The 8 Pieces of Motorcycle Riding Gear You Must Have

Any seasoned motorcycle rider will tell you the gear is just as important as the bike itself. You need to be wearing all the right stuff in order to ensure you’re going to be safe and comfortable on your trip. Over time, you’ll likely start to build out your collection of riding gear based on some of your personal preferences, but we’re here to help get you started with the top 8 pieces of riding equipment you absolutely must have before you start tearing up the streets. Check them out for yourself, and then visit our MotorClothes® store to check out the Harley-Davidson gear you can get right from your trusted riding partner, Biggs Harley-Davidson. We help all those from San Marcos, San Diego, and Oceanside, California, so if you have any questions, contact us today!

1. Helmet

This should be number 1 on everyone’s gear list. Everyone who rides a motorcycle should be wearing a helmet. Not only is it an essential piece of safety equipment, but it’s also now legally mandatory in most states, including California. Make sure yours fits properly and will provide total protection in the event of an accident.

2. Eye Protection

If your helmet doesn’t come with a face shield, you’ll want to invest in some goggles to protect your eyes. They’ll shield you from any debris and moisture that gets kicked up from the vehicle in front of you.

3. Neckerchief

Trust us when we say this will feel like an essential. A neckerchief can prevent icy cold winds from traveling down your jacket or shirt as you’re riding. On a warm day, you can get it wet with cold water to keep you a little cooler on the road. They’re inexpensive and definitely a worthwhile investment.

4. Outerwear

No matter what you’re wearing as your street clothes, make sure the outermost layer is made of durable, protective material to keep you safe. One option is to invest in a riding suit, which can be worn over the clothes and removed when you arrive at your destination. You may even want to invest in a waterproof option so rainy days don’t leave you soaked.

5. Jacket

If you don’t want a one-piece option, you can also buy outer protection in two separate parts. A good jacket can not only be an essential piece of gear, but MotorClothes also offers a wide selection of stylish options so you can use it as your everyday coat as well.

6. Pants

Don’t assume your jeans will help keep you safe. Believe it or not, denim isn’t necessarily the best option. That’s why you’ll want to be wearing riding-specific pants. Just as with the jacket, you can find MotorClothes options that’ll work for both riding and the office so you don’t have to pack extra gear.

7. Gloves

You may not see every motorcyclist wearing gloves, but they certainly help. They can keep your fingers warm on a cold day and keep them dry and clean on the road. When your hands need to stay dextrous, keep them warm with the right pair of gloves.

8. Riding Boots

And finally, no list of riding gear is complete without mentioning the importance of riding boots. Don’t put your faith in your sneakers. Your boots need to be durable and tough. Not only will you need a pair that can protect you from the hazards of the road, but as you use your feet to slow down the bike, you’ll want a pair that won’t wear down quickly. 

This is far from a complete list of riding gear, but if you’re starting out, this is a good place to begin. Even if you have a few years under your belt, it’s never too late to upgrade your own collection. But if you’re still looking for the motorcycle to get you started, check out what we have available here at Biggs Harley-Davidson. You’ll find a wide selection of motorcycles for sale at our location in San Marcos, California, near San Diego and Oceanside.