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 of the Best Super-Affordable Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets

Bluetooth headsets can be pretty darned expensive, but they don’t have to be. There are numerous companies out there selling affordable motorcycle Bluetooth headsets. You just have to know which ones to get to still get decent quality.

With my experience wearing and testing out this type of equipment, I thought it could be a good idea to take a look at Bluetooth headsets and showcase some of the affordable options out there.

Let’s take a closer look at why you’d buy one of these and what options are good ones.

Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom Review

Recently, McsBest contacted me to see if I wanted to review some of its motorcycle Bluetooth headsets. I said sure, and they sent me a package with two Fodsports V6 Plus Bluetooth Headset Intercom units inside.

These intercoms offer many of the same features you’ll get from companies like Cardo or Sena, but at a much lower price, which is about $90 (though it’s on sale right now for about $55!) I was thoroughly intrigued.

After spending about a week using the headset on over 500 miles of riding, I can now tell you how I feel about the headset. Here’s what I found.

Street & Steel Kickstarter Riding Shoes

There are good riding shoes out there for very little money, and the Street & Steel Kickstarter riding shoes are just that.

I’ve talked a lot about riding shoes and motorcycle boots on this blog, and the common theme is that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg.

These shoes may look like some simple street shoes but they were made for motorcycle riders.

Let’s take a closer look at these shoes and what they offer to an urban motorcyclist.

Casual Moto Wear: 5 Harley-Davidson Converse Shoes

There are plenty of Harley-Davidson motorcycle shoes and casual shoes out there, but one type of shoe that recently caught my eye was the Harley-Davidson Converse shoes listed on their website.

These aren’t Converse shoes officially, but they feature the same style while also offering Harley-Davidson branding.

They’re a really great option if you like both Harley-Davidson gear and you like Converse shoes. So, let’s take a look at these shoes and some great options Harley sells.

20% Off Bell Helmets: Deals and Discounts on Motorcycle Gear

I’m always looking at motorcycle gear, and I noticed that Revzilla is offering some killer deals on Bell Helmets right now.

The deal the company has going right now is 20 percent off select Bell Helmets, but there are certain bell helmets that are offered at even steeper discounts.

Let’s take a look at the deals that are currently available.

Klim Induction Gloves

Recently, I wrote an article about the Klim Induction Jacket, but there’s also offers the Klim Induction Gloves. A fair number of you seemed to really like the Induction Jacket, so I thought it best to do a post on the gloves, too.

These are great for summer, and feature good airflow and protection. if you need some top-quality short-cuff gloves, then I’d suggest you take a closer look at these gloves.

Let’s dive into the details.

Arai XD-4 Helmet

Looking for an amazing adventure riding motorcycle helmet? The Arai XD-4 helmet is quite simply one of the best.

Arai makes fantastic helmets. My colleague Jim Pruner fairly recently went to the Arai headquarters in Japan to check it out. He came away impressed, and I was impressed by his article about the experience.

That and the other various reviews out there extoll the virtues of the Arai XD-4. With that in mind, Let’s take a look at what makes it so great.

Casual Moto Wear: 3 Dainese T-Shirts

There are plenty of great gear brands out there, but Dainese is one that stands out. The company also has some great casual clothing as well, including some fantastic Dainese T-shirts.

So, you’ll never see me on a bike without at least a helmet, gloves, boots, and a jacket. With that said, you’ll also likely see me rocking some casual moto wear from time to time.

That’s why I thought it could be cool to do a post about my favorite Dainese T-shirts. Check out my picks below.

Oxford Toledo 1.0 Mesh Jacket

Earlier this week I showcased one of the more expensive mesh jacket options out there. Today I thought I’d take a look at the other end of the pricing spectrum for mesh jackets. What you find is the Oxford Toledo 1.0 Mesh Jacket.

The Toledo 1.0 Mesh Jacket is under $100 at some retailers and under $200 at others, and it offers a whole lot of features to love. There’s some good materials and what appears to be good construction, too.

If you’re on a budget, this could be a great option for you.

Klim Induction Jacket

It’s starting to get pretty warm out there, and mesh motorcycle jackets—if you have one—will become your best friend. If you don’t have a mesh jacket, I suggest the Klim Induction Jacket.

This jacket is excellent for warm weather because Klim’s Karbonite mesh material moves tons of air. It’s also quite strong, so it offers good abrasion resistance.

Overall, this is a killer jacket that you should consider for your summer riding. There are other mesh jackets out there, but this one puts most of them to shame.