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 Open-Face Motorcycle Helmets Under $100

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.

Spidi Firebird Jacket

The Spidi Firebird Jacket Is Soft, Comfortable, and Protective

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.

Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants

The Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants offer a lot of features and protection for the money.

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.

5 Best Motorcycle Boots Under $100

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.

First Manufacturing Defender Jacket

The First Manufacturing Defender Jacket is a tough-looking leather jacket.

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.

Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet

The Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet is one of the most advanced open-face helmets out there.

If you’re looking for a good open face motorcycle helmet that offers plenty of fantastic features. It’s a top-quality helmet that will keep you safe and comfortable.

This helmet is new and Shoei has made the most of the J-Cruise and updated it. The new J-Cruise II Helmet builds on the product’s good reputation.

100% Racecraft Goggles – Mirrored Lens

The 100% Racecraft Goggles can’t be beaten.

I recently took a look at five of the best motorcycle goggles for under $100. One that I missed is the 100% Racecraft Goggles with the mirrored lens. These goggles are a fantastic addition to anyone’s list of gear.

If you’re looking for some seriously good goggles at a fair price that is at home in any weather conditions or any time of year, then these are it. Favored by off-road riders, the goggles get the job done in basically any scenario.

5 Best Motorcycle Goggles Under $100

Finding the best motorcycle goggles out there can be tough, but it gets even tougher if you have to stick to a tight budget.

Don’t worry too much, though, there are plenty of pairs of goggles out there for a relatively modest price, that will provide the protection and features you’re looking for.

I spend a lot of time talking about helmets and jackets, but eye protection is extremely important, and it is mandatory in many states. Here is a look at some of the best out there.

Icon Airflite Rubatone Helmet

The aggressive-looking Icon Airflite Rubatone Helmet is perfect for the right kind of rider.

If a sense of badass style is high on your list of priorities for motorcycle gear, then the Icon Airflite Rubatone Helmet is right for you.

This is one of the most stylish helmets out there. Icon is known for making gear that makes a statement, and this helmet does that even more than the others from the company.

Nelson Rigg Mini Expandable Sport Saddlebags

These Nelson Rigg Mini Expandable Sport Saddlebags can be added to your bike easily.

If you’re like me, you could use saddlebags sometimes but not all the time. That’s where the Nelson Rigg Mini Expandable Sport Saddlebags come in.

These saddlebags are perfect for the person who needs a luggage option for a few trips or a weekend ride.