How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Gear
Riding motorcycles isn't just about adrenaline—it's about safety, comfort, and enjoying the ride. Choosing the right gear can drastically enhance your riding experience and, most importantly, your safety. With countless options available, from the best motorcycle helmets to choosing between leather or textile jackets, this guide will help Australian riders find gear perfectly suited to their individual needs.
Why Choosing the Right Gear Matters
The motorcycle gear you select will influence your riding comfort, protection level, and even your confidence on the road. Understanding how gear functions and assessing personal requirements based on your riding style, climate, and preferences are key factors in making informed choices.
MotoCAP: Your Trusted Motorcycle Gear Companion
One of the best resources Australian riders can use to assess gear quality and safety is MotoCAP. MotoCAP independently tests motorcycle clothing and provides ratings for abrasion resistance, impact protection, water resistance, and breathability. Using this resource ensures that the gear you choose is objectively safe and suitable for your needs.
Choosing the Best Motorcycle Helmet
Your helmet is your most critical safety equipment. Always opt for helmets meeting Australian standards (AS/NZS 1698). Consider the helmet’s style (full-face, modular, open-face), ventilation, noise levels, comfort, weight, and visibility. Check out our range of best motorcycle helmets tailored for different riding scenarios.
- Full-face helmets offer maximum protection and are perfect for long rides and higher speeds.
- Modular helmets provide versatility, combining convenience and protection.
- Open-face helmets are suitable for cruisers or scooter riders in urban environments, offering increased airflow.
Selecting the Best Motorcycle Jacket
Motorcycle jackets offer vital protection against abrasion, impacts, and the elements. When choosing a jacket, first consider your local climate and riding conditions:
Summer Motorcycle Jackets
Ideal for Australia’s hotter climates, summer motorcycle jackets offer breathability, ventilation, and lightweight materials, typically made from mesh or perforated textile.
Winter Motorcycle Jackets
For colder weather or wet climates, winter motorcycle jackets offer waterproofing, wind resistance, thermal linings, and higher insulation.
Leather vs Textile Jackets
Choosing between leather or textile depends largely on your riding style:
- Leather jackets offer superior abrasion resistance, excellent durability, and a classic look suitable for sports and cruiser riders.
- Textile jackets are versatile, lightweight, easier to maintain, and often provide greater breathability, waterproofing, and temperature adaptability.
How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Gloves
Motorcycle gloves protect your hands from impacts, weather conditions, and enhance grip and control. The best motorcycle gloves should fit snugly without restricting movement. Look for reinforced knuckles, palm sliders, and weather resistance suited to your environment.
- Summer gloves usually feature ventilation, lighter protection, and enhanced comfort for warm rides.
- Winter gloves are insulated and waterproof, essential for riding in cold or rainy conditions.
Finding the Best Motorcycle Pants
The right motorcycle pants complement your jacket, offering complete lower-body protection and comfort. Key considerations include materials (leather or textile), abrasion resistance, and the ability to accommodate protective inserts. Explore DriftNDrive’s extensive range of motorcycle pants designed for diverse riding conditions.
Jacket and Pant Inserts: Enhancing Your Protection
Many jackets and pants offer insert pockets for adding CE-rated protective armour. These jacket and pant inserts greatly increase impact protection and can be customized to your comfort and safety requirements.
Choosing the Best Body Armour
For optimal protection during high-risk riding scenarios such as track riding, motocross, or spirited road riding, dedicated body armour provides additional impact protection. MotoCAP ratings provide detailed insights into impact safety performance for body armour.
Selecting Suitable Motorcycle Shoes or Boots
Your choice of motorcycle footwear is equally crucial for protection and control. Proper motorcycle shoes or boots provide ankle support, reinforced toe protection, and non-slip soles. Consider boots that offer balance between protection, comfort, and style matching your riding habits and terrain.
Personal Needs and Comfort: Key to Choosing the Right Gear
Beyond safety and style, always factor in your personal comfort. Gear should fit snugly, accommodate layers if needed, and should never hinder your ability to operate the motorcycle safely.
- Ensure gear allows freedom of movement.
- Consider visibility-enhancing elements such as reflective inserts.
- Always try gear on, ensuring compatibility and comfort.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Quality Motorcycle Gear
High-quality gear is an investment in your safety and riding enjoyment. Use MotoCAP ratings to verify safety claims and always buy gear suited explicitly to your riding environment and personal requirements. DriftNDrive provides carefully curated motorcycle gear collections, ensuring safety, style, and quality for all Australian riders.
Shop the Best Motorcycle Gear Australia Has to Offer
Visit DriftNDrive today for Australia's best range of motorcycle gear tailored for every rider’s needs. Shop now and ride safe!
