On a motorcycle, gear is your bodywork. Good protection turns a crash that would mean hospital into a story with bruises. Here is what you need and what to look for.
The most important purchase. A full-face helmet protects your chin — the part hit in about a third of crashes. Modular (flip-up) helmets are convenient for touring; open-face helmets offer less protection.
Leather is the most abrasion-resistant; textile is more versatile in rain and heat. The jacket must have armour at the shoulders and elbows.
In a fall you instinctively put your hands out. Gloves protect the palm (slider) and knuckles.
Regular jeans tear in less than a second on asphalt. Use motorcycle trousers or reinforced riding jeans with knee and hip armour.
Motorcycle boots protect the ankle from twisting and crushing. At minimum they must cover the ankle.
Most jackets come with a thin foam back pad. A certified level-2 back protector gives much more protection.
Airbag vests inflate in milliseconds and protect the chest, spine and neck. Wired versions are cheaper; electronic versions need no cable.
A rain suit or waterproof layer makes riding in bad weather comfortable. Cold and wet riders make mistakes.
Wind noise at highway speeds can damage your hearing. Earplugs are cheap. An intercom lets you talk to your passenger and hear navigation.
| Standard | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ECE 22.06 | Current European helmet standard, includes rotational impact tests. |
| DOT FMVSS 218 | US helmet standard (manufacturer self-certified). |
| SNELL M2020 / M2025 | Voluntary, stricter US standard often used for racing. |
| EN 17092 (AAA / AA / A) | European standard for whole garments. AAA is the highest. |
| EN 1621-1 | Limb armour. Level 2 absorbs more energy than level 1. |
| EN 1621-2 | Back protector standard, level 1 or 2. |
| EN 13634 | Motorcycle boots standard. |
| EN 13594 | Motorcycle gloves standard. |