Best motorcycle clothing for new riders | A buyers guide to finding the kit for you

If you are looking to buy your first motorbike, looking to take your full motorbike licence or maybe you are about to take your CBT, chances are you are going to be looking to buy yourself some protective kit. In the UK the only legal requirement is to wear a helmet but there’s a well known phrase “dress for the slide and not the ride” which basically means always wear full gear in case you have an accident.

With this in mind you should know the basics when it comes to the safety ratings and standards. Helmets need to meet the latest standard of ECE 22.06 which replaced ECE 22.05. Other clothing will have two ratings, one will be a letter certificating from B to AAA with AAA being the highest. This is the abrasion resistance of the garment. The second will be the rating of the armour in the garment. Either Level 1 or Level 2, with level 2 having better impact protection.

There is a wide range of choices available to choose from, including urban, touring and race. The kit that best suits you will depend on what sort of riding you plan to do and what style you think looks best. Another consideration may be what type of bike you like, naked, sportsbike, adventure?

Other helpful pages

Budget will also play a in role in your decisions as gear ranges wildly in price from the lower budget ranges up to the top of the range state of the art gear. We understand that there as a new rider you may be a young person looking for a cheaper option to ride to college on or you could be more mature and taking to riding after having always wanted to but not getting around to it until now. For this reason I have included products from across the board budget wise and links to other relevant pages that may help you make you mind up.

Rider on A2 test

Lastly your gender may be a contributing factor, if you’re a woman coming into riding, there is a wide range of kit that is tailored to be more suitable for the shape of the female body. Ladies kit will often offer the option of ‘girlier’ colours in their ranges too, if that’s your thing.

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Casual riding kit

Casual riding kit can be a perfect option for nipping to work or college or if you want to ride to a coffee shop or pub, as you will feel comfortable and not look out of place without having to carry a change of clothes. Manufacturers are now making a variety of relaxed riding gear including armoured hoodies and motorcycle jeans. Modern riding gear looks increasingly like normal clothing but with the added benefit of CE ratings, some even meet the same AAA standard as race leathers.

Find our full list of casual motorcycle clothing

Price: £89.98 (was £99.99)
Tried and tested by Emma Franklin for two months and 1,000 miles

"Everything about this lid from the visor to the chin strap feels decent quality, and overall it’s really well made. After 1000 miles of use, it’s still looking and feeling as-new. If you’ve got no more than £100 to spend on a helmet, you won’t be disappointed with the HJC C10. Although it doesn’t have many bells and whistles, as a basic helmet its performance is impressive. It’s good quality, very quiet and looks classy. It definitely doesn’t feel – or look – like a cheaper lid. It’s also available in youth sizes which make it a really good option for a first lid."

"It’s one of those fit-and-forget kinds of lids. The internal shape of the C10 feels similar to an Arai helmet in that it is fairly rounded and neutral, and for me there aren’t any pinch points on the brow.
The cheek pads are plump and haven’t shown any signs of flattening after 1000 miles of use, so it gives quite a snug feeling overall – but in a reassuring way, not excessively tight. The C10 is all-day comfortable."

Read Emma's full HJC C10 review

Pros

  • Brilliant value
  • Very quiet
  • Comfortable
  • Good ventilation

Cons

  • Nit picking here, but visor is a little stiff to open
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Visor
    4.0
  • Ventilation
    4.0
  • Noise
    5.0
  • Looks
    3.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Weight 1550g (measured)
Construction Polycarbonate
Chin strap Ratchet
Intercom ready? Yes
Drop down sun visor? No
Pinlock Sold seperately
Interior Moisture wicking, removable/washable
Shell sizes Four
Warranty Three years
Safety standard ECE 22.06
  • Wide visor opening
  • HJ-34P Anti-fog Pinlock ready visor
  • Advanced channelling ventilation system
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for eight months and 500 miles

'This AA rated riding hoodie from Roadskin is really comfortable on and off the bike and looks almost like a standard casual garment. It’s not the lightest or the coolest option out there, but that’s the compromise you make for improved safety. I’ve worn a few different riding hoodies over the years and one of the common complaints is that the soft fabric allows the armour to flap around in the breeze, leaving you wondering if it will be there to protect you in a crash. This isn’t the case at all with the Easyrider II, which uses an elasticated liner to hold everything in place as you ride. There are also hand hoops that keep the sleeves from riding up and a belt hoop at the back to keep your back covered. 

