According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycling is about 28 times more dangerous than driving a car. Even if you’re the most proficient rider on earth, it’s not a statistic that you should take lightly, and you can’t guarantee that every road you cross will be empty of reckless and unheeding drivers that aren’t concerned with the well-being of others.
Correspondingly, it’s imperative that you invest in dependable motorcycle riding gear, not just for collision protection but also for sheltering your body from environmental elements such as wind, rain, and debris. Considering how overwhelming the process of choosing motorcycle riding gear can be, this comprehensive article attempts to be your ultimate guide to motorcycle riding gear.
Helmets
Did you know that wearing a helmet helped save the lives of 1,772 motorcyclists in 2015? Many motorcyclists don’t wear helmets only because it’s not required by law in their state, but this has absolutely nothing to do with the law and has everything to do with life and death. You just can’t do without a good helmet. Let’s talk about the various types of motorcycle helmets you can find.
Full-Face Helmets
Full-face motorcycle helmets deliver the most head coverage, covering the front, back, and top of your head, which is why they’re considered the best type of motorcycle helmets for collision protection. Due to their excellent versatility, full-face helmets are suitable for all riders, regardless of the type of motorcycle, be it a scooter or a dual-purpose.
When you put a full-face helmet next to other types of motorcycle helmets, one feature will stick out like a sore thumb, and that is the chin bar. It helps decrease the impact on the chin because, according to a study on motorcycle head injuries, the chin area is prone to approximately 50% of severe impacts during a motorcycle accident.
Full-face helmets are featured in quite a few designs for various types of riding. For example, if you’re a cruiser or an adventure rider, you need a full-face helmet that has a low chin bar and a direct visor opening since you’ll be adopting an upright riding position. Sports riders, per contra, need a high chin bar and angled visor opening, as they’ll be adopting a crouched position.
You might be thinking that full-face helmets are irritating in hot weather considering the amount of coverage they offer, but you’ll be surprised to know that these motorcycle helmets have very versatile ventilation systems that can be opened to evaporate sweat and reduce fogging or closed in colder weather to reduce the airflow and keep the rider’s head warm.
It’s worth pointing out that high-end full-face helmets tend to come equipped with neat features such as Bluetooth speakers and tinted visors that adjust to the different sunlight conditions. Of course, the more features a helmet offers, the more costly it’s going to be, so make sure to buy one that has features you actually need and a color option that’s optimal for high visibility.
Modular Helmets
Modular helmets, also known as flip-up helmets, are quite unique in the sense that they feature elements from both full-face helmets and open face helmets. They utilize the same fitment and materials found in full-face helmets; they even feature the chin bar. The difference is that both the chin bar and visor can be flipped up to expose your face when required.
There are modular helmets that come equipped with two visors for better eye protection instead of one. Modular helmets typically weigh more than full-face counterparts due to the extra design elements that are incorporated to allow you to flip up the visor or the chin bar. In terms of safety, flip-ups aren’t better than full-face models, but they’re better than open-face and half helmets.
Modular helmets aren’t as versatile as full-face helmets, as they’re best suited for motorcyclists that ride with an upright position like tourers, adventure riders, and cruisers. However, I wouldn’t suggest getting a modular helmet if you’re a sports rider. High-end modular helmets can have Bluetooth speakers and an anti-fog coating for the primary visor if the helmet has a dual-visor design.
Half Helmets
As the name implies, half helmets only cover the top half of your head. These helmets are ideal if you champion superb airflow, but when it comes to protection, they’re not as good as the other helmet types because they expose a notable portion of your face. Some models vaunt extra coverage than others, especially around the neck and ears, but the face is still exposed.
Unlike full-face and modular helmets, half helmets usually don’t feature a visor, meaning you’re going to need to shell out a few extra bucks on riding goggles for eye protection. These helmets tend to be lacking in the features department, considering how comparatively compact they are. You might find half helmets that are equipped with Bluetooth speakers, but that’s about it, really.
