I’ve discussed the various types of motorcycle gear elsewhere, but now I want to touch on the styles of motorcycle gear. Just like with motorcycles themselves. Style matters. And the style of gear you buy should be paired with the kind of bike you ride.
This isn’t just about looks, though aesthetics and the brand that made the gear certainly play a role. Ultimately, you’ll be most comfortable if you buy the appropriate gear for your bike and how you ride. Trust me, cruiser gear is great for around town, but if you get on an ADV bike and go off-road, you’re going to wish you had some ADV gear.
So, with all this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the various styles of motorcycle gear, as I see it, so you can choose the best gear for yourself.
Sportbike Gear
Sportbike gear is purpose-built, much like the sportbikes themselves. The gear is designed to provide protection for the rider at high speeds while taking tight corners. The more hardcore the gear, the more it looks like a suit of armor, at least to me.
This gear is usually all-encompassing and has a focus split with style and protection, with protection taking the priority in most cases. It’s designed for pushing the limit and going fast.
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Adventure and Touring Gear
Adventure motorcycles and touring motorcycles might live in different places in many people’s eyes, but I’m grouping them together here. Why? Much of the gear is very similar.
The focus on gear for adventure and touring riders is totally function-over-style. Styling is subjective, so I won’t comment on what looks good, but I will say this gear places features and high-quality materials over all else. You’ll find this gear is some of the best ventilated, most comfortable, and most versatile out there. At least, that’s been my experience.
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Cruiser Gear
Motorcyclists who ride cruiser motorcycles are looking for gear that’s going to provide a certain sense of style while also providing some protection. You’ll see a lot of leather garments here, but not everything is cowhide. There are quite a few denim and textile pieces, too.
As for helmets, you’ll see a lot of half and open-face lids, but I ride a cruiser myself and I almost always sport a full-face helmet. So you’ll see those peppered in here as well. The common consensus, at least in my mind, for cruiser gear is that it’s something that looks blue-collar or a lot like workwear, with some badass flavor thrown in.
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Cafe Racer Gear
Cafe Racers are a very specific type of motorcycle, but the style has birthed an aesthetic that spans much of the motorcycle gear market. You’ll see cafe-racer-style gear worn on all kinds of bikes. It’s become as much of a lifestyle as the cruiser scene has.
This is where you’ll see fashion-forward brands, streetwear styles, and artistic expression in gear. It’s part hipster, part classic or retro speed racer, part just undeniable cool. It’s something that’s a bit hard to nail down, unlike the bikes themselves. Some folks will disagree with my definition here, and that’s fine. I’ll also say that there’s plenty of blending between ADV gear and cafe racer gear and cruiser gear. It’s one of those things you know when you see it.
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Dirt and Dual Sport Gear
I’m not a huge dirt rider, but the few times I have gone, I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you’re the kind of rider who likes to get out there in the dust and mud and mix it up, I salute you. But in order to do so, you’ll need the right gear.
What makes the right dirt bike gear? Well, it comes down to two different things for me, breathability and protection. This is true for every piece of riding gear when you’re on the dirt. You want maximum airflow so you stay cool and comfortable, and you want the best protection possible.
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