Gear that stands the test of time: Motorcycle apparel

We know a juggernaut when we see one at RevZilla. Every once in a while, we get our hands on something that becomes more than just another competitor in a category. Instead, it comes to define the space. The best of them remain the gold standard for years and years, evolutionary alligators in their own right.

We’ve rounded up the motorcycle gear that truly stands the test of time. These products have gone undefeated and (mostly) unchanged because they do their jobs so well. We'd go so far to say that you can't go wrong with them, so long as they fit well and meet your particular usage needs and your style. Customers come back to these products because they are gear that's been proven by many miles in the saddle.

Helmets

Shoei RF-1200

The Shoei RF-1200 is widely regarded as the gold standard in street helmets, a prestigious status it's enjoyed for years. In fact, Shoei’s RF line of helmets goes back decades, and the current RF-1200 model is the culmination of all that development. (Read Spurgeon’s excellent “Shoei vs. Arai” article for more on Shoei’s history).

So what makes the RF-1200 so great? Why hasn’t Shoei changed anything about it in such a long time? Simply put, the RF-1200 was a phenomenal value when it came out, and very few competitors have come close to nailing the balance Shoei achieved at that time. Yes, there are lighter helmets, quieter helmets, and options with more tech packed into them. Shoei dominates because the RF-1200 is so versatile. In neutral colors, it’s one of the few helmets that looks at home on any street motorcycle.

The intermediate oval headshape fits much of the Western market, and the RF is priced right in the sweet spot between budget lids and exotic racing equipment. Shoei’s excellent attention to detail and construction means that RF-1200s routinely last for their intended lifespans without an issue. It’s very common for owners to simply buy the same helmet again. The only things Shoei really updates are the safety ratings (SNELL is revised every five years) and the paint options.

In economics, lots of time is spent determining the point of diminishing returns for a decision. Diminishing returns occur when the amount you gain from additional spending starts to drop off. When it’s time to decide on a helmet, the Shoei RF-1200 is often the helmet sitting right at the top of that curve before the decline. You could pay more, but odds are, the Shoei RF-1200 is all the helmet you’ll ever need.

Bell Custom 500

Ask the average non-rider to imagine a motorcycle helmet, and they’ll probably think of A) something like an RF-1200, or B) something like a Custom 500. Bell’s founder, Roy Richter, designed the Bell 500 in 1954, and the basic design spread to include many models and sports from there. Many imitators followed Bell’s lead. The classic “bubble helmet” has never really gone out of style, and Bell still produces a modernized version today. The current Bell Custom 500’s profile is essentially the same thing riders had in days of yore, and with all the changes under the surface to improve comfort and safety, Richter would probably be astounded to see how far helmet construction and materials have come… and to see all the 500s on the road in the 21st century!

The Bell Custom 500 stands the test of time because it’s truly timeless. The Museum of Modern Art even has a 500-TX in their collection. Yes, helmet technology has come a long way since 1954, but for some, there’s no substitute for the classics.

Biltwell Bonanza/Gringo ECE/Gringo S ECE

Biltwell’s Bonanza, Gringo ECE, and Gringo S ECE helmets are spiritual descendants of the Bell 500 style. Biltwell is a much younger company than Bell, but their main helmet offerings draw inspiration from the bubble helmet era. They offer three-quarter and full face helmets.

The most significant update to their lineup came in 2019, when Biltwell moved to ECE and DOT certification, instead of just DOT. The helmets look the same as they ever did… and that’s a good thing! Riders on classics, cruisers, customs, modern retros, choppers, and other old-school bikes keep coming back to Biltwell.

One of Biltwell’s strengths is their paint. High-quality colors and throwback designs give their lids an unmistakable retro vibe. And if the paint isn’t enough, Biltwell’s other trademark strength is their comfortable hand-sewn interiors. Pricing seals the deal. Their most expensive Gringo S is $250, with regular Gringos and Bonanzas selling for quite a bit less.

