Best Guide to buy your first set of riding gear

Table of Contents hide

1.1.1 Head Shape

1.2 Step 2: Choose Your Style

1.3 Step 3: Look for Key Features

2 Jackets: Balancing Protection with Comfort

2.1 What to Consider When Choosing a Jacket

3 Gloves: Essential Protection for Your Hands

3.1 Fit and Design Considerations

3.2 Important Safety Features

4 Motorcycle Jeans: Why Regular Denim Isn’t Enough

4.1 What to Look for in Riding Jeans

5 Boots: The Importance of Proper Footwear

5.1 What to Look for in Motorcycle Boots

5.2 Types of Riding Boots

6 Best Guide to buy your first set of riding gear – goodgearhub wrap up

6.1 Trusted Gear Links

Best Guide to buy your first set of riding gear

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. The journey has only just begun, so remember to make smart choices from the start.

Before you read further do visit our gear finder tool to help you find the right gear – https://goodgearhub.com/gear-finder-tool/

Helmets: The Cornerstone of Safety

The helmet is the single most important piece of gear you’ll buy. It’s not just a legal requirement; it’s your primary defense in an accident. A helmet must fit properly to be effective.

Step 1: Find Your Fit

A helmet’s effectiveness is directly tied to how well it fits. Your first step is to determine your head shape and size.

Head Shape

Round: Your head is roughly the same width and length.
Intermediate Oval: Slightly longer from front to back than it is wide. This is the most common head shape for riders.
Long Oval: Significantly longer from front to back.

To measure your head, use a soft cloth tape measure to wrap it around the widest part of your head—about one inch above your eyebrows. Compare this measurement to the size chart provided by the helmet brand you’re considering. Each brand’s sizing can be slightly different, so always check the specific chart.

Step 2: Choose Your Style

Helmet styles offer different levels of protection and features.

Full-Face: This style provides the most comprehensive protection, covering your entire head, including the chin. It also significantly reduces wind noise and offers superior aerodynamics.
Modular: A modular helmet has a chin bar that can be flipped up. This offers the convenience of an open-face helmet while providing full-face protection when the chin bar is down. They are generally heavier than full-face helmets.
Open-Face: Popular with some riders for its classic look and open feel, an open-face helmet lacks chin protection, which is a major compromise in safety.
Dual-Sport: Designed for both on-road and off-road riding, dual-sport helmets feature a large visor and a peak to block sunlight, similar to a dirt bike helmet.

Step 3: Look for Key Features

Shell Material:
- Polycarbonate: An economical option that is durable but slightly heavier.
- Fiberglass: A balance of safety and weight, offering good impact absorption without the high cost.
- Carbon Fiber: The gold standard for strength and lightweight construction, often found in high-end helmets.
Retention Systems: The most secure method is the Double D-ring, a simple but highly effective system. Some helmets use a quick-release clasp for convenience, but it’s generally considered less secure than a D-ring.
Ventilation: Look for a helmet with multiple intake and exhaust vents to ensure proper airflow, which is critical for comfort, especially in warmer weather.
Safety Ratings:
- DOT (U.S.): The minimum legal requirement in the United States.
- ECE 22.06 (Europe): A more demanding and internationally recognized standard.
- Snell or FIM: These are a must-have for track-level protection and signify a helmet designed for the most extreme conditions.

Avoid: Never use novelty helmets that lack a DOT or ECE rating. A proper helmet should feel snug but not painfully tight. It should not move independently of your head when you try to rotate it.

Helmet Options

HJC i10: A fantastic entry-level full-face helmet that provides excellent protection with a modern design. It’s known for being comfortable and offering great value.
Shoei RF-1400: A premium, all-around sport-touring helmet. It is highly regarded for its superior aerodynamics, advanced ventilation, and lightweight shell, making it a top choice for serious riders.
Scorpion EXO-R420: This helmet is a favorite for its blend of essential safety features and affordability. It includes a multi-layer shell and an emergency release system, features often found on more expensive models.
Bell Qualifier DLX: A versatile and feature-rich helmet for its class. It often comes with a transition lens, which adjusts to light conditions, adding a layer of convenience.
Arai Corsair-X: A race-level helmet with top-tier safety and comfort. It’s designed for maximum performance on the track, offering exceptional ventilation and a unique R75 shell shape for maximum energy dispersion.

