Where do you sit on the motorcycle safety spectrum? MCN’s guide to protective kit and why we wear it

“l think it’s a great look, somehow managing to tread the fine line between subtle and stylish, with an aerodynamic twist thanks to the spoiler.  But as well as the looks, it’s the aeros that make this among the quietest helmets l’ve worn when travelling at speed. It’s versatile in terms of venting too, which has been great for me because I’ve ridden in all manner of conditions, from frosty drizzle to 40-degree-plus heat.  
 
“A CWR-F2 Pinlock keeps fogging at bay and once I’d learnt to use the vents properly this worked faultlessly. When you’re adjusting the vents or indeed operating the visor, you get a real sense of quality in terms of the solidity of the materials and the way they all work together. Inside the shell, the removable liners snap into place with poppers that feel very strong, unlike a lot of cheaper helmets I’ve tested.  
 
“There are a lot of sizing options, including five outer shell sizes and cheek pads in four thicknesses, which means it’s worth getting the helmet fitted properly at a shop rather than buying blind online The strap is secured using a double D-ring and, while l’ve tried other systems, nothing offers the same simplicity.

“Should the worst happen, there’s an Emergency Quick Release System that allows the lid to be removed. Sure, it’s not a cheap lid, but if this design is too expensive, there are simpler solid colours on offer starting at a hundred quid less And to top it all off, the Shoei comes with a five-year warranty for additional peace of mind.”

“The Arai Tour-X 5 is a well constructed, comfortable and versatile helmet. It brings together some of the best features of the current range, such as the RX-7’s visor system, Quantic’s logo vent and Profile V’s wider base, along with improvements of its own, to stand as a testament to the company’s commitment to safety through measured evolution.

“With the peak fitted the T-X 5 is ideal for adventure touring, boasting ample room to flip the visor up and wear goggles if needs be, and with it removed makes a smart and practical alternative to a traditional full-face lid. In a previous review I said that the T-X 4 could be the only lid you’ll ever need, but with its quick-change visor, improved shape and enhanced ventilation, the Tour-X 5 takes that versatility to the next level.”

Read our full Arai Tour-X 5 review

“This is a high-quality, feature-rich lid with plenty to recommend it as an ownership proposition, including a brilliant comms system integration and the five-year warranty. It isn’t perfect; I’d like slightly higher quality-feeling materials for the money, but overall I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

The marketing bumpf does claim superior aerodynamic properties for this lid, and they claim it’s very quiet, but in fairness this is borne out by my experience. It’s a quiet helmet at most speeds, and clearly the design features a number of attributes aimed at smoothing airflow. As you’d expect for a lid with integrated communications systems, they perform flawlessly, with perfect sound quality for listening to music or using the phone.”

Read our full Schuberth E2 review

“Before I tested this helmet, I’d never worn an open-face. But, since I was touring America in the middle of summer, I opted to give it a go.

“The lack of a chin bar meant I felt a little exposed, but this sensation quickly disappears when you’re on the ride. Plus, the J-O’s composite fibreglass shell is made from the same blend of fibres Shoei uses on its top-spec racing helmets and it features the same kind of multi-density EPS.

“I think it’s a classic and understated design, particularly its low-profile shell shape, as some other open-face helmets can give you a ‘lightbulb head’. The clear visor with its three-levels of closure meant I didn’t have to invest in goggles and gives that extra bit of protection from the wind – as well as being vital in the rain!

“I also like that the J-O has a double-D ring chin strap. There’s no drop-down sun visor but the fit is comfy enough for me to be able to pop on a pair of sunnies. It is fabulous in warm weather and would be great for city riding too”

Adventure jackets are without doubt the most practical around and the Alpinestars Bogota Pro Dystar (and matching trousers) is one of the best I’ve used. It’s light, stylish, easy to wear and has lots of useful features, like good length sleeves and back, big pockets and strong, easy to use zips and fasteners.

The jacket and trousers have a quality feel, are sturdily made and cool to wear in the heat thanks to its superb ventilation panels. Best of all are the extra two inner jackets included in the price.
Used together they keep me warm and dry in the depths of winter, the waterproof layer can be used over any clothing and the thermal jacket can be worn on its own when you’re off the bike. For big riding trips on or off-road in all kinds of weather conditions this jacket has been the perfect companion.

