The Ultimate Motorcycle Riding Gear Guide Materials, Fit, Protection, Weather, Brands, Where to buy and What the Labels Don’t Tell You

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The Ultimate Motorcycle Riding Gear Guide Materials, Fit, Protection, Weather, Brands, Where to buy and What the Labels Don’t Tell You

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 […]

Riding Gear Basics admin
June 28, 2025
The Ultimate Motorcycle Riding Gear Guide Materials, Fit, Protection, Weather, Brands, Where to buy and What the Labels Don’t Tell You

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.