Manufacturers and brands of motorcycle equipment: review, description and reviews from owners

Motorcycle equipment is designed to protect the motorcycle driver. The turtle supports the back, knee and elbow pads reduce injuries when falling, and the helmet protects the head from impacts. But it is important not only to protect the rider. Modern equipment is also stylish clothing. It is being developed for professional athletes and ordinary two-wheeled enthusiasts.

There are many brands that produce such clothing, and in most cases these are Italian companies, which is easily explained by the fact that this country has the highest interest in motorsports. The Americans are in second place. There are also Russian companies that compete quite successfully with famous brands. They were also included in our rating, where we selected manufacturers who met the following requirements:

• reliability of the equipment both in terms of protection and duration of wear;
• brand assortment;
• external attractiveness;
• focus not only on sports, but also on everyday wear;
• positive reviews from real users.

Pricing policy was not a criterion for selecting companies, since in this case the lion's share of the price tag has to be paid for the logo. Especially if the manufacturer is the official supplier of an athlete or an entire team.

Motorcycle overalls

It is noteworthy that modern stores offer both motorcycle parts and motorcycle equipment. A special place in it is occupied by motorcycle overalls, which, although expensive, allow you to find a practical and convenient accessory for safe riding. Brands offer the purchase of both separate and one-piece overalls, which differ little from each other in their operational features.

The Alpinestars Durban brand offers interesting equipment. It is distinguished by design, quality of cut and selected materials. The premium quality of this overalls is immediately noticeable, since the model is made of high-quality materials that will protect you at any time of the year. It is noteworthy that it is sewn so that it can be used all year round.

Motorcycle boots

To complete your stylish look, you should definitely buy motorcycle boots. Ratings of motorcycle equipment brands necessarily include these accessories, since you can’t do without leg protection. Durable materials are used to create them, so their operation is convenient and simple.

Buyers highlight the Alpinestars RV2 Tech 10 motocross boots, which were released last year and appealed to motocross fans. Spectacular design, competent selection of colors, design features - all this makes these motorcycle boots the most effective way to protect your feet during motorcycle racing or serious motocross competitions. Five different polymers were used to create the shoes, so their performance properties are amazing. Motorcycle boots fit precisely and comfortably on the foot, taking its shape, and they can be fastened with special fasteners.

Motorcycle pants

If you like high speed, then you probably like motorcycles and motor vehicles. Motorcycle equipment, however, must be chosen no less carefully. Experienced drivers know for sure that they cannot do without motorcycle pants on the road, since traveling without them is very, very dangerous. High-quality clothing will provide reliable protection for the driver in case of an accident or riding, while modern brands offer a wide variety of types to buy - from synthetic and denim to leather.

The Akito Python brand of motorcycle pants is one of the most popular among customers, who note their waterproofness, excellent knee protection, thermal lining made of lightweight ventilated materials and convenient belt adjustment. Another popular model is the MC 9021 Michiru, which is convenient, practical and affordable. In these pants the rider will be reliably protected from rain, dirt and snow. All seams of the pants are strong, so you can be confident in their quality and reliability.

Best brands: top 5

There are a huge number of brands of motorcycle equipment on the modern market, so you will have to think carefully before making a choice. And we propose to get acquainted with the five best motorcycle helmets, according to users:

• AGV PISTA-GP. This is an expensive motorcycle helmet that is ideal for sports riders who love speed and sharp turns. Special technology ensures a perfect fit of the helmet and guarantees a high level of safety.
• Scorpion EXO-C110. Among the advantages of this model, buyers note the presence of a cape visor, among the disadvantages is that it covers only half of the head. The polycarbonate shell makes the product light and comfortable to wear, and eye protection can be provided with special motorcycle goggles.
• Schuberth C3 Pro. This is the quietest motorcycle helmet in terms of absorption of noise generated by a motorcycle, but users complain about poor ventilation.
• Bell Rogue. If you are looking for a stylish motorcycle helmet, then you will definitely like this one.
• Arai Corsair V. This is the safest and most reliable helmet, although it cannot be called stylish - it is simple and laconic. Probably, it is the absence of bells and whistles that serves as a guarantee of safety.

