Best Motorcycle Gear for New Riders: A Complete First-Year Guide

If you've just bought your first motorcycle, buy your gear in order of what matters most, and learn to read the labels before you spend. This guide covers the order to buy in, what each piece should do, and how to check a product's claims for yourself.

Buy in this order

1. Helmet. In the US, look for the DOT symbol, which shows the maker certifies the helmet to FMVSS 218, the federal helmet standard. NHTSA estimates helmets are about 37% effective at preventing fatal injuries to riders. A full-face helmet also covers your chin and face. Get fitted in person if you can.
2. Jacket. Choose one made for riding, with impact protectors at the shoulders and elbows. A back protector is worth adding.
3. Gloves. Full-finger riding gloves with a secure wrist closure.
4. Boots. Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots with a grippy sole.
5. Riding pants or riding jeans. With protectors at the knees, and ideally the hips.
6. Visibility. Bright or fluorescent colours by day and reflective material at night.
7. Ear protection. Wind noise at speed is loud, and foam earplugs cost very little.

This order follows official advice. NHTSA tells riders to wear a DOT-compliant helmet, to cover their arms and legs (ideally with leather or heavy denim), and to add boots, gloves and bright, reflective clothing. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation calls the helmet the most important item.

How to read labels and claims

• Garments: in Europe, EN 17092 classes (AAA, AA, A, B and C) are awarded to a finished garment model after type examination, not to a fabric. The label should name the standard and the class.
• Protectors: limb protectors are tested to EN 1621-1 and back protectors to EN 1621-2, at Level 1 or Level 2. Level 2 protectors must transmit less force in the standard test: a mean under 20 kN versus 35 kN for limb protectors, and 9 kN versus 18 kN for back protectors. The marking should be on the protector itself.
• In the US there is no federal standard or certification for motorcycle jackets or pants, so "DOT approved" means nothing on clothing. If a brand quotes an EN 17092 class, ask to see the certificate.
• Fabric names such as aramid tell you what a material is, not how the finished garment performs.

Where riding denim fits

Riding jeans and denim jackets suit riders who want gear that looks like everyday clothes. Judge them the same way as anything else: look for a garment class on the label and protector markings on the inserts.

Our own riding jeans have internal pockets at the knees and hips for removable inserts, and our jackets have shoulder and elbow pockets plus a back pocket for an optional back insert. One set of inserts is included with a standard order. We don’t publish test reports or protection classes for our garments. Browse men's riding jeans, women's riding jeans or jackets. Our vests are style and layering pieces with no protector pockets.

Take a course

Gear is only part of it. A formal training course, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Basic RiderCourse in the US or CBT in the UK, teaches braking, swerving and cornering skills that no gear can. Replace a helmet after any significant impact, and have crash-damaged gear checked or replaced before you ride in it again.