Best Motorcycle Armor and Gear…….Alright, gather ’round, folks. I’m about to tell you the real reason I always suit up before riding—even if I’m just going to the gas station two blocks away for a Slurpee and a life crisis.
Best motorcycle armor and gear? Yeah, I’ve got thoughts. Opinions. Scars, even. And maybe a permanently weird-shaped elbow (I swear it wasn’t like that before I slid across a Dairy Queen parking lot on my side like I was auditioning for “Fast & Fractured”).
So, if you’re new to riding, or maybe you’ve been lucky so far—too lucky—you’ll want to hear this.
That One Crash That Changed Everything (Because of Course There’s a Crash Story)
It was a Tuesday. I remember because Taco Tuesday was the reason I was riding in the first place. The skies were clear, the playlist was good, and I was feeling a little too confident for a guy on a 650cc machine with zero core strength and a 7-month-old leather jacket that had never seen a drop of rain, let alone pavement.
I took a turn way too hot. Hit gravel. You know the rest.
Long story short: my bike slid, I flew, the tacos never made it. But my jacket? Oh, that $300 Alpinestars beauty took the beating like it owed me money. Saved my back, shoulder, and the aforementioned nipple. (Yes, I’m still fixated on it. Wouldn’t you be?)
🧱 Let’s Talk Gear—The Stuff That Keeps You Looking Cool and Alive
1. Motorcycle Jackets: The Armor-Plated Hug You Didn’t Know You Needed
Whether it’s leather or textile, your jacket is your upper body’s first line of defense.
And let me tell you—fashion jackets won’t cut it. I’ve seen people ride in denim vests like they’re in a 90s biker boyband. Look, unless that denim has CE-rated armor and abrasion resistance (spoiler: it doesn’t), it’s just fancy tissue paper.
Good jackets have:
- CE Level 1 or 2 armor in shoulders and elbows (some also have back protectors, or you can buy one separately)
- Abrasion-resistant material (like Cordura, or that magical leather cow gods use)
- Vents (because sweat is real, especially in July)
- Reflective bits, which you’ll appreciate when someone doesn’t merge into your soul
2. Motorcycle Pants: Because Jeans Are a Lie
Okay, confession time: I used to ride in regular jeans. I thought they were “better than shorts,” which, I mean—technically, yes. But denim melts under friction. You heard me. Melts.
Now I wear riding pants that have:
- Built-in knee armor (some also have hip pads, which I now appreciate post-slide)
- Kevlar or other abrasion-resistant lining
- Zipper connection to jackets, which is neat when you don’t want your shirt to fly up and flash traffic
Pro tip: Get pants you can layer over regular clothes. Nobody wants to strip in a Starbucks bathroom just to pee.
3. Gloves: The Unsung Heroes of Panic Braking
You ever instinctively put your hands out to catch yourself when you fall? Yeah. Now imagine doing that at 45 mph. Without gloves.
I’ve worn through gloves. I’ve tested knuckle armor (not on purpose). I once lost a glove mid-ride and had to keep going with just one—felt like a villain origin story.
Look for gloves with:
- Armor on knuckles and palms
- Wrist coverage (short gloves are fine for summer, but gauntlets = chef’s kiss)
- Grip and touchscreen pads (so you can still awkwardly Google “how to change a tire” with dignity)
4. Boots: Because Ankles Are Not Optional
I used to wear Converse while riding. Go ahead, roast me. I deserve it.
Motorcycle boots are a game changer. After I twisted my ankle walking my bike into gravel (pre-crash, not even while riding—humiliating), I got boots with:
- Ankle armor
- Shifter toe pads (my Vans had holes in them from downshifting)
- Oil-resistant soles (seriously helpful in gas station puddles)
- Zipper + Velcro combo so they actually stay on
Plus, they just look cool. Especially when they’re a little scuffed up.
5. Body Armor Inserts: Invisible Superpowers
Most jackets and pants come with basic armor. But you can upgrade. And trust me—you should.
I swapped my foam back pad for a CE Level 2 insert, and it was like going from paper towel to kevlar. Same goes for chest armor (which sounds intense, but it’s just a thin, flexible pad that might save your ribs).
You can also go full under-armor mode with compression shirts and pants that have armor built in. Bonus: you feel like a Power Ranger.
6. Helmets: Yes, Your Head Deserves the Best
I saved this for last on purpose. Because duh.
You already know a helmet is non-negotiable. So I won’t nag. But I will say: not all helmets are created equal.
Mine? Full-face, DOT and ECE certified, with pinlock for fog resistance and an internal sun visor because sunglasses inside a helmet is a scam.
I once dropped my helmet off the seat and cracked it. Didn’t wear it again. Because even a dropped helmet can be compromised. (Also, RIP $450.)
Quick Fire Tips I Learned the Dumb Way
- Don’t leave gear in the sun. It turns into lava.
- Zip your jacket to your pants. Otherwise, back exposure = road rash buffet.
- Wash your gear. It gets funky. Like “what died in here?” funky.
- Buy bright colors. All black looks cool until someone doesn’t see you.
- Break in your boots before a long ride. Or suffer the ankle blisters of doom.
Where to Get This Life-Saving Stuff?
Honestly, I hit up local gear shops when I can (support small businesses!) and RevZilla or Cycle Gear online when I’m broke or lazy or both.
If you’re overwhelmed, check out FortNine’s YouTube channel. The dude breaks down gear like a science teacher with better hair.
Also, this blog on beginner motorcycle gear made me feel less dumb when I started.
Final Ramble (Because I Can’t Shut Up) about Best Motorcycle Armor and Gear
Listen—riding is dangerous. That’s part of what makes it feel so damn alive. But you don’t need to make it more dangerous by dressing like you’re just running errands in a Civic.
The best motorcycle armor and gear isn’t about looking like a biker model or spending thousands (though some of it is pricey). It’s about showing up for yourself. Choosing to ride like you expect the unexpected.
And if the unexpected happens—like gravel in a turn or a minivan on their phone—you’ll be so freaking glad you wore that goofy-looking armored shirt under your hoodie.
I should probably be embarrassed by that crash story. But honestly? That gear saved me. And I got a new story out of it—plus a gnarly scar that makes me look cooler than I am.
💥 TL;DR (But Why You Skipping? My Jokes Are Gold.)
- Get gear with actual protection—CE-rated armor is your friend.
- Jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and helmets all matter.
- Upgrade armor inserts if you can.
- Don’t trust fashion gear that looks good but lacks protection.
- Ride smart. Ride geared up. Live to ride another day.
Now go check your gear closet. And maybe… zip it up this time?