It can’t do without innovative solutions that some brands offer. Motorcycle equipment, motorcycle helmets in particular, of the X-Spirit III brand from Shoei are distinguished by an amazing combination of high quality, safety and functionality. This is probably the most advanced product in this series at the moment.

Motorcycle jackets

To go with good motorcycle pants, riders need a motorcycle jacket that is stylish, comfortable, and functional. All modern models are thought out in such a way that they are well tailored, fit perfectly on the figure, and are made from high-quality materials, which is why many riders like them. Leather jackets are the most stylish and best motorcycle equipment. Brands offer a wide range of such models that demonstrate unique protective properties, stylish appearance, telling about the individuality of their owner.

One of the attractive models is the Alpinestars Avant leather biker jacket, which is memorable for its stylish sporty design using classic colors - black, blue, brown. For its sewing, genuine leather is used, which shows abrasion resistance and tear resistance. The jacket also has a number of protective elements for the elbows and shoulders.

The IXS Barracuda motorcycle jacket is simpler both in design and in the materials used, but still pleases with its practicality and functionality. It has built-in shoulder and elbow protection. A special ventilation pocket on the back provides comfort in the summer.

Motorcycle gloves

When falling from a motorcycle, the hands are the first to suffer, as the driver instinctively tries to protect his face and torso by putting his palms out in front of him. To prevent the consequences of “asphalt disease” on your hands, you need to choose the right gloves: the main list of requirements for selection are tight fit to the surface of the hand and a comfortable grip.

It is important to know! If you use a motorcycle as your main vehicle, you will have to choose gloves for each season.

Motorcycle equipment and everything everything everything

As they say in the motorcycle community, all bikers are divided into those who have fallen and those who have not yet fallen. So today I’ll try to put everything I know about equipment into an article. What are its types, how are they different and what are they suitable for. If you already drive a bike, the information in this article may seem boring to you, but I really missed it at the time.

Disclaimer: Everything below is my opinion based on my impressions. I will be happy to add something while this opportunity remains.

Since the topic is extremely broad, I will allow myself to go into it from two sides - by purpose and by place on the body. So, first approach:

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR EQUIPMENT FOR?

Obviously, an office worker on an electric scooter and a skilled person riding on off-road jumps will be equipped differently. Whether I want it or not, I will have to divide the conditions into several types, depending on common sense and the type of adventure on J.

1. CITY DRIVING.

When talking about equipment for the city, in addition to such obvious quality as safety, we are always talking about appearance. Not everyone has the opportunity to change clothes, and how a person looks in an office chair can also be important.

The leather jacket, despite the protective inserts, looks like a jacket and not a Power Ranger suit. The pants have inserts at the knees, but they also don’t look wild. Yes, you can’t sit in these in every office chair, but there are a lot of “motorcycle pants”, including those made to look like jeans or based on them.

2. SPORT / TRACK

Sports competitions are a place where risks are taken and records are set. Each type of motorcycle has its own requirements, but competition equipment should ensure the comfort of the motorcycle rider, not the pedestrian. This is where monstrous plastic body kits for off-road motorcyclists and hunchbacked overalls for sport bikers belong.

Yes, for some reason half of our sport bikers think that city = track. I don’t support this idea in any way, although a suit on a sportbike would indeed look more harmonious. The main thing is to drive safely for yourself and others.

This is what a motorcycle overalls for a track looks like. The jacket and pants are one piece. Lightweight yet protective. Pay attention to the “hump” on the back - it is needed to improve aerodynamics.

3. MOTOCROSS

And this is already protection for motocross (not the best). Due to the highest frequency of falls and impacts, motocross protection is often bulky and much more suitable for impacts against hard and angular objects. In addition, it is necessary to protect yourself from dirt - for this there are sets of clothes (like the red one in the picture), or individual elements. Although if you're not prepared to get dirty, what should you do off-road?