Open-Face Helmets
Open-face helmets are a little better than half helmets in terms of protection because they shield the top, back, and sides of the head. However, they still keep your face exposed. These helmets don’t feature a chin bar, which further subtracts from their value as far as safety. This is probably the most popular type of motorcycle helmet amongst cruisers, tourers, and scooters.
Open-face helmets are probably the most lightweight and portable helmets on the market, which doesn’t really come as a surprise considering their lack of the chin bar. For the areas they protect, open-face helmets are just as effective as full-face helmets. You’ll normally find a partial or full-face visor on these helmets as a means of protecting the face and eyes from the sun.
Dirt Bike Helmets
If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you certainly need to check out dirt bike helmets, also known as off-road, MX, or motocross helmets. These helmets are extremely lightweight and offer great ventilation since off-roading is an activity that requires notable physical exertion and so the rider needs to be able to breathe with ease, especially during the hotter months of the year.
Compared to other types of motorcycle helmets, dirt bike helmets offer the least insulation. This is to ensure that the interior of the helmet remains cool and comfortable. Off-road helmets don’t feature a wind visor since they’re not intended for high-speed riding and are trying to be as light as possible, so you’ll need to buy separate protection goggles to wear inside the helmet.
Off-road helmets normally feature adjustable sun peak attachments that help protect your eyes from sun glare. In addition, they block the mud and dirt that are kicked up by the rear wheels of other riders in front of you. Getting roosted by another rider is far from enjoyable. Note that dirt bike helmets don’t have great soundproofing because sounds are important on rough terrain.
Don’t make the mistake of buying a motocross helmet for other purposes than off-roading. Yes, their lightweight bodies might be appealing, but they also allow for excruciatingly high levels of wind and noise during high-speed rides. Not only that, but the aerodynamic force these helmets generate at high speeds can be extremely dangerous. They’re to be used at low speeds only.
Dual-Sport Helmets
Dual-sport motorcycle helmets, also known as crossover, hybrid, ADV, and enduro helmets, are what you get when you combine a full-face helmet with an off-road helmet. They’re primarily dirt bike helmets that have undergone some re-engineering to be suitable for street use. They vaunt the exterior of a dirt helmet but with the comfortable and highly padded interior of a full-face one.
Dual-sport helmets offer exceptional ventilation through vents and ducts, and they usually flaunt visors that are even larger than the visors on full-face helmets to ensure ideal eye protection. To add, the face shield or the visor can be flipped down for when you’re riding or flipped up for the use of goggles during an off-road expedition. The visor usually has an aerodynamic construction.
The chin guard on dual-sport helmets is also large so that it’s proportionate with the visor’s size, but it’s not quite as outwardly projected as the chin bar on most dirt bike helmets, which ensures ideal airflow and soundproofing. As you can tell, dual-sport helmets are quite versatile, providing a great deal of protection and convenience. And their designs are very aesthetically appealing.
Jackets
Protection aside, you can’t hop on a motorcycle and go for a ride without a cool leather jacket; it just doesn’t look right. It doesn’t even have to be authentic leather; it can be a synthetic material as long as it delivers optimal safety and the right look. So how exactly do you go about picking a motorcycle jacket? You have to examine three main factors: thickness, proofing, and fit.
Generally speaking, the thicker the jacket, the better. Thicker jackets that are ideal for riding tend to be heavier and more durable than the ones that are vogue-based. There are lightweight leather jackets with a 1mm thickness that are somewhat suitable for riding, but I wouldn’t advise you to buy one if you seek great protection. A general-purpose jacket (1.2mm) is more suitable.
And if you’re in the market for a jacket that offers the most protection, go for a heavyweight one with a thickness of 1.4mm or more. The differences in thickness between these categories of jackets might seem minute to you, but every single millimeter of thickness has a major influence on the safety value of a jacket. Stitching, tanning, and finish should also be taken into consideration.
