With so many styles and brands to choose from picking the right riding gear can seem like a strenuos task. Here's a few things to consider when doing so.
The best motorcycle riding gear prioritizes safety, comfort, and durability. Here's a list of essential gear items and some top recommendations for each category:
1. Helmet:
- A full-face helmet offers the highest level of protection, covering the entire head and face.
- Top recommendations: Shoei RF-1400, Arai Signet-X, AGV Corsa R.
2. Jacket:
- Look for a motorcycle jacket made of abrasion-resistant materials like leather or textile with built-in armor for impact protection.
- Top recommendations: Dainese Super Speed Textile Jacket, Alpinestars GP Plus R V2 Leather Jacket, REV'IT! Sand 3 Jacket.
3. Pants:
- Motorcycle pants should offer abrasion resistance, impact protection, and weatherproofing. Consider options with built-in armor and reinforced areas.
- Top recommendations: Klim Carlsbad Pants, REV'IT! Alpha RF Pants, Alpinestars Missile Leather Pants.
4. Gloves:
- Motorcycle gloves should provide grip, protection, and weather resistance. Look for gloves with reinforced palms, knuckle protection, and wrist closure systems.
- Top recommendations: Held Air N Dry Gloves, Dainese Full Metal 6 Gloves, Alpinestars GP Pro R2 Gloves.
5. Boots:
- Motorcycle boots should offer ankle support, impact protection, and abrasion resistance. Look for boots with reinforced soles and ankle armor.
- Top recommendations: Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots, Dainese Torque D1 Out Boots, Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots.
6. Armor:
- Consider wearing additional body armor underneath your jacket and pants for extra protection. Armor inserts can provide impact protection for the back, chest, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
- Top recommendations: Dainese Pro-Armor, Alpinestars Nucleon KR-Cell, Forcefield Body Armor.
7. Base Layers:
- Base layers can help regulate body temperature, wick moisture, and provide additional comfort. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics with compression features.
- Top recommendations: Under Armour HeatGear Compression Shirt and Pants, REV'IT! Climate 2 Windcollar.
8. Visibility Gear:
- High-visibility gear increases your visibility to other road users, especially in low-light conditions. Consider adding reflective strips or patches to your jacket, pants, and helmet.
- Top recommendations: Icon Mil-Spec 2 Vest, REV'IT! Athos Air 2 Vest, Alpinestars Bionic Reflective Vest.
9. Rain Gear:
- Waterproof gear is essential for riding in wet conditions. Look for rain jackets, pants, and boot covers made of waterproof and breathable materials.
- Top recommendations: Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit, REV'IT! Cyclone 2 H2O Rain Jacket, Sidi Gas Rain Boots.
10. Communication Systems:
- Communication systems allow riders to stay connected with passengers and fellow riders. Look for Bluetooth-enabled systems with features like intercom, phone connectivity, and music playback.
- Top recommendations: Cardo Packtalk Bold, Sena 50S, UClear Motion Infinity.
When choosing motorcycle riding gear, prioritize safety, fit, and comfort. Invest in high-quality gear from reputable brands and regularly inspect and maintain your gear to ensure optimal performance and protection.
