The Best Looking Motorcycle Gear Guide
You've just bought the latest modern-retro motorcycle, but obviously it doesn't quite work without the gear to match. You want to mimic the look that riders from the middle of the 20th century had - but you also don't want gear that'll rip to shreds on contact with the road. Luckily, modern manufacturers, especially recently, have started creating all manner of gear that looks like it was made 60 years ago, but has most of the technology and design you'd find in a modern race or touring suit - so you don't have to compromise on looks and protection, but you may have to compromise a little on price.
First up, we'll start with the most quintessential of motorcycle cool; the jacket. Leather jackets are ten-a-penny, but for actual protection the high street garments are no good, even when made from proper leather. You've got a large range of manufacturers to choose from to select a timeless leather riding jacket from - however my choice is from Halvarssons. The Eagle jacket is my favourite, and it's a little different in that it's made from goatskin. This means it's incredibly supple but retains the same abrasion resistance as cow hide, as well as keeping that distinct look. It comes supplied with shoulder and elbow armour, with the option for back armour. It also includes Hi-ART abrasion resistant fibres which increases the leather's abrasion resistance by 200%.
Onto trousers - a few years ago you'd be stuck with unattractive textiles or leather jeans for decent protection, with denim looking good but providing very little protection. Nowadays there are aramid fibre, and kevlar, jeans to provide the look with performance to back it up. My choice would be the Dainese Todi jeans for their combination of style, performance and price. They include kevlar reinforcement at all key impact areas, as well as knee armour.
Boots are also a staple of the classic biker look, and it used to be just any old heavy leather boot. Now you can get boots that look the part but include armour and waterproofing. My choice would be the TCX Hero boot, which combines a high ankle with armour and waterproofing, as well as a convenient zip to reduce the need to undo the laces. TCX, and several other manufacturers, have started creating a large range of these casual style boots in recent years and they strike an ideal balance between protection, usability and style, so you can walk around comfortably and protect your ankles and feet in an off.
Onto gloves, and the story is much the same as with jackets. The overall old-school look can still be found, just with modern upgrades. My gloves of choice would be the Dainese Corbin D-Dry - they pack in strong knuckle armour, a fleece lining and a D-Dry waterproof membrane, but are very subtle looking to blend in with the classic look.
Finally, you need to choose a helmet, and this can be a little contentious. Open face helmets were the original look and design, however you are compromising on safety somewhat here, as well as the fact that the UK isn't best suited to them in terms of weather. Both Shoei and Arai produce open face helmets and will provide the best protection you can get with this design, however a majority of manufacturers produce open face helmets. I would choose the Shoei J.O. helmet - it combines Shoei's superb impact protection, and a very useful retractable visor for pesky insects on summer days, or, more likely, raindrops on those same summer days!
If you want to maintain the best protection however, you have no option but to go for a full face helmet. With a subtle colour scheme it shouldn't matter too much though.
Here at Bike Stop we're happy to talk through what gear is going to be right for you, to ensure you make the right decision. Bike Stop has a large range of motorcycle gear, both online and in the shop in Stevenage. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date on events happening at Bike Stop throughout the year, drop by to have a chat, have a delicious Lavazza coffee and a cake or simply gawp at motorcycle gear.
