Best kit for the retro bike rider | Let MCN take you back with our old school gear choices
Updated: 10 February 2025
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There is a definite retro vibe going on in motorcycling right now. All the big manufacturers – and a fair few of the smaller ones as well – have retro machines in their line-up.
It’s an interesting concept – mix old-school styling and nostalgia with modern technology and safety so you get bikes that, for example, have fuel-injection throttle bodies that are deliberately designed to look like carburettors or liquid-cooled engines with fins manufactured into the engine case to look like old air-cooled motors.
That combination of retro styling combined with modern performance and safety carries across to the clothing that looks just right on retro motorcycles. You wouldn’t go out for a relaxed sunny ride on a 1970s-inspired naked in a set of racing leathers or on a cruiser in touring textiles. So you need the right clothing that will keep you safe.
Jackets
When it comes to jackets, you’re probably talking a retro leather or a waxed-cotton style garment and there is no reason why you can’t have style and class with top-level safety and performance in either. There are also now armoured cotton shirt options available these days which work well with the retro and vintage style. Ensure you check the safety ratings, in terms of armour jackets should always have elbows and shoulders with at least a pocket for a back protector, be sure to check the abrasion resistance rating too.
We have pulled together a few of our favourites below.
Tried and tested by Jim Blackstock
Price: £389.99
This leather jacket from Richa is a lovely piece of kit. Notwithstanding its protective abilities – CE-rated to AA and with a five-piece suite of Level-1 armour present and options to upgrade – it looks and feels fantastic on and off the bike.It fits beautifully, is warm when it’s chilly thanks to the thermal gilet but then cool when its warm, courtesy of ventilation and it is a pleasure to put on. In fact, it is so nice that it feels a shame to take it out on a motorcycle and get it covered in road grime and dead insects.
Read Jim's full Richa Charlestone review
Read Jim's full Richa Charlestone review
Pros
- Superb fit
- Comfortable and protective
- Warm or cool as required
Cons
- None so far
| Construction | Leather |
| CE Garment Rating | AA |
| Armour | D3O Shoulder, back and elbow |
- Airtech Control System (ACS) ventilation at key areas
- Removable thermal lining
- Five outside zipped pockets and four inside pockets
- Internal mesh lining
Tried and tested by Simon Brown for three months and 1,000 miles
Price: £169.99 (was 349.99)
There are plenty of retro-style wax cotton jackets out there but this one from British brand Merlin
is one of the best I have tried. The look is spot on, but the construction from Merlin’s specially developed Cotec fabric means it’s lighter and more breathable than many – giving a welcome blend of old-school and modern. It doesn’t stop there: your money also gets you a removable lining with Outlast tech to help regulate body temperature and there are zipopen vents for hot days. The detailing is gorgeous, right down to poppers stamped with the Merlin brand. Practicality is right up there too – the zips/ poppers on the wrists work a treat with gloves and the adjustment on the collar makes for a snug fit. There is D30 armour at the shoulders and forearms with a pocket for a back protector. It comes in black or olive in a wide range of size.
is one of the best I have tried. The look is spot on, but the construction from Merlin’s specially developed Cotec fabric means it’s lighter and more breathable than many – giving a welcome blend of old-school and modern. It doesn’t stop there: your money also gets you a removable lining with Outlast tech to help regulate body temperature and there are zipopen vents for hot days. The detailing is gorgeous, right down to poppers stamped with the Merlin brand. Practicality is right up there too – the zips/ poppers on the wrists work a treat with gloves and the adjustment on the collar makes for a snug fit. There is D30 armour at the shoulders and forearms with a pocket for a back protector. It comes in black or olive in a wide range of size.
