How to Purchase Your First Set of Motorcycle Gear

Introduction – If you’re a new rider, choosing the right gear is crucial—not just for looks but for your comfort and safety on the road. This in-depth, step-by-step guide will take you through the process of motorcycle gear shopping. We’ll discuss everything from fitting to material selection, so you can make informed purchases and ride with confidence. There is a certain romance and fondness in buying your first set of gear but make sure you dont get carried away. The journey has only just begun. All buy links are the end of the blog

Section 1: Helmets – Finding the Ideal Fit & Ultimate Protection

Step 1: Determine Your Head Shape & Size

• Determine Your Head Shape:
• Round: Same width and length
• Intermediate Oval: Slightly more front-to-back length (most common)
• Long Oval: Much more front-to-back length
• Measure Your Head
  • Use a soft cloth tape measure around your forehead, around 1 inch above eyebrows, and refer to the particular brand’s size chart.

Step 2: Select the Proper Helmet Style for Your Riding

• Full-Face: Provides optimal protection and lowers wind noise.
• Modular: Has a flip-up style but is heavier.
• Open-Face: A fashionable appearance; however, it does not provide chin protection.
• Dual-Sport: On-road and off-road capable.

Step 3: Consider Safety Features

• Shell Material Choices:
• Polycarbonate: Economical but slightly heavier
• Fiberglass: Inexpensive and efficient at absorbing impacts
• Carbon Fiber: Excellent strength and very light (high-end price)
• Retention Systems:
• D-Ring: Provides safe retention
• Quick-Release Clasp: Convenient but less secure

Ventilation: Seek out multiple vents to get the airflow correct, particularly in warmer climates.

Safety Ratings:

• DOT (U.S. minimum legal requirement)
• ECE 22.06 (more demanding European standard)
• Snell or FIM (for track-level protection)

Avoid:

• Novelty helmets providing no actual protection.
• Helmets that are too loose or too tight—a good fit ensures no independent motion when you rock your head.
• Examples with Buy Links:

Helmet – Options

1. Budget: HJC i10 (~$150)
2. Mid-Range: Bell Qualifier DLX (~$250)
3. Premium: Shoei RF-1400 (~$550)

Section 2: Jackets – Combining Protection with Comfort

What to Consider When Choosing a Jacket

Material Types:

• Leather: Offers excellent slide protection and warmth
• Textile: Versatile for all-weather conditions and provides breathability
• Mesh: Ideal for hot climates, though with minimal slide protection
• Adventure: Multilayered waterproof designs for varied conditions

Important Safety Features

• Armor: Check for CE-rated armor at shoulders, elbows, and back.
• Construction: Double- or triple-stitched seams and abrasion-resistant material (minimum Cordura 600D) are essential.

Fit and Comfort

The jacket should permit free arm movement, as if gripping handlebars, without riding up too high.

Ensure the armor fits properly on your shoulders and elbows.

Avoid:

• Jackets that are too loose (which can make armor move around during an impact).
• Imitation leather that is easily torn.

Jacket – Options

• Budget: Alpinestars T-GP Plus (~$230)
• Mid-Range: REV’IT! Eclipse (~$350)
• Premium: Dainese Racing 3 (~$600)

Section 3: Gloves – Essential Protection for Your Hands

Fit and Design Considerations

• Gloves should fit tightly without constricting circulation.
• Make sure there is no excess space at the fingertips, and that the closure of the wrist is secure.

Important Safety Features

• Knuckle Armor: Hard-shell protection is best.
• Palm Sliders: These are abrasion-reducing on pavement.
• Cuff Length: Longer cuffs are more protective around the wrist than short ones.

Avoid:

• Gloves sold only for fashion reasons.
• Poor quality, synthetic materials that are not protective enough.

Glove – Options

Rev’It! Mosca (~$60)

Alpinestars SP-1 (~$120)

Knox Handroid (~$280)

Section 4: Motorcycle Jeans – Why Regular Jeans Aren’t Enough

The Risks of Riding in Regular Jeans – Regular denim has a tendency to rip in two seconds in the event of a slide, exposing your skin to serious injury. Protection is non-negotiable.

What to Look For in Riding Jeans

• Materials: Consider abrasion-resistant materials like Kevlar, Cordura, or leather.
• Armor: CE-rated knee armor is essential; extra hip protection is strongly advised.
• Comfort: Stretch panels can contribute to overall comfort of the pants.

Types of Riding Jeans / Pants

• Kevlar Jeans: Provide a balance between protection and fashion.
• Textile Pants: Offer waterproofing and breathability.
• Leather Pants: Great for track riding but less convenient for daily use.