If you don’t want to ride with the hood attached then you can zip it off, but I don’t normally wear mine for long enough at high speeds for it to become an issue. I’ve worn this hoodie on everything from a BMW M1000R to a Triumph Scrambler 400 X and it’s been comfortable on everything. It also feels like it will hold together well over time.'

Read our full Roadskin Easyrider II hoodie review

Pros

  • Good level of protection
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Not very lightweight
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
Armour Level 2 back, shoulders and elbows
CE Garment Rating AA
  • Waterproof membrane
  • Mesh lining
  • Detatchable hood
  • Belt loops
  • Two front external pockets
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for 12 months and 3,000 miles

"Most riders, no matter what type of bike you ride, will probably want a good pair of motorcycle jeans in their wardrobe. These Taranis Elite jeans for Roadskin are a great choice, providing AAA safety rating they will give you the piece of mind that they will protect you if needed, and they achieve this while remaining remarkably comfortable and stylish. "

"Fortunately, I’ve not crashed wearing these yet but the AAA CE rating for the fabric and the garment means I’d feel confident of being ok if I did. The CE level 2 knee armour has the option of low or high pockets so you can get it in just the right position and it cups your kneecaps nicely."

"They are not the cheapest option on the market but you get what you pay for."

Read our full Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA review

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Look like normal jeans
  • Piece of mind with AAA safety rating

Cons

  • Not the cheapest
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Practicality
    3.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Construction Cotton, Kevlar, PE, Cordura, Lycra
Type Denim riding jeans
CE Garment Rating AAA
Armour CE Level 2 hip and knee
  • Available in three lengths
  • Mesh lining
  • Triple stitched main seams
  • Double belt loops to attach top layers
  • high and low pockets for knee armour for fit adjustment
Tried and tested by Emma Franklin for six months and 3,200 miles

'Whereas many winter gloves can be a total compromise – warm but lacking feel, comfy but lacking protection – the RST Pro Series Paragon 6 prove that you can have a bad weather glove that does it all. It’s clear that they’ve been very thoughtfully designed, with features such as zoned leather in key areas, silicone grips on the palms, pre-curved fingers, and visor wipes, too."

"Combined with the reliable Sinaqua membrane, the drawstring cuff system offers flexibility, allowing hands to remain dry regardless of whether you wear your gloves on the inside or outside of your sleeves. Meanwhile the Thinsulate thermal lining does a perfect job of giving the right amount of warmth for typical British winter conditions without being overly bulky. Plus, the feeling of protection that the Paragon 6 offer is very reassuring too."

Read Emma's full RST Pro Series Paragon 6 review

Read our best motorcycle gloves buying guide

Pros

  • Warm
  • Waterproof
  • Some thoughtful features

Cons

  • The main chassis of the glove feels a little floppy
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction HTC and full-grain leather outer. Internal lining brushed polyester with Sinaqua waterproof/breathable membrane
Type Winter/touring
Ce Rating EN13594:2015 1KP
Armour Hard external knuckle protection with memory foam inner
  • Drawstring cuff
  • Hook and loop wrist
  • Visor wiper
  • Smart-touch leather
Tried and tested by Simon Brown for six months and 1,000 miles

"The grippy sole ensures a cosy connection with the pegs and has decent flex for comfort when you are walking about – particularly handy in my case because I stash the bike in a rented lock-up about a quarter of a mile from the house. Some retro boots incorporate a zipped closure but I prefer standard laces like these because you can get a nice secure fastening every time and it’s hard to argue that doing up your laces is any sort of hassle. Double knot, naturally. Don’t want them coming undone."

Read Simon's full DXR Bernie Boots review

Read our best motorcycle boots

Pros

  • Sensible price
  • Comfort
  • Look good

Cons

  • Scuffing on the gear change pad
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
Armour Ankle
Construction Cowhide leather
  • Waterproof and breathable
  • Leather overlay for gear shifter
  • Non-slip sole

Touring or all-weather riding kit

If you are planning to commute or go touring on your bike then you will want to be looking at weatherproof kit to keep you dry and comfortable. Textiles tend to more easily offer this as waterproofing can either be attached to the outer layer during construction in the form of a laminate material, or attached directly beneath as a drop liner. Some textiles come with a re-treatable coating to prevent rain getting in, this will allow you to re-proof your garment, lengthening its lifespan.