| Construction | 8oz Halley Stevensons polycotton construction |
| Style | Retro wax jacket |
| CE Rating | AA |
| Armour | CE certified D3O shoulder and elbow |
- Reissa Active waterproof and breathable membrane
- Removable Outlast climate control lining
- Fixed cotton lining
- Pocket for optional back protector
- Two chest pockets with press stud closures and handwarmer pockets
- Additional internal pockets
- Connection zip for Melin jeans
Tried and tested by Emma Franklin for 12 months and 6,000 miles
This buffalo leather jacket combines retro looks with a sporty twist, thanks to its detachable
cotton hood which fixes to the collar via poppers. The AA-rated Toulon 2 is my go-to jacket for dry spring and summer days, and even after considerable wear, it's still looking and performing as good as new. It comes with a full complement of D30 Level-1 soft armour in the back, elbows and shoulders that feel comfy and don't add too much bulk. Inside there's a detachable thermal gilet to help keep the chill away from your core on cooler days, but I have to admit to riding without it most of the time. I found the fit to be pretty much true to size, although you will need to go a size up if you're
planning on wearing multiple layers underneath
Available in sizes UK 8-20, and in mens' cut, too.
cotton hood which fixes to the collar via poppers. The AA-rated Toulon 2 is my go-to jacket for dry spring and summer days, and even after considerable wear, it's still looking and performing as good as new. It comes with a full complement of D30 Level-1 soft armour in the back, elbows and shoulders that feel comfy and don't add too much bulk. Inside there's a detachable thermal gilet to help keep the chill away from your core on cooler days, but I have to admit to riding without it most of the time. I found the fit to be pretty much true to size, although you will need to go a size up if you're
planning on wearing multiple layers underneath
Available in sizes UK 8-20, and in mens' cut, too.
Pros
- Comfortable
| Construction | Buffalo leather |
| CE Garment Rating | AA |
| Armour | Level 1 back, shoulder and elbows |
- Detachable liner
- Detachable hood
- Handwarmer pockets
Price: £229.99 (was £279.99)
This classic-styled jacket is cut for ladies and is made from 12oz waxed cotton, forming part of Merlin's Heritage line. In addition to the waxed cotton, it uses a Reissa waterproof and breathable membrane and a full thermal liner which is removable, leaving a tartan lining.It uses brass buttons and fastenings for an authentic feel while the Level-1 D3O armour in the shoulders and elbows and the back-protector pocket offer modern protection. Overall it’s CE A rated and comes with a hoop to connect to riding jeans.
Pros
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not the best protection
| Construction | Halley Stevensons 12oz silk wax cotton |
| Type | Wax cotton jacket |
| CE Rating | Unknown |
| Armour | D3O LP1 shoulder and elbow |
- Reissa Active waterproof and breathable membrane
- 150g removable thermal lining
- D3O LP1 shoulder and elbow protection
- Pocket for optional back protection
- Four patch pockets with flap and stud closure
- Internal storage pockets
- Ventilation to both front and rear
- Jacket to jean connection zip
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for two months and 4,000 miles
I had two preconceptions about a retro ‘hipster’ biking kit; it’s expensive and you sacrifice safety. But with the Goldtop Bobber, I was completely wrong on both counts. While £429 is steep for a jacket, I’ve not seen anything on the market that holds a candle to the Bobber’s quality for less.
With a maximum AAA safety rating and armour from renowned British firm Knox you can ride safely in the knowledge that you’ll be well protected in a crash.
And along with this safety, you also get a thoroughly practical, well-thought-out and most of all stunningly beautiful piece of kit. It’s worth every penny of the asking price and I would spend my own money on one without a second thought.
With a maximum AAA safety rating and armour from renowned British firm Knox you can ride safely in the knowledge that you’ll be well protected in a crash.
And along with this safety, you also get a thoroughly practical, well-thought-out and most of all stunningly beautiful piece of kit. It’s worth every penny of the asking price and I would spend my own money on one without a second thought.
