
Introduction: So You Bought a Motorcycle?
Welcome to the world of two wheels. But before you ride off into the sunset, let’s talk about what’s between you and the asphalt. Riding gear isn’t optional. It’s your second skin. And for new riders, figuring out what to buy can be overwhelming.
This is your no-nonsense guide—explaining every essential item, what materials matter, what the certifications mean, how to tell real protection from empty marketing, how to fit it right, and how to pick gear for your local weather.
1. Helmet — What’s Protecting Your Head
Shell Materials:
- Polycarbonate: Affordable and impact-absorbing but heavier. Great for beginners on a budget.
- Fiberglass Composite: Stronger, lighter, better at managing crash energy.
- Carbon Fiber: Lightest and most rigid, excellent at high-speed impacts. Expensive and may crack on low-speed drops.
Liner:
- All real helmets use EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam. Dual-density EPS is ideal.
Interior Padding:
- Budget helmets use rough polyester mesh.
- Premium helmets offer moisture-wicking, antimicrobial liners (CoolMax, Dry-Cool).
Weather Fit:
- Hot weather: Removable, breathable liners with 3D airflow channels.
- Cold weather: Plush liners, wind-block neck rolls, chin curtains.
Certifications:
- DOT (U.S.)
- ECE 22.06 (EU)
- SHARP (UK) 1–5 star rating
Fit Types:
- Intermediate Oval: Most common
- Round Oval: Equal dimensions
- Long Oval: Narrow and elongated
Fit Tip: Helmet should press evenly, not painfully. Shake your head—helmet must stay in place.
Price & Brand Examples:
- Budget ($100–$150): LS2, MT, SMK
- Standard ($200–$400): HJC, Scorpion, Nolan
- Premium ($500+): Shoei, Arai, AGV, Schuberth
2. Jacket — Not Just for Looks
Outer Shell Materials:
- 600D Polyester: Entry-level
- Cordura Nylon (500D–1000D): Stronger, better slide resistance
- SuperFabric: Ceramic-reinforced panels in premium ADV gear
- Leather (1.2mm+): Excellent abrasion resistance
Waterproofing:
- Removable liners: Reissa, DryTek. Prone to waterlogging.
- Laminated shells: Gore-Tex. Rain beads off. Fast-drying.
- Gore-Tex Pro: Top-tier for all-weather touring.
Interior Liner:
- Cheap = sticky polyester
- Premium = breathable mesh, better airflow
Weather Fit:
- Hot weather: Mesh panels, vent zips, breathable liners
- Cold weather: Thermal liner, storm flaps, wind-block cuffs
Armor Types:
- D3O, SAS-TEC, Knox, Seesoft
- CE Level 2 > CE Level 1
Certifications:
- EN 17092 A (light), AA (touring), AAA (track)
Fit Types:
- Touring: Relaxed
- Sport: Pre-curved arms
- Urban: Casual cut
Fit Tip: No tight spots at shoulders or belly when reaching. Armor must stay aligned.
Price & Brand Examples:
- Budget ($120–$200): Bilt, Speed & Strength
- Standard ($250–$450): REV’IT!, Alpinestars, Dainese (entry)
- Premium ($500+): Klim, Rukka
3. Gloves — Your First Line of Defense
Materials:
- Leather (Goat/Cow/Kangaroo): Best abrasion resistance
- Textile/Mesh: Needs reinforcement
- SuperFabric: Premium options on palms/knuckles
Liner Options:
- Winter: Thinsulate, fleece, Gore Grip
- Summer: Mesh or unlined
Weather Fit:
- Hot weather: Mesh uppers, perforated leather
- Cold weather: Thermal-lined, windproof shell
Armor & Reinforcements:
- TPU or D3O knuckle guards
- Palm sliders to prevent wrist injury
Waterproofing:
- Gore-Tex: Best in class
- DryStar, Hipora: Entry to mid-tier
Certifications:
- EN 13594 Level 1 or 2
Cuff Types:
- Short cuff: Summer/city
- Gauntlet: Touring/weather-sealed
Fit Tip: Must allow full fist closure. Tight wrist closure is essential.