If you are looking for kit that will get you through all of the seasons, good features to look out for are ventilation zips and removable thermal liners. This way you can remove the liners and open the ventilation zips for summer use.

Tried and tested by Justin Hayzelden for over 3,000 miles

"The Arai Tour-X 5 is a well constructed, comfortable and versatile helmet. It brings together some of the best features of the current range, such as the RX-7’s visor system, Quantic’s logo vent and Profile V’s wider base, along with improvements of its own, to stand as a testament to the company’s commitment to safety through measured evolution."

"With the peak fitted the T-X 5 is ideal for adventure touring, boasting ample room to flip the visor up and wear goggles if needs be, and with it removed makes a smart and practical alternative to a traditional full-face lid. In a previous review I said that the T-X 4 could be the only lid you’ll ever need, but with its quick-change visor, improved shape and enhanced ventilation, the Tour-X 5 takes that versatility to the next level."

Read the full Arai Tour-X 5 review

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Versatile
  • Wide field of vision
  • Easy visor change
  • Excellent ventilation
  • High build quality
  • Adjustable fit

Cons

  • Cheek pads are a little too 'Velcro friendly'
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Visor
    5.0
  • Ventilation
    5.0
  • Noise
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
Weight 1,700 grammes
Construction Complex fibre laminate
Chin strap type D ring
Intercom ready Yes
Drop down sun visor No
Pinlock Yes
Interior Fully removable, moisture wicking and washable
Warranty 5 years
Safety standard ECE 22.06
  • Adaptive fit
  • Removable peak
  • Adjustable peak
  • Quick release visor
  • Fully removable and washable moisture wicking liner
  • Speaker cavities
  • Pinlock included
  • Adjustable vents
Tested by Saffron Wilson for 16 months, 4,728 miles

"As an all-weather rider, I know how important it is to have the right kit, and this Rukka Comforina jacket is definitely the right kit. Suited to cooler temperatures, it keeps you warm, waterproof and the styling isn’t too in your face. But if the weather were to suddenly change, simply take out the thermal lining and open the vents and you’ll be comfortable in the spring too."

"It’s rated with CE level 2 protection, and the D30 armour in the back, elbows and shoulders comes as standard unlike some other brands. But the big plus point for the jacket is the quality – it’s impeccable. It stays waterproof, looks great, zips and pockets work, and with a six-year warranty you’ve got that extra peace of mind that you really need when you’re parting with that much cash."

Read the full Rukka ComfoRina Jacket review

Read our best waterproof jackets

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Textile with abrasion-resistant Cordura 500D reinforcements & Gore-Tex Z liner membrane
Type Touring, commuting
CE Rating A
Armour D3O Air XTR level 2 shoulder, elbow, and level 1 back
Warranty 6 Years
  • Detachable thermal lining
  • Connecting zipper to trousers & "Crotch Strap"
  • 2 Outside lower pockets with zipper
  • 2 Water-resistant pockets inside including a mobile phone pocket
  • Soft neoprene in collar
  • Integrated protective ATS (Anti Theft System) collar of elastic Gore-Tex Stretch, which can be hidden in it's collar pocket
  • Ventilation openings, Long 2-way zipper on the sides & on the Back
  • Width adjustment on upper and lower arm
Tried and tested by Saffron Wilson for five months and over 2,000 miles

"These trousers do what it says on the label: they are waterproof, comfortable and warm. Although I’ve not yet ridden much with
the detachable thermo liner fitted as it works too well, but the D30 knee protectors are comfortable even on my Harley, and the zip-open vents prove ideal for wet-but-humid conditions. The other zip pockets are useful for a phone and other small items, too."

"I like the subtle styling, and the contra-glide tech fit was effective at stopping saddle slip without making the trousers too bulky, meaning you could easily wear them to walk around in once you hop off the bike. Although the zip-attachment to Richa jackets is a nifty feature, I did forget to detach the jacket more than once, but I’m definitely to blame for that one!"

