The Best Motorcycle Gear (2023): Helmets, Bluetooth Headsets, and More

Don’t dress for the ride—dress for the fall. I’ve been riding motorcycles for years, both for personal enjoyment and for my job as a product reviewer, and I’m picky about my gear. Lots of riding gear has passed through my door, joining me both in blasting down a highway on a sportbike and crawling off-road trails on a dirt bike. Here’s what I found worth keeping around.

Many of the products in this guide are not available at the usual retailers like Amazon and Target but instead from smaller online stores like RevZilla. You may have never heard of them, but stores like RevZilla are some of the preeminent places to purchase motorcycling gear. I’ve used RevZilla for years and have never run into any issues. When possible, we’ll try to find and link to more common retailers in case you’re still wary—or you just want to use your preferred storefront. 

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This Vanson is the archetypical leather motorcycle jacket. It’s not a household name, but motorcyclists know it well. Real motorcycle jackets like the long-time classic Comet have longer sleeves and shorter bodies than most leather jackets; all to better fit you when you’re in riding position. Made in Boston, the Comet’s ultra-thick steerhide offers great abrasion resistance against pavement, plus pockets for elbow, shoulder, and back armor. Vansons are buy-it-for-life garments, and they marry sexy looks with significant crash protection.

I wouldn’t dream of wearing leather once the temperature climbs. Vented textile mesh jackets offer protection and abrasion resistance while also allowing enough airflow to keep you from passing out on hot days. Once I hit about 20 miles per hour, I get enough breeze to feel comfortable, even on sweltering summer days. Rarely have I worn the Air Frame D1 in chilly weather, but I have zipped in the removable windbreaker liner, and it made a noticeable difference in warmth. The D1 comes with hard elbow and shoulder armor that you can add on, but they’re bulky. I’d replace them with the Forcefield Isolator 2 featured below, or D3O inserts. There’s a pocket for back armor too, but none is included.

For summer rides, this made-in-Los-Angeles riding shirt is a great pick. There are pockets for elbow armor (not included), but none for shoulder or back armor. Still, it keeps you much cooler than any other jacket in hot weather. The 12-ounce raw cotton canvas is reinforced with Kevlar on the shoulders, elbows, and back, providing abrasion resistance without the warmth of leather. Beneath the snaps, a full-length zipper keeps the jacket from blowing open at speed, and large interior and exterior pockets hold everything I could possibly want to bring on a ride.

Leather and Kevlar only protect you from losing your skin to road rash. For impact protection, you need to add armor. Look for the CE (Conformité Européene) rating to ensure your equipment meets strict safety standards. Level 1 or 2 armor inserts for your back, elbow, and shoulder (some of which are also available at Amazon) slip into the pockets of your riding shirt or jacket, if it has them. Level 2 is a few millimeters thicker but offers better protection; it’s what I recommend. I’ve yet to put Forcefield Isolator 2 to an impact test, but they’re soft and pliable, never uncomfortable.

If you’re not wearing a jacket or shirt with an insert for back armor, like the Isolator 2 above, then check out this stand-alone back protector. I’ve worn one for years, and even on sickly hot days, it vents air well enough that I forget I’m wearing it, as long as I’m not sitting still in traffic. The adjustable straps and waistband make it easy to find a comfortable fit.

Pair it with Alpinestars’ Bionic Action Knee Protectors ($28) for more protection. These are both rated CE level 1, but they don’t require specialized clothes with pockets. Just strap ’em on. They’re geared toward off-road use, which is how I used them, but there’s no reason you can’t wear them on the street or for dual-sport use.

Nailing the right measure between protection and flexibility is a balancing act. I’ve ridden in track gloves with titanium armor and padding so thick that I could barely feel the handlebars, which I didn’t like. The Avion 3 gloves feel good and offer solid crash protection. Goatskin leather guards against abrasion injuries, and hard-shell knuckle armor provides impact resistance. Because they’re perforated, I have no problems riding in them during humid East Coast…