Equip: Top 12 Motorcycle Essentials

May 17, 2024

A motorcyclist on the open road

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Riding isn’t just about your bike — it’s an entire experience. Your journey starts with motorcycle essentials like helmets and jackets. What other must-haves do you need for your motorcycle adventures? Here’s your guide to the gear you need for the open road.

1. Five RFX WP

1. Five RFX WP

Before you crank up the bike, you need essential motorcycle gear to stay safe. Start with RFX waterproof gloves from Five Gloves. These hand protectors wield leather while maintaining a breathable membrane to help you remain comfortable. The cuffs make you feel like a genuine RFX driver because of its superb construction.

Get it from Five

2. Tucano Urbano Network 3G Jacket

2. Tucano Urbano Network 3G Jacket

A sturdy jacket is one of the motorcycle essentials when going on a road trip. Bike jackets should give you comfort and safety, and you can find these qualities in the Tucano Urbano Network 3G Jacket.

This garment sets the standard with a light mesh lining and polyester Oxford inserts. Oxford cloth is great for bikers because it lasts in harsh weather and is made from cotton. The Tucano Urbano jacket also gives you shoulder and elbow armor for protection, and multiple pockets for storing your belongings.

Get it from Tucano Urbano

3. ILM Motorcycle Balaclava Face Mask

3. ILM Motorcycle Balaclava Face Mask

Weather can be a driving factor in riding comfort and whether you take your motorcycle out. Don’t let the cold weather and chilly winds stop you from getting where you need to go. This ILM face mask is one of the best motorcycle accessories because it protects your face and ears from wind, precipitation and UV rays. Plus, you can keep the mask on to go skiing.

Get it from ILM

4. TCX Blend 2 Waterproof Boots

4. TCX Blend 2 Waterproof Boots

Waterproof boots are another weather-related essential when looking for motorcycle gear. These riding shoes should protect your feet from the elements and keep them dry. The TCX Blend 2 gets the job done by combining comfort, breathability and protection. Its soles have gripping pegs to ensure you peak traction even when the ground is slippery. You also get comfort foam insoles to make your rides smoother.

Get it from TCX

5. AGV K6 S DOT Helmet

5. AGV K6 S DOT Helmet

Helmets are motorcycle must-haves because they’re mandatory in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Your headgear choice is essential because you must always protect your skull. The AGV K6 S DOT Helmet is excellent for beginners and seasoned veterans because of its carbon and aramid fiber shell. This product goes the extra mile by optimizing aerodynamics and limiting buffeting on your rides.

Get it from AGV

6. Iron Workers Rider Cargo Pants

6. Iron Workers Rider Cargo Pants

When you ride a motorcycle, stylish cuffed chinos or golf pants aren’t the best choices. You need durable pants to protect your limbs from exhaust pipes and the elements. These cargo pants from Iron Workers safeguard you with protective armor and heavy-duty textiles. The pants also give you hand warmer pockets, reinforced belt loops and removable knee armor.

Get it from Revzilla

7. Nucleon Flex Pro Protection Vest

7. Nucleon Flex Pro Protection Vest

Motorcycle essentials for safety should also include a vest for your torso, especially if your area is too hot to wear a jacket. While lightweight and breathable, the Nucleon Flex Pro Protection Vest has excellent protection through its Nucleon Cell. You get an ergonomic design in the outer shell to protect your back while offering solid protection.

Get it from Alpinestars

8. Thor Comp XP Elbow Guards

8. Thor Comp XP Elbow Guards

Protecting your entire body if you fall off your motorcycle is critical. While elbows can be easy to forget, they could be the first body part to hit the ground. Therefore, you need elbow guards to maximize your protection.

Thor Comp XP Elbow Guards are soft while providing impact protectors within the sleeves. The nylon mesh means you get breathability and an adjustable strap to ensure a secure fit. Don’t worry about slippage because silicone-backed cups maintain the pad’s position.

Get it from MX Store

9. Surpassme Motorcycle Riding Glasses

9. Surpassme Motorcycle Riding Glasses

Sunglasses make you look cool and protect your eyes from the elements. Your eyes are vulnerable to UV rays, wind and dust, so how can you get the best of all three worlds? Surpassme gives you three different pairs of sunglasses for any situation.

The silicone sponge and protective lenses make these glasses motorcycle road trip essentials. If your vacation spans numerous states, you’ll need to be ready with sunglasses for any climate.

Get it from Amazon

10. Wipeeyes Motorcycle Headset E1 Helmet Intercom Headset

10. Wipeeyes Motorcycle Headset E1 Helmet Intercom Headset

Riding with other bikers is fun as you cruise the open highways together, but how can you talk to your cohorts? This intercom headset from Wipeeyes is one of the best motorcycle accessories for rapid communication. The E1 enables hands-free calls, GPS technology and music streaming in your ear. Its range of 30 meters makes talking to other bikers much easier.

Get it from Amazon

11. 56-Piece SAE Auto Tool Set

11. 56-Piece SAE Auto Tool Set

Like regular vehicles, your motorcycle can endure mechanical problems. You need a comprehensive toolset like this one from Apollo Tools. This kit has sockets, voltage testers, cable ties and nearly everything you can ask for in emergencies.

A vital feature of the set is its size because it can easily fit inside your saddlebag or backpack. These 56 pieces are the essentials you need for efficient motorcycle fixes.

Get it from Apollo Tools

12. Tracker Monimoto 7

12. Tracker Monimoto 7

Thieves target motorcycles because these machines typically have fewer security features than your average car. Research shows 54,736 reported motorcycle thefts in 2022 — the highest on record in the U.S. The theft risk means you need updated technology to keep your bike safe. 

The Tracker Monimoto 7 is one of the motorcycle must-haves because it’s special to bikes, mopeds and scooters. This tracker connects to 2G networks and lets you know where your motorcycle is at any time. It’s easy to install and gives you peace of mind.

Get it from Monimoto

Wearing the Best Motorcycle Accessories

While you can hop on your chopper and go, your safety depends on your preparation. Motorcycle gear like pants, gloves and shoes are the essentials you need before hitting the road. Use these gear upgrades to look your best and feel safe on your motorcycle.

Not ready to hop on just yet? Get yourself hyped up with our list of the best motorcycle movies of all time.

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Author

Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.