Jackets

Schott Perfecto Jacket (or anything Schott)

If this article could only be about one piece of motorcycle gear, it’d have to be the Schott Perfecto jacket. It’s arguably the most widely celebrated article of riding gear ever made. The jacket’s first iteration appeared in 1913. Not much has changed in over a century! They’re even made on the same machines the Schott brothers used all those years ago.

The Perfecto certainly stands the test of time aesthetically. As anyone who’s owned one will tell you, its durability will stand the test of time, too. Premium cowhide or horsehide construction (your choice) means that Perfecto jackets can be heirloom pieces if properly treated. Many have tried to copy the design, but as the saying goes, none have bettered it. The unmistakable black leather, diagonal zipper, button-down collar, and front pocket are just as prized today as when the jacket debuted.

What many riders don’t know is that Schott has many offerings besides the Perfecto, all made to the same incredible quality. There are variations of the Perfecto (different cuts and materials), cafe racer-styled jackets, and some less flashy options.

Klim Induction Jacket

The hardcore rider is especially particular about jacket choice. So why does one offering that debuted years ago sell so well? The Klim Induction stands the test of time because it's a bulletproof street offering. Its long lifespan means it's well proven and riders know it will hold up. It’s one of Klim’s knockout success stories.

The secret is Klim's Karbonite nylon mesh, backed up with Rhino-Stitch construction technology. These jackets just don't come apart like lesser mesh that might be tattered after a few seasons. We'd certainly rank this jacket among the toughest mesh offerings out there.

Styling is one more advantage to the Induction. Technical gear should put function ahead of form, and to the Induction’s credit, it certainly manages to be a tenacious protective garment first, and a fairly standard-looking street jacket, too. If you don't want to buy a new mesh jacket every couple years, get an Induction and go ride!

Speed & Strength Off the Chain 2.0 Jacket

The Speed & Strength Off the Chain 2.0 jacket came out over half a decade ago at this point, and the first iteration came out nearly 10 years back! Why do riders keep choosing it over all the other options out there in the casual hoodie-jacket category?

Easy. The Off the Chain 2.0 fits a massive range of riders. If you’d wear a plain textile jacket on your bike, maybe with a hoodie under it when temps drop, this jacket would work for you. Even better, the casual styling hides removable Vault CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows. A CE1 back protector is even included. If you’re new to motorcycle jackets, most don’t include the back protector. It’s nice that the Off The Chain 2.0 doesn’t require separate armor purchases.

Finally, there are a few nice touches that make the Off the Chain 2.0 a joy to wear on a bike. Belt loops keep the jacket from riding up or exposing your lower back in a slide. Gussets allow a broad range of movement. And reflective details let other folks on the road know you’re there without donning a reflective vest. At under $200, it’s hard to go wrong here.

Pants

Dainese New Drake Air Pants

Spurgeon’s coming up on his eighth year at RevZilla, and in that time, the Dainese New Drake Air pants haven’t changed a stitch. They haven’t declined in popularity, either.

Mesh pants are one of the best choices for warm-weather street riding. The New Drake Air pants are a perfect example of mesh’s appeal. They’re light and breathable with reinforcement in the zones that count. Open the “flip-up” vents and let the air in. One of the New Drake Air’s best features is its elastication, which allows for easy movement on the bike. These pants are especially well loved by the sport and sport-touring communities for this reason. Female riders will want to check out the women's-specific version for improved fit.

With Dainese’s popular range of street jackets, the New Drake Air pants can zip to gear you might already own. Zip connections are a smart feature for street pants, since it’s imperative that the rider’s lower back stays covered. 

Klim K Fifty 1 Jeans (& K Fifty 2 Jeans) 

The Klim K Fifty 1 jeans became a rider favorite as soon as they hit the scene, and they’ve been partying hard ever since. Motorcycle jeans are a relatively recent development in the moto gear world, and the K Fifty 1 jeans were among the first offerings to come from the major players. Klim’s reputation for build quality and durability extended to their new moto jeans, and the styling was probably the key to the K Fifty 1’s success. They look just like a normal pair of straight-cut jeans. That’s what many riders want! Klim covered all their bases with the slimmer K Fifty 2 jeans, which are identical aside from cut. 

