Gear

Why wear gear?

The experience of riding motorcycles is an incredible one, but it can also come with some incredible risks, such as bad weather, distracted drivers around the rider, and obstacles in the riding path. However, if the proper gear is worn, the chances of serious injury or death aren't nearly as high. On the road, gear is often used to prevent road rash, getting debris from the road embedded into your arm, and possibly even broken bones. When riding off-road, gear is often used for those purposes, but also to deflect rocks, protect your knees and elbows, and protect your lower legs. Similar to motorcycles, there are many different types and styles of gear. Depending on your desired styles, you might choose to wear leather gear, while someone else might choose to use Kevlar. No matter what kind you decide to use personally, it's always a good idea to use safety gear.

honda dirt bike at the sand dunes
Honda CB rider in helmet and jacket
rider in all leather gear on a naked bike
vintage full-face helmet

Helmets (Street)

full-face motorcycle helmet

Full-face helmets cover the whole head and face. They provide the best coverage and safety.

modular motorcycle helmet with front up

Modular helmets are similar to full-face helmets. However, they allow the front to come up, creating a 3/4 helmet.

three-quarter helmet hanging on motorcycle handlebar

3/4 helmets are open in the front. They protect the whole head, but not the face.

man with a beard wearing a half helmet

Half helmets only cover the top of the head. They provide the least amount of protection, but it's better than no helmet.

Helmets (Off-Road)

dirt bike helmet on a motorcycle seat

Off-road helmets cover the full face. They have a chin bar that comes farther out, allowing for more air flow to cool the rider down. They also have a visor to shield from the sun. Goggles are typically not attached, so they are purchased separately.

Gloves (Street)

gauntlet motorcycle glove

Gauntlet gloves cover your hands and wrists to provide the most protection. They also typically have hard knuckles. They are not normally worn in the summer because they are made of leather, so they get hot.

motorcycle glove with hard knuckles

short-cuff gloves cover your hands up to the wrists. Like gauntlet gloves, they typically have hard knuckles. They're often made of fabric mesh and leather, making them better ventilated. They are better for summer riding.

fingerless motorcycle glove

Fingerless gloves provide the least amount of protection, but the most amount of dexterity. They are typically made of thin leather, with no covering past the first knuckle.

Gloves (Off-Road)

off-road motorcycle glove

Off-road gloves are made of breathable fabric and provide protection against scrapes that would come from dirt and small rocks. They don't normally have hard knuckles, but some of them have rubber on the back of the hands.

Boots (Street)

motorcycle racing boots

Racing boots provide protection during motorcycle races. They are made of leather, and they are more lightweight than normal steel-toed boots.

leather boots on motorcycle

There are companies that make regular boots for riding, but many people just wear leather boots. There are also people who wear steel-toed boots.

Boots (Off-Road)

motocross riding boots

Off-road boots typically come up to just below the knee, and they provide a lot of protection. They are made of hard leather and often have metal tips on the toes to protect against rocks.

Full Gear (Street)

full leather motorcycle racing suit

Full leather suit

Kevlar motorcycle suit

Kevlar pants and jacket

Full Gear (Off-Road)

motocross rider with full gear and chest protector

Full MX gear with chest protector

dirt biker with full gear and no chest protector

Full MX gear without chest protector