Beginner riders not only need a motorcycle, they need gear. But not everyone has tons of dough to spend on a full gear setup.
With this in mind, Ryan of FortNine decided to take a closer look at the accident numbers to determine which gear is really essential.
This look isn’t ATGATT-approved, but it’s arguably a more realistic view a buying gear than the ATGATT crowd endorses.
This Is the Gear Beginner Riders Really Need
Ryan notes that motorcycle boots—ones that offer good ankle protection and protection up the calf and shin—are statistically the most important piece of gear because ankle and foot injuries are the highest.
Next up is motorcycle gloves. When you go down, even at low speeds you can injure your hands easily. You stick your hands out, and that makes them susceptible to damage. A good pair of gloves will help prevent injuries to your important fingers and palms.
Third, is your head. Wear a motorcycle helmet please, and as Ryan says in the video, helmets that adhere to the latest ECE and FIM standards are going to be best in most cases.
He also notes that motorcycle jackets are important, but in terms of statistics, you’re likely not going to keep from breaking a bone or dying by wearing one. However, they will provide abrasion resistance and if there’s a spine protector, there are statistics to show that you should be safer.
Below are the specific pieces of gear that Ryan discusses in the video.
- Biltwell Gringo S ECE Helmet: Check it out at Revzilla
- Icon Mesh AF Jacket: Check it out at Revzilla
- Five Stunt Evo Airflow Textile Gloves: Check it out at Amazon
- Fox Racing Comp Boots: Check it out at Revzilla
- Icon Joker 1000 WP Boots: Check it out at Revzilla
- D30 Armor Inserts: Check it out at Revzilla
I would say I agree with Ryan’s analysis. However, I would say I will never get on a bike without a helmet while I would jump on a bike with some regular hiking boots on. If I had to choose a minimal gear setup, it would start with a motorcycle helmet, then some motorcycle gloves, and then some boots.
The jacket, comes lower on the list of priorities for me, even though they’re my favorite to test and cover in a review. I’d also say with all of the budget-focused gear out there. Getting a full gear setup is doable for under $400—probably under $300 if you look hard enough. It won’t be the best gear out there, but it’s certainly doable.
Riding pants need to be on this list
Ideally, yes. But I’d be lying if I said I wore riding pants every time I toss a leg over a bike, and if you’re cash strapped they’re the last main piece of gear I’d worry about. Helmet, boots, gloves are my top three. Then jacket and pants.