The K Fifty series borrows normal, everyday jeans style and backs it up with serious moto-specific protection, and that’s all they really need to do!

An honorable mention goes out to Scorpion’s Covert family of jeans. Like the Klim jeans, they’re incredibly popular. Scorpion uses a more conventional construction to add the abrasion resistance, and they correspondingly cost less than the Klims.

Boots

SIDI Crossfire Boots 

A longtime favorite of dirt riders, the SIDI Crossfire boots easily stand the test of time. They can be rebuilt! SIDI can supply hard bits or new soles for the serious dirt shredders out there, so these boots outlast the competition. While SIDI has released a few iterations of the Crossfires, the fundamental formula is the same. These are premium, precise, hard-wearing boots for the seasoned rider. SIDI’s articulation is worth the price of admission alone.

TCX Street Ace Shoes

TCX’s Street Ace line hasn’t changed much at all in half a decade. We’ve seen quite a few variants, sure, but they’re all classic street shoes with moto alter-egos.

A riding sneaker needs to be protective enough to ride with, yet comfortable enough for walking around. The TCX Street Aces are the perennial favorite because they do exactly that without gimmicks or unnecessary compromises. The familiar yet unbranded styling is 007-stealthy.

The materials are top notch, and they offer as much protection as we’ve seen from a riding shoe. They’ll also last for plenty of miles. Lesser shoes will quickly show wear on the left toe cap and along the sole’s peg contact area, but we know to expect much longer life from the Street Aces. 

Alpinestars Tech 7 Boots/Tech 10 Boots

In the world of motorcycle gear, there are a few examples of products that dominate a space. The Alpinestars Tech boots are one of those rare cases, particularly the Tech 7s and Tech 10s.

Take a look at the boots at your local MX track, enduro event, or hare scramble. The Tech boots will be a popular choice. With only minor updates, Alpinestars has remained a crowd favorite for dirt boots. The Tech 7 and 10 boots last a long time, they provide great articulation, and they’ve been trusted by thousands of riders across a wide range of disciplines.

Like many products in this list, price is also a huge factor in the Tech boots’ success. The Tech 7s are huge value for the money, and the Tech 10s deliver the best of today’s dirt boot technology. There are Tech 1s, Tech 3s, and Tech 5s for riders who are willing to sacrifice some of that articulation in a more affordable boot. Few boot lines are so universally recommended.

Gloves

ICON Pursuit Gloves

ICON jumped to the forefront of the short cuff glove world back when they introduced the now-legendary Pursuit gloves. These goatskin beauties are known for their great fit and excellent feel. A hard knuckle offers protection without getting too fancy, which kept the Pursuits at a very competitive price. The Pursuit’s ability to last more than a season of riding put it ahead of its rivals, too. Spring for the perforated version to avoid clammy palms in balmy climes.

In recent years, ICON changed things up with the synthetic leather Pursuit CE gloves. The Pursuits are still around, however, as the Pursuit Classics, and we're thinking they'll stick around for a long time.

Held Air N Dry Gloves

The waterproof-and-breathable Held Air N Dry gloves are some of the oldest products on this list. How hasn’t their technology been surpassed? Why isn’t there a better way of locking water out while allowing cool air to enter?

Held just nailed it with the Air N Dry, and no manufacturer has come close to matching their popularity. The Air N Dry gloves use a system of chambers and Gore-Tex membranes to achieve the seemingly impossible. Your hands are cooled by air without water leaking in, too. The Air N Dry gloves are proven, overbuilt, and especially loved by long-haul tourers. Held would probably update their design… if someone gave them a reason to do so.

That’s a wrap for our list of apparel that's so dialed that no changes are needed. Nobody wants gear that will fall apart or look outdated after a short time, and if past experience is anything to go by, this is the closest thing you'll find to a "safe list" for motorcycle gear. Don't miss our upcoming look at parts and accessories that can also go the distance.