Comfortable motorcycle gear lets you take each twist and turn of the road with full focus and confidence. Whether it’s motorcycle gear for beginners, or riders with thousands of miles under their belts, it’s your best friend on the road. It doesn’t just look the part; it flexes with your body and protects you from the elements, the road, and any unexpected hazards.

Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned rider upgrading your kit, understanding the nuances of gear tailored for different riders and situations helps you make the best choices. No matter what your size, riding style, or preferred terrain is, this blog will help. We’ll guide you through the essentials, highlight how gear is designed with your comfort and protection in mind, and show you how to choose the right gear for you. Ready? Let’s hit the road with confidence!

Essential motorcycle gear for beginners

The essential motorcycle gear every beginner needs will ensure safety and comfort from head to toe. These five pieces are your non-negotiables. Think of them as your foundation for all riding adventures.

Your Helmet

If there’s one piece of gear you absolutely cannot ride without, it’s a helmet. It’s your first and most crucial line of defense and a legal requirement in the UK.

• Helmet Types: A full-face helmet is generally recommended for beginners. Open-face helmets give you less protection because they leave the lower part of your face exposed. If you choose this, you’ll need a visor or goggles displaying a BSI Kitemark.
• Certification: In the UK, we use SHARP ratings. A 1-star SHARP rating is legal, but doesn’t offer the highest level of protection. 5-star rated helmets do. European standards with an ECE 22-05 mark (or higher) are also acceptable on British roads.
• Fit: A helmet should fit snugly but comfortably, without feeling too tight. When you shake your head, the helmet should move with it.

Your motorcycle jacket

A motorcycle jacket isn’t just a fashion statement. You need it for abrasion resistance in case of a slide and impact protection from debris that can be kicked up from vehicles ahead of you.

• Materials: Jackets come in various materials, like Cordura, GoreTex and leather. Textile jackets often offer better weather resistance and ventilation.
• Armor: Built-in armor at key impact zones: shoulders, elbows, and ideally your back will absorb and distribute impact forces.
• Fit: A good jacket should allow for a full range of motion without being too loose or restrictive.

Motorcycle trousers

Motorcycle trousers are essential for keeping your legs safe and dry.

• Materials: Trousers come in textile and leather options, with varying degrees of abrasion resistance and weather protection. Some trousers feature waterproof or water-resistant membranes.
• Armor: Look for trousers with armor at the knees and hips. These areas most vulnerable in a fall.
• Fit: Motorcycle trousers should fit comfortably over your riding boots and let you move easily with your bike.

Motorcycle gloves

Motorcycle gloves protect you from cold and any debris kicked up by vehicles ahead of you. Plus, your hands instinctively extend in a fall and need protection.

• Materials: Leather and textile gloves are common. Leather offers excellent abrasion resistance. Textile gives better breathability and weatherproofing.
• Protection: Look for gloves with knuckle protection and padding on the palms, which help absorb impact and prevent injury. Good quality motorcycle gloves give better grip and control but also keep your hands warm and dry.
• Fit: Gloves should fit snugly and allow for full dexterity of your fingers to operate the controls.

Boots

Proper motorcycle boots provide ankle support and foot protection, and have a sturdy sole for gripping the pegs.

• Protection: Look for ankle support, shin protection, and reinforced toes and heels. Opt for boots with proper ankle support and sturdy soles.
• Sole: A non-slip sole is essential for secure footing.
• Fit: Motorcycle boots should fit comfortably and securely, just like any other shoe you wear.

A good quality helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, and boots is essential motorcycle gear for beginners. Prioritising protective motorcycle gear will give you the confidence to focus on learning and enjoying your ride.

Motorcycle gear for different riders

One size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to motorcycle gear for beginners or anyone else! Fortunately, manufacturers are stepping up to offer gear tailored for different demographics. That improves safety and comfort giving all riders a better experience.

Motorcycle gear for women

There’s a growing range of motorcycle gear for women. Specifically made with the female form in mind, the greatest differences lie in the cut and sizing. Tailored motorcycle gear for women goes beyond comfort and style. Properly fitting gear gives better protection. That’s because armor stays in place during a slide or impact, maximising its effectiveness. Gear that’s too loose shifts, leaving your body exposed.

