It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle is a risky and dangerous thing. Usually, you are exposed to all kinds of dangers on the road ranging from harsh weather conditions to getting hit by other motorists. Other times, you are prone to falling down on your motorcycle, scrapping your knee, and worse, getting a serious injury like breaking your leg. For this reason, it is mandatory to have motorcycle protective clothing when riding at all times.

The thrill and freedom of riding a motorcycle come with the unavoidable responsibility of remaining safe at all times by wearing the right motorcycle gear. It does not matter you are a newbie at riding a motorcycle or a veteran with bundles of years under your belt, one thing you cannot afford to overlook is your safety on a motorcycle.

Wearing the right safety gear reduces your fatality risk by a huge margin. The right motorcycle protective clothing is even more important because riding a motorcycle puts you at a higher risk of an accident. You are 33 times more likely to get into a crash on a motorcycle than a car. Despite these grim facts, the truth of the matter is, having the right protective gear will save your ass most of the time if not all.

The good thing about being a biker is you get to have unbridled freedom as you enjoy your ride. Not to mention the coolness that you embody and the admiration that people have of you. Being a biker is truly an inspiration. But to continue to enjoy the perks of bike riding, you will need the best protective gear you can get.

At American Legend Rider, we understand your riding needs and strive to provide you with the best riding gear you can find online. Keeping you safe and comfortable while riding is one issue we take seriously. In this guide, we will show you how to choose the right biker helmet, riding boots, motorcycle armor, motorcycle gloves and leather pants for riding.

Fact is, Motorcycle Riding Gear is A Must

Riding gear acts like your second skin. Protecting you from all kinds of external dangers and exposures. The good thing about this second ‘skin’ is that it can be replaced, modified and improved albeit costing you money and effort to get the right gear.

Motorcycle riding has come a long way from the old days when safety was a secondary consideration. Nowadays, there are strict safety measures that you must adhere to before you can ride a motorcycle.

We can be thankful for the progress that has been made on motorcycle safety which has helped provide better protective gear. In a large part, countless research and studies have made manufacturers of motorcycle gear to up their safety game. But motorcycle safety has evolved over time to become what it is today.

Going back to 1860 to the 1900s, motorcyclists were not very concerned about safety. But it was at this time that the first full-length boots were worn as a part of the safety campaign.

The early 1900s saw the introduction of flat caps and gauntlet gloves which have gone on to become crucial safety gear. While these were used mainly for the convenience of keeping the hair in place, things changed and became protective wear.

The 1910s saw a deviation from casual wear and style to actually wearing gear for protection purposes. At this time protective motorcycle goggles, riding pants, and leather skull caps were popularized. It is arguably at this time that motorcycle gear was taken seriously. For example, the purpose of goggles was to keep away wood splinters from reaching the eyes.

The first motorcycle leather jacket was made in 1928 and designed by a New York resident known as Irving Scott. The leather jacket was dubbed American Perfecto and set the standard used for making a majority of later leather jackets even today. The consistent style of this jacket was its diagonal zipper and epaulets that made it chic and stylish. In addition, the ‘Perfecto’ jacket became even more popular when it was popularized by Marlon Brando in the 1953 hit movie; The Wild One.

Today, you can find a wide range of motorcycle jackets to suit your particular taste and riding style. It’s almost as if wearing a cool leather jacket is synonymous with being a biker, or some kind of badass which is really cool.

Next was the motorcycle suit invention in the 1930s. Though this time, it was made out of cotton and waterproof. The waterproof waxed cotton suit was manufactured by a British company and made specifically for motorcyclists. The suit was ideal for wet conditions due to its waxed surface that prevented water from soaking it.

In 1953, perhaps the most revolutionary motorcycle gear was invented. The first modern cool motorcycle helmets came to life when a professor from California created and patented his creation. The key feature of this helmet was its shock-absorbent quality. This meant it could cushion motorcyclists in the event of a crash.