Jackets: Balancing Protection with Comfort

Your jacket is your second skin on the road, protecting you from both the elements and road rash. It needs to provide abrasion resistance and impact protection without hindering your movement.

What to Consider When Choosing a Jacket

Material Types:
- Leather: Known for its exceptional abrasion resistance and durability. Leather provides a classic look and offers good warmth, though it can be heavy and less versatile in changing weather.
- Textile: A popular choice for its versatility. Textile jackets are often waterproof, breathable, and lighter than leather. Look for materials like Cordura with a minimum of 600 denier rating for good abrasion resistance.
- Mesh: Perfect for hot climates, mesh jackets offer maximum airflow. While they provide some abrasion resistance, it’s generally less than a full textile or leather jacket.
- Adventure: These are multi-layered, waterproof jackets designed for riders who encounter diverse conditions. They are highly adaptable with removable thermal liners and extensive ventilation.
Important Safety Features:
- Armor: Check that the jacket includes CE-rated armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back. The armor should be adjustable and stay in place.
- Construction: Look for jackets with double- or triple-stitched seams. This is a critical detail, as it prevents seams from bursting in a slide, which would compromise the jacket’s integrity.
Fit and Comfort: A jacket should fit snugly but allow for a full range of motion. You should be able to reach for the handlebars without the sleeves riding up or the jacket feeling constrictive. The armor should sit directly over your shoulders and elbows.

Avoid: Jackets that are too loose will cause the armor to shift during an impact, rendering it useless. Also, stay away from imitation leather, which provides minimal protection.

Jacket Options

Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V3: A versatile textile jacket that is perfect for new riders. It features CE-rated armor and extensive mesh panels, offering a great combination of protection and airflow.
REV’IT! Eclipse: An excellent mesh jacket designed for hot climates. It combines durable textile with wide mesh panels to maximize airflow, making it comfortable for city commuting.
Dainese Racing 3: A premium leather jacket with a sporty, aggressive style. It offers exceptional abrasion resistance and includes integrated shoulder armor and elbow sliders for maximum protection.
Klim Badlands Pro: A top-of-the-line adventure touring jacket built to withstand extreme conditions. It features a durable Gore-Tex shell, extensive armor, and modular ventilation, making it incredibly versatile.
Icon Contra2: A textile jacket with a unique, aggressive style. It is known for its durable construction and a comprehensive armor package that includes a back protector, making it a solid choice for all-around riding.

Gloves: Essential Protection for Your Hands

In a fall, your first instinct is often to put your hands out. Gloves are a non-negotiable part of your gear, providing protection for the delicate bones in your hands.

Fit and Design Considerations

Gloves should fit tightly without restricting circulation. There should be no excess space at the fingertips, and the wrist closure should be secure.

Important Safety Features

Knuckle Armor: Look for gloves with hard-shell knuckle protection.
Palm Sliders: These are small, hard inserts on the palm that reduce abrasion and help your hand slide rather than catching and twisting in a fall.
Cuff Length: Longer cuffs provide more protection for the wrist and are less likely to come off in a crash. They also help to seal the gap between your jacket and glove.

Avoid: Fashion gloves that lack proper armor or are made from thin, synthetic materials offer little to no real protection.

Glove Options

REV’IT! Mosca: A lightweight, short-cuff glove ideal for urban riding. It combines textile and leather for a comfortable fit while still providing essential knuckle protection.
Alpinestars SP-1 V2: A sport-focused, mid-cuff glove that offers a balance of protection and flexibility. It features hard knuckle armor and a padded palm for enhanced safety.
Knox Handroid: A premium, gauntlet-style glove known for its unique EXO-skeleton finger spines and palm sliders. It provides some of the most comprehensive protection available on the market.
Dainese 4-Stroke EVO: A short-cuff, sport glove with a pre-curved design for an ergonomic fit. It features steel knuckle protection and offers a high level of dexterity.
Held Air N Dry: A versatile, two-in-one glove with a dual-chamber design. One chamber is ventilated for warm weather, and the other is waterproof, allowing riders to adapt to changing conditions.

