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.
There are leather motorcycle jackets and textile mesh jackets out there, but the Cortech Piuma Jacket is both. The Piuma features leather and mesh construction.
This means the jacket offers both fantastic protection and top-notch airflow. The jacket is a stylish option, too. The bike features the leather accents where it looks best as well as where it’s the most protective.
Continue reading “Cortech Piuma Jacket”Recently I did a post on the best motorcycle shoes under $100. While those shoes are certainly a good and affordable option, if you want something a little higher-end, I suggest checking out the Dainese Atipica Air Shoes.
These shoes offer fantastic protection for your feet and ankles while also providing a unique street style. Dainese makes some of the most attractive motorcycle gear out there, and these shoes are no exception.
Continue reading “Dainese Atipica Air Shoes”Tall motorcycle boots offer the best protection and can be the most comfortable boots on the bike, too. The SIDI Canyon Gore-Tex Motorcycle Boots are a perfect example of what I’m talking about.
These boots offer a lot of good features in a well-constructed boot with one of the best brand names in the business backing it up. SIDI’s products are no joke, and the Canyon boots are worth at least considering if you’re after some taller motorcycle boots.
Continue reading “SIDI Canyon Gore-Tex Motorcycle Boots”Recently I picked up a pair of Plainsman Cabretta Leather Gloves. I’d intended to use these as work gloves and still do. However, I thought it’d be smart to evaluate them as motorcycle gloves, too.
While I’d advocate for something that’s designed specifically for motorcycle riding, I’ll say that I know a lot of guys who like to wear light leather gloves when on the bike, and I have to say some gloves are better than no gloves.
Let’s take a look at what the Plainsman Cabretta Leather Gloves, and what they offer. Then I’ll look at them as motorcycle gloves and give my recommendation as to whether or not you should wear them.
Continue reading “Plainsman Cabretta Leather Gloves Review”Modular helmets are all the rage right now. The Shark EVO One 2 Helmet is a killer modular helmet that has a unique flip-up chin bar.
The EVO One 2’s chin bar flips all the way to the back of the helmet so it’s fully out of the way. This makes it easy to rock the helmet like an open face without the chin bar catching the wind like with most modular helmets.
Continue reading “Shark EVO One 2 Helmet”Usually, I’d recommend a full-face or modular helmet, but I recognize that some folks like to wear an open-face helmet from time to time. Heck, I do, too. That’s why it’s important to find the best open-face motorcycle helmets out there.
I also don’t like to spend a boatload on my motorcycle gear. I value safety, but that safety can be had at very reasonable prices. There are plenty of motorcycle helmets out there for prices that won’t break the bank
With that in mind, let’s look at some of the best open-face motorcycles under $100. Note that these helmets have an MSRP of under $100 or right at $100. Many sellers have discounts that would put the actual price to you below that dollar amount.
Continue reading “5 Best Open-Face Motorcycle Helmets Under $100”I love a good bomber jacket, and the Spidi Firebird Jacket brings the bomber styling to a legit motorcycle jacket.
Spidi crafts some seriously good motorcycle gear and this jacket is a perfect example of what makes the brand’s gear worth buying.
Continue reading “Spidi Firebird Jacket”Too often we go out on the bike in a regular pair of jeans. There’s no reason to. There are plenty of comfortable and attractive riding pants out there. The Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants are a perfect example.
Are there other pants out there? For sure but these Dainese pants offer a whole heck of a lot for the money.
Continue reading “Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants”Motorcycle boots tend to be pretty expensive. Well, good ones at least, but there are some motorcycle boots out there that aren’t very expensive at all.
The following motorcycle boots are some of the most affordable options out there. The boots below are not sold at a discount at the time of this writing.
While you might be able to find motorcycle boots on sale at certain vendors for less money, you won’t find many good boots with a lower MSRP than the ones listed below.
Continue reading “5 Best Motorcycle Boots Under $100”If you ride a v-twin motorcycle, classic or vintage bike, or cafe racer or bobber, then I have the jacket for you. It’s the First Manufacturing Defender Jacket.
This jacket is a badass-looking jacket with all the features you want and expect from a good leather jacket. First Manufacturing makes quality stuff, and the Defender is an excellent choice for a wide variety of riders.
Continue reading “First Manufacturing Defender Jacket”