“It’s comfortable, well-specced, and has kept me dry on multiple sodden motorway runs.
That said, the harsh rain and flash flooding at the end of September did prove too much to cope with – leaking onto my clothes underneath after around 30 minutes. However, it’s also kept me warm in single digit temperatures and is bearable (if sweaty) in hot conditions.”

“It’s been the ideal commuting companion, and I’ve ditched the leather jackets this year in favour of just wearing this at the weekends. Afterall, it offers all the same benefits, except I also know it’ll keep my dry if the rain arrives. What’s not to like?”

“It also doesn’t ride up my back and is comfortable to wear off the bike. There’s no daft faux race humps to contend with either, helping it to fit in on a range of bike styles. There’s no doubt I’ll be using it into 2025, and I reckon it’s worth anyone’s consideration.”

Read Dan’s full RST TracTech Evo 5 review

“There’s really nothing I can suggest to improve the Daytona 2 – beyond getting it up to the AAA CE rating to really deliver ultimate peace of mind. You’re getting a quality looking, quality feeling leather jacket that’s well lined, well spec’d, thoughtfully designed and well put together – with a decent AA CE safety rating – and all for a price that is entirely fair. It feels like it’ll last a decade, and I can’t imagine I’d be any less keen to wear it if it does.”

Read Richard’s full Richa Daytona 2 review

“Made from full-grain leather and featuring a sporty cut with Level-1 internal protectors as well as external shoulder armour, the S-1 meets the highest AAA rating for abrasion protection.

At first, the thick cowhide leather comes as a bit of a shock after wearing soft, retro leather jackets which feel instantly comfortable. As a result, it took a full day of wear for the S-1 to ‘break-in’ and give a little, but after that, although the fit is still very snug and secure, l’ve found the jacket to be all-day comfortable.

Extremely solidly built, the quality of the S-1 is impressive. It feels like a proper protective garment thanks to the way it’s been stitched and also the inclusion of double-layered leather at key impact areas, such as the elbows. The only slight disappointment is the absence of a back protector element although you can add a Level-2 insert for an extra £29.99 if you so wish.

With abrasion-resistant four-way stretch panels under the arms and concertinaed leather at the flanks combined with Velcro waist adjusters, this jacket allows plenty of movement and as a result doesn’t feel restrictive. It’s been designed to be worn with jeans meaning that it finishes just over the hips, and also features a neoprene-mounted full-circumference connection zip. Inside, there’s a zip-out thermal gilet which is fairly thin but does just enough to keep off the early morning chill from the smattering of ventilation holes on the chest area. The S-1 is lined with a mesh fabric which helps with comfort on very warm days.”

Pair with RST S-1 CE Sport trousers to make a suit.

“The Pharao Cedar is essentially two separate suits – an outer Cordura shell for protection, with an inner Clime-Max liner designed to take care of moisture management and warmth. The jacket is cut in the typical long touring style, providing a significant overlap with the textile trousers, and they attach together with a full-length zip. The trousers are equipped with braces for those, like myself, who feel secure with a little extra support.”

“The inner suit, or ‘membrane’ as Pharao call it, is fleece lined, and as such is suitably snug – most of the time. It’s fairly lightweight, so while not restricting mobility it does lose effective insulation below 5°C, and on sub zero days left me feeling somewhat chilly. Despite that, I like the fact that I don’t look or feel like Bibendum in a sleeping bag when wearing it.”

“Ventilation is excellent, with zipped intake panels on the chest, upper arm and along the thighs, with adjustable exhaust vents at the back. The lack of waterproofing in the outer layer means that it breathes far better than a laminate when worn on its own, but that same factor works against it in the cold.”

Find the matching jacket here

Read Justin’s full Pharao Cedar Textile Suit review

“These pants are lined with a fixed layer of fabric that uses Outlast, a space-age technology developed for NASA to help regulate body temperature. In essence this tech involves millions of microscopic natural wax capsules which capture, store and release heat by either liquefying or solidifying.”

“There’s no additional thermal lining in the Lagan pants, but I can’t say that’s something I’ve thought they lack, even on sub-zero days. It’ll be interesting to see how they perform in the heat of summer though, and I’ll be updating this review in due course”

“The Laggan trousers make a strong case for a hard wearing, practical suit that should give years of service. It excels at comfort, is waterproof and warm, and the smart, understand looks have a universal appeal. Compared with similarly priced competition, it’s certainly worth considering – especially as the distributor has claimed that the issue of tight inner lining cuffs and a flighty magnetic storm collar claim are in hand.”

