Beginner Motorcycle Gear UK: Complete Guide

You're about to spend serious money on gear. First-time buyers often get this wrong, spending too much where it doesn't matter and too little where it does. Here's how to build a complete protective setup without wasting your budget.

The Priority Order: Helmet first. Always. A quality helmet around £150-200 protects your brain. Everything else protects things that heal.

Gloves second. Your hands hit the ground first in most falls. They control your throttle, brakes, and clutch. Quality winter gloves around £80-100 handle UK conditions.

Jacket third. CE armour at shoulders, elbows, and back. A textile all-rounder around £150-200 works year-round.

Boots fourth. Proper ankle protection prevents career-ending injuries. Around £100-150 for decent commuter boots.

Trousers last. Jeans with knee armour around £80-100 protect the basics. Upgrade when budget allows.

Budget Tier: £400 Total Helmet: HJC i70 or LS2 FF320 (£100-150) Gloves: RST Urban Air 3 (£40-50) Jacket: RST Pilot (£100-120) Boots: TCX Rush 2 (£80-100) Trousers: RST Aramid jeans (£80-100)

This setup provides legitimate protection. Every piece is CE-rated. You're sacrificing comfort and features, not safety. Suitable for CBT and test preparation on a tight budget.

Mid-Range Tier: £600 Total Helmet: Shoei NXR2 or AGV K3 (£250-350) Gloves: Alpinestars Booster V2 (£60-80) Jacket: RST Pro Series (£180-220) Boots: TCX Street 3 (£100-130) Trousers: Oxford Original Approved jeans (£90-120)

Better comfort and durability. Premium helmet makes long rides more pleasant. Quality jacket with thermal liner handles all seasons. This is the sweet spot for new riders who'll stick with the hobby.

Quality Tier: £800 Total Helmet: Shoei GT-Air 3 or Schuberth C5 (£450-550) Gloves: Held Air n Dry (£100-130) Jacket: Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar (£250-350) Boots: TCX Infinity 3 GTX (£200-250) Trousers: Klim Marrakesh or RST Pro Series (£150-200)

Premium gear designed for daily use. Touring helmet with integrated sun visor. Laminated waterproof jacket. Gore-Tex boots. Built for riders who commute year-round in all conditions.

Where to Save: Trousers. Basic armoured jeans provide adequate leg protection. Upgrade later when you understand your riding style.

Where to Spend: Helmet and gloves. These protect non-recoverable body parts. Quality here matters more than anywhere else.

CBT and Test Requirements: Your CBT instructor will refuse to teach you without proper boots, gloves, and jacket. Most require helmet (obviously), gloves with hard protection, boots covering ankles, and a jacket with armour. Jeans are typically acceptable for training.

Don't arrive in trainers. Don't arrive in garden gloves. Have minimum gear before your CBT booking.

Our Recommendation: Target the mid-range tier around £600. This builds a complete setup that lasts years and protects properly. Start with the helmet; buy the best you can afford. Fill gaps with budget options and upgrade over time.

Not sure what fits your needs? Our quiz considers your bike, riding style, and conditions.