Pros
- Great looks
- Comfortable
- High quality
- Maximum safety rating
Cons
- Not the cheapest
- Can get hot in extreme heat
| Construction | Hand waxed cowhide leather |
| Armour | Removable Knox CE Level 1 Micolock Shoulder & Elbow Armour, and CE Level 2 removable back armour |
| CE rating | AAA |
- Stainless Steel snaps and side buckles
- YKK Excella zips used throughout
- One exterior vertical breast pocket
- Two exterior side pockets with ball zips
- Two Interior breast pockets
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for eight months
Rrp: $199.99
Price: $179.99
Rrp: $199.99
Price: $179.99
With warmer weather just around the corner, I’ve been dusting off my protective casual style kit, including this riding shirt from Oxford. Not only does it look the part when you’re bimbling around town or cruising to the pub, but it has more serious credentials than you might think hiding up its sleeves (literally). The AA rating – thanks to an Armourlite construction and CE Level 2 protection at the elbows and shoulders is reassuring. As the shirt fits slightly more loosely than a ‘proper’ jacket, there are belt loops stitched to the inside to make sure it doesn’t ride up and leave you exposed in a slide up the road. The armour stays nicely in place, too. The fabric feels tough and strong, all the seams are solid and well-stitched and the YKK main zip and press studs throughout feel well-attached and reliable. A sunny day riding shirt will always be a luxury in your riding wardrobe – it’s a ‘nice to have’ rather than a ‘need to have’. But I don’t think that £149.99 is an unreasonable price
Pros
- Great protection
- Ideal for casual riding
| Construction | Armourlite outer shell construction |
| CE Rating | AA |
| Armour | Level 2 elbow and shoulder |
- Pocket for optional back protection
- Cuff with YKK zip expansion and Oxford branded double press-stud fastening
- Belt attachment loops for a secure protective fastening with jeans
- Two chest pockets and one internal pocket
Jeans
Similarly, when it comes to trousers, it’s likely that you will be looking at a pair of jeans and as you would with any jackets, look for CE ratings overall as well as the specification of armour and where it is; trousers should come with knee armour as a minimum and ideally, hips as well.
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for 12 monts and 3,000 miles
Price: £161.99 (was £179.99)
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.
They are not the cheapest option on the market but you get what you pay for.
Read our full Roadskin Taranis Elite AAA review
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
| 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 fit adjustment
Price: £245.00
These retro-style jeans from Resurgence offer classic styling and look and feel with top-rated protection. They are CE rated to AAA level, thanks to 80% coverage of Pekev abrasion-resistant reinforcement and come with CE Level-1 D3O Ghost armour in the knees and the hips. At just 5mm thick, it offers exceptional comfort and protection and the knee armour is adjustable to make sure it is located in just the right position. The Selvedge denim allows the legs to be turned up with a smooth finish or left natural.
| Construction | 80% Pekev fabric coverage |
| Type | Slim leg jean |
| CE Garment Rating | AAA |
| Armour | D3O Level 1 Hip and knee |
- Mesh lining
- Height adjustable knee armour
- YKK zips across the garment
- Built in stretch for comfort
Tried and tested by Joseph Wright for six months and 2,500 miles
These are the first pair of proper riding jeans I have tried but with their knee and hip padding combined with stylish looks, l am now a convert. They offer a great balance of safety vs comfort from
their lightweight single-layer material, which is flexible on and off the bike, twinned with Level 2 CE hip/knee protectors which mould neatly around your joints all creating a fairly slim profile. I opted for the slim-fit style which exceeded expectations though the winter and spring but seem to have more restricted breathability in summer. A straight-leg fit is available and the looser fit may encourage more airflow
their lightweight single-layer material, which is flexible on and off the bike, twinned with Level 2 CE hip/knee protectors which mould neatly around your joints all creating a fairly slim profile. I opted for the slim-fit style which exceeded expectations though the winter and spring but seem to have more restricted breathability in summer. A straight-leg fit is available and the looser fit may encourage more airflow
Pros
- Comfortable
- Look good
Cons
- Not very breathable in summer
| Construction | Lightweight single layer Armourlite denim construction |
| Armour | CE Level 2 knee and hip |
| CE Garment Rating | AA |
- Triple stitched seams
- Reinforced lined yolk
- Lined back pockets
Related: Best leather motorcycle jackets
Helmets
When you’re looking at helmets, the first choice is open or full-face. Many prefer the wind-in-the-hair (more like bugs-in-the-teeth) feeling of an open-face while others prefer the added protection of a full-face. Either way, there’s something for everyone and they should be at least ECE22.05 or ECE22.06 specification and if possible, some be SHARP star-rated too.