Motorcycle Jeans: Why Regular Denim Isn’t Enough

Regular denim offers virtually no protection in a motorcycle crash. The fabric rips in an instant, exposing your skin to severe abrasion. Dedicated motorcycle jeans are a necessity.

What to Look for in Riding Jeans

Materials: Look for jeans made from abrasion-resistant materials like Kevlar, Cordura, or specialized fabrics like Armalith. These materials are woven into the denim or used as a liner in high-impact areas.
Armor: A must-have feature is CE-rated knee armor. Pockets for optional hip protection are also a strong recommendation.
Comfort: Many riding jeans incorporate stretch panels, making them more comfortable to wear on and off the bike.

Avoid: Never ride in regular jeans. The risk is simply not worth it. Additionally, ensure your riding pants have proper, secure pockets for the armor.

Motorcycle Jeans / Pants Options

Scorpion Covert Ultra Jeans: A popular riding jean that combines a casual look with durable Kevlar-reinforced lining for slide protection. It includes pockets for knee and hip armor.
REV’IT! Apollo: A textile riding pant that offers comfort and all-weather versatility. It features a waterproof membrane and pockets for CE-rated armor, providing more comprehensive coverage than most jeans.
Dainese Classic Jeans: A premium option that blends high-quality denim with a protective aramid fiber lining. The jeans are stylish and discreet, with dedicated pockets for knee and hip armor.
Klim Marrakesh Pants: These pants are designed for warm-weather adventure and touring. The durable, highly ventilated material provides excellent abrasion resistance while allowing for maximum airflow.
Alpinestars Copper V2 Tech Riding Jeans: A stretch denim jean that is comfortable for all-day wear. It includes aramid fiber reinforcements in key impact zones and features knee armor with a slim profile.

Boots: The Importance of Proper Footwear

Your feet and ankles are vulnerable to injury in a crash. Sneakers do not have the proper ankle support or slide protection needed for safe riding.

What to Look for in Motorcycle Boots

Ankle Support: The sides of the boot should be reinforced to prevent your ankle from twisting.
Sole Quality: The sole should be anti-slip and oil-resistant to provide a firm grip on footpegs and on wet or oily surfaces.
Reinforcement: Look for protection at the toe and heel to resist crushing and impact. Some boots also feature a shifter pad to minimize wear from shifting gears.
Waterproofing: A waterproof membrane can be a game-changer for all-weather riders.

Types of Riding Boots

Short Boots: Also called riding shoes, these are less formal and easier to walk in, with moderate protection. While better than a sneaker, they offer less ankle and shin protection.
Full-Length Boots: These provide maximum protection and are ideal for longer rides or aggressive riding styles.
Adventure (ADV) Boots: Designed for off-road and harsh conditions, ADV boots are extremely rugged with extensive shin and ankle protection.

Avoid: Work boots, while sturdy, typically lack the necessary ankle and impact protection. Avoid cheap “biker” boots that prioritize style over safety features.

Boot Options

Alpinestars SMX-1 R Vented: A short, sport-oriented boot that is lightweight and comfortable. It offers great ankle protection and a secure closure system, making it an excellent choice for a variety of riding styles.
TCX Fuel Waterproof: A classic, vintage-style boot that combines a timeless aesthetic with modern safety features. It features full-grain leather, a waterproof lining, and reinforced toe and ankle protection.
Sidi ST: A high-performance sport boot with a unique Tecno-3 closure system for a customizable fit. It offers extensive ankle bracing and shin protection, ideal for track or aggressive street riding.
Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex: A premium adventure boot that offers exceptional protection and all-weather performance. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry, while the rugged construction protects against impacts and abrasions.
Dainese Axial D1: A top-of-the-line race boot with a patented D-Axial joint system. This internal bracing provides superior ankle protection while allowing for excellent foot mobility and feel.

Best Guide to buy your first set of riding gear – goodgearhub wrap up

Investing in your first set of gear is an exciting milestone. It’s a moment to understand your priorities as a rider. Do you value protection over price, or vice-versa? Our advice is to always prioritize protection.

It’s also important to be realistic. Your first set of gear doesn’t need to be top-of-the-line race equipment. High-quality entry-level gear provides excellent protection and will serve you well as you develop your skills. As you grow as a rider, your demands will evolve, and you can invest in more specialized gear down the road. Embrace this progression. Ride on. Ride more.