Price does not equal performance for motorcycle Gear
MotoCAP’s independent testing can help you get bang for your buck.
Motorcycle gear is expensive. For riders, especially newcomers just starting out, getting good gear can seem like a financial burden and can often get put off. Fortunately, the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) has shown that there is no relationship between the protection and the price of gear, and that good gear does not need to break the bank. In fact, it’s brand popularity that has a higher influence on price than protection. The easiest way to maximise your safety while minimising price is to use MotoCAP’s website to inform your choice before buying your next piece of gear. The more safety stars on MotoCAP, the more the product will protect you if you crash. The $ signs under the model’s name let you sort the expensive garments from the cheaper ones. The more $, the more expensive a product is.
Wearing an approved motorcycle helmet is a legal requirement in Australia and New Zealand. Choose the best helmet that provides a good fit for your head. The CRASH helmet ratings on MotoCAP have several four-star options for less than $400.
If you are a commuter sticking to city riding, then you need to look for clothing with two or more safety stars. If you like to ride out in the country, then it is best to have a jacket, pants and gloves that have three stars or more in protection. Look for gear that is comfortable to wear and has the right features for your rides. A good ensemble of three stars of protection or higher can be achieved for under $850 with several jacket, pants and glove options. Explore the sections below to see some of the best value picks.
MotoCAP does not have ratings for riding footwear so choose boots that covers the ankle, with impact protection over the ankle and shin.
Helmets
Choose a light or bright coloured full-face helmet to maximise your protection and visibility to other drivers and riders. The following options provide excellent protection for a recommended retail price of less than $400.
|
Make and model |
Helmet type |
RRP ($) |
Protection stars |
|
Nitro N501 |
Full-face |
$179.95 |
★★★★ |
|
HJC C10 |
Full-face |
$229.00 |
★★★★ |
|
Fox V1 |
Motocross |
$229.99 |
★★★★ |
|
M2R Hybrid |
Dual sport |
$269.00 |
★★★★ |
|
Bell SRT |
Full-face |
$370.00 |
★★★★ |
Jackets
Jackets come in a range of styles and are typically made from leather or textiles. Textile jackets often provide rain and weather protection and can allow for year-round riding. Leather jackets are well known for their style and protective qualities. The list below shows the recent MotoCAP tested three star or better jackets with a price tag below $400.
|
Make and model |
Primary material |
RRP ($) |
Protection stars |
|
Bikers Gear The Rocker |
Leather |
$299.00 |
★★★★ |
|
Rjays Burly |
Leather |
$299.95 |
★★★★ |
|
Bikers Gear Premium Nubuck |
Leather |
$349.00 |
★★★ |
|
Rhino Leathers Torque |
Leather |
$329.98 |
★★★★ |
|
Rhino Leathers The Ace |
Leather |
$349.98 |
★★★ |
|
Rjays Division |
Textile |
$349.95 |
★★★★ |
|
Dririder Nordic 4 Airflow |
Textile |
$359.95 |
★★★★ |
|
Dririder Nordic V |
Textile |
$389.00 |
★★★ |
|
Argon Forge non perforated |
Leather |
$399.95 |
★★★ |
|
Rjays Calibre II + Perforated |
Leather |
$399.95 |
★★★★ |
Pants
Motorcycle protective pants can be made from textiles, denim and leather. Most lower cost textile pants score two stars or less. The majority of higher performing, low-cost pants are protective denim. Buying a pair of protective denim jeans and a waterproof over pant can be a simple way to achieve an all-year riding solution. Protective denim jeans have the added benefit in that they work both on and off the bike. Some MotoCAP tested three star and better options are given below.
|
Make and model |
Primary material |
RRP |
Protection stars |
|
1Tonne Fury Blue Armoured (NZ) |
Denim |
$189.00 |
★★★ |
|
Resurgence Heritage Skinny Fit |
Denim |
$299.95 |
★★★ |
|
TKD Amber Blue Combo with Coolmax Liner |
Denim |
$309.90 |
★★★ |
|
TKD Max Dirty Combo with Cool Max Liner |
Denim |
$339.95 |
★★★ |
|
Resurgence Café Cargo |
Denim |
$349.00 |
★★★ |
|
RST Kevlar Tech Pro CE Mens |
Denim |
$349.95 |
★★★★ |
|
RST Sabre CE |
Leather |
$399.95 |
★★★★★ |
|
Black Pup Moto Tallarook Waterproof ADV |
Textile |
$399.00 |
★★★★ |
Gloves
There are a range of long and short gloves that have high protection scores at a lower price. Long gloves can be better for cooler riding conditions and provide better protection in the area between the wrist and the jacket. Check the fit and feel of a glove by trying basic control motions on the handlebars of a bike.
|
Make and model |
Primary material |
RRP ($) |
Protection stars |
|
Dririder Air-Ride 2 Short |
Leather |
$69.95 |
★★★★ |
|
Dririder Speed 2 Short Cuff |
Leather |
$79.95 |
★★★ |
|
Ixon RS Rise Air |
Leather |
$89.96 |
★★★ |
|
RST Atlas CE Waterproof |
Leather |
$99.95 |
★★★ |
|
RJays Long Cobra II |
Leather |
$99.95 |
★★★★ |
|
Dririder Torque long cuff |
Leather |
$109.95 |
★★★★ |
|
Ricondi GP EVO |
Leather |
$110.00 |
★★★★ |
|
Argon Turmoil |
Leather |
$119.00 |
★★★★ |