After examining impact and abrasion resistance, you need to examine whether or not the jacket is able to protect you from the elements, primarily rain and wind. You must understand that only because a jacket is made of leather doesn’t mean it can block out rain; it has to be treated to do so. Also, keep in mind that some jackets are water-repellent, but not entirely waterproof.
Wind-proofing, on the other hand, is fairly easier to examine because all you need to look for is a jacket made of full-grain leather. Just because a leather jacket is wind-proof doesn’t mean it’s not breathable, as breathability is one of leather’s special properties. Wind-proofing is very vital in cold climates because it helps keep your body warm as you’re speeding through the wind.
Lastly, you want to consider the fit. You must understand that motorcycle jackets aren’t fashion garments that you wear to impress; they’re clothing items that are designed for protection. This means that you can’t buy a jacket that’s too loose or too tight. It can’t even ride up. This is why getting the ideal fit is important, and don’t worry, good leather tends to adapt and give with time.
Pants
Jeans are cool and all, but they don’t provide the level of protection that actual motorcycle pants deliver. Moreover, regular pants lack visibility features, whereas motorcycle pants utilize brighter colors and retro-reflective covers to ensure great visibility. Note that visibility is a vital factor that you must look for in most motorcycle gear so that you’re easy to recognize from miles away.
Riding pants are available in an impressive range of materials, from leather and denim to textile and kevlar. Some pants utilize one material for their entire design, whereas others combine two or more materials for improved versatility. You should choose a pair of pants that accentuate the rest of your riding attire and that are suitable for the weather condition you’ll be riding in.
Textile pants are some of the most versatile options available because they’re ideal for both hot and cold weather conditions. They’re not as protective as leather or kevlar ones, but they’re an ideal choice for rides that are short and sweet. You can find textile pants that have removable linings for additional warmth in colder climates. The linings can easily be removed when it gets hot.
Most denim pants tend to be interwoven with a secondary material to offer greater security and abrasion resistance. The most popular material interwoven with denim is kevlar, and pants that offer this combination are called Kevlar Denim pants. Denim pants serve as primary layers that directly cover your skin, whereas textile pants are secondary layers worn over regular pants.
Leather pants are quite similar to denim pants in the sense that they serve as primary layers of protection over the skin, so you don’t need to wear them on top of regular pants or shorts. This type of pants grants the most protection compared to other types, especially around the knees and hips. Also, leather pants are available in various thickness levels that you can pick from.
So, should you choose textile, denim, leather, or kevlar? It all boils down to a number of factors: the length of the ride, type of motorcycle you’re riding, weather, and level of protection you seek, and keep in mind that you might need to make some compromises. For example, leather is the obvious choice for ultimate protection, but it’s not the most comfortable for longer rides.
Another factor that you should take into consideration is whether or not you like to wear clothes underneath your riding pants. If you do, textile pants should be your go-to type because they’re the most breathable and accommodating. You can wear clothes under denim and leather pants, but it won’t be very comfortable. If you decide to do so, make sure the clothes aren’t too tight.
Gloves
If you’ve fallen off anything, not necessarily your motorcycle, what was your very first reaction? Let me guess, you attempt to use your hands to break the fall or lessen the impact, correct? This is precisely why you need to invest in a pair of high-quality riding gloves. Similar to all riding attire, gloves are available in a range of materials, with each one boasting unique characteristics.
You’ll find textile-based gloves that offer excellent waterproofing and resistance against abrasion, and you’ll find thicker ones that rely on extra padding to ensure protection, especially around the knuckles and fingers. The great thing about riding gloves is that they’re categorized according to use cases like riding helmets, so let’s take a look at the different types of gloves on the market.
Street Gloves
Street gloves are your best bet if you do most of your riding on a street bike. These gloves often have short cuffs to ensure comfort and a decent layer of impact protection. Some models rock a sporty, modern design, whereas others flaunt a classic look. If you utilize navigation devices that have touch screens, you want to look for gloves that feature touch screen fingertips.