Read Justin’s full Gruven and Laggan review

“When it comes to this kind of summer and casual kit I’ve always aired on the side of comfort – using the theory that if I’m comfortable I’ll be able to focus on the ride better. But the Roadskin Taranis jeans let me keep that level of comfort with the added peace of mind that they won’t fall to bits in a slide.

“No, they’re not the cheapest, but they look great on and off the bike and achieving a AAA rating for a denim garment should be applauded.

“I would certainly spend my own money on a pair without thinking twice.”

Read our full and in-depth Roadskin Taranis review

“Bull-it’s latest jeans have new pockets to keep knee armour more snugly in place and denim that retains its stretchiness for longer through wash cycles. They still offer the highest level of abrasion protection (AAA), like the old Coverts, and have CE knee and hip armour, so it feels like riding in more than ‘just’ jeans. Reassuringly thick, robust, and showerproof.”

Read Michael’s full Bull-it Covert Evo jeans review

“Riding jeans are a must-have piece of summer bike kit for me and so I’ve tested plenty, including a few generations of Oxford AA and AAA options. These are certainly up there with the best in terms of comfort, I can wear them in the office all day and forget they’re not normal jeans.

“The single layer design is unrestrictive but also keeps you cool, particularly walking around off the bike, but retains a AAA CE certification for peace of mind. It also has a slight stretch to it, which is great for swinging your leg over taller bikes.

“The Level 2 Dynamic armour is a little stiff at first but soon adapts to your contours and becomes extremely comfortable and subtle. I don’t use the hip armour as I prefer the jeans without it.

“It’s important for me that a riding jean can pass for a normal garment away from the bike and these pass that test. I like the look of them, and apart from a few subtle, tell-tale bits of stitching you wouldn’t guess they were riding jeans at all.

“My only criticism is that I could do with a couple more belt loops as I get some gaping of the waistband.”

“A decent pair of winter boots can be worth their weight in gold, but when I first saw the price of the Daytona Road Star Pro GTXs I was sceptical as to how they could ever justify such a high price. Four months on, and after enduring one of the wettest winters on record, they have seriously impressed, keeping me dry, comfortable and secure.

“Daytona boots are handmade in Germany to a seriously high standard. The upper is kind of a boot within a boot, featuring a fixed inner that surrounds the ankle and lower leg.

“That inner is lined with a padded Gore-Tex membrane which extends all the way to the toe and under the insole, essentially forming a climate control sock. Both the inner and outer are cut from the same water-repellent cowhide, and when zipped up and fastened they form an incredibly strong support.

“Neat double stitching holds the whole boot together, and the upper is bonded onto a durable rubber sole that has proven itself to be non-slip both on and off the pegs. The zips are the most heavy duty I’ve seen on footwear, and each boot gets two to keep them firmly on your feet.

“Even with the short zip fully open and the long one unzipped to within half-an-inch of the end, they’re impossible to slide off. There’s a generous amount of adjustment at the calf too, thanks to two large Velcro secured vents.

“Protection is to the highest CE standard of 2-2-2 for abrasion resistance, impact cut and transverse rigidity, and the large shin pad features substantial foam armour. The Road Star boots certainly give peace of mind from a safety aspect, yet they aren’t overly rigid and remain flexible enough where it counts to be comfortable all day.

“And the more I wear them, the more supple they get. Yes, they are one of the most expensive boots on the market, but virtually every part can be replaced by the manufacturer, which pretty much makes the Daytonas a boot for life. If you can afford the outlay, I reckon they’re worth every penny.”

“As an all-season boot they work well in winter, which is when I rode with them. When paired with a decent thermal sock they certainly kept my feet warm and dry on my 3-hour weekly commute. Longer than that and I did start to notice a chill, but by that point the cold was seeping into every limb let alone my feet.”

“It’s always a battle finding boots that perform well for your riding style, and fit you well. You can count on Merlin’s Mavericks to perform on your riding adventures, so it comes down to whether the snug fit is right for you. Either way the Mavericks should be a boot to consider. Overall, this is a decent boot that will serve you for many adventures and survive the toughest of seasons.”