4. JOURNEY

Travel equipment has completely different qualities than sports equipment and in many ways exceeds urban equipment. If we were talking about knives, urban equipment would become kitchen equipment - ordinary, not attracting attention. Sports - with a chef's knife. Highly professional, but also effective. Travel equipment: Swiss Army knife. It should both protect and not interfere too much with walking. It should protect from the cold, but also prevent it from overheating in the heat (usually it has a detachable lining and ventilation with a zipper). Be able to protect from rain, but also breathe in dry weather (for example, textiles with water protection or a motorcycle raincoat).

Like a Swiss Army knife, the tools are tailored to the task. Separately, I would like to draw your attention to the length of the jacket - this was done specifically to reduce the amount of wind.

Now let's look at the equipment differently - in relation to body parts. And we will start, obviously, with the main thing - the head.

HEAD

Even a child knows that head protection is a helmet. Helmets are divided into several types depending on the intended task.

INTEGRAL

Integral is a classic, closed helmet. This type is used in the city, on the track and when traveling. The most versatile look and the simplest design. Can be equipped with retractable glasses and/or double anti-fog glass. Usually double glass looks like a donut and is sealed (thanks to the company of the same name) as a pinlock.

The visor glass can be prepared for installing this thing or not, and the second glass itself is available for the visor model and a universal one for glue.

MODULAR

Modular is a closed helmet with a hinged lower jaw. Considered less safe because of this, although it usually has the same test certificates as integrals. But when traveling or for a smoker, it can be much more useful - you can drink, eat, smoke without taking off your helmet. More often equipped with additional options (space for a headset, glasses, etc.) than an integral.

3/4

Three quarters, aka open face, aka open - a helmet without a chin, optionally with a large glass. In general, it has a much better overview, but according to statistics, about a quarter of all possible and actual head injuries occur on the jaw. A compromise between convenience and safety.

HELMET

Caska, aka “watermelon rind”. Protects only the top of the head, often the absorbent layer is thin or completely absent. The progenitor of helmets, but now used more to create an image than as a means of protection.

CROSS

Cross - a helmet for motocross. The chin arch is reinforced and pushed forward for easier breathing. To protect the face from stones flying from under the wheels, a long visor is installed. There is no visor; the helmet is used only in conjunction with safety glasses. Due to its complex shape, at high speeds the helmet transmits more aerodynamic pressure to the motorcyclist’s head compared to the integral.

DUALSPORT

Dual sport, also known as a dual-use helmet, is a mixture of an integral and a cross helmet. Most often it has glass, but can also be used with glasses. Has a visor, but can be used without it. Optionally, it can be designed for a headset, or it can include glasses. Recently, it has been gaining popularity among fans of touring enduros and as a compromise in the case when you want to ride off-road (without fanaticism), but still need to get there.

BALACLAVA

Finally, about the balaclava: when you put on shoes, you use socks. When you put on pants, you use panties, etc. The purpose of a balaclava is so that the inside of the helmet gets less dirty, and the helmet rubs less when you take it off and put it on.

Yes, the insides of most helmets are removable and can be washed gently, but you shouldn't do this too often. Balaclavas are divided by the number of seams (2 seams are more expensive, but more comfortable) and insulation (summer/winter).

In addition, the balaclava also protects the pilot’s neck from the wind. However, if there are special “collars” for such things.

BODY AND HANDS PROTECTION

Upper body protection is also tailored to suit specific needs. I wrote about them above. In addition, this item of clothing can be made of leather or textiles. Both materials have both their advantages and disadvantages. Often the jacket can be fastened to the pants.

So, types of jackets:

SPORTS/JUMPSUIT

Sportswear / overalls. It is she who is on our pilot. Most often made of leather, it has a developed protection system designed for such things as falling at significant speed. Less designed for impact, more for sliding. In the case of overalls, it is one piece with the pants. It is made for ease of fit on a sportbike; it is not intended for walking; even standing upright in it will be uncomfortable.

The picture clearly shows that the jacket and pants are one piece.

URBAN/CASUAL

The degree of protection is lower than that of sports equipment, often sold with entry-level inserts. However, they can be replaced. Depending on the price and coolness, it may include various gadgets such as membrane linings, ventilation holes, etc. One of the key parameters is the appearance, which will not shock others if the person is separated from the motorcycle.