Gauntlet Gloves
Gauntlet gloves are some of the best riding gloves in terms of protection, as they feature several layers of reinforcements for the fingers and knuckles. These riding gloves go up the forearm and slightly over the jacket in order to cover your wrist in the event of a fall. This is why they’re called “gauntlet gloves.” The gloves are ideal for colder climates.
Race Gloves
Race gloves are derivatives of gauntlet gloves, as they’re also designed to protect the forearms. However, since racing can be extremely dangerous, these gloves implement high-end materials and advanced protective features to ensure ideal protection. They tend to feature armor that’s made of carbon and Kevlar, and they offer excellent control and a great deal of ventilation.
Touring Gloves
These gloves are also derivatives of gauntlet gloves, but there are shorter versions available on the market. As the name implies, they’re designed for touring and street rides in general. These gloves tend to feature a textile or textile-leather construction. Touring gloves can be pretty costly, depending on the materials from which they’re made as well as their technical features.
Cruising Gloves
If you constantly embark on long road trips in the summer season, you definitely need a pair of cruising gloves. These gloves are the best as far as ventilation, so you can forget about sweaty hands. They’re usually made from lightweight materials that aren’t very protective, so you must make sure there’s adequate padding around the palm and knuckles to ensure security.
ADV Gloves
ADV riding gloves are designed specifically for dual-sport riders and adventurers that transition from the trails to the streets on a regular basis. This is why they’re quite similar to street gloves in the sense that they feature short cuffs to ensure comfort and flexibility. They feature textile or textile-leather construction, and they offer great impact protection compared to other types.
Off-Road Gloves
Off-road gloves, also known as dirt gloves, are some of the shortest and most lightweight riding gloves available. These gloves offer no impact protection whatsoever, as they prioritize feel and control. This is why they’re not appropriate for street riding at all. Off-road gloves are made from thin textiles, in most cases, which is why they don’t last that long, one or two seasons maximally.
Motocross Gloves
Motocross gloves are a lot bulkier than all of the above-listed glove types, as they’re designed to protect your fingers as well as the palm of your hand. Further, they flaunt reinforcements around the knuckles area that may have you looking like you’re wearing brass knuckles underneath the gloves. Some models are made out of perforated leather, making them ideal for the summer.
Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves may look extremely cool, but they’re pretty much impractical when it comes to protection. Don’t get me wrong, some models offer decent hand and knuckles protection, but your fingers will still be exposed. Fingerless gloves are all about aesthetics, in my opinion, which is why I don’t recommend getting them if you’re concerned about protecting your whole hand.
Fit and Sizing
Now that you know the difference between the various types of riding gloves, it’s time for you to select the right fit. Before I tell you how to size your riding gloves, you must know that there are American fit and European fit gloves. American gloves have shorter fingers and are much more commodious around the palm and fingers, whereas the European gloves are the total opposite.
Choosing which type of fit to opt for is totally up to you. Some riders like their gloves to be short and thick, while others prefer a longer and thinner fit. Just make sure that your fingers fill out the fingertips of whichever glove you choose. There shouldn’t be any loose parts whatsoever. You’ll also need to make sure the gloves are snug without being overly tight to ensure optimal control.
When it comes to sizing, you want to grab a soft measuring tape so that you can determine the width and circumference of your hand. Next, take a look at the manufacturer’s sizing chart and look for the size that’s appropriate for your measurements. I recommend measuring both hands and picking the larger of the two measurements. Yes, hands do vary in size, so measure both.
Boots
Motorcycle boots are just as diverse as motorcycle helmets and gloves, as they’re available in a pretty extensive range of options that I cover below. Good motorcycle boots should offer reliable soles that are oil-resistant, molded ankle protection to cover your sensitive bones, and torsional stiffness so that you don’t twist your ankle. Let’s look at the various options on the market.