Read our best textile motorcycle trousers

Pros

  • Genuinely waterproof
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Keep you warm

Cons

  • Shorter boots will leave you with soggy ankles
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Practicality
    4.0
  • Looks
    4.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    3.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Construction 600D high-density nylon Cordura
Type Touring/ commute trousers
CE Rating A
Armour D3O armour to knees
  • Fixed breathable taffeta membrane
  • Detachable thermal liner for colder rides
  • Adjustable waist tabs for improved fit
  • Two storage pockets ideal for smaller items
  • AVS zips on upper legs allow for increased ventilation
Tested by Emma Franklin for 8 months and 3,000 Miles

"An excellent pair of boots for anyone who wants comfort and ease of use. Absolutely spot on for daily use, they’ll keep your feet dry, warm and happy on the daily grind or during UK touring trips.
With the Velcro ankle closure and mid-length style, they’re absolutely ideal for those who may struggle getting side opening boots on and off, or for riders with large calves who struggle with the fit of a regular length boot and don’t want to compromise on shin protection. Top quality at a brilliant price – you can’t go wrong, really."

Read the full RST Axiom Mid CE boots review

Read our best waterproof motorcycle boots

Pros

  • Supreme comfort
  • Easy access
  • Assuring protection

Cons

  • Not the best looking boots
  • Comfort
    5.0
  • Looks
    3.0
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction Microfibre upper, rubber sole, Sinaqua waterproof/breathable membrane
Type Mid-length touring boots
CE Rating EN13634:2017 2/1/2/2 IPA WR
Armour Soft armour at shin and ankle
  • Velcro closure
  • Non-slip sole
  • Reinforced toe box
  • gear shift pads
Tried and tested by Stuart Prestidge for four months

"Hand protection and comfort during the summer can be a compromise, some favouring cooler but less protective gloves for warmer weather. The DXR TTR gloves deal with that dilemma well, blending comfort in warmer weather with CE-approved protection. Made from goatskin leather with a waterproof and breathable inner membrane, the gloves are supple and remained dry through summer showers. A visor wiper on the thumb is a nice touch. It has been my glove of choice this summer, especially when the weather doesn't play ball."

Read our list of waterproof summer gloves

Pros

  • Good protection for a summer glove

Cons

  • Good price
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
Construction Premium goatskin leather
Type Short summer glove
CE Rating EN 13594
  • Waterproof and breathable membrane
  • Reinforced metacarpus, fingers and palms
  • Leather covered soft knuckle protection
  • Hook and loop adjustable wrist strap

Best sportsbike kit

Being a new rider doesn’t always mean life at 15bhp. If you’re over 24 and you’ve taken a full licence, or even if you’re planning some trackdays on your A2 legal sportsbike, you’ll want to consider some proper leathers. If you are planning to ride on track or at higher speeds on the road you should really aim to buy the most protective gear that you can afford.

Sports helmets will likely have some sort of aerodynamic fins or spoiler to help you slip through the air with less resistance. You will find that a lot of race style leather trousers and suits will have knee sliders, these pucks that velcro to the knee area take the scrape if you are ever able to get your knee down to the tarmac in a corner.

Find our full list of sportsbike riding gear

Price: £364.99 (was £399.99)
Tested by Gareth Evans for six months, 4,000 miles

"l think it's a great look, somehow managing to tread the fine line between subtle and stylish, with an aerodynamic twist thanks to the spoiler.  But as well as the looks, it's the aeros that make this among the quietest helmets l've worn when travelling at speed. It's versatile in terms of venting too, which has been great for me because I've ridden in all manner of conditions, from frosty drizzle to 40-degree-plus heat.  
 
A CWR-F2 Pinlock keeps fogging at bay and once I'd learnt to use the vents properly this worked faultlessly. When you're adjusting the vents or indeed operating the visor, you get a real sense of quality in terms of the solidity of the materials and the way they all work together. Inside the shell, the removable liners snap into place with poppers that feel very strong, unlike a lot of cheaper helmets I've tested.  
 
