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BEST BEGINNER GEAR

REVZILLA’S TOP PICKS
Sedici Strada 3 Helmets - Shop Now
Scorpion EXO-R420 Helmet - Shop Now

Overview

It’s the non-negotiable bit of your new riding kit — even if your local laws don’t require one. There are no substitutes for a real-deal motorcycle helmet and our pick for the best beginner product checks all the boxes. You’re embarking on a new adventure and you’ve got the opportunity to pick up a piece of gear that works great, looks stylish, matches your ride and above all else, might save your life. Don’t worry about aerodynamics just yet; concentrate something that’ll keep the wind and bugs out of your face.

Sedici Strada 3

The Sedici Strada 3 is replacing the Strada 2 model, which, wouldn't you know it, earned our pick for best beginner motorcycle helmet last year. Four shell sizes and 6 EPS sizes ensure a compact and appropriate fit -- something many helmets at this price-point simply don't offer. An available photochromic shield, and an ECE 22.06 safety approval just add to the value of this top pick.

Scorpion EXO-R420 Helmet

A helmet is arguably the most important piece of gear you can wear to keep you protected on your bike. That's why, for our pick for the best beginner motorcycle helmet, we wanted something that offers proper protection without compromising on comfort at a price-point that's friendly to new riders getting acquainted with the sport. The Scorpion EXO-R420 checks all the boxes. DOT certified, extremely lightweight, and packed with features like an easily removable liner, robust ventilation system, and tool-less face shield removal, this lid will help inspire confidence in new riders without breaking the bank.

Best Beginner Motorcycle Jacket

Loaded with features you'll actually use

REV'IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket
Women's REV'IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket

Overview

Your daily attire ain’t gonna cut it. The best beginner motorcycle jackets offer a great introduction to the world of clothing designed with two wheels in mind. The breathable materials, cuts to improve fit in the saddle and armor inclusion are just for starters. Try one on today and you'll immediately feel the difference. After all, a winter coat is a really poor alternative to all the features packed into true moto-specific jackets.

REV'IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket

From fashionistas to full-throttle riders, everyone loves a good biker jacket. You’re just starting out, though, so get the best beginner motorcycle jacket with features aimed directly at you — yes, you. Our pick, available in cuts for both men and women, is the Rev’It! Eclipse 2 jacket. We’ve sung its praises before, but we’ll go over it again for those who haven’t heard. This functional and breathable item utilizes SeeSmart CE1-level armor, which replaces a bulky predecessor, and will work in all seasons except brutal winter cold while retailing for less than $200.


Best Beginner Motorcycle Jeans

Accept no substitutes to these moto-ready pants

Street & Steel Oakland Jeans - Shop Now
Street & Steel Moto Leggings - Shop Now

Overview

Want something that’s comfortable in the saddle and good-looking at the lunch spot? The best beginner motorcycle jeans do both, while keeping you plenty protected thanks to design elements you will never ever find on a department store rack. There’s simply no substitute for these types of jeans, which have been designed, tested and built by some of your favorite motorcycle brands.

Street & Steel Oakland Jeans

We love the simple, no-frills design of the Oakland Jeans from Street & Steel. Rugged, abrasion-resistant aramid construction, adjustable knee protection, and well--placed stretch panels offer a solid combination of protection and comfort. It's always refreshing to find a pair of riding jeans that looks at home while you're running errands or grabbing lunch, and a sub $150 price-point means new riders won't have to break the bank gearing up for their new favorite hobby.

Street & Steel Moto Leggings

The Street and Steel Moto Leggings are a great pick for any rider looking extra lower body protection while still maintaining a more casual style while off the bike. The clean, simple look does a good job disguising the aramid liner, removable CE2 knee armor, and optional hip armor as well. These leggings will probably run a little warm for most riders during the hottest months, but for the rest of the year, they'll be a comfortable and stylish option at a reasonable price.


Best Beginner Motorcycle Gloves

Get a grip on 2023’s best for riders like yourself

Sedici Lucca Gloves - Shop Now
Women's Reax Superfly Mesh Gloves

Overview

We know that those just starting out don’t want to invest in multiple pairs of gloves, so the best beginner options will keep you covered through numerous seasons and weather changes. Moreover, they’ll save your skin in a spill and keep your paws protected from sudden and severe threats. Deflecting dangers at speed is a big deal and that’s where forward-facing knuckle protection comes in. You're not gardening, catching a football or shoveling snow — buy the real deal.

Sedici Lucca Gloves

"The Sedici Lucca gloves earned out pick for best beginner motorcycle gloves with their versatility and style. Perforated leather remains breathable in warmer months, while features like double layer, gel padded palm, and an armored knuckle cap with memory foam padding provides excellent protection without sacrificing comfort.