Today, there are different types of motorcycle helmets that you can buy. Depending on your preference and style, you can choose from a full-face motorcycle helmet, a half helmet or a modular helmet. Each type of biker helmet is more specialized for a certain type of riding. For example, if you an off-roader who likes to take on the harshest terrains, you might want to go for a full-face motorcycle helmet for maximum protection. It’s not all uncommon to find the older generation of riders preferring half-helmets and open face motorcycle helmets over the more protective full-face helmet.

This is because half-helmets and open-face lids have been around for a longer while than the full-face helmet. However, there’s no denying that the latter helmets make you appear cooler on your bike except they are not as protective as a full-face biker helmet.

So what motorcycle protective clothing do you need?

When you decide to become a motorcycle rider, investing in the right motorcycle gear is one of the most important decisions you can make. As a rule of thumb, you should have the core riding gear such as helmet, gloves, riding boots, motorcycle pants, and motorcycle jackets. Keeping yourself safe and comfortable while riding should be a priority if you want to enjoy the adrenaline-rush of your two-wheeler. Here, we’ll look at the most important riding gear for your biker journey

Motorcycle helmet

Wearing a motorcycle helmet is the most important safety measure you can take. It is also the single most important measure of reducing head injuries and fatalities resulting from motorcycle accidents. Helmets not only protect you from head injuries to your face and skull but also keep away debris, rocks, dirt, and gravel from entering your eyes.

Wearing a biker helmet will save your life and reduce the impact of the crash. According to stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a DOT approved helmet reduces the risk of suffering a head injury by a whopping 67%. This number is anchored by the fact that of all motorcycle casualties, 66 percent were not wearing a helmet by the time they got involved in an accident. It is easy to see why you should get yourself a comfortable and protective helmet to improve your safety on the road.

While some states do not require that you have a helmet at all times, it is definitely advisable to have a lid on as opposed to riding out with your head exposed. There are several advantages to wearing the right motorcycle helmet:

Protects your head from impact

In case of an accident, your head and face will bear the most impact. Your jaw will most likely be the first to hit the ground, followed by your face. For this reason, a full-face helmet is preferred as it has a chin bar that will protect your face. When talking about safety, a full-face motorcycle helmet is your best bet as it provides the most cover to vital parts of your head. Bucket helmets are good but not as good enough as full-face helmets but however, better to have them on than nothing at all.

You won’t be fighting bugs

A pretty annoying thing is to have bugs all over your face and mouth when trying to focus on the road. A seemingly minor distraction like a bug entering your eye can cause so much pain and lead you to crash depending on the road conditions. But with a full-face motorcycle helmet on, you will have the safest ride free from such distractions. When cruising at high speeds, it is recommended that you have your visor down. At slower speeds, you can ride with the visor up.

You can choose from a wide range of full-face helmet customizations including a skull full-face motorcycle helmet or a vintage full-face motorcycle helmet. Others include

Youth full-face helmet
Women’s full-face motorcycle helmet
Full face helmet with Bluetooth

Biker Gloves

Motorcycle gloves are usually made out of leather or textile with gauntlets to protect the rider’s wrists. They also come with other modifications that improve grip and comfort. After getting a cool motorcycle helmet, the next step is to get yourself fitting riding gloves.

We instinctively use our hands for support when we fall down. Without gloves, our hands will come into contact with the ground. The result is scrapped palms and knuckles or even broken bones.

Luckily, there are many motorcycle gloves that come with reinforced palms and gauntlets that prevent abrasion injuries. Gloves also serve the purpose of soaking up that sweat from your palms to allow you to have a safer grip on the handlebar. So which gloves should you choose?

Some people prefer leather motorcycle gloves to textile gloves. Both are great options depending on your riding style and conditions. Leather gloves are more durable and can take just about any riding demands. They are also comfortable to wear and offer the best protection of any glove. The only downside with most leather gloves is that they tend to expand and sag with continuous use. This will, in turn, affect their fitment and comfort.

On the other hand, textile biker gloves provide just enough protection and will, in most cases fit your hand just as they were new. In addition, textile gloves are usually cheaper and can have modifications and armoring which add to their overall performance.