There are a lot of sizing options, including five outer shell sizes and cheek pads in four thicknesses, which means it's worth getting the helmet fitted properly at a shop rather than buying blind online The strap is secured using a double D-ring and, while l've tried other systems, nothing offers the same simplicity. Should the worst happen, there's an Emergency Quick Release System that allows the lid to be removed. Sure, it's not a cheap lid, but if this design is too expensive, there are simpler solid colours on offer starting at a hundred quid less And to top it all off, the Shoei comes with a five-year warranty for additional peace of mind. "

Pros

  • Looks great 
  • Comfortable
  • High quality 

Cons

  • Not cheap 
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    3.0
Construction Muti-composite shell
Safety Rating ECE 22.06
Warranty 5 Years
  • Double d-ring fastener 
  • Emergency quick release cheek pads 
  • Washable cheek pads, liner and strap cover 
  • Vents 
  • Pinlock ready 
Can be paired with trousers
Tried and tested by Emma Franklin for four months

"Made from full-grain leather and featuring a sporty cut with Level-1 internal protectors as well as external shoulder armour, the S-1 meets the highest AAA rating for abrasion protection.

At first, the thick cowhide leather comes as a bit of a shock after wearing soft, retro leather jackets which feel instantly comfortable. As a result, it took a full day of wear for the S-1 to 'break-in' and give a little, but after that, although the fit is still very snug and secure, l've found the jacket to be all-day comfortable.

Extremely solidly built, the quality of the S-1 is impressive. It feels like a proper protective garment thanks to the way it's been stitched and also the inclusion of double-layered leather at key impact areas, such as the elbows. The only slight disappointment is the absence of a back protector element although you can add a Level-2 insert for an extra £29.99 if you so wish.

With abrasion-resistant four-way stretch panels under the arms and concertinaed leather at the flanks combined with Velcro waist adjusters, this jacket allows plenty of movement and as a result doesn't feel restrictive. It's been designed to be worn with jeans meaning that it finishes just over the hips, and also features a neoprene-mounted full-circumference connection zip. Inside, there's a zip-out thermal gilet which is fairly thin but does just enough to keep off the early morning chill from the smattering of ventilation holes on the chest area. The S-1 is lined with a mesh fabric which helps with comfort on very warm days."

Pair with RST S-1 CE Sport trousers to make a suit.

Pros

  • AAA rated protection
  • Sports styling
  • Great price

Cons

  • Needs a bit of breaking in
  • Back protector not included
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
Construction Hard-wearing leather and 4 way stretch material
CE Garment Rating AAA
Armour Shoulder and elbow
  • Fixed quick dry mesh lining
  • Removable thermal liner
  • Pocket for optional back protector
  • Perforated leather for airflow
  • Available as a two piece suit as part of the S-1 Range
Tried and tested by Adam Binnie for three months and 600 miles

"These Oxford Nexus 1.0 gloves are a pretty perfect balance – thin in the right areas, and sturdy in others, at a price where rivals are offering lowlier Level 1 protection. A waterproof membrane would open them up to an extended riding season, while those of you with hotter hands might want more ventilation on the warmest days of the year. Otherwise I don’t have a bad word to say about them."


Read the full Oxford Nexus Gloves review

Read our list of best sporty gloves

Pros

  • CE Level 2 protection
  • Comfortable
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Not weatherproof
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Looks
    3.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Construction 100% Aniline leather
Type Sports
CE Rating Level 2 KP
Armour TPU finger and knuckle protection
  • Aramid reinforcement
  • Touchscreen compatible
  • TPR cuff protection
  • Sweat wicking lining
Tested by Gareth Evans for 2,000 miles and two track days

"I’ve built quite a relationship with these boots over the past few months. We’ve seen some things – most notably some huge storms, both on road and on track. I can confirm Richa’s claim that they’re 100% waterproof, but more importantly, I love how comfortable they are considering the rigidity required to offer the required protection. But you might expect that from the most expensive boots in the firm’s racing line-up."

"There’s bracing for your calf, armour for your shin and both things for your heel, plus removable toe sliders and even a reinforced patch for gear changes, which was welcome given the quickshifter on my R7 needs a bit of a kick to operate. Despite their racey looks, they’re actually pretty flexible for use off the bike (although my jeans don’t fit around them so I’ve had some weird looks) and they’re well ventilated too, which helped in the blazing sunshine at Brands Hatch between the torrential downpours."

"The soles have treaded rubber grip, which helps on the pegs and the ground. Plus in this colour scheme they match Yamaha’s 60th Anniversary Edition Speed Block livery brilliantly. You’ve got a choice of four other hues if this one doesn’t work."