Tried and tested by Saffron Wilson for four months and 4,400 miles
Price: £247.49
Before I tested this helmet, I’d never worn an open-face. But, since I was touring America in the middle of summer, I opted to give it a go. The lack of a chin bar meant I felt a little exposed, but this sensation quickly disappears when you’re on the ride. Plus, the J-O’s composite fibreglass shell is made from the same blend of fibres Shoei uses on its top-spec racing helmets and it features the same kind of multi-density EPS. I think it’s a classic and understated design, particularly its low-profile shell shape, as some other open-face helmets can give you a ‘lightbulb head’.
The clear visor with its three-levels of closure meant I didn’t have to invest in goggles and gives that extra bit of protection from the wind – as well as being vital in the rain! I also like that the J-O has a double-D ring chin strap. There’s no drop-down sun visor but the fit is comfy enough for me to be able to pop on a pair of sunnies. It is fabulous in warm weather and would be great for city riding too.
The clear visor with its three-levels of closure meant I didn’t have to invest in goggles and gives that extra bit of protection from the wind – as well as being vital in the rain! I also like that the J-O has a double-D ring chin strap. There’s no drop-down sun visor but the fit is comfy enough for me to be able to pop on a pair of sunnies. It is fabulous in warm weather and would be great for city riding too.
Pros
- Great for warm weather or city riding
Cons
- No integrated sun visor
| Construction | Multi-composite |
| Chinstrap type | Double-D |
| ECE Rating | 22.05 |
| Warranty | 5 year |
- Removable and washable interior
- Goggle belt
- CJ-3 visor with 3 lockable positions
Tried and tested by Simon Relph for three years and 2,500 miles
Price: £249.99
I bought the original back in 1983 and still have it today, even though the lining has begun to disintegrate, I just can’t bear to get rid of it. The modern-day Bell Moto 3 is almost an exact replica, with the exception of the long peak which is now opaque black, as opposed to the original which was a black tint allowing you to see through it. A comfortable, nothrills helmet with a double D-ring chinstrap, it has a good-size aperture for pretty much any make of goggles. The eight vents in the chin piece give plenty of ventilation and the fine mesh stops any foreign bodies. The liner is soft and comfortable, but the best bit is that it’s removable and washable – perfect when you have been sweating your cobs off riding off-road all day. A thing of beauty.
Pros
- Faithful replica but with modern updates
Cons
- There's very little not to like about this lid
| Construction | Composite fibreglass construction |
| Chin strap type | Double-D |
| Type | Full face Retro |
| Warranty | 5 years |
- Front chin vents with metal mesh intake
- EPS-lined chin bar
- Removable and washable liner
- Secure five snap visor
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for two months
Price: £279.99
Look at it. It’s so good-looking that I’d still wear it if it crushed my head. I’d probably still wear it if I couldn’t see where I was going or it was made of immaculately finished papier-mâché. Maybe that makes me a dandy, but I don’t care… just look at it! Luckily for me and my disgusting vanity, the Shoei suffers none of those shortcomings. In fact, despite its lightweight design and jet-style dropdown visor, the Ex-Zero scores an impressive 4-star SHARP rating. So I can waft around trendy bike meets and coffee shops to my heart’s content safe in the knowledge that I’m also well-protected.
Read Ben's full Shoei EX-Zero ‘Equation’ review
Read Ben's full Shoei EX-Zero ‘Equation’ review
Pros
- Looks great
Cons
- Expensive
| Composite | AIM Multi-Composite fibre layered shell |
| Chin strap type | Double-D |
| Type | Retro full face |
- EPS liner system with multiple densities
- E.Q.R.S (emergency quick release system) for easy helmet removal in case of accident
- Integrated CJ-3 visor, adjustable in 3 positions
- Removable and washable cheek pads and centre pad
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke for six months and 600 miles
Price: £299.99
If the looks are up your street and you’re looking for something to wear predominantly in spring through to autumn, the HJC V10 is a great option. It may not have the lustre and premium feel of more expensive helmets but for the asking price, it’s a really good quality option. I wouldn’t feel short changed if I spent my own money on one and when you add in the warranty and the fact the Pinlock is included, it seems an even sweeter deal. I do still have my reservations about using it in very hot weather and will report back later in the year on that front.