When choosing a pair of grips, ensure that they fit well enough. Fitment is very important when it comes to choosing the right motorcycle gloves. Ensure that you have enough finger rooms at the tips to allow for motor control and better handling of the bike. You want your gloves to not have extra creases on the palm area when you clench your fist. Sizing your pair of gloves should be the first step when buying online. Begin by measuring the length of your palm just below where your fingers start.

Choose the best motorcycle gloves by going for the right fit gloves that also have durability, ample padding, and ventilation. If you happen to ride in hot environments, a perforated glove will be a lifesaver as it allows air to flow through your palms keeping them cool. Before choosing a pair of biker gloves, read through our extensive guide on what you should look for in your next pair.

Motorcycle jacket

We all agree that biker jackets are some of the coolest pieces of gear you can wear on your bike. But aside from looking cool and dapper, you want to be fully protected from harsh weather and stay safe in case of an accident. A motorcycle jacket is specifically designed with these needs in mind. To keep you safe, a motorcycle jacket has to be sturdy and reinforced with double-stitch seams and padding.

You also want your biker jacket to be lightweight enough to wear when on and off the bike. Nowadays, jackets are made using lightweight materials that are both durable and comfortable. If you ride in warm temperatures, there are cool leather jackets that come with ventilation openings and zippers that will allow cool air to flow through your body.

Moto jackets are either made out of leather or textile or a combination of both. In most cases, the type of jacket that you choose will depend on your personal preference, riding style, and protection needs. Whether you choose a textile or leather jacket, the most crucial factor you should consider is its abrasion resistance quality. While leather is the traditional choice for most riders, textile jackets can be just as good and tough as nails. They are also lighter compared to leather. But overall, leather biker jackets win the durability race. So, what should you look for in a motorcycle jacket?

Fitment

Just like any riding gear, fitment is vital when it comes to choosing a motorcycle jacket. Generally speaking, there are three types of jacket fitment. These include the American cut, European fit and race fit. The American type has more room for your arms and shoulders and suitable for every day riding or touring. The European fit is more tapered in style, with a close fit structure. In precise terms, it is the sport cut style or slim style. Race jackets are designed to take on the track and come with pre-curved arms for easier flexibility and more comfort. If you are looking for a biker jacket, you probably have decided which one best suits riding needs.

Size

It’s not always easy to find the right jacket size. You will need the help of a friend to take measurements around your back and chest. Take a natural pose when reading the measurements to ensure the measurement is accurate. Once you have the right measurements, the next step is to order your jacket.

Try on your jacket and check proper fit

After determining the size of your jacket and ensuring it is the proper fit, the next big step is to wear the jacket and know how it feels. Wear it around your house before wearing it on the bike. When you are certain that you got the best deal, then you can fire on your bike and ride out with your leather jacket on.

Riding Boots

When riding a motorcycle, your feet are exposed to all kinds of dangers including loose or flying debris, the pavement, and slide outs. If you do not have riding boots on, your lower extremities could bear the grunt of harsh terrains and bad weather. Your feet and ankles and fragile than you might care to think. Getting motorcycle boots will provide support and comfort and protect them in case of a crash.

Picking your next biker boots is not something you just do like anything else. It is the reason why a lot of riders struggle to find the right riding shoes. First, moto boots are not like your regular sneakers or pair of shoes. They have specialized features that you should look for.

The world of rider boots is vast and can be confusing to try and understand the different types of boots that exist. In your search for the right riding boot, you are going to encounter boots made out of different materials and intended for a particular type of riding. The main types of boots include

Adventure boots
Street boots
Dirt boots
Touring boots
Sport/track boots

The next step after defining the right boot is to get the right size. Sizing your boot is very important for a number of reasons. First, the correct size ensures your feet are comfortable and well protected in case of a moto crash. Also, the rightly sized boot will ensure you don’t get sore feet after you complete your ride. Ideally, you don’t want a boot that has too much room for your foot to wiggle nor a boot that is too tight to wear. To ensure you find your size, you can visit your local store and get measured up using the Brannock device.

