Gear & safety

Motorcycle gear, safety and security

What the certification labels mean, what to check before buying, and the mistakes riders make most often — across helmets, armour, safety technology, locks, camping kit and custom work.

Topics

The short version

  • Certification labels, not brand names, tell you whether a garment was tested
  • Fit decides protection: armour that sits off the joint protects nothing
  • ABS is the highest-value safety system on a motorcycle; TPMS and lighting are the best retrofits
  • Security works in layers — disc lock, alarm, chain to an anchor, tracker for recovery
  • Buy gear before accessories; nothing bolted to the bike protects you

Keep going

FAQ

What motorcycle gear do I actually need?

A certified helmet, gloves, a certified jacket, boots and trousers with armour. Buy in that order if you are buying piece by piece.

How do I check gear is certified?

Look for the label inside: EN 17092 for garments, EN 1621 for armour and back protectors, EN 13594 for gloves, EN 13634 for boots, and DOT or ECE 22.06 for helmets.

What is the best way to secure a motorcycle?

Layer it: a disc lock with an alarm to deter and delay, plus a chain to a ground anchor so the bike cannot be lifted, plus a tracker for recovery.