One of the most frequent questions encountered on the training range is: “What motorcycle gear do I actually need?” While equipment choice involves an element of personal preference, safety should always remain the primary objective. Adopting the “ATGATT” (All The Gear, All The Time) philosophy is the most effective way to mitigate risk. In the event of an accident, the quality and presence of your gear will be the determining factor in your recovery.
Below is an overview of the essential motorcycle gear every rider should consider.
1. Helmets: Your Most Critical Investment
Selecting a helmet involves more than aesthetics; it requires a focus on fit, safety certifications, and acoustic performance.
- Integrity: Never purchase a used helmet. If a helmet is dropped from a height of four feet or more, the internal EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner can compress. This damage is often invisible, but significantly compromises the helmet’s ability to absorb impact.
- DOT Rating: This is the minimum requirement for MSF courses. However, riders should be aware that DOT is a self-certification system. The Department of Transportation does not independently test these helmets, which can lead to inconsistencies in safety performance among budget manufacturers.
- ECE Rating: ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) standards are more stringent. This rating requires independent batch testing of production helmets to ensure they meet specific criteria for shell rigidity, rotational acceleration reduction, and impact resistance.
- SNELL Rating: Often found on premium racing helmets, SNELL certification involves rigorous independent testing and is widely considered the gold standard for head protection.
2. Understanding CE Ratings
Before purchasing motorcycle gear, it is vital to understand CE (Conformité Européenne) ratings, which classify the abrasion resistance of garments:
- Class A: Suitable for low-speed urban riding.
- Class AA: The recommended minimum for highway speeds.
- Class AAA: The highest level of protection, typically reserved for track use, but can be found in high-end consumer gear.
Check out this comprehensive overview of what the different protective ratings mean for motorcycle gear.
3. Essential Motorcycle Gear and Armor
Gloves
Standard work or winter gloves lack the necessary abrasion resistance for motorcycling. Motorcycle riding gloves should feature:
- Knuckle Armor: To protect against impact.
- Secure Closures: A wrist strapping system that ensures the glove remains on the hand during a slide.
- CE Rating: Choose gloves with a CE rating.
Boots
Footwear must be purpose-built for motorcycling. Steel-toe work boots or sneakers do not provide the necessary lateral crush protection or abrasion resistance. For off-road or dual-sport riding, a rigid, articulated boot (such as the Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro) is recommended to protect the ankle and shin from fractures. Foot and shin injuries are among the most common for riders. Watch the video below for an example of how even metal components can be abraded to nothing in an accident.
Jackets and Pants
Proper fit is essential for a jacket or pant to function correctly. If the garment is too loose, the internal armor (shoulders, elbows, back, hips, and knees) will shift during a crash, leaving you unprotected.
- Layering: If you ride in multiple seasons, look for gear with adjustable straps to maintain a snug fit for armor whether or not liners are installed.
- Materials: Avoid standard denim or athletic wear, which can disintegrate in less than a second during a high-speed slide. Always verify that the garment has a CE rating. Watch the video below to see how quickly normal clothing disintegrates in an accident.
4. Airbag Technology: The Modern Standard
Airbag systems represent the most significant advancement in rider safety in decades, transitioning from professional racing to the consumer market.
- Tethered Systems: These deploy when a physical cord attached to the bike is pulled. They are generally more affordable, but prone to accidental deployment if the rider forgets to unclip or drops the bike at a stop.
- Electronic Systems: These utilize sensors and complex algorithms to detect a crash in milliseconds. Systems like the Klim Ai-1 and others offer various modes (Street vs. Adventure) to prevent false deployments during off-road maneuvers.
- Safety Statistics: Statistics indicate that airbags can reduce the risk of head injury by 80% and reduce the forward momentum of the head and neck by approximately 60%. They provide unparalleled protection for the torso, ribs, and internal organs. Head injuries are the number one cause of deaths for motorcyclists accounting for about 85% of fatalities.
Summary of Recommendations for Choosing Motorcycle Gear
To ensure maximum protection on the road, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Prioritize Quality: Avoid unverified “bargain” gear from third-party marketplaces.
- Buy New: Never compromise on a used helmet.
- Verify Ratings: Ensure all apparel meets at least CE AA standards and helmets are ECE or SNELL certified.
- Prioritize Fit: Gear works best when the armor stays in place; always try gear on before committing.
- Adopt Airbag Tech: The safety benefits regarding spinal and torso protection are too significant to ignore. Just be sure your jacket is sized to work with an airbag.
Ride safe: All The Gear, All The Time.