Essential Motorcycle Gear for Beginners
As a new rider, knowing what motorcycle gear to buy first can help to ensure your safety and protection when riding.
What Motorcycle Gear to Buy First and the Best Options
Starting your motorcycle journey is exciting, but having the right gear is essential for your safety and comfort. Whether you are a new rider, or an experienced rider upgrading your equipment, knowing what motorcycle gear to buy first can help to ensure your safety and protection when riding. Continue reading for a recommended guide to must-have motorcycle gear.
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet: The Most Important Gear
A motorcycle helmet is the most crucial piece of motorcycle gear, protecting your head from serious injury. A DOT- or Snell-certified full-face helmet offers the best protection against impacts, wind, and flying debris.
Best Motorcycle Helmets for Beginning Riders
- Shoei RF-1400 – Premium helmet offering safety, comfort, and aerodynamics
- AGV K6 – Lightweight and versatile helmet for different riding styles
- HJC i10 – Budget-friendly helmet with great protection
Although a good quality full-face helmet can be costly, it is the most important piece of safety gear.
Motorcycle Jacket: Protection and Style
A quality motorcycle jacket provides abrasion resistance, impact protection, and weatherproofing. Choose one with CE-rated armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back.
Best Motorcycle Jackets for New Riders
- Alpinestars Andes v3 – A versatile touring jacket with waterproofing
- REV’IT! Eclipse – Great for warm weather with breathable mesh
- Dainese Super Speed Textile – Sporty design with high protection
Motorcycle Gloves: Grip and Safety
Riding gloves protect your hands from road rash, impact, and weather. Look for gloves with reinforced knuckles, palm sliders, and touchscreen compatibility. If you were to come off your bike, what is the first thing you are going to protect yourself with? Your hands.
Best Motorcycle Gloves for Beginning Riders
- Alpinestars SMX-1 Air v2 – Great summer gloves with ventilation
- Dainese Druid 4 – Full gauntlet gloves for maximum protection
- REV’IT! Sand 4 – Perfect for adventure and touring riders
Motorcycle glove technology continues to advance, offering riders improved comfort and safety. Touch-screen compatible gloves make it so you don’t need to remove your glove every time you need to access your smartphone.
Motorcycle Boots: Essential Foot Protection
Good motorcycle boots offer ankle support, slip resistance, and impact protection. Avoid wearing sneakers while riding — they don’t provide enough protection in a crash.
Best Motorcycle Boots for New Riders
- TCX Street 3 WP – Stylish, casual, and waterproof
- Alpinestars SMX-6 v2 – Great for sportbike riders
- Forma Adventure Boots – Ideal for ADV and touring riders
Riding Pants: Extra Protection Beyond Jeans
Regular jeans can’t protect you if you slide. Motorcycle pants are a safer option because they come with reinforced abrasion-resistant materials and armor.
Best Motorcycle Pants for Beginners
- Klim Dakar Pants – Durable and great for all-weather riding
- REV’IT! Moto 2 Jeans – Stylish but protective with Kevlar
- Dainese Drake Super Air Tex – Breathable and protective for summer rides
Motorcycle Armor: Extra Protection
For maximum safety, invest in CE-rated back protectors, chest armor, and knee guards. Many jackets and pants allow you to insert extra armor for added protection.
Rain Gear and Base Layers: Comfort in All Conditions
Weather can change fast. Having rain gear and moisture-wicking base layers ensures you stay dry and comfortable.
What Motorcycle Gear Should You Buy First?
If you’re just starting as a rider, focus on these top five must-have motorcycle gear items:
- A full-face helmet for head protection
- A high-quality motorcycle jacket with armor
- Durable motorcycle gloves for grip and safety
- Proper riding boots to protect your feet and ankles
- Reinforced riding pants or armored jeans
This article is opinion-based and not endorsed by any of the aforementioned brands.