Roadskins, REV’IT!, and Klim, have dedicated women’s collections while Motogirl is just for female motorcyclists. You’ll find gear in breathable materials with tailored waists, shaped bust lines, and narrower shoulders—and gloves cut for smaller hands. Additions of removable armour inserts and stretch materials give greater comfort while riding as well as getting into (and out of) your gear.

Features like adjustable waistbands, removable liners for varying weather conditions, and strategically placed stretch panels for enhanced mobility give your gear longevity. Our students get exclusive access to discounts with reputable motorcycle gear brands so make sure you ask when you book your course with us.

Motorcycle gear for men

There’s a huge range of motorcycle gear for men, catering to a wide range of riding styles and preferences. Whether you’re leaning into the sporty aerodynamics of a track-focused zip-up combo, the relaxed comfort of a cruiser-style leather, or the all-weather versatility, there’s oodles of gear designed for you.

When choosing what’s right for you, consider your level of protection, typical riding conditions, and personal style. Sportbike riders might prioritize aerodynamic cuts and high levels of impact protection. Touring riders might be more concerned with waterproof and breathable materials and gear with ample storage.

The key is to find gear that fits well, offers the necessary protection for your riding style, and feels comfortable for any ride you’ll be taking it on.

Motorcycle gear for big guys

Finding motorcycle gear for big guys that offers protection and a comfortable, secure fit used to be a challenge. But not any more! More manufacturers are extending sizing options so you can easily get your hands on what you like.

Brands like Firstgear and our home-grown JTS Biker Clothing brand have a wider range of sizes in their jackets, trousers, and even gloves. JTS caters to larger men and women too.

Look for features like adjustable straps at the waist, arms, and legs, as well as gussets in key areas that allow for greater freedom of movement. Comfortable motorcycle gear is crucial for riders of all sizes. A secure fit means the armor stays where it should in the event of an incident. Don’t compromise on protection because of your size, shop around to find quality options. There are plenty to choose from.

Youth motorcycle gear

Young riders need the same level of protection as adults, and it’s crucial that their gear fits properly. Motorcycle gear for youth riders is specifically designed with smaller bodies in mind. That means armor is correctly positioned and the gear isn’t cumbersome.

Brands like Fox Racing and the UK brand Bikers World have a range of helmets, jackets, trousers, gloves, and boots in youth-specific sizes. Prioritizing properly fitting and protective gear from a young age instills good habits and ensures their safety as they learn and grow in their love of motorcycling.

Finding the balance between style and protection

Let’s face it, while safety is paramount, most riders also want their gear to reflect their personal style. The good news is that modern motorcycle gear has come a long way. Street style motorcycle gear, tailored jackets with high levels of inbuilt protection and jeggings with armoured inserts are a reality. You don’t have to choose between looking good and being safe.

However, it’s crucial to remember that protective motorcycle gear should always be a higher priority than style. Don’t compromise on essential safety features like CE-rated armor and durable, abrasion-resistant materials for the sake of looks. The best gear offers both – style that complements your ride and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re well-protected.

The perks of improving your skills with Phoenix Motorcycle Training

Whether you’re a complete beginner eager to earn your licence, an experienced rider keen to hone your skills, or excited about exploring the thrill of dirt biking, you’ll get a little more than just instruction from our lessons.

Of course, you’ll get supportive and professional instructors who help you develop the confidence and competence to ride safely and enjoyably. We believe in setting you up for success from the very beginning.

Once you’ve completed your motorcycle training, we’ll also offer a past-student motorcycle gear discount. When you finish your CBT, full licence training, advanced course or even one of our exciting dirt biking experiences, we’ll send you an exclusive discount code. It’ll save you on your essential riding gear. You can also ask for our advice and recommendations on reputable gear brands and local suppliers to help you make informed choices.

Investing in good quality, properly fitting motorcycle gear is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a rider. It’s an investment in your safety, your comfort, and your overall enjoyment of the ride. So, prioritize safety, find gear that fits you well and reflects your style, and embrace the incredible adventure that awaits. See you on the road!