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Jan 20, 2024

Essential Beginner Riding Gear (And Some Essential Gear If You Want To Travel)

With a wide variety of options to choose from, the time for investing in some

With a wide variety of options to choose from, the time for investing in some high quality, essential beginner riding gear couldn't be better

If you are a beginner rider or are planning to get your very first set of two wheels, chances are you have yet to set out a separate budget for your gear. This is the non-negotiable bit of motorcycling, one that many beginner riders tend to overlook when first venturing into the exciting world of motorcycling. Let's make it simple: there is no point thinking of getting yourself an all-new $10,000 bike when you have not included the cost of riding gear in your purchase.

You see, a motorcycle is as good as an able rider riding it. So instead of cheaping out on good quality gear and landing yourself in a hospital bed, be wise and get yourself some good quality (does not necessarily mean expensive) protective gear. What constitutes this is listed below, so let's get you started on your essential beginner riding gear journey!

Related: 10 Important Riding Safety Tips for Beginners

Without a doubt, the most important piece of gear for motorcycling. A good quality helmet that meets the necessary quality standards protects what is the most important part of your body - your brain. Now which quality standards should you look out for? In America, every helmet being sold should meet the DOT certification. ECE is another certification that is standard for most of Europe, accepted in well over 50 countries.

Now it is equally important to know which kind of helmet you should go for - A dual sport, half-face, full-face, modular and so on. This should be decided by the majority of the kind of riding you will be doing. Arai, Bell, Shoei, AGV and Klim are some of the most reputable helmet brands out there.

Nope, a leather jacket does not cut it (sorry Harley fanboys). Regardless of what you might have seen in movies, you need a proper riding jacket embracing you. What makes a good quality jacket has several factors behind it. The fabric, the CE-level amour, and additional waterproof lining, among others.

The best motorcycle jackets offer the best of all worlds. They are breathable, offer great protection for all crucial areas (elbows, shoulders, back and chest), and have a great fit. Rev'it, Klim and Alpinestars are some of the best out there.

A good pair of gloves is the difference between a well-protected pair of hands and one that are skinned and broken. Most beginner motorcycle riders do not like having multiple pairs of gloves for different conditions and weather, so it is ideal that you go for one pair that does most things pretty well.

A decent pair of gloves should have palm, knuckle and finger protection. To add to that, the gloves should be breathable, possibly with mesh to enable wind flow into your palms and durable enough to last you a good amount of time. Remember, you are not mowing your lawn or cooking - so invest in a good pair of gloves.

Related: 2022 Best Motorcycle Gloves 2021

Big bulky riding boots might seem intimidating to the newer riders. While that is understandable, simply ditching them and opting for your pair of Vans isn't going to be enough, unfortunately. You see, your feet hang just a few inches above the tarmac when on the bike, and that poses some serious threat at high speeds.

There are plenty of brands in the market that offer something significant at all price ranges. Alpinestars, Forma and TCX are some that are renowned in this space. Choose between a high-length or ankle-length pair based on your riding, and keep an eye out for the ability to keep water out as well as the protective armor on offer.

Look at it this way: in the case of an accident when one is on the bike, the rider is more likely to end up sliding across the tarmac. That means your legs and more importantly, your hips end up taking all the distress in a mishap.

Modern-day riding pants offer more than just protection. Plenty of areas to store your valuables, zippers to increase airflow to keep you cool and a good old fashion statement. There's plenty that they offer. For beginners, an entry-level pair of riding jeans might come across as a decent offering - something that is comfortable on long hours on the saddle and equally cool walking down the street. While this is what constitutes essential beginner riding gear, there is more for those who wander. If you are into motorcycle touring and traveling long distances, there are a few invaluable additions you can make to this list.

Let's not forget that motorcycles that take us places are machines after all. And every once in a while, machines do tend to have a problem or two. Carrying a well-assembled tool kit that is purpose-built for your motorcycle can often be the thin line that keeps you from stranding by the side of a road.

But don't forget that you will be carrying this kit on your bike after all, so it can not weigh much, or even have useless tools that might never come in handy. The best way is to plan well in advance and gauge which tools you might require - something that can be found in your motorcycle's owner's manual.

Next, it comes down to safety. It is inherent that while two wheels give us more adrenaline than we could ever have in the comfort of a car, they are generally more unsafe. That is down to the fact that there is hardly any barrier between you and the external environment baring your gear. So, having a small first aid kit is only sensible.

There are many brands that sell pre-assembled first aid kits, especially for motorcycle riders. So you can either go for any one of them or do a DIY to assemble your own first aid kit that contains all essential trauma equipment.

Most folks who like to travel far out and wide, experience different weather patterns through their rides. From hot, dry sunny climates to rainstorms and even snowstorms - beginner adventure riders have to prepare to brave it all. This is where cold weather gear comes in.

Usually, this would contain your basic waterproof linings for your riding jacket and pants, a pair of waterproof gloves and boots. Not to mention, if you are carrying luggage, how crucial drybags are for you. While most beginner riders cannot afford to carry different pieces of gear, it might be worthwhile for you to consider opting for gear that is already waterproof in the first place.

Now this is something that is ever-so-handy for all those who love long hauls on motorcycles. Having a hydration backpack on you not only saves time in pit stops but also helps you keep a lot more things handy on your trip.

Related: Most Powerful Enduro Bikes Under 450cc

Load compression and stability are key factors in deciding what kind of backpack to go for. Vents for hot weather, durable fabric and additional spaces to keep knickknacks on the go are some of the other features to look out for. But remember, since you will have this on your back for long hours on the bike, it's best to keep it as light as possible.

Down to our last item of essential riding gear for your travels. Luggage does not always come standard with motorcycles, especially in entry-level beginner options on the market. Brands like Lone Rider and Mosko Moto give extended options in addition to OEM accessories like BMW's or Triumph's.

You have the luxury of choosing between hard and soft luggage options based on your riding style. The ability to have waterproof bags evades the cumbersome process of covering your bags with waterproof liners at the slightest chance of a downpour.

Utkarsh has over a decade of experience traveling and documenting his adventures through photographs and films.He has a YouTube channel where he shows his motorcycle adventures through India. On days when he is not writing about motorcycles, he's riding one.