Many jackets can be used in everyday life if the inserts are removed. The inclusion of inserts and their number also depend on the price - there may be shoulder protection, long or short back protection, elbow and forearm protection, chest protection. At the same time, the jacket may have pockets for all or some elements, may or may not have inserts in these pockets, and may have a blank for the insert - pay attention to this.

TRAVEL JACKET

A travel jacket is based on a city jacket, but should have a number of features. One jacket for hot and cold (you never know how the weather changes, but you need to take a minimum of things), ventilation holes, rain protection on its own or in a separate layer, reflective inserts and in the city this is a useful thing, but here it’s practically mandatory. It should also be long so that the oncoming wind does not blow through the lower back. Having a pair of pockets with a secure clasp and access with gloves, as well as an internal pocket for your phone and documents will also be a serious plus. And, of course, the configuration of options affects the price.

MOTO-TURTLE

Designed for motocross, in fact, it is also purchased by those who consider the protection of a city motorcycle jacket to be insufficient. Wear it under a jacket, and in hot weather - just over a T-shirt or even without it. Better protection against impacts, but if you slide on asphalt, the mesh fabric will immediately wear out. Therefore, one of the most protected options for the city is considered to be a turtle with a motorcycle jacket on top (with the inserts removed, of course). Apart from a figure that looks somewhat over-pumped, nothing gives away the motorcyclist in the eyes of others. Appearances range from a light superhero uniform to a rugby player's outfit.

Consists of protection for the back, shoulders, and almost always protection for the elbows and forearm. In some cases, the back can be detached and worn separately, and the “back” can also be sold as an independent element of equipment.

JERSEY

An easily breathable fabric T-shirt (pants-shorts are also available) that does not provide protection. Its task is to take on the dirt and sliding in motocross in order to protect the turtle and the crossman. It's usually inexpensive.

BACK

An independent element of equipment, which, however, is not such. Separate back protection can be purchased if you are satisfied with the side and shoulder inserts in the jacket, but are not satisfied with the back.

GLOVES

Gloves can also be more urban or more transformable; in addition, there are long gloves and short ones. The long ones are used primarily for travel or motocross (wrist protection), the short ones for the city. In some cases, the little finger and ring finger can be sewn together - this is not a manufacturing defect, but protection from injury. In addition, gloves vary depending on the season - in autumn/spring you need windproof and waterproof gloves, and in summer you need perforations and ventilation.

There are also fingerless gloves, but I can’t consider them protection.

LEG PROTECTION - PANTS/KNEES

As in the case of jackets, all leg protection can be divided into 3 types:

SPORTS

As part of overalls or separately, this protection also has developed protection against slipping and less protection against impact. The elements are integrated into the clothing itself, without the goal of hiding them. Restricts movement outside the bike.

CITY OR CASUAL

Made on the basis of pants or jeans. The fabric is reinforced with special threads to protect against abrasion; the protective inserts are removable and do not protrude much, providing a lower level of protection compared to other types. It is assumed that this should be enough in the city. Elastic inserts are often added to allow you to get on and off the bike. The travel version is based on the city version and also includes additional features (such as moisture protection) and relative ease of movement separately from the motorcycle. As with jackets, you can use small knee pads instead of inserts, or use full knee pads with regular pants.

CROSS

Cross or based on the cross-country principle - a set of powerful protection, focused on strikes. In addition to knee pads, “armored underpants” are used, providing basic protection for the tailbone and thigh (apparently it is assumed that hitting your butt on the asphalt does not hurt as much as hitting the ground. Although, let’s be honest, if these are stones, it will not seem like much).

Cross knee pads, unlike city knee pads, are usually equipped with a hinge joint, which is more durable and protects against “wrong” bending of the leg:

It’s easy to guess that in articulated knees a lot of people are cutting through the city, rightly deciding “there is never too much protection” and not paying attention to appearance.

MOTO FOOTWEAR

Motorcycle shoes (what a surprise) also follow the same gradations.

SPORT

Sports motorcycle boots - high, fairly rigid fixation. Walking in them is pure torture. But the athlete does not need this. The race was over - I hobbled to the box and took it off. Protection - the same principles as the rest of the track equipment (we slide along a flat track to a flat lawn).