Avoid:

• Regular jeans with no protective features.
• Pants with no proper armor pockets.

Jeans / Pant Options

Budget: Scorpion Covert Ultra Jeans (~$160)

Mid-Range: REV’IT! Apollo (~$200) – Sportsbikeshop

Premium: Dainese Classic Jeans (~$250) – Maximoto

Section 5: Boots – The Importance of Proper Footwear

Why Sneakers Aren’t Suitable – Sneakers do not have the proper ankle support, slide protection, and impact durability needed to ensure safe riding.

What to Look For in Motorcycle Boots

• Ankle Support: Reinforced sides to help protect your ankles.
• Sole Quality: Anti-slip, oil-resistant soles for improved traction, particularly in wet weather.
• Reinforcement: Protection at the toe and heel to resist shifting and impact.
• Special Features: Some boots feature a shifter pad to minimize wear on the left boot, and waterproofing for rainy weather.

Types of Riding Boots

• Short Boots: Less formal and easier to walk in, with moderate protection. Not advisable
• Full-Length Boots: Maximum protection for longer rides.
• Adventure (ADV) Boots: Built for off-road and harsh use with added features.

Avoid:

• Work boots without adequate ankle protection.Affordable “biker” boots with no real reinforcement.

Boot options

Budget: Alpinestars SMX-1 R (~$170) –

Mid-Range: Sidi ST (~$250)

Premium: TCX Fuel WP (~$300)

goodgearhub wrapup

Investing in your first set of gear is a first for many things -It will tell you who you are as a buyer – Do you value protection over price or vice-versa. Always protection – the more the better. Also we chase perfection a lot, don’t waste your time. Entry level gear can’t be Klim or have all the bells and whistles – So stongly advise buy entry level gear then when you can invest in better gear which is upgradeable. Understand this skills and motorcycling are a continuum – As you grow better and better so will your demands be from your motorcycle and gear. Relax you are not a race pro. So don’t keep chasing rainbows – motorcycling has rites of passage so give them a chance

Ride on. Ride more

Here are buy links for all the options listed in this blog

Helmets

• HJC i10 (Budget):
  Revzilla – HJC i10
  https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-helmets/hjc-i10
• Bell Qualifier DLX (Mid-Range):
  Motosport – Bell Qualifier DLX
  https://www.motosport.com/motorcycle-helmets/bell-qualifier-dlx
• Shoei RF-1400 (Premium):
  Champion Helmets – Shoei RF-1400
  https://www.championhelmets.com/products/shoei-rf1400

Jackets

• Alpinestars T-GP Plus (Budget):
  Cyclegear – Alpinestars T-GP Plus
  https://www.cyclegear.com/alpinestars-tgp-plus
• REV’IT! Eclipse (Mid-Range):
  Sportsbikeshop – REV’IT! Eclipse
  https://www.sportsbikeshop.com/revit-eclipse
• Dainese Racing 3 (Premium):
  Maximoto – Dainese Racing 3
  https://www.maximoto.com/dainese-racing3

Gloves

• Rev’It! Mosca (Budget):
  FCmoto – Rev’It! Mosca
  https://www.fcmoto.com/revit-mosca
• Alpinestars SP-1 (Mid-Range):
  Revzilla – Alpinestars SP-1
  https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-gloves/alpinestars-sp1
• Knox Handroid (Premium):
  Motosport – Knox Handroid
  https://www.motosport.com/motorcycle-gloves/knox-handroid

Motorcycle Jeans / Pants

• Scorpion Covert Ultra Jeans (Budget):
  Cyclegear – Scorpion Covert Ultra Jeans
  https://www.cyclegear.com/scorpion-covert-ultra-jeans
• REV’IT! Apollo (Mid-Range):
  Sportsbikeshop – REV’IT! Apollo
  https://www.sportsbikeshop.com/revit-apollo
• Dainese Classic Jeans (Premium):
  Maximoto – Dainese Classic Jeans
  https://www.maximoto.com/dainese-classic-jeans

Boots

• Alpinestars SMX-1 R (Budget):
  FCmoto – Alpinestars SMX-1 R
  https://www.fcmoto.com/alpinestars-smx1r
• Sidi ST (Mid-Range):
  Revzilla – Sidi ST
  https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-boots/sidi-st
• TCX Fuel WP (Premium):
  Motosport – TCX Fuel WP
  https://www.motosport.com/motorcycle-boots/tcx-fuel-wp