Read Adam’s full Merlin Maverick boots review

“The Toucan’s have become my go-to boot whenever I jump on either an adventure bike or my own KTM 690 Enduro and I know I’m going to be doing a full day of road and off-road riding. They provide a decent level of protection whilst being comfortable on and off the bike. I get good feel through the foot pegs and the fact that they are genuinely waterproof is a major plus for the type of riding I do, as like most people I hate having wet feet!”

Read Michael’s full Alpinestars Toucan boots review

“Strong, comfortable, waterproof, vegan friendly boots you can use all day on or off the bike, whether you’re riding, walking, or standing around at a show or race meet. They’re clearly built to last, look good in the office or pub, and they’ve become the boots I compare all others to. If the styling works for you, they won’t let you down and while the price might seem a bit high, they’ll earn their keep for years to come.”

Read our full TCX Climatrek Surround review

“These were my first pair of specialised riding footwear and I have to say they fitted my criteria perfectly. The reinforced padded leather in the upper construction and heel, together with the reinforced soles, feels very safe and secure when on the road, and the perforated material to the sides allowed for cool and comfortable summer riding. Changing though the gears is super satisfying in these kicks with a slender but firm edge which offers precision when changing up though gears. Off the bike this hi-top shoe works with all my riding jeans and didn’t look out of place at casual or professional events. ”

“If you are in the market for a pair of touring gloves, that offer warmth without bulk, a decent level of protection and are a fair price, these could be the ones for you.

Investigate Halvarrson, if you haven’t before, I can guarantee you will be impressed by the quality of the products they offer.

They are subtle and understated, being a black winter glove, it’s not about looks for me, it’s more about practicality and features. These touring gloves do the job they are designed to do, and there’s not much to say about a black, winter glove, where style is concerned, it’s more about the substance than the style.

They are not the thickest of glove and the combination of textile fingers with goat leather palm won’t keep the coldest temperatures at bay. That said, I’ve worn them through some cooler winter weather and into the spring, which in all honesty hasn’t really sprung this year yet, and they have kept my fingers warm enough.”

Read Alison’s full Halvarsson Butorp glove review

“I’ve been reviewing the Merlin Curborough Heated gloves through a particularly wet and drearily cold winter season in the UK, and I am now reprimanding myself for not investing in good quality heated gloves for so many years of riding in the cold.

I always told myself they were too expensive and I experimented with different cheaper solutions, but I now understand the value of spending a few extra quid for the benefit of continuing to enjoy myself on my motorbike through all seasons. We can’t do away with winter, but we can ride safely and comfortably through it.”

Read Robin’s full Merlin Curborough review

“The Easyriders are made from a robust cowhide leather so they are supple and adapt to the shape of my hand. The inner lining is a breathable polyester fabric that feels soft but never sweaty. Mesh sections are strategically placed so the wind passes through to cool the hand – crucial for a summer bike glove.”

“The Roadskin Easyrider gloves combine great looks with confidence-inspiring feel and performance. Their remarkable history and thoughtful design make them both practical and protective, especially when it matters most. After sorting out the initial sizing issue, they now fit me like a second skin. Plus, they offer genuine value for money, which is not so common these days. In essence, the Easyriders convey a strong, silent statement that speaks volumes.”

Read Robin’s full Roadskin Easyrider glove review

“The first airbag jacket I ever tried was so heavy that I wore it twice and returned it. But Helite’s e-Turtle 2 couldn’t be more different.

“You just slip it over the top of your jacket and do up the clips, press the ‘on’ button three times to get the green light – and go. You don’t need a back protector either, as a Level 2 one is integrated into the vest.

“It doesn’t require a tether or any other systems – although you can add their fork sensor pack (you can pair up to five with one jacket), which halves the reaction time, and protects you in static/sub-12mph crashes, such as getting hit from behind at the lights. The vest can deploy numerous times (in 0.094s) provided no damage is done to the 28-litre bladder, all you need to do is replace the gas canister (£20- £23), which is so simple that you can do it at the roadside.

“It has a four-year warranty, and only needs servicing every two years, while the bladder has a lifetime warranty. It lasts about 25 hours per charge.

“I wear it on every journey – as do many police, blood bikers and other professionals. Superb.”

