Punching above their weight: Best lightweight motorcycle textiles

Lightweight motorbike kit can be a versatile option for new riders and seasoned veterans alike. With plenty to choose from, you could opt for the do-it-all textile jacket or trousers, or perhaps something which is suitable simply for those warmer days.

Not only can you wear a lightweight piece of clothing while out and about on your bike, but you can also have the best of both worlds, with safety at the forefront of manufacturers’ minds.

The best part about lightweight motorbike kit is you can go near-enough full perforated for maximum ventilation and pop in a thermal lining when things get a bit chilly – without having to lug two jackets or trousers about with you.

Related: Best mesh motorcycle jackets

With every rider in mind, we’ve hand-picked our choice of lightweight motorbike kit to suit every need and budget.

Textile trousers made for all seasons, the Texpeed are made from 600D Korean Cordura making them abrasion-resistant. For a lightweight, comfortable, waterproof pair of affordable textile trousers, the Texpeeds are your bag.

  • CE knee armour and hip padding included
  • Velcro straps over ankle zips
  • YKK zips – on ankle and attachment zip to allow to connect to Texpeed jackets
  • Two cargo side pockets and two zipped top pockets
  • Breathable Reissa waterproof and removeable lining
  • 3m reflective piping running along the top

Made from 600D polycordura, the Richa Airvent Evo is a versatile pair of trousers, which has a breathable mesh lining and a Reissa waterproof membrane. You can remove this inner lining and membrane when the weather's hot.

  • CE-approved D3O knee protection and CE-approved EVA Foam hip protection
  • CE rating A
  • Soft mesh interior
  • Zip to attach jacket
  • Reflective detailing
  • Full mesh ventilation panels
  • Hook and loop waist adjustment

Another versatile pair but one that is highly recommended when touring in the heat, is the Dainese D-Explorer 2 Gore-Tex trousers. With adventurers in mind, these are suitable for all weather conditions thanks to the water-repellent material and removable thermal lining, with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane. There are also flaps on the sides for added ventilation.

  • Quick-dry, Duratex fabric
  • TRIXIOR D-TEC engineered fabric in impact areas
  • Removable, composite protection on knees – CE-certified to Level-2
  • Knee protection can be adjusted
  • Two outer pockets
  • Adjustable waist
  • Zip and adjustable Velcro on the legs

Boasting a good fit from reviewers, these lightweight textile trousers from Alpinestars are durable, thanks to the multi-material blend. They also feature a pre-curved leg and an articulated knee design for comfort. While not as pricey as the D-Explorer 2, the AST-1 V2 will give you plenty of bang for your buck.

  • CE rated A
  • CE Level-1 Alpinestars Nucleon Flex Plus knee armour
  • Pockets for optional hip protectors
  • Thigh ventilation flaps
  • Twin waist hand pockets
  • Reflective detailing
  • Hook and loop waist and ankle hem adjustment straps
  • YKK zips used

Go a size or two up and these Weise Core bottoms are apparently, super comfortable. Made from 600D polyester, with a waterproof, removable thermal lining they're light enough for all weather conditions. They also have the added safety of CE-approved knee armour.

  • Removable 120g thermal quilted lining
  • Adjustable waist with hook-and-loop belt fastening
  • Stretch panels at the knees for added movement
  • Reflective detailing
  • Zip attachment to opt for connecting to Weise jackets or braces

When it comes to reliability, style and affordable prices, Oxford is one of our go-to brands. The brand's Montreal 3.0 textile jacket receives rave reviews as a 'great piece of kit' which is comfortable with a nice fit. It's a solid jacket, packed with features, that will keep you warm when needed and cool when it's hot.

  • CE Level-1 elbow and shoulder armour
  • Waterproof drop liner with Rainseal technology
  • Pocket for optional back protector (sold separately)
  • Amara on the cuffs for added comfort
  • Multi-adjustable collar with neoprene edging
  • Airflow vents on front and back
  • Two large box pockets at the front with hand-warmer pockets
  • Rear box pocket

Using Drystar waterproof technology, exclusive to A-Stars, this jacket is great lightweight motorbike kit for on or off-road riding. This jacket is lightweight with good insulation, that offers protection in cold conditions without seeming bulky. With adventure in mind, the Andes V3 Drystar features polymer-printed panels on elbows and forearms and has pockets for optional chest and back protectors. This jacket is also compatible with the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag system.

  • CE A-rated
  • Waterproof Drystar breathable membrane
  • Abrasion-resistant polyfabric textile construction and reinforcement
  • Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag system compatible (sold separately)
  • Removable long-sleeve thermal lining
  • Removable elbow and shoulder protectors included
  • Front waterproof cargo pockets
  • Large internal pocket on lower back
  • Waterproof interior ‘wallet’ pocket
  • Hook and loop waist adjustment
  • 3D mesh internal lining
Price: $345.00

With Richa's Air Vent System (AVS), the Infinity 2 lightweight motorbike kit will take you from hot to cold weather with ultimate protection. It will also keep you dry in wetter conditions, yet allow your body to breathe.

  • 600D Cordura fabric with abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric at the impact zones
  • Detachable waterproof 8mm Aquashell LTD membrane
  • Polyester mesh lining
  • Detachable thermal lining with 3D mesh back panel
  • CE-certified D3O shoulders, elbows and back protection
  • Optional chest protection (sold separately)
  • 3M reflective details
  • Back storage pocket
  • Short connection zipper

Adding a sportier textile jacket to our list is the RST Blade Sport 2. It's a waterproof jacket, which is great value with protection at the back, shoulders and elbows. It has a removable thermal, quilted internal lining and a fixed waterproof and breathable SinAqua membrane.

  • CE Level-2 shoulder, elbow and back protectors
  • External Nylon PU coated shoulder armour
  • Adjustable waist and sleeves
  • Two inner pockets
  • Stretch panels for added flexibility
  • Large front zip pocket and Velcro fastening

The Airwave 3 from REV'IT! Is a great summer jacket that's comfortable, with shoulder and elbow protection. It's got large mesh sections to allow airflow, so not the one to choose for colder days. It has the option to add a back protector.

  • Seesoft CE-approved Level-1 protection at shoulders and elbows (included)
  • Made from 600D polyester
  • PWR mesh front, back and arm airflow panels
  • Abrasion-resistant ripstop chest flex reinforcement panels
  • Two internal and two external pockets
  • Hook and loop waist and cuff fastenings

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Maria Martin

By Maria Martin

Former MCN Online Editor