Read Ben's full HJC V10 review
Read Ben's full HJC V10 review
Pros
- Great looks
- Retro styling
- Intercom ready
- Good paint finish
Cons
- Visor change takes time
- Feels slightly budget
- Tight to put on and off
| Construction | Fibreglass shell construction |
| Type | Modern with a retro feel |
| Chinstrap type | Double-D |
| CE Rating | ECE 22.06 |
| Warrranty | 3 years |
- Emergency release cheek pads
- Detachable and washable interior
- Bluetooth compatible with Smart HJC (sold separately)
- Pinlock included
Gloves and Boots
Boots and gloves also need to be up to spec so again, look for CE ratings, with as many ‘2’ ratings as possible; 1 is a basic pass and 2 indicates a higher level of protection. You are likely to be looking at leather boots and gloves with a short cuff and a short ankle as this is the most common style for the retro and vintage look. Depending on whether you are an all year round rider or a fair weather rider will play a role in choosing between a summer glove or winter glove. This will also impact if you require a pair of waterproof boots or a summer boots.
We’ve put together a selection of our tried and tested retro boots and gloves below.
Tried and tested by Ben Clarke three months and 4,000 miles
Price: $100.00
Price: $100.00
Every once in a while, I test a product that immediately becomes my go-to option and that has certainly been the case with these Predator gloves from British firm Goldtop. So called because they feature a triangle pattern similar to the one used by the antagonist from the 1980s action films of the same name, the retro-styling is a perfect match for my long-term test bike this year.
The perforations mean my hands stay cool in hot conditions – even in 32-degree temperatures during a trip to Europe – and they’re just about warm enough for early morning rides before the sun has come out for the day. As Goldtop gloves were back in the day, these are silk-lined and this makes them extremely comfortable. Clever floating knuckle armour (top-spec Knox Microlock) allows some airflow to hard-to-reach areas, too.
The palm is unlined cowhide and gives excellent feel on the controls but there’s a second small patch of Knox armour on the ‘landing zone’. With five-strand cotton thread stitching and no-split fingers, these CE-certified gloves should do the job in a slide as-well-as posing at the local bike night. After 4000 miles, these fit my hand like a second skin and haven’t worn at all. They won’t be much good in winter, but for the rest of the year, they’re spot on.
The perforations mean my hands stay cool in hot conditions – even in 32-degree temperatures during a trip to Europe – and they’re just about warm enough for early morning rides before the sun has come out for the day. As Goldtop gloves were back in the day, these are silk-lined and this makes them extremely comfortable. Clever floating knuckle armour (top-spec Knox Microlock) allows some airflow to hard-to-reach areas, too.
The palm is unlined cowhide and gives excellent feel on the controls but there’s a second small patch of Knox armour on the ‘landing zone’. With five-strand cotton thread stitching and no-split fingers, these CE-certified gloves should do the job in a slide as-well-as posing at the local bike night. After 4000 miles, these fit my hand like a second skin and haven’t worn at all. They won’t be much good in winter, but for the rest of the year, they’re spot on.
Pros
- Well ventilated so great fro summer riding
- Silk lining makes them very comfortable
| Construction | 1.0 mm premium drum-dyed Aniline cowhide leather |
| Armour | Floating Knox Microlock knuckle armour, Knox Microlock lower palm and double reinforced palm sections |
| Type | Retro leather gloves |
| Ce Rating | CE Level 1 EN13594:2015 |
- Single hide palm and perforated rear styling and no split fingers
- Hybrid unlined palm with a 100% silk lined upper section
- Silk lined
- Ribbed velcro fastening finished with Goldtop motif rivet
- 5 strand cotton thread stitching throughout
Tried and tested by Stuart Prestidge for four months
Price: £34.99
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.