Street Boots
Steet boots are casual motorcycle boots that you can wear just about anywhere. They’re found in a wide range of styles and material choices that you can select from, so you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your preference. Street boots are extremely comfortable and are ideal for walking, not just riding. You can even find waterproof models that are pretty reliable.
However, there are a few things that might deter you from buying street boots. First, they’re not as protective as some of the options to follow. Foot crush protection is quite minimal with these shoes. Also, torsional bracing is non-existent. Street boots don’t offer a lot of leg coverage since they’re comparatively short, so even if they protect your foot, your leg will still be exposed.
I’m not really a fan of street boots. Granted, they’re convenient when you want to go places with your motorcycle and not have to switch footwear, but my issue with these boots is that most of them have laces. Laces can get caught up in a lot of moving parts, and motorcycles have plenty of moving parts, you get the picture? If you champion maximum safety, opt for different boots.
Touring Boots
If you’re looking for low-profile motorcycle boots that offer a fairly decent blend of protection and comfort, you can’t go wrong with touring boots. These boots are designed mainly for bikers who embark on long road trips and that are seeking all-day foot comfort on and off their bikes. These boots are usually waterproof yet breathable enough to accommodate hotter summer days.
The great thing about touring boots is that they’re available in mid-height and full-height models, so not only will they protect your feet, but a good portion of your legs as well. Sadly, there isn’t a lot of variety in style with these boots; most touring boots look quite similar. Also, you won’t find touring boots with optimal torsional bracing, compared to sport boots, at least.
Sport Boots
Sport boots, also known as track or racing boots, are the ultimate choice when it comes to foot protection. Whether you’re riding on a race track or the street, these superior motorcycle boots will give you a sense of security that your feet are always safe. The majority of sport boots offer full torsional bracing, surprisingly high flexibility, and extremely tactile feedback on controls.
Sport boots are very durable, but just as with any boots, they tend to wear out over time. What sets them apart, however, is that you can find replaceable hard parts for a lot of models, which means you don’t need to replace them completely when they’re worn out. All you have to do is replace older parts with newer ones. That said, one pair can last you for many years to come.
Despite providing a ton of value, sport boots suffer from a few negatives. Firstly, they’re far from casual, so you can’t wear them anywhere other than the race track. Secondly, they’re not the most budget-friendly option since a lot of research and design goes into making them. And lastly, they’re not designed for all-day comfort, meaning you can’t really wear them for too long.
Off-Road Boots
Off-road or dirt bike boots are designed exactly for what their name conveys: the off-road. They offer just as much protection as sports boots. To be more specific, they protect the feet, ankles, and shins. These boots are only available in full-height options for proper leg protection. To add, they’re available in a wide range of colors and designs to appeal to everyone’s preferences.
The primary problem with off-road boots is that they’re only comfortable when you’re on top of a bike. Once you step off your motorcycle, you’ll find them to be stiff and rigid. What’s more, even though there are models that offer waterproof protection, they’re few and far between. Also, dirt bike boots aren’t casual whatsoever; they look beefy and quite intimidating.
Adventure Boots
If none of the above-mentioned types of boots appeal to you, then you’ll surely love adventure boots because they balance both on-road and off-road convenience. They offer the comfort of touring boots with the protection of off-road boots. They’re available in a broad range of styles, color options, and designs. Further, there are models suitable for every season of the year.
The issue you might have with these boots is that they’re not designed to be the ultimate boots in a certain category. They’re a compromise between all categories. In other words, they’re not the most comfortable, and neither are they the most protective. Nevertheless, adventure boots are a pretty good choice if you’re someone who regularly rides their bike both on and off roads.
Eyewear
Whether or not you need eye protection depends on the type of helmet you’ve decided to go for. If you’ve chosen a full-face helmet, for example, you won’t need eyewear because the helmet is equipped with a visor. If you have a half helmet, on the other hand, then you’ll definitely need to invest in quality eyewear. And no, you can’t use your standard sunglasses as an alternative.
