In my first 2 weeks of riding motorcycles, I was a total squid. Other than the helmet and gloves I bought for the MSF course, the only other piece of gear I had was an oversized leather jacket my dad let me borrow(I later found out it was a women’s jacket).
I’ve come a long way since then. I’ve done a ton of research on motorcycle gear and eventually upgraded every piece of gear I bought.
And to help others save money and avoid the mistakes I made here is the essential gear every new rider should have.
Beginner riders should wear six pieces of gear; A DOT-certified Helmet, Gloves, Boots, Riding Jacket, Riding Pants, and Ear protection. It is important for new riders to wear as much gear as possible, as they are just learning how to ride and will be more susceptible to falls and drops.
To get a better understanding of what gear you need and how to prioritize the gear you buy, check out some of these tips below
What Gear Does a Beginner Rider Need?
As I mentioned before, wearing all your gear as a new rider is one of the best things you can do to stay safe.
New riders who are just starting out are a lot more susceptible to drops and falls. This is why most schools and professionals recommend ATTGATT, All The Gear All The Time.
If you are a new rider or at least new to motorcycle gear, here is a list of the essential motorcycle gear you need to wear – in order of importance.
1. Helmet
When it comes to wearing motorcycle gear, a good motorcycle helmet is at the top of my list.
Not only do they protect one of the most important organs, but they have also been proven to be 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths. This is due to the fact that head injuries have a higher fatality rate than most others.
Motorcycle Helmet Requirements
But you can’t just buy any motorcycle helmet off of Amazon and call it a day.
In order for you to legally and safely use your helmet, it must have one or two of the certifications below:
- DOT-certified
Your motorcycle helmet must at least be DOT-certified. And I say “at least” because DOT certification is often regarded as inferior to the ECE and Snell-rated helmets. DOT-certified helmets base their rating mainly on the protection they provide during a single initial impact. Due to how long it has been around, some professionals consider it to be outdated and have opted for one of the other certifications below.
- ECE
ECE certification is relatively new and is considered a step up from DOT helmets. ECE-certified helmets are tested to provide protection in the event of multiple impacts from various speeds, rotations, and angles. Due to the rigorous testing on a multitude of variables, ECE is usually the better choice of helmet.
- SNELL
The last certification I am going to mention is SNELL. Snell is a private non-profit organization that introduced their certification following the crash and subsequent death of race car driver, Pete Snell. SNELL certification requires more stringent testing than ECE, taking it a step further by testing multiple impacts to the same location.
Although these are the most popular, there are other helmet certifications like FIM and SHARP. These standards are more niche and in the case of FIM, they are mainly used by professional racers. But if you have the cash and are determined, they are a great option for all riders.
Regardless of the helmet you choose the, all certified helmets will come with a sticker displayed on the back with the corresponding certification. The law states that this sticker must be visible and unobstructed.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
Now that we have gone over the legal requirements, it’s time to break into the different types of motorcycle helmets you can choose from.
And again, I will list these in order of which helmet provides the most protection.
- Full-Face
Full-face helmets are the type of motorcycle helmet that provides the most protection since they cover the entirety of your face and head. They also seem to be the most popular – probably for this reason.
Full-face helmets tend to be more popular with sportbike riders, but I’ve seen every type of rider wear one.
- Modular
Modular helmets are similar to full-face, in the way that they cover the entirety of your head. The special thing about modular helmets though, is that they are able to hinge and lift at the front chin guard and shield, giving you full access to your face whenever needed. Even though they cover the entire head, some riders feel they are not as safe, with concerns that the front will lift or break during a crash.
Modular helmets are popular with all types of riders from sports bikes to cruisers, but I typically see ADV riders wearing them.
- Open-Face
Open-face or 3/4 shell helmets are next on the list when it comes to safety. Open-face helmets leave the face exposed but have full coverage on the back and sides of the helmet. Since there is no eye protection, most riders will end up wearing goggles with this type of helmet.
I typically see cruiser riders wearing these but they are most popular with people who ride cafe racer-style motorcycles.
