The Right Gear
for Every Ride.
Eight riding situations, one definitive guide. Whether you're commuting to work or crossing a continent — know exactly what to wear and why.
8
Situations
5+
Gear items each
32
Pro tips
Jump to a situation
Safety Standards at a Glance
Meets minimum standard. Fine for commuting and casual riding.
Highest armour rating. Recommended for all serious riding.
Current helmet standard — more rigorous than the older 22.05.
Premium helmet cert. Often required for track days.
Riding Situation
Adventure Touring
Long days · Mixed terrain · Changing conditions
ADV riding demands gear that can handle everything — tarmac, gravel, mud, heat, and cold — often in a single day. Versatility and durability are key.
Gear Checklist
Helmet
Dual-sport or ADV helmet (e.g. Shoei Hornet, Klim Krios). Full-face with a peak for off-road debris. ECE 22.06 or DOT/SNELL rated.
Jacket
3-layer adventure jacket with removable thermal liner and waterproof membrane (Gore-Tex or similar). CE Level 2 shoulder, elbow, and back protection.
Gloves
Adventure gloves with knuckle armour and waterproof layer. Carry a thin summer pair and a waterproof winter pair for different climates.
Pants
Adventure pants with CE Level 2 knee and hip protection, ventilation zips, and waterproof liner. Should zip to your jacket.
Boots
ADV or enduro boots with ankle protection, oil-resistant soles, and waterproofing. Walkable enough for long exploration stops.
💡 Key Tips
- ›Layer — base layer + jacket liner + shell is more versatile than one heavy jacket.
- ›Bright or hi-vis colours dramatically improve visibility on remote roads.
- ›Always carry a thin packable rain suit as backup even if your jacket is waterproof.
- ›Break in new boots before a long tour — blisters at day 3 will ruin a trip.
Riding Situation
Off-Road / Enduro
Technical terrain · Falls expected · Hard work
Off-road riding means falls are part of the game. Gear prioritises impact protection and mobility over weather protection. You'll be working hard, so breathability matters.
Gear Checklist
Helmet
Dedicated MX/enduro helmet — lighter, more ventilated, with longer peak and goggle compatibility. Excellent impact protection at low speed.
Goggles
Tear-off or roll-off goggles for muddy terrain. Must seal to your helmet.
Body Armour
MX jersey over a chest/back protector vest (CE Level 2). More protective and ventilated than a textile jacket for slow, technical riding.
Gloves
Short MX gloves — thin, tactile, and breathable. Knuckle protection is important. Avoid bulky waterproof gloves off-road.
Pants
MX pants over CE-rated knee braces or knee guards. Far more freedom of movement than textile pants.
Knee Braces
Dedicated knee braces (e.g. Alpinestars Fluid or POD K4) are far superior to knee guards for technical riding. Worth every penny.
Boots
Full MX or enduro boots with rigid sole, toe box, and ankle support. Non-negotiable — ankle injuries are the most common off-road injury.
💡 Key Tips
- ›Hydration packs are essential — off-road riding is hard physical work.
- ›Wear a roost deflector/chest protector even on casual trail rides.
- ›Knee braces are the single most impactful safety upgrade for off-road riders.
- ›Breathable base layers wick sweat and reduce chafing on long enduro days.
Riding Situation
Urban Commuting
Daily use · Low-speed accidents · Visibility
Urban accidents typically happen at low speed with cars. Abrasion resistance, hi-vis visibility, and all-day comfort are the priorities.
Gear Checklist
Helmet
Full-face for maximum protection. Modular/flip-up helmets are popular for commuters — easy to talk, pay, and grab coffee. ECE 22.06 rated.
Jacket
CE Level 2 armoured jacket — textile for all-weather, leather for dry climates. Reflective panels or hi-vis yellow significantly reduces collision risk.
Gloves
Waterproof touchscreen-compatible gloves so you can use your phone at stops. CE Level 1 minimum.
Pants
Armoured motorcycle jeans (CE-rated knee and hip protection) — office-appropriate and protective. Best of both worlds.
Footwear
Motorcycle-specific shoes or short boots that look office-normal. Forma, TCX, and Sidi make excellent options. Must have ankle protection.
💡 Key Tips
- ›Hi-vis gear reduces accident risk by up to 37% in studies. Don't let vanity override safety.
- ›A tank bag or top box eliminates backpack strain on long commutes.
- ›Heated grips in cold climates — cold hands affect reaction time.
- ›Keep spare work shoes in your luggage; moto boots at the office draw attention.
Riding Situation
Long-Distance Touring
Comfort over hundreds of miles · Endurance
Touring is about comfort and endurance. You'll be on the bike 6–10 hours a day. Fatigue is a safety issue — prioritise ergonomics, ventilation, and weather protection.
Gear Checklist
Helmet
Quiet, comfortable full-face touring helmet. Wide eyeport, good ventilation, Pinlock anti-fog insert. Wind noise causes fatigue — quieter is safer.
Jacket
Full touring jacket with CE Level 2 back protector, large vents, and waterproofing. Look for pockets for documents, snacks, and devices.
Gloves
Long-cuff touring gloves with palm padding to reduce vibration fatigue. Heated gloves are worth it for multi-climate tours.
Pants
Touring pants with adjustable waist, ventilation, and waterproof liner. Seat padding helps on long days. Must zip to your jacket.
Boots
Touring boots — ankle protection, waterproof, comfortable enough to walk miles exploring. Avoid pure MX boots for tarmac touring.
💡 Key Tips
- ›Earplugs reduce wind noise fatigue dramatically — use them on every long ride.
- ›An intercom system lets you take calls and use navigation without stopping.
