Whether you ride a street bike, cruiser or adventure bike you need gear to keep your wheels spinning. From the basics to extra necessities the staggering amount of options to choose from might feel a bit overwhelming. From one rider to the next, we'd like to help make this daunting task easier with our Motorcycle Gear Guide. First, lets run down what you need to ride safely before tackling some of the other gear that helps round out the riding experience.

Consider the following as mandatory riding gear:

Head to toe right there. Flip-flops, shorts and t-shirt don't cut it so don't wear it. Dress for the crash but also for the elements which you will encounter the moment you twist the throttle. Protect your head. This cannot be emphasized enough. Yes some states do not enforce a helmet law but we suggest enforcing your own helmet law. Find a helmet that fits your style and comfort level. So, let's run down the basics and give you the information to make an informed purchase on the gear you need.

Full Face Helmets

Full face helmets offer optimum coverage including a fixed visor. These helmets usually bring the latest in safety technology and design with some of the best protection money can buy.

Modular Helmets

Modular helmets have a somewhat new presence on the motorcycle scene providing full face protection with an option for riding open face. The chin bar flips up allowing you to leave your helmet on during a quick stop. This feature gives the rider the ability to grab a drink or talk to a co-pilot.

ADV Dual Sport Helmets

Adventure or Dual Sport helmets incorporate a dirt bike design into a street helmet with a street style face shield and visor along with dirt style chin guard and chin vent.

Open Face Helmets

Open face helmets eliminate the visor on the full face helmet which allows for more air. For anyone who fins the full face a bit uncomfortable or claustrophobic the open face offers a solid choice. However, wearing some type of eye wear or protection not only reduces the fatigue from the wind but also protects from rocks or other shrapnel kicked up from the road. Some models include a face shield while others offer a snap-on shield.

Half Shell Helmets

A style all their own half shell helmets bring you in compliance with state law, provide DOT approved protection while feeling more like a feather on your head. Some allow for the installation of shields to protect your face and eyes from the elements.

You might find non-riders wearing motorcycle jackets but you ride now so you get the best of both worlds style and protection. Depending on your riding area and expected weather you might want to invest in more than one style of jacket which includes the following:

Gore-Tex Jackets

Gore-Tex offers unmatched waterproofing. It will keep you dry but you wont ride inside a sauna either as the fabric provides ample breathability. However, keep in mind the more waterproof a jacket the less breathability so while Gore-Tex breaths it wont breath as much as other options that offer far less waterproofing and in the long run generally not a good choice for warm weather riding.

Leather Jackets

Always a solid option for year-round protection. You can apply water-proofing to your jacket if you ride in wetter areas but dont expect to remain dry during a downpour. A drizzle yes but for a rainy day grab something else.

Mesh and Textile Jackets

Mesh and textile offer great protection in the summer since it fully and completely breathes. You will find a combination of mesh, textile and other fabric including leather when shopping, each with pros and cons including better rain protection vs. ample venting for warmer days. Told you might want to invest in two jackets!

Never mind the road rash if you take a spill without pants, try riding while little pebble projectiles pepper your lower extremities. Several styles of riding pants exist and all come with their share of venting, flexibility and ability to add armor:

Leather Pants

Don't worry, leather riding pants do not stick to you like shrink wrap instead leather offers excellent protection from the elements and you will find they fit well even when including armor. Venting keeps you cool on warmer rides but leather works especially well in cold weather.

Riding Jeans

Riding jeans work two-fold: As riding gear and as everyday wear. No need to strip down at work or walk around the store in full gear with riding jeans. Strong denim provides protection and comfort while offering optional add-ins for armor. Cotton keeps you cool in the summer and warm on winter rides.

Textile Pants

Think of textile pants as the cargo shorts of riding. Lots of zippered pockets, extremely breathable and completely comfortable. Ideal for warm weather riding, textile pants let the most amount of highway wind pass through your body keeping you cool and dry on hot summer trips.

Tennis shoes, sandals and work shoes all have no place when it comes to riding motorcycles. You need strength, reinforcements and solid protection that cover at least your lower ankles. Riding boots come in a number of styles and all we can do is point you in the right direction. We have boots you can quickly slip into, go for a ride and then easily walk around on while others offer total and complete protection almost to your knees that take a minute to strap on and require a set of walk-arounds once you get to your destination.

Once you get some miles under your feet and you get comfortable riding in traffic and long distance getaways, you might want to consider adding to your gear repertoire for added safety and conveniences. Experience should also help dictate this purchase since you might wish for extras while carving up curves.

Luggage and Backpacks

Motorcycles have very limited extra space so a sleek backpack or any variety of luggage that strap easily and out of the way on a motorcycle or cruiser turns your ride into a means of transportation rather than a short trip here and there. Our most popular luggage accessories include saddlebags, backpacks, tail bags and sissy bar bags and tank bags. Go small with a tank or tail bag that carries the necessities and for those overnight, long haul trips attach saddlebags to your bike for lots of extra space. Backpacks fit snug and stay out of your way. Check out some of the styles below:

Added Protection

Also called armor you can wear, or slip inside your favorite jacket and pants, protective gear to support you in the event of a crash. While racers generally stock up, commuters and cruisers also find peace of mind wearing extra protection which includes reinforcements for:

Additionally, reflective vests worn on the outside of your regular riding gear alerts other motorists to your presence at night. These light, relatively inexpensive vests offer another layer of safety when it comes to the distracted driver who doesn't see you.

Communication

Talk on the phone, listen to your radio or communicate with fellow riders in your group or locate a missing pack member with hands-free, blue-tooth enabled communication devices.