Kit Chooser
Kit you'll need to get the most from motorcycling - both before and after you pass your test - with advice from the experts at RiDE magazine.
Brought to you by the experts at RiDE.
FIND KIT REVIEWS AND KIT TO BUY on MCN
Buying good quality kit is a must – it’ll protect you in an accident - and from the weather. There’s loads of choices – from full leather suits that the racers wear, to Kevlar jeans and waterproof jackets. What you choose is personal choice, but at RiDE magazine our experts carry out rigorous tests in the lab and on the road, to help you buy the best.
Helmets
By law you’re legally required to wear a correctly fastened helmet. That helmet must have an ECE 22-05 mark – this is usually on the strap and proves that the helmet meets European safety regulations. Older helmets will have a BSI kitemark on the back.
But don’t be tempted to use a second hand helmet. The outer shell may look OK, but the inner polystyrene layer is only good for one impact. So if the helmet’s been in an accident before it won’t protect you the next time.
No matter what your budget, make sure you buy a helmet that fits properly. The assistant at your local kit shop will help you. Different brands will be different shapes and sizes, so try lots.
Minimum kit requirement
Okay, so the law of the land says you just need a helmet, but in the real world, a bit more kit will increase your safety and enjoyment. We suggest…
Helmet – The winner of our last safety and comfort test was the Shoei Raid II available online from £179. But the runner up was the HJC CL-12, now discontinued by you can still buy them for just £79.
Gloves – Gloves are essential for keeping your hands protected, warm and dry. And all-weather gloves offer brilliant value for money. Alpinestars Jet Road have excellent impact protection as well as GoreTex to keep you dry.
Boots – When you’re learning, a good, stout pair of army-style boots will do just fine. But once you’re a regular rider, it makes sense to buy a proper protective pair. Alpinestars SMX Goretex cost from around £125 and will keep your feet dry and protected.
Textile kit – Textile kit (often referred to as Cordura) is clever stuff. It’ll keep you warm and dry in the winter, while removable linings and breathable textile will keep you cool in the summer. But all this high-tech wizardry doesn’t have a high price tag. It’s easy to pick up a jacket and trouser set for around £150. We recommend the Spada Circuit jacket (£84) and the Spada Podium trousers (£75).
Of course, once you’ve got the biking bug good and proper, you may want to splash out on some really cool kit. Arai’s RX7 Corsair costs around £500 for a 2007 model and is a real racing helmet. But like with most biking kit, you can make some big savings if you buy previous season’s lines. There are always bargains to be had if you’re prepared to wait for them.
Find kit reviews and examples to buy on the MCN website.