Separately, it is worth mentioning the sliders (a plastic thing with bolts on the side of the toe) - for sports motorcycle boots this is a mandatory element. When a motorcyclist takes a turn in a race, he tilts the motorcycle very strongly, to the point of touching the track with his knee, footrest, or foot. In order not to damage the leg and as a kind of limiter, special plates are screwed onto the boots. These are consumables and are changed regularly.

In general, a slider or something like it is found on most motorcycle shoes intended for use on "pawn" motorcycles. But, of course, you won’t find them on shoes for the owner of a chopper/cruiser and the like.

CAUSAL / CITY

City bots give room for imagination. Manufacturers go to great lengths to hide the motorcycle function.

However, in addition to protection, city motorcycle boots must have at least one more function - a gear shift pad. How many times do you change gears per trip? Even if we divide this amount by 4, assuming that the motorcyclist is not standing in a traffic jam but is driving and doesn’t really change gears, it’s still a lot. What if it’s been like this for a month? What about 5? To prevent the left bot from rubbing when changing gears, you have to add a special pad. Well, on the right one, for symmetry.

I don’t think it’s worth reminding that “urban” protection is less protection?)

JOURNEY

Motorcycle touring boots (or tourers), like the rest of your riding gear, are more comfortable, typically taller, and packed with much-needed technology to keep your feet from smelling like chemical weapons after a day in the saddle. A Gore-Tex membrane or similar (allows air to pass through, does not allow water to pass through) is almost a prerequisite for such boots. Of course, walking in them is more comfortable than in sports or cross-country shoes, and the protection is somewhat less. The priority here is convenience.

CROSS

Cross motorcycle boots also deserve special attention. Legs are used in motocross like nowhere else. Pushing off, braking, falling, hitting obstacles and dirt - all this must be endured by motorized boots. As a result, their design is more similar to that of roller skates than to regular boots.

They don’t need a slider, but the switching platform is usually reinforced and in addition to this there is a special detail that other motorcycle boots do not have. This is the front cover. I have already said that boots play a very important role in motocross. Take a look at the picture and you will understand how important it is:

SO WHAT DO YOU PROTECT yourself with?

The traffic rules of the Russian Federation require the driver of a motorcycle to wear a fastened motorcycle helmet, but I, passing the advice down the chain, tell you:

Protect the parts of your body that you need.

And yes, no matter how trivial it may sound, I would like to remind you of a simple safety rule regarding equipment:

There are no safe distances. If you're going to go, get equipped. No “to the store”, “to the garage” and others. Every year there are new stories from those people who were “unlucky”, who managed to get injured after driving 100 meters through garages without equipment and ended up lying in bed for a month or two.

Motorcycle glasses

To ensure a safe trip, you should definitely purchase motorcycle goggles. They serve as reliable protection against dust and small stones that can get into your eyes at high speed. Many brands of motorcycle equipment offer these accessories, and when choosing, you should consider several features:

1. The glasses must have special ventilation holes.
2. Choose models that feature fog-resistant lenses.
3. Glasses should not glare.
4. Good models have protection from ultraviolet rays.
5. Thanks to their streamlined shape, the accessories provide a good view of the road.

The type of fastening of glasses to the helmet also plays an important role: most often these are belts, which must have the proper degree of elasticity. Budget and popular models include the YH-02, which are also lightweight and reliable. The well-thought-out shape of the visor ensures effective drainage of rain. The MICHIRU G850 motorcycle glasses have an elegant design. These accessories fit the face perfectly and can be worn either separately or together with a motorcycle helmet.

Moto gloves

Not only the head or body needs protection, but also the hands, since they also bear the load. Motorcycle equipment brands offer many interesting solutions for any season that protect not only from cold and wind, but also from moisture. For example, the modern line of motorcycle gloves from Alpinestars deserves attention. Thus, Alpinestars GP-M models are distinguished by ventilation on the inside, have an attractive design and anatomical design.

High-quality materials and high technologies were used to create the ZAM-005 models. They amazingly combine ergonomic shape, durable pads at critical points, good resistance and excellent throughput.