Pros
- Good protection for a summer glove
Cons
- Good price
| 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
These short gloves from Rebelhorn are available in black or black/brown and will complete any retro look and feel. They are also available in a unisex fit, featuring polyester micromesh lining, they are formed in goatskin leather with a double-layered palm for grip and abrasion resistance.
They feature integrated foam panels for additional protection, as well as impact resistant knuckle armour. The palms are double layered for durability and comfort and have touchscreen compatible fingertips.
They feature integrated foam panels for additional protection, as well as impact resistant knuckle armour. The palms are double layered for durability and comfort and have touchscreen compatible fingertips.
Pros
- Touchscreen compatible
| Construction | Goatskin leather with mesh lining |
| CE rating | Level 1 |
| Armour | Knuckles and soft finger armour |
| Gender | Uni-sex |
- Integrated foam panels for enhanced protection
- Hard impact-resistant knuckle armour
- Double-layered leather palms for added durability
- Touchscreen compatible index fingertips
- Strong lateral zip closure system
- Anatomically designed to help reduce rider fatigue
Tried and tested by Gareth Evans for five months and 3,000 miles
Price: £99.99
These boots arrived with a somewhat distressed look on the sole, and to be honest I've done nothing at all to help matters, because I've been wearing them in all sorts of conditions; including freezing temperatures, 40°C+ heat, and pouring rain. They've taken a real pasting, in fact, as my day-to-day riding footwear of choice.I wore them as a road boot to go alongside the more focused items I used for trackdays, so their number one requirement was comfort, and they're excellent in that respect. One of the features that helps most is the liner, which is a mix of polyester and Hipora, so it's breathable, soft and 100% waterproof.
It's a joy to push a foot into them, actually like hugging an old friend! And while l've definitely put them to a fragrance test over my time with them them, the cushioned sole has been up to the task, and I can confirm that even as I type this, they smell as fresh as they did from the factory, despite my best efforts. Furthermore, the laces are particularly strong with decent low-friction eyes, so they're easy to tighten comfortably. This gives them a premium feel, which goes a little way to justifying the one-ton price tag. The exterior leather is soft, but the carcass is supportive in all the right places, with additional high-impact protection for shin and ankle and extra armour for the toe for gear-changes. But the negative point is the fashion-first nature of the design, by which I mean they look and feel great, but aren't up to the highest levels of safety certification. They score the highest of two for transverse rigidity, but one for all other aspects.
It's a joy to push a foot into them, actually like hugging an old friend! And while l've definitely put them to a fragrance test over my time with them them, the cushioned sole has been up to the task, and I can confirm that even as I type this, they smell as fresh as they did from the factory, despite my best efforts. Furthermore, the laces are particularly strong with decent low-friction eyes, so they're easy to tighten comfortably. This gives them a premium feel, which goes a little way to justifying the one-ton price tag. The exterior leather is soft, but the carcass is supportive in all the right places, with additional high-impact protection for shin and ankle and extra armour for the toe for gear-changes. But the negative point is the fashion-first nature of the design, by which I mean they look and feel great, but aren't up to the highest levels of safety certification. They score the highest of two for transverse rigidity, but one for all other aspects.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not the best protectionNot the best protection
| Construction | Cowhide leather |
| Type | Urban/street |
| CE Rating | Level 1 for PPE - 1 1 1 2 |
- Soft ankle protection
- Rubber sole for enhanced grip
- Internal waterproof breathable liner
Tried and tested by Saffron Wilson for nine months and 3,777 miles
Price: £99.99