- Half-Shell
Half-shells provide the least amount of protection when compared to the other types of helmets, but they are just as popular. As the name describes, they cover the top half of your head similar to a bike helmet. Unlike, open-face helmets, I don’t see a lot of riders rocking goggles with these.
Half-shell helmets are popular with cruiser riders, as they better fit the aesthetic these riders tend to have.
- Dual Sport*
Dual-sport helmets are just like full-face helmets, however, they tend to have a “longer” shape and also come with a guard at the top similar to dirt bike helmets. These helmets actually look really cool but do to their shape and guards, they also collect a lot of wind. For this reason, they are not as popular for riders who do most of the riding on the street.
You typically only see dual-sport helmets on riders who ride dual-sports. These bikes are made to go on and off-road, so it makes sense for the helmet to have similar features to off-road helmets.
How to Choose the Right Helmet
The best way to choose a helmet is by going to your local motorcycle dealership and having them help you find one that fits and is in the style you like.
Now that we have gone over the requirements and types, it’s time to go over how to choose the right motorcycle helmet.
But before we get too far into it, I have to say this.
Never buy or use a used motorcycle helmet! Motorcycle helmets are a one-use type of deal, meaning as soon as someone crashes in one, that helmet is no longer safe and cannot provide enough protection. Even worse is that you often can’t tell if a helmet has been damaged or not, as they don’t always show signs of damage. Finally, motorcycle helmets have a life span of about 3-7 years before the material starts to break down and it no longer provides the same level of protection.
- Shape
Motorcycle helmets come in a few different head shapes; Round, Intermediate Oval, and Long Oval.
Intermediate oval is the most common head shape but it’s best to visit your local motorcycle store to try on a few different shapes.
Remember that a helmet cannot provide the right protection if it doesn’t fit your head. In fact, getting the wrong helmet shape can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous in the event of a crash.
- Size
Size is another important factor to consider since a helmet size incorporates fit and also adds a lot of weight to your head. Although there are a lot of different sizes, most helmet manufacturers only offer 3 different shell sizes. I ran into this issue with a helmet that fit on the inside but looked and felt insanely bulky on the outside. Not only did this helmet cause a lot of strain on my neck, but it also picked up a lot of wind, making my muscles work that much harder.
- Style
Finally, you should choose a helmet with a style that suits you best. This can mean anything from the type of helmet you choose to the designs and colors printed on it. A lot of riders start out with all black before realizing that their helmet is another way to show off their style.
2. Tall Boots
Although it’s not number one on my list, motorcycle boots are statistically the most important piece of gear every rider needs.
In fact, the CDC reported that 30% of non-fatal injuries occur to the rider’s legs and lower extremities.
And if you think about it, this makes perfect sense.
During drops and falls, it is easy for the rider’s legs to get trapped under the motorcycle. And when that motorcycle weighs a couple hundred pounds, that can spell disaster for anything trapped under it.
It doesn’t matter if the rider is moving or stationary.
This is why you see so many riders wearing tall motorcycle boots – they protect a good portion of the leg when compared to shoes or shorter boots.
Types of Motorcycle Footwear
When it comes to motorcycle boots, you actually have a lot of options.
Of course, tall riding boots are always going to be the best option since they cover the injury-prone areas of the leg, but you can still opt for some of the other styles if you wish.
- Motorcycle Shoes
Motorcycle shoes are a popular option for riders who are looking for something more casual. Although they are the least protective, they are more convenient to wear if you are commuting or running errands. Motorcycle shoes are different than regular shoes, as they have thicker soles and slightly more ankle protection. They also tend to use more abrasion-resistant materials and are more secure to your feet. I actually used motorcycle shoes during my MSF course because they give a better feel on the pegs and shift lever, making it easier to find your footing and operate the foot controls. Regardless, I still recommend all riders opt for tall boots when possible.
- Short Boots
Short boots or cuff-style boots are a mix of motorcycle shoes and tall boots. They are usually made out of leather and have a more rigid frame when compared to shoes. The only caveat is they are just as short as motorcycle shoes and offer no leg protection and limited ankle protection. I actually recommend skipping these options as the others on the list do a better job in all areas. I had a buddy who picked up a pair of these and he wore them once before upgrading to tall boots.