Price & Brand Examples:
- Budget ($40–$70): Cortech, Icon
- Standard ($80–$150): Alpinestars, Five, Held
- Premium ($180+): Knox, Klim, Racer Gloves
4A. Riding Jeans — Style + Protection
Why Not Regular Denim?
- Shreds in seconds
- Offers zero impact protection
What Makes Riding Jeans Special?
- Aramid or Kevlar lining in crash zones
- Built-in CE-certified armor at knees/hips
Materials:
- Cordura Denim: Nylon blend for strength and stretch
- Kevlar-Lined: Look for full coverage
Weather Fit:
- Hot weather: Single-layer Cordura blends
- Cold weather: Add thermal base layer
Fit Types:
- Slim: Style-focused
- Relaxed: Comfort-focused
Certifications:
- EN 17092 AA or AAA
- CE EN 1621-1 Level 2 armor
Price & Brand Examples:
- Budget ($90–$130): Oxford, Bull-it
- Standard ($150–$250): Pando Moto, John Doe, REV’IT!
- Premium ($300+): Rokker, Saint, Resurgence
4B. Textile Pants — Built to Tour
Materials:
- 600D–1000D Polyester or Cordura
- SuperFabric (knees in premium gear)
Liners:
- Mesh liners between skin and outer shell
- Optional thermal/waterproof liners
Weather Fit:
- Hot weather: Mesh panels, vents
- Cold weather: Thermal liner, wind-block shell
Fit Types:
- Overpants: Worn over jeans
- Adventure Fit: Roomy, boot-friendly
- Touring Fit: Sleeker, for highway comfort
Certifications:
- EN 17092 AA or AAA
- CE EN 1621-1 Level 2 knee/hip armor
Price & Brand Examples:
- Budget ($100–$180): Sedici, Joe Rocket
- Standard ($200–$350): Alpinestars, REV’IT!
- Premium ($400+): Klim, Rukka
5. Boots — The Most Underrated Gear
Why Not Sneakers?
- No ankle/tibia protection
- Twist easily
- Offer no impact absorption
Materials:
- Full-grain leather or reinforced synthetics
Liners:
- Cheap = sticky vinyl
- Good = mesh/fleece/Gore-Tex
Weather Fit:
- Hot: Perforated uppers, vented tongue
- Cold: Fleece lining, waterproof membrane
Protection:
- Toe/heel cups, ankle armor, stiff sole
Waterproofing:
- Gore-Tex: High breathability + seal
- DryStar/Hipora: Mid-range options
Certifications:
- EN 13634
- Level 2 = better resistance
- IPA = ankle protection
- WR = waterproof
- FO = fuel/oil-resistant sole
Boot Types:
- Short: For city use
- Mid/Full: For touring or ADV
Fit Tip: Should feel snug at ankle, firm underfoot. Test with riding pants tucked and over.
Price & Brand Examples:
- Budget ($100–$160): TCX, Falco
- Standard ($180–$300): Forma, Alpinestars, REV’IT!
- Premium ($350+): Sidi, Daytona, Klim
Where to Buy Motorcycle Gear (Trusted Retailers)
United States
- RevZilla: https://www.revzilla.com
- Cycle Gear: https://www.cyclegear.com
- MotoSport: https://www.motosport.com
- J&P Cycles: https://www.jpcycles.com
- Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com
United Kingdom
- SportsBikeShop: https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk
- GhostBikes: https://www.ghostbikes.com
- Bike Stop: https://www.bikestop.co.uk
- Infinity Motorcycles: https://www.infinitymotorcycles.com
- Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk
Europe (EU)
- FC-Moto: https://www.fc-moto.de
- Motocard: https://www.motocard.com
- Louis Moto: https://www.louis-moto.com
- XL Moto: https://www.xlmoto.eu
- Chromeburner: https://www.chromeburner.com
Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy for the Look. Buy for the Slide.
This isn’t about style. It’s about survival—and comfort, and confidence.
Start with: Helmet, Jacket, Gloves, Riding Jeans or Pants, Boots. Know the CE tags. Know your fit. Know your weather. Compare brands, plan your budget, and buy smart.
You can always upgrade later. But ride protected from day one.
GoodGearHub—the what, how, and where of riding gear.