Must-Have Motorcycle Gear for Spring

I won’t exactly wither away due to a bit of sun or rain, but I still prefer to ride as comfortably as possible. My leather jacket stays on the coatrack for now, in favour of a versatile 2-in-1 jacket. As a glasses wearer, I always ride with a modular helmet, which comes in handy when filtering through traffic. My smartphone mount, already a fixture on my handlebars, proves extra useful now that I’ve planned a few organised rides.

Here are my must-haves for the mid-season.

Modular jacket

Perfect for unpredictable spring weather. Mornings and evenings can still be chilly, so you’ll want to ride with every layer your gear has to offer. A 2-in-1 jacket has a durable outer shell with a removable thermal liner that you can quickly take out when the midday sun appears. If you want even more flexibility, go for a 3-in-1. These jackets feature three separate layers: the outer shell with protectors, a removable waterproof membrane, and a detachable thermal liner. This setup allows you to adjust perfectly to typical spring conditions, which can shift from cold and wet to warm and dry – sometimes in the same day.

Mid-Season Motorcycle Gloves

Mid-season gloves are waterproof without being too warm. They blend elements of summer gloves (light insulation) and winter gloves (waterproofing), making them the ideal pair for unpredictable April weather. For many riders, these are also the most frequently (or even only!) worn gloves in their collection. Guilty as charged!

Motorcycle Shoes

My Daytona Road Stars are my go-to pair for long rides, but despite their double-boot construction that regulates heat, I feel that my IXS Classics are a more comfortable choice for casual riding and walking. I debated between these and a sportier sneaker-style boot, but the classic look won me over. Two years in, and I’m still happy with my choice.

Motorcycle shoes look more casual but still feature ankle protection and waterproof membranes. Ideal for commuting or relaxed spring rides. Pay attention to waterproofing when choosing a pair—some are merely water-repellent, which won’t cut it in heavy rain.

Modular helmet

Some riders swear by modular helmets for their versatility, while others prefer full-face helmets for maximum protection. As a glasses wearer, I might be biased, but I honestly couldn’t go without one. I regularly flip up the chin bar for a breath of fresh air—at fuel stops, red lights, and even slow-moving traffic (at my own risk). It just feels that little bit freer without a frame limiting my field of vision.

Newer flip-back options like the Scorpion EXO-TECH, Shark OXO or HJC I100 take it a step further—the chin bar rotates fully to the back and locks in place. In the open position, these helmets offer the freedom of a jet helmet; while closed, they provide full-face safety. I haven’t tried one yet, but I definitely see the appeal.

Intercom

Anyone who rides with a group or a pillion rider knows the convenience of an intercom, but even solo riders will appreciate a headset. Modern systems offer more than just communication—they provide navigation instructions and music, too.

Market leaders Sena and Cardo each have their strengths: Cardo excels in sound quality, while Sena is known for ease of use. The latest VoIP-based systems use mobile data networks, enabling communication over unlimited distances as long as there’s coverage. When buying an intercom, make sure it’s compatible with your current equipment (or with your riding crew).

Smartphone holders

A smartphone mount makes navigation and phone access at traffic lights effortless. If you also ride a bike or drive a car, an SP Connect mount is worth considering. Their system is very user-friendly, and you can pick up an extra bike mount for as little as € 10. I personally use a RAM MOUNTS setup since I already had a ball mount for my TomTom GPS. Whatever system you choose, invest in a vibration dampener. This small rubber buffer between your phone and the mount prevents engine vibrations from damaging your camera sensors—a growing issue with modern smartphones. For less than € 20, you can protect a device worth hundreds.

Multimedia Display

If you’re familiar with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in your car and want the same convenience on your bike, consider a motorcycle multimedia display. This allows you to keep your phone safely in your pocket, avoiding vibration damage. Your smartphone syncs wirelessly with the dashboard, letting you control navigation, music, and more without taking your phone out. The added luxury does come with a higher price tag, though.

Motorcycle Cleaning Products

After winter storage, your bike deserves a proper clean. A good shampoo, chain cleaner, and chain spray are essential. Don’t just use whatever’s lying around in your cupboard—products from brands like S100 of Motul are reliable and won’t damage any components.