- Sport and Racing Boots
The first entry in the tall boot category is Sport and Racing boots. These are actually the boots that I wear most of the time, as they offer a great balance between performance and protection. Sport boots tend to be lighter with a stiffer frame, giving you better maneuverability on the pegs as well as a better feel. They also offer good ergonomics for riders with pedals in the rear, like sports bikes. And since they are used by racers, they also offer advanced protection, even coming with replaceable toe sliders for those riders who like to get a knee down.
- Cruiser Boots
Cruiser boots are another popular option as they provide a good mix of aesthetics and protection. They look just as rugged and cool as the riders who wear them. You can find cruiser boots that are short, tall, or even mid-height – just keep in mind that the taller they are, the less comfortable they will be walking around. Unlike sport boots, cruiser boots have ergonomics that better fit a relaxed riding position and they tend to be more comfortable like motorcycle shoes.
- Touring
Touring boots are another tall boot category that is a little more niche. These boots are made for riders who spend a long day in the saddle but also need the comfort of walking around. For these reasons, touring boots are generally more flexible and have a more neutral ergonomics. Due to the style of riding these are made for, they are often waterproof and have more insulation.
- Adventure/Dual Sport Boots
A mix between off-road boots and touring boots, ADV and Dual Sport boots are another rugged style boot made for riding long distances and handling everything from dirt to gravel. These boots tend to be a little bulky and heavier than your average boot. I’m not the biggest fan of how they look either. But what they lose in cool factor, they more than makeup for in protection.
How to Choose Motorcycle Boots
Based on the descriptions above, you may already have an idea of the type of motorcycle boots you want. But to give you a few pointers, here are the two things to consider when buying motorcycle boots.
- What Type of Motorcycle You Have
The type of motorcycle boot you choose will largely correspond with the type of motorcycle you have or plan to get. Sportbike riders usually wear sport boots and cruiser riders usually wear cruiser boots.
This is mainly due to ergonomics and riding style.
Sport boots tend to fit sport bike ergonomics better and allow for finer control – something sport bike riders look for. Cruiser boots fit the cruiser aesthetic and ergonomics better.
Whatever aesthetic, ergonomics, or needs you have for your motorcycle, your boots should fit those needs.
That’s not to say you can’t wear a different style of boot than what motorcycle you have. I’ve also seen cruiser riders in sports boots and vice versa. It’s just a good rule to go by.
- What Style of Riding You Do
The biggest factor you should consider when buying motorcycle boots is what style of riding you plan to do.
As a sportbike rider who spends most of his time on back roads, I chose sport boots for their protection and feel. If I were to start riding longer distances, I would probably choose a boot with more flexibility, like a touring boot. If had plans of spending the majority of the day in the dirt and gravel, I’d choose a stiffer boot like an ADV or Dual Sport boot.
Likewise, if you have an ADV bike but only ride it on the road, you’d probably be better off with a dedicated touring boot as opposed to an ADV boot. If you’re the type who likes to get your knee down when you’re riding your cruiser, it may be time to consider a sport bike boot – and a race suit.
Whichever boot you decide to go with, make sure it aligns with the style of riding you do and the kind of protection you need.
3. Motorcycle Gloves
Up there with a helmet and boots, a good set of motorcycle gloves is the next important piece of gear every new rider needs.
After all, our hands are the first thing we try to catch ourselves with when we fall.
In fact, an NCBI study found that 35% of motorcycle crashes involve injuries to the upper extremities, with distal injuries and forearm fractures accounting for a significant portion.
This is why most motorcycle gloves are made with abrasion-resistant materials like leather and TPU sliders on the palm, knuckles, and wrist to prevent these common fractures.
Types of Motorcycle Gloves
Just like motorcycle boots, there are a myriad of options when it comes to choosing motorcycle gloves.
And just like boots, the style of glove you buy will closely coincide with the type of riding you do.