I’m not a big one for sporty bike boots, so these Forma boots ticked all my styling boxes. They’re very casual and perfect with riding jeans. I’ve ridden in these boots for nearly 4000 miles, and it was only recently that I noticed the odd bit of damp on my sock after getting caught in rainstorms. Otherwise, my feet were kept bone dry. I’ve topped it up with a waterproof spray and they work like a dream again. The zip closure is a nice design detail and makes them easy to get on and off which is a must-have for me. Overall, they are very comfortable. The soft polymer padding with memory foam works well on and off the bike and the boots are made with a special footbed which is designed solely for women. They also feature TPU ankle protection, TPU Dual Flex with anti-shock EVA midsole and are CE certified.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
| Construction | Full grain leather with Drytex waterproof lining |
| Armour | Ankle TPU moulded plastic protection |
| Style | Casual |
- Touring non-slip rubber sole
- Drytex waterproof and breathable lining
- Below calf fitting
- Zip closure
- TPU Dual Flex with anti-shock EVA midsole
- Anti-bacterial replaceable insole
- CE Certified quality
Tried and tested by Simon Brown for six months and 1,000 miles
Price: £69.99
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
Pros
- Sensible price
- Comfort
- Look good
Cons
- Scuffing on the gear change pad
| Armour | Ankle |
| Construction | Cowhide leather |
- Waterproof and breathable
- Leather overlay for gear shifter
- Non-slip sole
Price: £99.99 (was £139.99)
These waxed cotton panniers in khaki green give the perfect retro looking luggage solution. With a 40 litre capacity you can fit a fair few bits and bobs in them and with internal and external pockets you can keep them organised too. The waxed cotton has a wipe clean finish and is water resistant, making them quite practical.
Pros
- Good price
| Construction | Waxed cotton |
| Capacity | 40 litres (20 litres each) |
| Type | Panniers |
- 40 litre capacity (20 each bag)
- Water resistant top closure
- External and internal pockets for small items
- Wipe-clean, waxed cotton finish
- Front pocket for storing items
Luggage
In terms of luggage, panniers are probably the most retro style that you can go for but there are also tail bag and rucksack options available too. You may even find a retro tank bag. Which luggage you go for is probably going to depend on what you need is and which motorbike you have chosen. Below are a few options that caught our eye.
Tried and tested by Jim Blackstock
Price: £104.40
The rucksack forms part of a wider range of café-racer-style luggage from Givi. It features the brand’s trademark styling and quality and looks the part on any retro or modern bike. I found the bag to be completely waterproof in hours of rain and, worn as a rucksack, to be comfortable as well. It is less effective as a saddlebag or tailpack using the included straps which are orientated the wrong way and don’t seem to keep their tension. Like other forms of luggage, it may be more successful if secured by bungee cords or ROK straps, for example. Overall, a nice product that looks the part and does the job though it is not the cheapest on the market.
Read Jim's full Givi Corium review
Read Jim's full Givi Corium review
Pros
- Great retro looks
- Comfortable as a rucksack
- Completely waterproof in testing
Cons
- Supplied straps are ineffective at securing as a tailpack
| Construction | High-tenacity 1200D water-resistant coarse polyester |
| Capacity | 18 litres |
| Type | Rucksack / saddlebag |
- Retractable shoulder straps to allow use as a saddle bag
- Four straps for fastening to saddle
- Waterproof roll-top closure system
- Removable waterproof inner bag with IP X5 impermeability (resistant to heavy rain and extreme conditions)
Price: £72.89
The Shad SR18 tank bank is a cafe racer inspired luggage solution designed to be fitted to the tank of your motorcycle. With an eight litre capacity it fits to the tank with quick clips and is lockable to keep items safe. When empty it is designed to retain its shape so that the look is not spoil if you haven't packed it full of things. The zip is glove friendly for ease of use and inside you will find a mesh pocket to keep electronics easily accessible.
| Construction | 210D lining PU and 600D poly/PU construction |
| Type | Tank bag |
| Capacity | 8 litres |
- UV Resistant
- Rain cover included
- Padded handle for comfortable transport
- Inner mesh pocket for easy access to electronics
- Lockable and glove friendly zip
- Remove or place bag on bike in seconds with quick clips
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Retro rider kit on an Indian motorcycle
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