Buying Safe Motorcycle Gear Within Budget

What kind of motorcycle do you have and how do you want to use your motorcycle?

The type of motorcycle you ride can definitely influence your choice of motorcycle clothing and what you want to express. Different types of motorcycles often require different types of motorcycle clothing to meet specific needs and riding conditions. This greatly influences the price of the motorcycle clothing. Here are some examples of how the type of motorcycle can influence the choice of motorcycle clothing.

Supersport motorcycle

If you have a sporty motorcycle, aerodynamics is important. Race suits are often tight and streamlined to reduce air resistance at high speeds. A sporty leather motorcycle jacket often features a ‘speed hump’ on the back to promote stability. A track suit is usually made of leather and has sliders on vulnerable areas such as the shoulders, elbows, and knees. It’s among the best motorcycle clothing available, but it’s often also the most expensive. Not everyone needs this, but those who want to ride fast need a safe track suit. In recent years, we’ve also seen more textile motorcycle clothing with features derived from racing for street use.

Touring Motorcycle

For touring motorcycles, comfort and protection over long distances are important. Touring motorcycle clothing is often designed to provide prolonged comfort, with features such as a (removable) waterproof and breathable membrane, ventilation openings, adjustable fit and extra storage pockets. Those who are comfortable will be able to ride longer and cover more distance.

Cruiser/chopper

With cruisers and choppers, style is often the most important thing. This motorcycle clothing can be more casual, with emphasis on appearance and aesthetics. Classic leather jackets and motorcycle jeans are popular with this type of motorcycles due to the classic look and the protection they provide at the same time. Just put on the Easy Rider soundtrack and go!

Offroad/motorcross

Motorcycle clothing designed for off-road riding offers maximum protection and mobility. It often includes a full body armor with protective components such as reinforced panels, knee and elbow guards, chest protectors, and neck protection. Over this, airy off-road motorcycle clothing is worn to keep the rider cool, made of wear-resistant materials that can withstand rough terrain.

Motor scooter/commuter

Comfortable and functional motorcycle clothing is often chosen for scooter or commuting. Waterproof and windproof properties are not a luxury, as well as visibility for other road users. Reflective elements are often used to increase visibility.

It’s important to set realistic expectations. Affordable motorcycle clothing exists within almost every one of the above categories. Choose the most suitable material for your riding style, as a beginner rider, you don’t immediately need all the technical gimmicks that motorcycle clothing has to offer. By opting for basics, you will gradually notice what you do and don’t need. This way, a few years later, you can make an even better choice without being overwhelmed by the many options during your first purchase.

How often will you ride?

The frequency of your motorcycle rides will determine what kind of motorcycle clothing is right for you. It’s important to find a good balance between functionality, quality, and price. It may be worthwhile to choose motorcycle clothing brands that offer more quality, comfort and protection so they last longer. With intensive use, it’s better not to choose the cheapest option that will break down faster. This will cost you more in the end if you have to replace the motorcycle clothing prematurely. We have heard stories from riders with budget motorcycle jackets that served for 10 years, but this is more the exception.

Will you ride seasonally?

If you only use your motorcycle during certain seasons, you can tailor your budget to the specific needs of those seasons. If you mainly ride in the summer, you can invest in ventilated motorcycle clothing that keeps you cool. If you mainly ride in the winter, you can direct your budget towards motorcycle clothing with thermal lining and a waterproof membrane that will protect you from the cold and rain.

Motorcycle clothing aimed at 1 season will be cheaper than motorcycle clothing that is ready to be worn all year round. Bundling all these extra features (removable waterproof membrane, removable thermal lining, and sufficient ventilation zippers or panels) comes with a price tag that can add up. Of course, in return, you get a motorcycle jacket that you can use during any season if you need it.

For example, I have 2 motorcycle jackets and 2 motorcycle trousers. A waterproof motorcycle jacket with removable thermal lining and a similar motorcycle trouser that I can use throughout the winter and the transitional season. For the summer months, I have a ventilated motorcycle jacket and motorcycle jeans. I can easily combine these 4 pieces, depending on the weather conditions.

How do I buy motorcycle clothing within budget?

After the above introduction that gives you the right expectations, it’s finally time to start looking for the right motorcycle clothing within budget. At RAD, we naturally want you to hit the road with decent motorcycle gear and have the following buying tips for you.

Clearance Sales and Seasonal Discounts

Want to save money, but not skimp on quality or looks? Then it’s best to buy as much motorcycle clothing as possible during seasonal discounts or large promotions. You can certainly grab a bargain during the ‘sale period’ in January and July. The infamous Black Friday promotions are also a well-known phenomenon, the ideal time to buy the best motorcycle clothing brands with high discounts. Keep an eye on our website and social media or sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about offers and promotions. If you’re lucky, you can grab a ‘end of line item’ (last pieces) with a huge discount.