Using essentially the same hardware (vest, airbag, Level-2 back protector) as the original Turtle 2, this version uses an electronic trigger to determine when an accident is taking place and deploy the airbag. It uses sensors built into the vest itself as well as one mounted to the bike to ensure coverage even when the bike is hit by other traffic when stationary, for example. Like the mechanical version, it sits over the top of the rider’s jacket.

“No one likes being on the receiving end of a safety sermon, let’s face it, as bikers we already know the dangers out there, and most of us will just crack on with what we’re comfortable wearing.

“Fancy tech is tempting, but not if it means shelving your holiday plans or that dream exhaust system. But that’s where Furygan’s Fury Airbag Evolution+ and In&motion have moved the goalposts, letting you buy the jacket at a much more approachable price, and then spread the cost of the airbag brain via a monthly subscription. I was guilty as anyone, running with whatever foam back pad a jacket came with, figuring it’d probably do the job. But the real world has a way of changing your perspective, especially if you’re clocking up serious time in the saddle like I do.

“The In&motion system is what makes the magic happen, featuring a crystal ball’s worth of tech; three accelerometers, three gyros, and GPS, all constantly monitoring your every movement at over 1,000 calculations per second. As a result, the system can spot a spill and deploy the airbag in under 0.06 seconds. Thankfully, I’ve not had to rely on that in an actual crash, but even at a Furygan demo, where I was asked to be the dummy (accurate adjective) model, the speed of the deployment was frankly staggering. It’s the sort of confidence boost you can’t put a price on, and it’s why my other half is now lining up for one too.

“The system comes with five detection modes, so whether you’re nipping out for a Sunday blast, commuting, hitting the track, or throwing up dirt, your protection adjusts with you via the app. The inflatable pouch can take up to five deployments before it needs servicing and protects your neck, chest, abdomen, and spine all in one hit.

“In short, the Fury Airbag Evolution+ is sensible, adaptable, and surprisingly accessible. A genuine game-changer that makes you wonder why you ever rode without one.”

Read the full Furygan Fury Airbag Evolution+ review

“What makes this airbag vest so appealing is the simple fact it’s so easy to wear. Unlike bulky first-generation airbag tech, it’s so light I never think twice about slipping it on for every ride.

“Just stick it on under any jacket with enough wiggle room to give the airbag the space it needs to go off and you’re all set. It incorporates a conventional back protector, which gives you a sense of security on the bike and neatly contained within is the ECU and gas canister it needs for inflation.

“Because you’re basically wearing a (very comfortable) fabric- covered plastic life jacket, there’s little airflow, but I’ve never overheated even on 30-degree days. It charges via a USB and links to an app, where you can quickly set it for road or racetrack use. It has to go back to A-stars to reset.”

Alpinestars’s Tech-Air 5 system uses an airbag-enabled vest that can be worn under any jacket and combined with matching jackets or race suits from the Italian company. Apparently offering twice the protection of normal armour, the airbag itself can inflate in 25milliseconds once a crash is detected. Fully self-contained, it is heavy but offers reassurance with its status displayed on panels on corresponding clothing.

Read our full Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 review

“I bought my Turtle 2 after a friend had a major accident while we were touring in Europe a number of years back. That put the heebie jeebies in me and I’ve worn my airbag on every ride since, both at home and abroad. It took a bit of getting used to since it is tethered to the bike by a lanyard, which I have to remember to attach every single time I ride. If I do forget then I will stop at the earliest opportunity and clip it on. The electronic version wasn’t yet invented in these early days of airbag technology, but this original version is just as good as it was on day one. Except it eventually gets dirty and when I sent it back to Helite for a servicing they didn’t do a very good job of cleaning it.

“I decided to get the Hi-Viz version since the open road is full of careless drivers who don’t look out for other road users – like the one who knocked my friend off his bike and nearly killed him. I know the airbag works because I’ve tipped over a couple of times and it has activated, which is a surreal experience. It deflates by itself after a short while. The gas canisters are easy to replace, but they are quite expensive. I always carry a spare.”

One of, if not the, first airbag vests on the market, the Helite Turtle 2 is designed to fit over the rider’s jacket but is also showerproof, so it can also be used over leathers or race suits. It uses a lanyard that fixes to both the bike and the airbag, and when triggered it inflates in less the 0.1 of a second. In addition to protecting the neck, spine, and thorax, it also includes a Level-2 back protector built in.