"In fact, my only criticism of these boots is that they’re fairly tight around my calves and ankles, and while they’ve faired well to date, I’m a little concerned the fastening zip is getting a hard time. It gets the liner trapped occasionally too, and that plus the force required to do the boots up could mean it doesn’t last as long as I’d like. I’ll keep on going with them and let you know."

Read our best sports and track motorcycle boots

Pros

  • Comfotable
  • Genuinely waterproof

Cons

  • Zipper struggling after a while
  • Comfort
    4.0
  • Looks
    5.0
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Protection
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Verdict
    4.0
Armour Toe Sliders, Heel, Ankle, Shin
Type Road and race
Construction Synthetic leathertex
  • Internal waterproof lining
  • Stretch instep for enhanced walking comfort
  • Replaceable metal toe slider
  • Protection at the shins, ankles and heels
  • Zip with hook and loop closure

Other things to consider

When riding a motorcycle at speed the wind that rushes past your helmet will create a lot of noise, it is advised that you wear earplugs to protect your hearing as continued exposure could result in damage to your ears.

Find our full list of earplugs

If you are particularly safety minded you add an additional layer of protection with an airbag vest. These are designed to inflate in the event of an accident protecting you from impact and reducing the risk of serious injury.

Read more about airbags


What to look for when buying motorcycle clothing

There’s plenty of tempting offers online for motorcycle kit for beginners and new riders but just remember that if there’s no mention of CE ratings then steer clear.

The same thing goes for counterfeit kit, too, if you find a brand-new piece of the latest kit from a top brand for peanuts on a random eBay account then probably give that a swerve, too. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Safety ratings and certifications

It is really important to be aware of the different safety ratings and standards that kit is tested to.

Helmets are tested to an ECE standard, the current and most recent standard is ECE 22.06 This shows that the helmet has met this standard and doesn’t show safety in a scale measurement against other helmets. For that there is SHARP ratings. SHARP test helmets to a 5 star rating to give a better idea of how it performs against others in the market.

Jackets and trousers are rated from B to AAA with B being the lowest and AAA being the highest. This rating demonstrated the garments abrasion resistance should you have an accident and slide across the road.

Armour varies in it’s thickness and flexibility but will be certified to either CE Level 1 or Level 2. Level 2 offers more impact protection than Level 1.

Textile or leather

Motorcycle gear falls into two main categories, that made of leather, and that made of a textile construction. Which you decide to go for will depend on your needs and style preferences. As mentioned above, textiles tend to offer more versatility with waterproof membranes for the rainy days, lets face it we get a lot of those in the UK, or mesh panels for airflow on those warm summer rides.

Leather gear however still tends to offer the highest abrasion resistance, hence you see it on the race tracks. The other benefit to a leather jacket is the styling, they help you to create the biker look, weather that is retro biker or Rossi ‘wannabe’, and lets face it, they look much cooler down the local than a textile.

Best sportsbike kit for new riders

FAQ

Impact energy absorption

This covers the impact protectors fitted, which are mandatory in class AAA and AA garments for shoulder, elbow, knee and hip. Hip protectors are optional for class A. Protectors must cover the appropriate body part and be certified to EN 1621. There are two classes for protectors, level 1 and 2, with the latter offering greater performance.

Impact abrasion resistance

This test measures how well a garment performs when worn by an average rider (weighing 75kg and measuring 1.7m tall) in a slide. Three samples of the same garment are mounted in a rotating rig at different angles and impacted on an asphalt surface at a prescribed speed. They’re allowed to come to a natural stop before being measured. If the samples do not hole, they’re subjected to this twice more, and to pass there must be no hole bigger than 5mm.

Classification

Assuming a garment achieves a pass in all tests, classification is awarded according to the performance level as follows

AAA (EN 17092-2:2020) The highest achievable for abrasion resistance.
AA (EN 17092-3:2020) A lower pass for abrasion resistance.
A (EN 17092-4:2020) The lowest classification for abrasion resistance.
B (EN 17092-5:2020) This is for garments which have no impact protection but do offer abrasion resistance.
C (EN 17092-6:2020) For garments offering solely impact protection without abrasion resistance, such as armoured shorts or vests designed to be worn as a base layer.

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our jackets to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

To find out if a item of clothing is worth spending your money on, our testers use them in the way you will. That means riding in them in whichever conditions they are designed for.

If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.


What our star ratings mean

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

  • 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
  • 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
  • 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
  • 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
  • 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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