Compare Motorcycle Clothing

As soon as you start comparing different models and brands, you will quickly notice the similarities and conclude that the prices for a certain type of clothing can vary. At RAD, we have some lesser-known motorcycle clothing brands, which offer quality motorcycle clothing, at lower prices such as GMS, IXS, Macna and Modeka.

At Modeka, their motto is that safe motorcycle clothing does not have to be expensive or exclusive. They also have a large selection of good motorcycle clothing for women, not surprising considering this company is run by 2 sisters.

Some proposals from RAD

At RAD, we have selected some outfits that are budget-friendly. We have made some choices for each type of rider that match the riding style. This can cause a huge difference in the price per outfit type. We have looked at items we would wear ourselves in these outfits, without choosing the cheapest options. We calculate all these prices without ongoing promotions or discounts. Therefore, the total price will be even lower when you view the articles.

Sportive motorcycle outfit that allows you to hit the track

Full-face helmet with double-D fastening: Scorpion EXO-R1 Evo

2-piece motorcycle suit: REV’IT! Beta 2-Piece suit

Sporty motorcycle gloves: IXS Novara 3.0

Sporty motorcycle boots: Alpinestars SMX-S

We have put together this sporty motorbike outfit for those who want an outfit to ride on the track on a limited budget. We opted for a helmet with a double D-lock and a 2-piece motorbike suit. There are no external sliders provided, so this is budget motorbike clothing. You can get this sporty motorbike outfit with a base price of € 1,489.79

Touring Motorcycle Outfit

Modular helmet: IXS301 1.0

3-in-1 Touring Jacket: Modeka Crookton

Touring pants with suspenders: Modeka Baxters

Motorcycle gloves: IXS Balin-ST 2.0

Touring motorcycle boots: Modeka Blaker

We have compiled this touring motorcycle outfit for those who want to tour on a motorcycle on a limited budget. We opted for a system helmet, which is very practical due to its flip-up chin part. And a 3-in-1 motorcycle jacket so that you can adjust the jacket in any type of weather to be able to ride comfortably through rain and wind, cold or heat. Due to the popularity of this segment, there is a large range of budget motorcycle clothing. You can get this touring motorcycle outfit with a base price of €634.60

Cruiser/chopper motorcycle outfit

Matte black Jet helmet: Scorpion Belfast Evo

Black leather motorcycle jacket: Modeka Ruven

Black motorcycle jeans: Modeka Glenn II

Classic leather motorcycle gloves: Modeka Parkar Black

Black motorcycle boots: IXS Classic Shoe Oiled Leather

We have put together this outfit for cruisers or choppers for those who want to hit the road in a stylish and badass manner, even with a limited budget. It is a completely black outfit that prioritizes style. The money you will save on the purchase of this outfit can be directly invested in customizing your motorcycle. You can get this cruiser motorcycle outfit with a base price of €829,55

Off-road/motocross outfit

Cross motorcycle helmet: IXS 363 1.0

Motocross goggles: Oxford Assault Pro

Harness: Alpinestars Protection Vest Bionic Action V2

Cross shirt: REV’IT! Sierra

Cross pants: REV’IT! Peninsula

Light motorcycle gloves: IXS Samur-Air 2.0

Motocross boots: Alpinestars Tech 3 Enduro

We have put together this outfit for those who really want to go offroad riding or want to do motocross. We opt for a motocross helmet with matching goggles, harness, airy clothing, and sturdy boots, so you can toil and sweat in the dirt. We find less budget motorcycle clothing here, as this segment is not that big. You can get this offroad/motocross outfit with a base price of €1,024.38

Motor scooter/commuter

Maxi-jet helmet: Scorpion EXO-City II

Practical motorcycle jacket: Modeka Tarex

Matching motorcycle trousers: Modeka Tarex Trousers

Motorcycle gloves: IXS Balin-ST 2.0

Waterproof motorcycle shoes: Alpinestars J-6 Waterproof

We have put together this outfit for those who bravely navigate their motor scooter through busy city traffic on a daily basis, getting from A to B as smoothly as possible when cars are stuck in traffic. We opted for a maxi jet helmet for optimal all-round vision, practical motorcycle clothing and motor sneakers to find your way comfortably even off the bike. You can get this motor scooter/commuter outfit with a base price of €604.60

Budget motorcycle clothing for everyone

I understand that not every type of motorcyclist is covered, but with these outfits we try to appeal to several large groups of motorcyclists. Those who want personal advice when choosing an outfit within their budget, are welcome at any of our locations or can contact our webshop employees. We are confident that at RAD you can find an outfit that suits your riding style, motorcycle, and budget.

Remember that motorcycle gear is essential for your safety on the road. It’s important to make the right choices based on both price and quality so you can hit the road well protected.