As riders, our journeys start from everyday city riding, perhaps to school, a friend’s place or just to work. Till eventually, the thrill of riding takes over and you decide to tour on your bike. Now, as riders, on our first tour, we’re often over-prepared or under-prepared. Whilst the latter isn’t too bad, it isn’t ideal either.
When touring on a motorcycle, the aim is to carry the essentials, and keeping things as light as possible. So, let’s talk about essential motorcycle riding gear in this blog, everything you realistically need for touring to the mountains, the coast or the countryside.
If you’re going to invest in any piece of riding gear, make motorcycle helmets your very first pick. Riding is challenging, and falling over unfamiliar roads is not uncommon. Trauma to the head can cause some serious issues, so it is best to protect your head, by extension your brain, as much as possible. A helmet worth your money should have:
Riding jackets serve the dual purpose of protection and the unmistakable aesthetic of a rider. They act as a barrier between you and the road, and having the right kind and quality of jacket can mean the difference between a few bruises and something far worse in the event of a fall.
There are several types of jackets available, including mesh, leather, Gore-Tex (premium touring gear), and Drystar. Whichever you choose, make sure it has CE-approved armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back, along with adjustability for comfort on long rides.
You’re either riding with someone or riding alone. Either way, having a Bluetooth helmet communication system is going to make a massive difference.
On the road, communicating with your fellow riders is important, and hand gestures only cover the basics. A Bluetooth communication system, also called an intercom, keeps you connected to your group.
If you’re riding solo, it can double as a music player and help with GPS navigation. Modern systems offer impressive sound quality, along with features like hands-free control (assistant activation), noise-cancelling technology, and the ability to pair with multiple devices.
Imagine this scenario. It is morbid, but stay with us here. You’re riding down the highway and it’s raining. Your vision is limited, and you notice, a little too late, that there’s an obstruction in the road. Instinctively, you slam on the brakes.
If all the tech inside your bike and your skill keeps the bike stable and upright, great. However, we always dress for the slide, not the ride. If you do lose control of the bike, your instincts will kick in and you’ll put your hands down on the asphalt.
The result can be anything from minor scratches to ripping multiple layers of skin and even breaking bones. Since our reflex when falling is to catch ourselves, it is best to equip yourself with gloves that can prevent injury.
Similar to gloves, riding boots are an investment you must make. When the bike falls, your feet and ankles are likely to rub against the asphalt, and it is best to have riding boots designed to handle that impact and slide.
If you’re not travelling on adventure tourers, and even if you are, a sturdy mobile mount is worth the investment. Your phone is the device that will control your music and navigation, so keeping it in clear view is ideal. However, make sure you get a mount that is strong enough to hold your phone in place during a fall, over bumps, or even if someone attempts to snatch it (yes, that happens).
Look for mounts with vibration dampening to protect your phone’s camera stabilizers from long-term damage. Since touring often means riding in unpredictable weather, a waterproof or weather-resistant setup is also a smart choice.
Charging capabilities are another bonus, especially for long rides. A wired charging option is best, as wireless charging technology still struggles with safe, consistent performance. In bright sun, wireless chargers can overheat your device, and in rain, they risk getting damaged — not worth it when you’re relying on your phone for navigation.
Other essential things to consider are:
Touring on a motorcycle is one of the most freeing experiences offered to us in the 21st century. Ride long enough and you start to feel yourself becoming one with the machine. Take care of it by ensuring it gets proper service, love, and attention — and take care of yourself by choosing high-quality motorcycle riding gear. It is something you may feel you never need or use, until the moment you do, and in that moment, you will be glad you have it.