- Short Cuff
As the name suggests, short cuff gloves are short and generally come up to your wrist. I found that these are the most convenient types of gloves to wear when I am riding back and forth to the gym or running errands. Although you can find some gloves that have sliders, these gloves tend to offer the least protection for riders. For that reason, when I’m out in the twisties or riding more aggressively, I will always opt for the next type of motorcycle gloves.
- Gauntlet
Gauntlet gloves are my go-to when I’m out riding aggressively because they offer the best protection and performance.
They are longer than your average glove, as they cover the hand and most of your forearm. Unfortunately, this makes them slightly inconvenient for quick store runs or when you’re planning to take your gloves on and off a bunch. Also, they aren’t as easy to store on your person as short gloves.
These styles of gloves do come with a slew of safety features though, like Palm and finger sliders, dual-cuff straps for security, and high-quality abrasion resistance.
Due to their protection and versatility, gauntlet gloves are a popular option amongst all riders, regardless of their riding style.
- Summer
Summer gloves are a warm weather glove with perforation all over to allow airflow.
You can find summer gloves in short cuff and gauntlet style, and in fact, all the gloves I have are summer gloves. They offer the same protection as a regular glove without making your hand all sweaty. If I’m riding in the rain or cold weather, I can easily throw in some insulated glove liners or covers, and voila, I have an all-season glove.
- Winter
On the opposite end of summer gloves are winter gloves. These types of gloves have minimal to no perforation and are best used in the Winter(who’d have guessed?)
Winter gloves offer significant protection from the weather and are even insulated to help keep your hands warm.
Due to the nature of winter gloves, you will mostly find them in the gauntlet style as opposed to short cuff.
The only drawback with winter gloves is that they can be a little bulky, making it hard for riders to finesse some of those smaller controls like your horn and turn signal.
- Waterproof
Waterproof gloves are similar to winter gloves, but they tend to focus more on weather protection as opposed to insulation.
They’re also not as bulky as winter gloves.
The only real caveat is that they can be a little expensive for a glove some riders will only use on occasion.
4. Riding Jacket
The next important piece of gear in your arsenal is a good motorcycle jacket.
And don’t think you can get away with wearing that old leather jacket stuffed back in the closet.
It’s important to wear a motorcycle-specific jacket not only for its abrasion resistance but also for the fact that they have armor in the back, elbows, and shoulders.
This is actually more important than you think. Remember that NCBI study that determined 35% of motorcycle crashes involved injuries to the upper extremities? It turns out, shoulder injuries are the most common type of injury.
With a solid motorcycle jacket with armor inserts, you can protect these areas that are most injury-prone.
Types of Motorcycle Jackets
Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of options when it comes to motorcycle jackets, from sportbike jackets to cruiser jackets.
The type of jacket you will choose largely depends on your riding style, but it’s also important to know the different material options available.
- Riding Shirts
Starting with the least protective, riding shirts are an option for riders who are looking for a more casual look. They often come in hoodie or flannel styles and are essentially extra-durable when compared. Although they can come with some protective features like aramid weaving or armor inserts, they offer limited abrasion resistance and are usually one-time use. I find that these are best for riders who would forgo wearing a jacket otherwise. I always find myself considering this option when I make quick store runs, as I don’t always feel like dressing up in my full Power Ranger suit. It’s also convenient to have a piece of gear that looks just as good on and off the bike, so you can continue wearing it once you reach your destination.
- Mesh Jackets
A decent step up from riding shirts, Mesh jackets offer better abrasion resistance and can even come with features that protect you from the weather. Most mesh jackets have the option for armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. As you can imagine, the mesh material allows for great airflow, but you can also find some jackets that come with liners for riding in colder weather. Due to the somewhat limited abrasion resistance, I would recommend mesh jackets for riders who spend the majority of their time riding in hot weather.
- Textile Jackets
Textile jackets are where the protection and abrasion resistance really take a step up. They are typically made from a range of materials, protecting you from impacts, slides, and bad weather. Similar to mesh jackets, I was a little skeptical of the protection a textile jacket could provide, especially when compared to leather, but textile jackets have come a long way in recent years. The real benefit of textile jackets is their versatility. They provide a good balance between the airflow and comfort of a mesh jacket with the protection and safety you expect with leather. There are all different types of styles as well, from sport bike styles to styles more appropriate for cruiser riders. This is why they are most popular among commuters or riders who spend a lot of time on their bike.
