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.
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.
Continue reading “Klim Induction Gloves”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.
Continue reading “Arai XD-4 Helmet”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.
Continue reading “Casual Moto Wear: 3 Dainese T-Shirts”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.
Continue reading “Oxford Toledo 1.0 Mesh 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.
Continue reading “Klim Induction Jacket”Are you looking for a killer one-piece motorcycle suit? You’re not alone. While one-piece suits are common for racers, you’ll see fewer riders out on the road wearing them. That doesn’t mean they’re not really nice to have. For commuting and touring purposes, a one-piece suit can make all the difference.
Commuters face all kinds of weather, and so do touring riders. Because of that, you need something that’s highly versatile instead of highly specialized. One-piece motorcycle suits are just that.
They’re not the best in every situation, but they will do pretty well. That’s why I recommend every motorcyclist have a one-piece riding suit in their closet. Let’s take a closer look at one-piece riding suits and some good options.
Continue reading “Finding the Right One-Piece Motorcycle Suit for the Street”I’ve written about motorcycle camping before, but one thing I didn’t touch on was motorcycle camping sleeping bags.
These types of sleeping bags are specifically designed for sleeping outdoors. While many of the brands that make them don’t always have motorcyclists in mind, they have some kind of active outdoor sport in mind, whether it be mountain climbing, hiking, or backpacking.
These activities provide a similar camping situation to that of the motorcyclist. That’s why many of these sleeping bags make for good motorcycle camping sleeping bags. However, there are some things you should know.
Continue reading “Best Motorcycle Camping Sleeping Bags”The classic leather motorcycle jacket is ingrained in motorcycle culture like nothing else. It’s featured in films and permeated American culture in ways that no other garment has in decades. It has practically defined what a motorcycle jacket is or should be.
And it’s still going strong. While this classic design might not have the clout in the motorcycle world that it once did, it’s still a popular item, and because of that, I wanted to take a closer look at it and makes some recommendations.
Continue reading “The Classic Leather Motorcycle Jacket: What to Look for and Some Great Options”If you’re anything like me, you love a good spring, summer, or fall camping trip, and any trip is better on a motorcycle. Cooking is an important part of this and you need to think about what are the best motorcycle camping stoves for your purposes.
Everyone is different, and everyone camps differently, especially when riding a motorcycle. Some folks like to go all out with their luggage options and accessories to the bike, while others like to go the minimalist route and simply slip on a backpack and strap a tarp to the rear fender.
However you choose to do things, you’ll need a good camp stove, and you might as well shop the best motorcycle camping stoves out there. Here’s what you need to know while shopping and some options for you.
Continue reading “The Best Motorcycle Camping Stoves to Buy”Harley-Davidson motorcycle boots are part of the whole package. Harley riders are in a unique position in that they can get Harley-Davidson branded gear for just about everything. That means helmets, jackets, gloves, and of course boots.
Another great thing is that these pieces of Harley gear are some of the best out there in terms of quality. When it comes to finding the right boots, you want to look for the best Harley-Davidson boots. Harley has tons of great pairs of boots, but I wanted to put together a list of only the very best boots the company sells.
When I say best, I’m thinking of three things: protection, comfort, and style. I combed through all of the options available from Harley and pulled the ones that are the best in terms of those three things. Hopefully, this list will make your search for the best Harley-Davidson boots a little easier.
Continue reading “20 Best Harley-Davidson Boots”