- ›Plan 300–400km maximum days initially. Fatigue is invisible until it's dangerous.
- ›A gel pad or air seat can be transformative — seat comfort matters more than people think.
Riding Situation
Hot Weather Riding
Heat management · Protection without the sweat
Heat is genuinely dangerous — heat exhaustion impairs judgement as much as alcohol. The temptation to ditch gear in 40°C is understandable, but wrong. Use gear designed for heat.
Gear Checklist
Helmet
Well-ventilated helmet with multiple intake and exhaust vents. A light-coloured shell absorbs less radiant heat.
Jacket
Mesh jacket with CE Level 2 armour. Modern mesh jackets flow tremendous air while keeping full protection. Some have zip-in waterproof liners.
Gloves
Short, thin mesh or perforated leather gloves. Maximum airflow — sweaty grips reduce control significantly.
Pants
Mesh or highly ventilated textile pants with large mesh panels and CE-rated protection at knees and hips.
Footwear
Short ankle-height moto boots or ventilated touring boots. Tall MX boots in extreme heat cook your feet and cause fatigue.
Base Layer
Moisture-wicking technical base layer is critical. Cooling vests (soaked in water) add 2–3 hours of comfort in dry heat.
💡 Key Tips
- ›Hydrate aggressively — 500ml before riding, stop every 90 minutes.
- ›Wet your base layer at fuel stops in dry heat — evaporative cooling works extremely well.
- ›Ride early morning and late afternoon, rest during peak heat (12pm–3pm).
- ›Never ditch your helmet in heat — a well-ventilated lid is cooler than you think.
Riding Situation
Cold Weather / Winter
Staying warm · Maintaining dexterity
Cold is dangerous because it saps dexterity and concentration before you notice. Cold hands can't brake effectively. Layer intelligently and use heated gear where possible.
Gear Checklist
Helmet
Pinlock or double-lens visor to prevent fogging. Add a balaclava or neck tube inside for warmth. Close all vents.
Jacket
Insulated winter jacket or 3-season jacket with thermal liner fully installed. Wind-stopping shell is critical — windchill at speed is severe.
Gloves
Heated gloves are the single best investment for cold riding. Without: heavy insulated gauntlet gloves with windproof shell. Liner gloves add significant warmth.
Pants
Insulated winter pants with windproofing. Thermal leggings underneath a regular armoured pant is a cost-effective option.
Boots
Waterproof winter boots with insulation. Consider neoprene boot covers over regular boots for extreme cold.
Base Layers
Merino wool or thermal synthetics from neck to wrists and ankles. A proper base layer is transformative.
💡 Key Tips
- ›Heated grips are the most cost-effective upgrade for cold-weather commuters.
- ›A neck/chin guard seals the cold air gap helmets leave around the jaw.
- ›Watch for black ice at dawn, dusk, and in shadows — it's invisible.
- ›Cold hands = compromised braking. Stop and warm up before continuing.
Riding Situation
Rain & Wet Conditions
Staying dry · Staying visible
Wet gear is cold gear — and cold, distracted riders make mistakes. A truly waterproof setup keeps you comfortable so you can focus on riding, not the misery of being soaked.
Gear Checklist
Helmet
Clear visor with Pinlock anti-fog insert. Water-repellent visor coating (Rain-X or factory hydrophobic) clears water at speed.
Jacket
Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof-breathable membrane. Seam-sealed is critical — water always finds stitching. Or carry a packable rain suit.
Gloves
Waterproof gloves with sealed or taped seams. A light waterproof liner glove inside regular gloves gives flexibility.
Pants
Waterproof pants or overpants over regular gear. Overpants pack small and go on quickly when rain starts unexpectedly.
Boots
Waterproof boots or boot covers. Wet feet cause cold-related fatigue faster than almost anything else.
Hi-Vis Layer
A bright rain suit dramatically increases visibility in low-light, rainy conditions when drivers' windows are fogged.
💡 Key Tips
- ›Slow down — wet roads double your stopping distance.
- ›Watch for painted lines, manhole covers, metal grates — all extremely slippery when wet.
- ›Even "waterproof" gear fails if seams aren't sealed. Check before a wet tour.
- ›A glove wipe on your visor beats constantly lifting the visor in rain.
Riding Situation
Track Days & Sport
Maximum protection · High-speed slides
Track riding means high-speed slides and crashes. Abrasion resistance and impact protection take absolute priority. Leather and airbag systems are the standard at this level.
Gear Checklist
Helmet
Full-face race helmet — SNELL M2020 or FIM homologation required at most track days. Carbon fibre shells are lighter and dissipate impact better at speed.
Race Suit
One-piece leather race suit with CE Level 2 armour at shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees, plus a back protector. Required by most track organizers.
Gloves
Race-spec leather gloves with carbon knuckle armour and palm sliders. Must be abrasion resistant — impact resistance alone isn't enough.
Boots
Race boots with rigid ankle cups, toe box reinforcement, and shin plate. Purpose-built for when your foot goes under the bike.
Airbag Vest
Tethered (Helite, Hit-Air) or electronic airbag vests (Alpinestars Tech-Air, Dainese Smart Jacket) inflate in 80–100ms. Dramatic reduction in chest and collarbone injuries.
💡 Key Tips
- ›One-piece suits are required at most track days. Two-piece suits must zip together fully.
- ›Leather outlasts textile in high-speed slides — the track is not the place for textile.
- ›CE Level 2 back protectors as absolute minimum on track. Level 1 isn't enough.
- ›Airbag vests fit over any suit and are one of the best safety investments you can make.
Still have questions?
Ask the community — fellow riders have real-world experience with gear in every climate and terrain on earth.