- Leather Jackets
Leather jackets provide the most abrasion protection of any motorcycle jacket. This is why leather is required for all track and race suits. They also tend to come with the most advanced safety features, with lightweight but effective impact protection in the back, shoulders, and elbows. Leather is very flexible as well but it can heat up quickly, which can spell trouble if you’re spending a lot of time riding in hot weather. On the flip side, leather is not the best option for riding in cold or rainy weather. It doesn’t provide any real protection from the cold and it doesn’t like to get wet.
How to Choose a Motorcycle Jacket
When it comes to choosing a jacket, you will follow the same basic rule for any other piece of motorcycle gear. It really comes down to the two options below.
- What Style of Riding You Do
The style of riding you do will really determine the type of jacket you need to look for. If you are commuting back and forth to work and spend most of your time in fair weather, feel free to wear anything textile to leather. If you plan to buy a sportbike and tear up some backroads, you may need to consider the added protection of leather. If you’re driving around and extremely hot temperatures, it will be smarter to wear a mesh jacket as opposed to nothing at all.
- How Much Protection You Need
Finally, the type of jacket you choose will ultimately come down to the level of protection you’re comfortable with. Some riders will decide to choose leather and be as protected as possible, and some riders are willing to sacrifice some protection for a jacket to better suit their riding style and weather. The choice is really up to you.
5. Motorcycle Pants
Motorcycle pants are another piece of gear most riders will overlook. After all, you see a lot of riders out there wearing just a pair of jeans. I was even guilty of this for a while.
But remember how important it is to protect your lower half. The very nature of most motorcycle crashes could leave your leg under the motorcycle, sliding and bearing a lot of weight. In addition to tall boots, motorcycle pants or jeans will protect more of your leg from road rash.
Types of Motorcycle Pants
Just like every other piece of gear, you have a few options when it comes to motorcycle pants.
- Riding Jeans
Riding jeans are a great option for most riders. They’re relatively “incognito”, so you can wear them casually if you’re riding somewhere. And they offer a lot more protection than your average pair of jeans. Of course, they’re not as abrasion-resistant as leather, but they offer enough protection for riders who don’t want to wear leather all the time. Most riding jeans come with armor inserts in the knees, with the option to add armor to the hips as well.
- Leather Pants
Leather pants are the best option when it comes to protection. They offer great abrasion resistance and often come with more advanced features like armored knees and hips, with a tapered fit for your riding position. The only caveat with leather pants is that they heat up quickly and can become uncomfortable just as fast. Leather is my preferred option when I’m out riding in the twisties, but I find myself wearing riding jeans every other time.
- Textile Pants
Similar to motorcycle jackets, you can find a lot of options for textile riding pants. These styles of pants usually offer better airflow and comfort than the options above, while offering similar protection to motorcycle jeans. And again, they often come with armor inserts or the option to add them. I find that these are a little more niche compared to the other options, and I usually see ADV and touring riders wearing them. I never was a big fan of the styling, but you cannot deny their versatility.
- Summer Pants
Borrowing from the option above, summer motorcycle pants are usually made of a blend of mesh and textiles. They offer the most airflow but sacrifice some of the abrasion resistance you would find with full-textile pants. These are a great option for riders who spend most of their time in hot weather.
- Winter Pants
On the other end of the scale, winter motorcycle pants offer the most protection from the elements – especially the cold. For the brave souls who ride in the winter months, these will offer the protection and comfort you need to stay safe on the road.
How to Choose Motorcycle Pants
Just like the rest of the options on this list, you should choose your motorcycle pants with the criteria below in mind.
- How Much Protection You Need
The most important thing is how much protection you are comfortable with. Of course, fully armored leather pants will provide the most protection but may not be for all riders. Depending on your riding style, you may need to sacrifice some protection for versatility and comfort.
