D Outdoor Motorcycle Cover

This review of the XYZCTEM 300D Outdoor Motorcycle Cover should actually help you save money

Recently, I researched motorcycle covers and found a lot of the ones I expected to be good were sorta expensive. At about this same time XYZCTEM (what kind of a name is that?) reached out to me to review its 300D Outdoor Motorcycle Cover. I figured what did I have to lose? So, I said yes.

After waiting a short time, the cover arrived in the mail. And over the course of the next few weeks, I put this cover to the test.

Merlin Slink Shoes – Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a smartly styled and sensible riding shoe option, make sure you check out the Merlin Slink WP shoes that recently showed up.

I’ve discussed motorcycle shoes previously. They’re a great option for folks who don’t want bulky motorcycle boots. Riding shoes are lighter, very comfortable on and off the bike, and usually more affordable. You can find them for as low as $100, in some cases.

While the Merlin Slink WP shoes don’t fall into that price range, they are well under $200. Let’s take a closer look.

iXS Tour LT Heat Gloves – Everything You Need to Know

There are warm gloves and then they are heated gloves, the iXS Tour LT Heat Gloves are the latter.

These gloves feature quality construction and materials with an added heating element to ensure you have warm hands on your next cold ride.

Let’s take a closer look at these gloves.

Simpson Ghost Bandit Sandbox Helmet – Everything You Need to Know

Recently, the Simpson Ghost Bandit Sandbox Helmet hit the virtual shelves at some of the retailers I work with. It’s a killer lid, so I thought I’d mention it.

Simpson’s Ghost Bandit helmet is one of the best lids out there if you want that killer badass look and quality protection. Simpson cut its teeth making helmets for racing, so you know these guys know protection.

Let’s take a closer look at this new take on the Ghost Bandit helmet and what it brings to the street.

Harley-Davidson Hagerman Motorcycle Boots – Everything You Need to Know

When you think Harley-Davidson, you think about the bikes, but the company is equally as good at making motorcycle gear, specifically motorcycle boots. These Harley-Davidson Hagerman Motorcycle Boots are a perfect example.

The boots feature everything you would want out of a stylish, protective motorcycle boot that looks as good next to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle as a pair of boots can.

Let’s take a closer look at these fantastic motorcycle boots.

The Best Motorcycle Jackets Under $100

You don’t have to buy used to get budget motorcycle jackets. If you’re looking for motorcycle jackets under $100, you’re in luck.

There are actually several options out there. While you might not be able to buy some of the biggest and best brand names, you will certainly be able to find a jacket that looks good and provides you with some quality protection.

With all that said, let’s take a closer look at what kind of motorcycle jackets under $100 you can find.

How Long Do Motorcycle Helmets Last?

The industry standard for the life of a motorcycle helmet is five years. After that, manufacturers, industry experts, and safety advocates say you should replace your helmet.

While I’m all for people buying themselves a new motorcycle helmet, I don’t think you should buy one if you don’t want to or have to.

For that reason, I thought it best to take a closer look at the question of how long do motorcycle helmets last.