Motorcycle Gear For Beginners

At NBT Clothing, we’re redefining motorcycle gear by combining high-performance protection with everyday comfort and style. Our mission is to equip riders with gear that not only ensures safety on the road but also looks great off the bike. Using advanced materials like Aramid, we create gear designed to withstand the toughest conditions, offering unparalleled durability and impact protection.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Essential Gear Breakdown: This article covers the key pieces of motorcycle gear beginners need, from helmets to boots, and how they protect you on the road.
  • Choosing Gear for Your Style: Learn how different riding styles influence the type of gear you should prioritize, whether for casual commuting, sport riding, or long-distance touring.
  • Avoiding Common Mistakes: Understand the most frequent errors beginners make when choosing gear and how to maintain your gear to ensure long-term safety and performance.

Why Motorcycle Gear Is Essential For Beginners

For anyone new to motorcycling, understanding the importance of proper gear is crucial. Unlike driving a car, motorcyclists are exposed to more risks due to the lack of structural protection. Motorcycle gear acts as a personal barrier between the rider and the road, safeguarding against potential injuries from falls, collisions, or debris. It not only provides physical protection but also boosts confidence, allowing beginners to feel more secure while riding.

Additionally, the right gear helps with comfort. Riding a motorcycle involves exposure to varying weather conditions, road debris, and wind. Wearing the proper gear shields riders from harsh elements, keeps them focused, and enhances their overall riding experience. For beginners, investing in the right protective gear from the start can prevent injuries, making it essential for both safety and comfort.

How To Choose The Right Gear Based On Riding Style

When selecting motorcycle gear, it's important to consider your riding style, as different types of riding may require different levels of protection, comfort, and mobility. Below are some tips on how to choose the right gear based on common riding styles:

Casual/Commuter Riding

For riders who primarily use their motorcycle for short commutes or casual rides around town, the focus should be comfort and convenience. Lightweight gear that offers sufficient protection without being too bulky is ideal. A modular helmet that allows easy face opening can be a great choice for quick stops, while breathable textile jackets with removable liners can adapt to varying weather conditions. Commuter riders should also look for pants that provide abrasion resistance but are flexible enough for comfort during everyday use.

Sport/Performance Riding

If you're interested in sport or performance riding, your gear needs to prioritize maximum protection. High-speed riding demands gear that can handle more significant impacts and provide excellent abrasion resistance. Full-face helmets with advanced ventilation and aerodynamics are essential. Armored jackets and pants are often preferred in this category because of their superior protective qualities. Armor inserts in key areas such as the back, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees are crucial. Sport riders should also consider racing-style boots and gloves designed for high-speed control and safety.

Adventure/Touring Riding

Adventure and touring riders need gear that’s built for long-distance comfort and versatile protection. Since these rides can last hours or even days, comfort becomes as important as safety. Touring helmets often feature sun visors and extra noise reduction. Adventure riders should prioritize waterproof or weather-resistant gear, as conditions may change drastically on long trips. Jackets and pants with multiple layers, ventilation, and pockets for storage can provide much-needed convenience and flexibility. Durable, waterproof boots are a must for unpredictable terrains, while gloves with added insulation can help in cooler climates.

Off-Road Riding

Off-road riders face unique challenges, including rugged terrain, dirt, and unexpected obstacles. For this type of riding, durability and mobility are key. Off-road helmets with extended visors and chin bars offer extra protection from debris. Breathable jerseys and pants with reinforced padding in high-impact areas like the knees and elbows provide flexibility and protection. Off-road boots should offer solid ankle support and protection against rocks, branches, and uneven terrain.

Stealth Series Moto Gloves

Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Selecting Gear

Selecting the right motorcycle gear can be overwhelming for beginners, and mistakes are often made along the way. To help new riders avoid costly and potentially dangerous errors, here are some of the most common mistakes beginners make when choosing gear:

1. Prioritizing Style Over Safety

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is choosing gear based on appearance rather than its protective features. While it’s tempting to go for a sleek or stylish look, the main function of motorcycle gear is safety. Always prioritize safety ratings, quality of materials, and the level of protection offered by the gear over aesthetics.

2. Ignoring Proper Fit

Proper fit is crucial for motorcycle gear to perform as intended. Gear that’s too loose won’t provide adequate protection, while gear that’s too tight can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Many beginners buy gear that fits like regular clothing, but motorcycle gear should fit snugly without being restrictive. It's important to try on different sizes, adjust straps, and ensure that armor pieces are positioned correctly over vulnerable areas.