- What Style of Riding You Do
In addition to protection, your riding style will greatly determine the type of motorcycle pants you wear. If you are just commuting to work every day, motorcycle jeans may be the best option. If you plan on tearing it up on back roads, leather will be the safest option. And if you’re taking long trips, armored textile pants may be your best option.
- The Weather You’re Riding In
And of course, weather can also play a big role in what type of pants you wear. If you’re riding in the rain, leather and jeans may not be the best option. If you are riding in the heat, leather may be too hot.
6. Ear Protection
A lot of new and experienced riders overlook the importance of wearing hearing protection.
Riding a motorcycle subjects your ears to a lot of wind noise. I remember my ears ringing when I first started taking longer rides. As it turns out, this can cause permanent damage to your hearing.
For this reason, I always advocate that new and experienced riders wear some form of ear protection. You can get the cheap 3mm foam earbuds or you can opt for motorcycle-specific earbuds.
How to Prioritize Motorcycle Gear
When it comes to buying motorcycle gear, you will quickly realize how expensive it can be.
I gotta be honest, I couldn’t afford to buy all the gear I wanted when I first started riding. And this may be a common issue for a lot of riders.
This is why you must prioritize the most important gear.
Fortnite has a great video on what gear is most important, and we can reference this to see what gear you need to get first.
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Tall Boots
- Ear Protection
- Jacket
- Pants
Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you own. In fact, most states won’t let you ride without one. Next, is a good set of gloves. These will protect your hands in the event of a crash, where you will most likely try to catch yourself with your hands. Next, is a good set of tall boots. This will help prevent any breaks and sprains if the motorcycle happens to fall on your leg. Next, ear protection is a must and it’s cheap to own. Finally, a jacket and pants should go hand in hand. These will complete your gear list and will protect you from the weather, slides, and the occasional bug.
How Much is Beginner Motorcycle Gear?
As I mentioned before, motorcycle gear can be expensive. But that doesn’t mean you should skimp out on buying it. You can easily find beginner gear on a beginner budget and some shops like Cyclegear even have options for you to put your gear on a payment plan.
I will list some recommendations for beginner motorcycle gear along with the prices you can expect to pay.
- Helmet – $150+
You can easily find a good helmet for around $150.
- Gloves – $40+
There are a lot of cheap motorcycle gloves but you can find a leather set with armor for around $40
- Tall Boots – $150+
Tall boots will cost a little more than shorter boots but they are worth it.
- Ear Protection – $3+
Hearing protection is so cheap you should never skimp on buying it. You can easily buy some foam plugs from Walmart for $3 but there are custom motorcycle earplugs for around $20
- Jacket – $120+
You can easily find a mesh or textile jacket for around $100. The price goes up dramatically for leather gear but textile has come a long way.
- Pants – $150
Finally, a good set of motorcycle pants will cost around $150 or more.
What Makes Gear Good for a Beginner?
When it comes to buying motorcycle gear, beginners should look for a few things.
- Affordability
Beginners should make sure they are buying inexpensive, affordable gear.
A lot of new riders make the mistake of paying a fortune for a piece of gear, only to turn around and upgrade a few months later. Even worse, they may even spend all of their budget on one piece of gear and decide to ride without the rest. By making sure you buy affordable gear at the start, you can save yourself some money and make sure you have enough to buy the gear you need.
- Good Visibility
A lot of new riders make the mistake of buying all black gear. This is actually a bigger problem than you would think because it severely limits how visible you are on the road. Motorcyclists are taught to ride like they are invisible because most car drivers struggle to see them. When you wear bright or contrasting colors, it will make you stand out more and can keep you safer on the road.
- Great Protection
Finally, as a new rider, it is important to make sure you wear the gear with the most protection. That first year of riding will be when you are most susceptible to falls and crashes. This means you should be completely geared up from head to toe. When you get better on the bike, you may decide to ride without certain pieces of gear or less gear. But as a new rider, it is the most responsible thing you can do on the bike – being fully geared up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it may seem like there is a lot of gear to keep up with and many different options. Hopefully, this guide helped you decide what you need and the importance of the gear you choose.
As an avid rider myself, my goal is to get more riders on the road and to help keep them there with safe practices making your you have the right gear is a huge piece of the puzzle.