REAX Superfly Mesh gloves

As the female counterpart to the men’s Superfly gloves, these deliver all the same desirable design features. Additional elements you’ll love include a moisture-wicking liner, the short-cuff design and multi-season usability in a pair of gloves that are competitively priced.


Best Beginner Motorcycle Shoes

Where casual looks meet motorcycle-centric design features

Alpinestars Faster 3 Rideknit Shoes
Alpinestars Stella Faster 3 Rideknit Shoes

Overview

Burly biker boots aren’t for everyone. For something safe, slim and sleek even off the bike, it’s got to be the best beginner motorcycle riding shoes. Plenty of leading brands have something to offer in this space, which means you’ve got a lot of simply cool riding shoes to pick from. From the very first ride, you’ll know this footwear style works well while incorporating all the features found in full-on boots.

Alpinestars Faster 3 Rideknit Shoes

Big and bulky isn’t for everyone. The best beginner motorcycle riding shoes are the alternative for those who want to look fast, stay safe and shop smart. For men, our money’s on the Alpinestars Faster 3 Rideknit shoes. You can still score the casual style while enjoying moto-centric design features like breathability, sweat-wicking liners, ankle protection and durable material on the shifter area.

Alpinestars Stella Faster 3 Rideknit Shoes

The Stella version from Alpinestars has been made specifically with women in mind, which delivers on style, performance and flexibility. Rideknit, proprietary to Alpinestars, is airflow-inhibiting seamless thermo-welded mesh fiber so, like we said, you’re getting cooling airflow plus abrasion-resistance.


Best Beginner Motorcycle Boots

Race-bred design in a functional set of footwear

Alpinestars SMX-6 v2 Boots
Alpinstars Stella SMX 6 Boots

Overview

Walk tall with the best beginner motorcycle boots. Your feet hang a few inches above the road when riding and that puts some very fast-moving threats on the radar. With these boots as your entry-level option, you’ve taken the first step (pun intended) toward protecting your feet, ankles and shins. Thank all the moto-focused and purposely placed bracing and reinforcement you’d never find in a pair of work boots.

Alpinestars SMX-6 v2 Boots

It’s not just throttle-twistin’ that gets you going. Foot input is critical in motorcycle control so get the best beginner motorcycle boots and cruise with confidence. For our money, it’s Alpinestarts SMX-6 v2 boots for the win. This full-height footwear offers a better fit over the previous iteration while still being loaded with ankle, heel and toe protection.

Alpinestars Stella SMX-6 v2 Boots

The Stella proudly sports its race-bred street style. Pick up this pair of footwear and you’ll enjoy all the aforementioned perks of the SMX-6 v2, including levels of venting and waterproofing to pick from depending on your needs. These are boots that prioritize protection and that’s exactly what some riders want.



Frequently Asked Questions

How much does beginner motorcycle gear cost?

We hear this question all the time. Nobody wants to overspend or buy for features they’ll never utilize. We think this year's guide gives good examples of what the going rate for entry-level apparel is. A helmet around $300 and a jacket around $200 are great baseline prices to gauge the rest of your gear options off of. As the old saying goes, if you have a $5 head, buy a $5 helmet. We both know that’s not your case so spend on something decent and you’ll enjoy the ride all the more.

What safety gear do I need? Which is most important?

All the best beginner motorcycle gear in the world isn’t going to help if you leave it at home. There are no extravagancies on this list; the head-to-toe protection you’ll find amongst our nominations all serve specific and vital purposes. Full body coverage is why we recommend each item of apparel on this list. It’s not just about safety in a spill, either. Defending yourself from wind and weather for warmth is a huge part of riding at speed.

What not to wear when riding a motorcycle?

We could write a book on this one. Where should we start? Flip flops, shorts, bicycle helmets and t-shirts are just some of the items that come to mind when it comes to what not to wear on a motorcycle. The solution is an obvious one: invest in our nominations above and you’ll stay warm, safe and stylish on every ride. Overall comfort is a big factor, too, allowing you to concentrate on the road ahead and not fiddle with some ill-fitting item of clothing.

Mips, TPU, thermo-welded mesh… huh?

This isn’t just marketing mumbo-jumbo. Real-deal motorcycle gear for beginners is loaded with features you won’t find at the local department store. Be it the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System that factors for head rotation in a crash, thermoplastic polyurethane plastic that’ll greatly increase product lifespan or other proprietary designs that only moto brands can offer, all we’re saying is don’t skimp on the good stuff.

Anything else I should know?

After checking out our various sizing guides to ensure fitment, there’s only one more thing — have fun! Motorcycling can provide a lifetime of personal growth and unforgettable experiences with friends, family and complete strangers. We want you to do it right and the best beginner motorcycle gear will help you enjoy these early rides so much more.


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SHOP ALL OF THE BEST BEGINNER GEAR
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