The right gear can mean the difference between walking away from a crash and serious injury. But it's not just about safety—proper gear also makes riding more comfortable, enjoyable, and allows you to ride in various conditions.
Here's everything you need to know about essential motorcycle gear.
Why Proper Gear Matters
Asphalt doesn't care if you're wearing jeans or leather. At 50 km/h, regular clothing shreds in less than a second. Quality motorcycle gear is designed to protect you from abrasion, impact, weather, and fatigue.
The reality: Most motorcycle accidents happen at low speeds, close to home. Gear isn't just for long trips—it's for every ride, every time.
The Essential Gear Checklist
1. Helmet: Your Most Important Investment
Why it matters: Head injuries are the leading cause of motorcycle fatalities. A quality helmet reduces risk of death by 37% and head injury by 69%.
Types of helmets:
- Full-face: Best protection, quieter, weather-sealed (recommended for most riders)
- Modular: Flip-up chin bar, versatile, slightly heavier
- Open-face: More freedom, less protection (not recommended)
- Half-helmet: Minimal protection (avoid for serious riding)
What to look for:
- ECE 22.06 or DOT certification (ECE is stricter)
- Snug fit without pressure points
- Quality visor with anti-fog coating
- Good ventilation system
- Comfortable liner (removable for washing)
Budget: €150-€600. Don't cheap out—your brain is worth it.
Pro tip: Replace after any impact or every 5 years due to material degradation.
2. Jacket: Protection for Your Upper Body
Why it matters: Shoulders, elbows, and back take major impact in crashes. A good jacket protects against abrasion and impact.
Materials:
- Leather: Excellent abrasion resistance, classic look, requires break-in
- Textile: Versatile, weather-resistant, often more affordable
- Mesh: Maximum airflow for summer, less protection
Essential features:
- CE-rated armor at shoulders, elbows, and back
- Abrasion-resistant material in impact zones
- Adjustable fit (shouldn't ride up when reaching forward)
- Reflective elements for visibility
- Ventilation for comfort
Budget: €200-€800 for quality protection
Versatility tip: Look for jackets with removable liners and vents for year-round use.
3. Gloves: Protect Your Hands
Why it matters: In a crash, your hands instinctively go out first. Road rash on palms is extremely painful and debilitating.
What to look for:
- Full-finger coverage (never ride with fingerless gloves)
- Knuckle protection (hard or soft armor)
- Palm sliders for crash protection
- Reinforced stitching in high-wear areas
- Secure wrist closure
- Good feel for controls
Types:
- Summer: Perforated leather or textile, maximum airflow
- Winter: Insulated, waterproof, longer cuffs
- All-season: Versatile with removable liners
Budget: €50-€200 per pair. Have multiple pairs for different conditions.
4. Boots: Ankle and Foot Protection
Why it matters: Ankle injuries are common in motorcycle crashes. Regular shoes offer zero protection.
Essential features:
- Over-ankle coverage (minimum)
- Reinforced toe, heel, and ankle areas
- Oil-resistant, grippy sole
- Shift pad on left boot
- Secure closure (laces, velcro, or zipper)
- CE certification
Types:
- Sport boots: Maximum protection, stiffer, race-inspired
- Touring boots: Comfortable for long rides, waterproof
- Urban/casual: Look like regular boots, have protection
Budget: €150-€400
Pro tip: Waterproof boots are worth the investment—wet feet make for miserable riding.
5. Pants: Lower Body Protection
Why it matters: Jeans offer about 0.5 seconds of abrasion protection at 50 km/h. Motorcycle pants can protect for 4+ seconds.
Options:
- Leather pants: Best abrasion resistance, can be hot
- Textile pants: Versatile, often waterproof, more comfortable
- Riding jeans: Kevlar-lined denim, casual look with protection
- Overpants: Wear over regular clothes, convenient for commuting
Essential features:
- CE-rated knee and hip armor
- Abrasion-resistant material or reinforcement
- Comfortable fit for riding position
- Secure connection to jacket (prevents ride-up)
Budget: €150-€500
6. Additional Protective Gear
Back protector: If your jacket doesn't include one, add a standalone CE Level 2 back protector (€50-€150)
Chest protector: Extra protection for ribs and chest, especially for sport riding (€80-€200)
Kidney belt: Supports lower back, reduces fatigue on long rides (€30-€80)
Gear for Different Conditions
Hot Weather Riding
- Mesh jacket with armor
- Perforated gloves
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Hydration pack
- Light-colored gear (reflects heat)
Cold Weather Riding
- Insulated jacket or heated liner
- Winter gloves (or heated grips/gloves)
- Thermal base layers
- Neck warmer or balaclava
- Waterproof outer layer
Rain Riding
- Waterproof jacket and pants (or rain suit)
- Waterproof gloves and boots
- Anti-fog visor treatment or Pinlock insert
- High-visibility colors
Visibility: Be Seen to Stay Safe
Most accidents involve drivers saying "I didn't see the motorcycle." Make yourself visible:
- Bright colors (white, yellow, orange helmets and jackets)
- Reflective strips and panels
- High-vis vest for commuting
- LED auxiliary lights
- Reflective helmet stickers
Buying Tips
Try Before You Buy
Gear should fit properly—not too tight, not too loose. Visit a shop and try on multiple brands and sizes. Sizing varies significantly between manufacturers.
Buy Once, Cry Once
Quality gear lasts years and could save your life. Budget gear often fails when you need it most.
Prioritize Your Budget
If money is tight, prioritize in this order:
- Helmet (full-face, quality)
- Gloves (full protection)
- Jacket (with armor)
- Boots (over-ankle)
- Pants (at minimum, riding jeans)
Watch for Sales
End-of-season sales (September-October) offer huge discounts on quality gear.
Maintenance and Care
- Clean and condition leather regularly
- Wash textile gear according to instructions
- Re-waterproof as needed
- Check armor hasn't shifted or degraded
- Store properly (cool, dry, away from sunlight)
- Replace after crashes or when worn
Final Thoughts
Gear isn't optional—it's essential. Every experienced rider has stories of gear saving them from serious injury. The question isn't whether you can afford good gear; it's whether you can afford not to have it.
Dress for the slide, not the ride. Every single time.
Your gear is your armor. Choose wisely, wear it always, and ride safe out there.