3. Overlooking The Importance of Armor

Some beginners may not understand the importance of built-in armor in jackets, pants, gloves, and boots. Gear with reinforced armor in high-impact areas like the elbows, shoulders, knees, and spine can significantly reduce injuries in an accident. Always check for armor inserts and make sure they are CE-rated or meet similar safety standards.

4. Skipping Lower Body Protection

Many new riders focus only on upper body protection, often neglecting the lower body. However, in an accident, legs and feet are highly vulnerable. Beginners may ride in regular jeans and sneakers, which provide little to no protection. Investing in proper motorcycle pants with armor and sturdy boots can greatly protect the lower body during a crash.

5. Buying Gear Without Considering The Weather

Weather plays a big role in comfort and safety while riding, yet beginners often buy gear without considering the climate they'll be riding in. Lightweight, breathable gear is important for warm climates, while insulated, waterproof gear is essential for cold or rainy conditions. Choose gear with ventilation options and removable liners to adapt to different weather conditions and ensure comfort on the road.

Key Motorcycle Gear For Beginners

When starting your motorcycle journey, choosing the right gear is essential to ensure your safety on the road. Below are some key pieces of motorcycle gear from NBT Clothing that every beginner should prioritize:

LTR Pant — Aramid Edition 

The LTR Pant - Aramid Edition  combines superior style and safety with reinforced Aramid lining, offering top-notch abrasion resistance for motorcyclists. Its slim, comfortable fit ensures you can ride with confidence and ease.

Motorcycle Jeans 

These motorcycle jeans offer both comfort and durability with premium protective features. With a classic denim look, they are perfect for everyday wear while delivering the safety you need on the road.

Armored Motorcycle Hoodie

Our Body Guard Armored Motorcycle Hoodie provides lightweight protection without compromising on style. Designed with built-in armor and abrasion-resistant fabric, it’s ideal for those looking for a casual yet protective riding option.

Bomber Armored Moto Jacket

This motorcycle bomber jacket merges iconic style with modern safety features. Crafted with durable materials and built-in armor, it’s perfect for riders who want a blend of protection and streetwear flair.

Free Ridin' Flannel Shacket (Black & Grey)

The Free Ridin' Flannel Shacket is a versatile layering piece designed for motorcyclists. Combining the rugged look of a flannel with the functionality of a jacket, it delivers comfort and protection in equal measure.

Vanguard Tech Tees 3-Pack

The Vanguard Tech Tees are engineered for comfort and performance with moisture-wicking fabric and a perfect fit. Ideal for layering under riding gear or wearing solo, this 3-pack ensures you stay cool and comfortable on the go.

Stealth Series Moto Gloves

The Stealth Series Moto Gloves are designed for maximum grip and comfort while riding. With reinforced palms and touch-screen compatibility, these gloves provide excellent protection and functionality without sacrificing dexterity.

NBT Belt

The NBT Belt is designed for durability and style, made with high-quality materials that ensure a snug fit for both everyday wear and riding. Its sleek design complements any outfit, adding a functional yet stylish touch to your gear.

NBT Back Armor

The NBT Back Armor offers essential protection for motorcyclists with its lightweight, impact-absorbing design. This armor easily fits into compatible jackets and ensures maximum back safety without compromising mobility.

Read also: 

What type of helmet is best for beginners?

For beginners, a full-face helmet is generally the best choice as it provides the most coverage, protecting the head, face, and chin. Look for helmets with safety certifications like DOT, ECE, or Snell to ensure it meets safety standards.

How often should motorcycle gear be replaced?

Motorcycle gear should be replaced if it shows signs of wear or has been involved in an accident. Helmets, in particular, should be replaced every 5 years or after a significant impact, even if no visible damage is present.

Is it necessary to wear motorcycle gear for short rides?

Yes, it’s important to wear protective gear for every ride, no matter how short. Accidents can happen even during brief trips, and proper gear can greatly reduce the severity of injuries.

What materials are most common for motorcycle jackets?

Motorcycle jackets are commonly made from leather or textile materials. Leather offers superior abrasion resistance, while textile jackets often provide better breathability and weather resistance.

Can I wear regular jeans and boots when riding a motorcycle?

While regular jeans and boots offer some protection, they are not designed for motorcycle riding. Motorcycle-specific pants and boots provide armor, abrasion resistance, and better protection for your legs and feet.

What should I look for in motorcycle gloves?

Motorcycle gloves should offer protection for your knuckles, palms, and wrists, with reinforced armor or padding in key areas. Make sure they fit snugly and provide good grip and flexibility for safe handling of the bike.