The reason why I don’t recommend using sunglasses is pretty obvious: they don’t offer any sort of impact protection. Further, standard sunglasses don’t cover the area around your eyes, which allows dirt particles to find their way around the lens and into your eyes. If you like how conventional sunglasses look, you can find protective eyewear that’s fairly similar in style.
If you champion maximum protection, you’re better off investing in a set of riding goggles rather than glasses. Goggles flaunt superior protection from debris intrusion and are a lot more stable on your head. In addition, they’re available in a wide range of designs, so you’re guaranteed to find goggles that match the rest of your gear. Just make sure the lenses are interchangeable.
Earplugs
A lot of riders forget about ear protection when in the market for motorcycle gear, but when you’re speeding down the highway, ambient wind noise can exceed 100dB, which can be very dangerous to your hearing and downright annoying. This is where riding earplugs become of importance, as they help minimize wind noise significantly and prevent temporary deafness.
It’s also worth noting that some earplugs can help you pick up dampened frequencies and hear better in louder environments. A set of high-quality earplugs should soften harmful sounds and accentuate the sounds that you need to hear while riding at high speed. Moreover, they should reduce the noise fatigue associated with riding a motorcycle for long periods of time.
Earplugs come in an impressive variety of types. You have disposable earplugs, which happen to be the most common type available. These plugs are usually made of foam, and they’re very comfortable to wear. Disposable plugs are relatively cheap, but they do vary in terms of quality, so make sure you use high-quality ones and make sure they fit properly into your ear canal.
There are also reusable earplugs that you can wear more than once. The disadvantage of using these earplugs is that they require regular cleaning and maintenance in order to work effectively. Reusable earplugs usually have a lifespan of around one year. They’re typically more expensive than disposable earplugs. They’re an ideal choice if you don’t mind cleaning them regularly.
Corded earplugs, as the name implies, are attached with a cord that makes them harder to lose than other types of plugs. You can hang the cord around your neck when the plugs aren’t in use.
Lastly, you have custom-molded earplugs, which are designed to fit your own ear canal. They’re quite costly compared to other types, but they offer a great deal of comfort and ear protection.
Knee/Shin/Elbow Guards
Your knees and shin are high-impact areas that require protection as well. This is why you need to invest in some knee and shin guards. It’s crucial to understand that the knee and shin guards designed for motorcycling are a little different in terms of design and appearance than the ones intended for other sports such as football, so don’t just buy any guards you find.
Motorcycle guards tend to feature heavy construction and are made from high-impact materials that are designed to withstand collisions. You can find knee guards that are actually long enough to protect the shin so that you don’t have to purchase two separate guards. The only downside to such models is that they can make the knee and shin area hot, especially in the summer.
In addition to knee guards, you can find knee pads, which are smaller in size, and focus only on stabilizing the kneecap and keeping the knee in its correct position so that it doesn’t move in the event of an accident due to a ligament rupture, for example. Knee pads don’t cover the shin like knee guards, so if you decide to buy them, you’ll have to invest in shin guards as well.
You should also consider buying elbow guards because your elbows are high-impact areas that might get seriously hurt in the event of an accident if they’re not protected properly. Comfort is a vital factor to consider when in the market for guards and protective pads. Make sure to buy products that are breathable and that don’t put too much pressure on the area they’re covering.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, fellow riders, the most essential motorcycle gear you need to have to ensure safe riding. I’d like to point out that there are motorcycle riding suits featured in one or two-piece sets that you should consider if you don’t want to buy riding jackets and pants separately. Some of these suits actually offer much better waterproofing than most riding pants and jackets.
Additionally, if you want to reinforce your riding attire to ensure a greater level of protection, you ought to consider buying an armored vest. If you want to take it a step beyond, consider getting an airbag system. Just be sure that every piece of gear you buy fits snugly with everything else you’re wearing so that you’re uncomfortably confined on your rides.