When you’ve finally got the right size, you can try out your new motorcycle boots and walk around in them. Feel if there is discomfort or pressure points but keep in mind that this will depend on the type of boots that you choose. In most cases, dirt boots have a rigid construction that makes them quite uncomfortable to walk around in. So it is important to pay attention to the tightness around the sides of the boot, the toes, and the heel. If you like a little bit of style and customization, you might want to consider the highly popular skull boots for your riding exploits.

Motorcycle Pants

Many riders often remember motorcycle pants as the last piece of protective gear. And this is a problem because motorcycle pants are just as important as helmets, gloves, jackets, and boots. Should you find yourself in a moto accident, chances are that you will scrap your knee or hip when you come into contact with the ground. This is where those protective moto pants make a difference in reducing impact and offering slide protection. There’s more to your motorcycle pants than just protecting your skin. Motorcycle pants increased plasticity that regular clothes cannot provide. Some have waterproofing features and ventilation to keep you cool in hot weather.

Just like your protective gear for the top half of your body, motorcycle riding pants come in leather or textile material. Protective gear like this is very important for your riding comfort and safety.

Textile riding pants pretty much look like your normal riding jeans. But in a fall, it is easy to tell apart a textile motorcycle pant from normal jeans. Textile riding pants have are made from a wide variety of textile materials with added features and style that suits the rider’s needs. You can choose from three main types of textile pants including mesh pants, riding jeans and full textiles.

Motorcycle leather pants are the gold standard of riding pants. On any track day, you will lose count of the number of people wearing leather pants. Leather is a great choice for its durability and ability to stay intact even in a high-speed crash. If you are looking for something durable and stylish, leather pants are a great choice.

How much should you spend on motorcycle protective clothing?

As a rider, the best investment you can make is buying protective riding gear. When plunging into the motorcycling world you need to budget for what you will need. You need to think about the size and power of your new motorcycle and maintenance expenses that come along. ‘

Obviously purchasing new protective gear will set you back a few dollars but it’s worth every penny in the long run. If you plan on getting a brand new motorcycle helmet, riding jacket, biker gloves, and riding pants and boots, you should set aside between $1000 and $2500 USD. Those who may be tight fixed for cash, there’s always the option of getting used gear from your local market place. However, not all gear can be bought used.

A motorcycle helmet must always be bought new. This is because a used helmet may not provide the level of protection that you need. This is also considering that you may not know whether the helmet had been dropped or abused by the previous owner rendering it less effective should you get involved in a crash. Also, the helmet is the most important piece of protective gear and you cannot afford to skimp on it.

Every other protective gear can be bought used if you are on a tight budget. There are some really good ones out there that you can find. Luckily, there are many places where you can buy riding gear online.

At American Legend Rider, we provide you with an endless catalog of top-notch riding gear at cheap price. You don’t need to break the bank to look cool and protect yourself. More importantly, we have a list of riding gear that you can get for under $500 bucks at an amazing deal.

As you keep on riding and breaking new barriers, you may need to upgrade your gear for better riding comfort and protection. At this point, it is recommended that you invest in durable riding gear. First, consider getting a sturdy pair of biker gloves for riding in extreme weather, a leather jacket and motorcycle pants, and riding boots.

The next best time to invest in motorcycle gear is when you need a little bit of style and fashion. Consider getting motorcycle t-shirts, skull rings, biker bracelets, and skull hoodies. These will have you looking dapper and cooler than your peers!

Biker bags should also be top on your list of items you should have. A biker leg bag or chest bag will save you the trouble on the long hauls. Easily carry all your important stuff on and off the bike with biker bags.

To Wraps Things Up

Getting the right protective motorcycle gear can be an intimidating experience if you don’t know what to look for. Fortunately for you, we are dedicated to providing you with a single stop for all riding gear needs. At American Legend Rider, we have the best offers of any online shop that you will find. We focus on helping you achieve your riding goals and actualizing your passions. For the best motorcycle safety gear, look nowhere else.