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.

Klim Outrider Pants

The Klim Outrider Pants are a Cross Between Adventure Riding Pants and Chino Work Pants

Are you looking for the best riding pants that could double as your work pants? Then the Klim Outrider Pants are probably your best option. These bad boys offer a style that blends adventure riding pants features with chino work pants look.

Klim is a company that makes seriously good motorcycle gear, from motorcycle jackets and helmets to gloves and obviously pants. If you’re okay with a generally higher price tag, then the company’s gear is a fantastic option.

Motorcycle Locks – How Good Are They?

Ever Wondered if Motorcycle Locks Really Work? FortNine Investigates

Keeping your motorcycle safe. It’s an important thing. You love your bike, or at least, I hope you do, so having a way to lock it up securely is a must.

In the video above FortNine takes a look at the common motorcycle locks people use and determines if they’re actually any good. While a lock might not be the typical motorcycle gear, it’s one of the more important pieces of equipment.

Shoei RF-1200 Helmet

The Shoei RF-1200 Is One of the Best Full-Face Helmets Out There

Looking for a full-face helmet that will keep you safe, looking good, and comfortable as all get-out for mile after lovely mile? Then you should check out the Shoei RF-1200.

The RF-1200 is one of those helmets near the top of the heap in terms of features, construction, and comfort. Are there other great full-face helmets? You bet, but if you’re looking for something better than this, you’ll have to go up in price most likely.

6 Best Motorcycle Jackets Under $300

If you’re in need of a new motorcycle jacket check out these.

Every couple of years you’ll need to upgrade your gear. When you do, you’d better focus on a helmet first, and then a jacket next. Some guys will say to get yourself some good boots, but I’ve found that you can just wear some sturdy work boots or some old motorcycle boots until you really decide it’s time to upgrade. The jacket, though, is an absolute must. And you can get one for under $300.

While you’ll still need to get boots, gloves, pants, and any other specific gear you want or need, the jacket is a big part of the puzzle. Here are six of the best out there, and while the prices will vary all of them can be found for under $300.

Note: this post was updated for 2020.

REAX Poseidon Dry Bag

The REAX Poseidon Dry Bag Is a Great Duffle

I love a good duffle bag and the REAX Poseidon Dry Bag is exactly the kind of duffle I want on my next motorcycle trip out of town.

A lot of motorcycle luggage looks like, well, motorcycle luggage—saddlebags, tank bags, etc—but this bag looks more or less like any old duffle. It’s far from any old duffle bag, however, with tons of advanced features.

Cortech Piuma Jacket

The Cortech Piuma Jacket Is the Best of Both Worlds

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.

Dainese Atipica Air Shoes

These Dainese Atipica Air Shoes are Top-Quality and Ready for Riding

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.

SIDI Canyon Gore-Tex Motorcycle Boots

The SIDI Canyon Gore-Tex Boots are Some Killer Tall Motorcycle Boots

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.

Plainsman Cabretta Leather Gloves Review

The Plainsman Cabretta Leather Gloves are as Simple as it Gets

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.

Shark EVO One 2 Helmet

The Shark EVO One 2 Helmet Is a Unique Modular Helmet

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.