6 Adventure Motorcycle Gear Essentials
January 24, 2024 Comments CommentHitting the open road—or heading where there are no roads—on your Harley-Davidson® adventure motorcycle is an exhilarating experience. But before you twist the throttle and disappear into the horizon, it's crucial to ensure you're equipped with the right gear.
Adventure motorcycling demands more than just your trusty helmet and leather jacket. You'll need to conquer diverse terrains, unpredictable weather and potential road hazards, all while staying comfortable and protected. With adventure riding, you’ll use your body differently compared to other riding styles, so choosing the best adventure motorcycle gear can help you move while staying comfortable and protected.
This guide dives into the six essential categories of adventure motorcycle gear – jackets, pants, armor, boots, gloves and helmets - providing you with insights on what to look for in the best examples of each.
Six Essentials of Adventure Motorcycle Gear
1. Adventure Motorcycle Jackets
When you’re an adventure rider facing the elements, you may want to forget about the classic leather look. Instead, the best adventure motorcycle jacket needs chameleon-like capabilities. That means finding materials that can do it all: withstand spills with abrasion protection, offer breathability in the scorching sun, and meanwhile ward off unexpected downpours with water-resistant properties. Bonus points for removable liners that let you shed layers as the temperature heats up, and for strategically placed pockets that keep essentials within reach. Look for these features and more in the top-notch adventure motorcycle jackets from Harley-Davidson.
2. Adventure Motorcycle Pants
Dust, rocks, rain, wind and spills: even the best adventure motorcycle pants are almost bound to face them all, perhaps in the span of a single ride. Choose tear- and abrasion-resistant fabrics like those in your jacket, with extra reinforcements in the knees and seat.
Again, waterproof membranes are non-negotiable, when it comes to choosing the best adventure motorcycle pant, but they must be paired with breathable fabrics and zip-up ventilation that lets you cool down when the heat cranks up. Among our best adventure riding pants, look for cutting-edge temperature control features like the VCS Aquadefence ventilation system that enhances airflow in sweltering conditions—and can be opened and closed easily with just one gloved hand.
3. Body Armor for Adventure Rider
Traversing unchartered (not to mention uneven) terrain on your adventure rides, taking added protection precautions becomes paramount. Help protect yourself with CE-approved body armor that fits snugly, yet comfortably, beneath your jacket without hindering your comfort or maneuverability with unnecessary bulk and weight. Some of the best body armor for adventure riding can be found at Harley-Davidson®.
4. Adventure Motorcycle Boots
Your feet may take a beating over the course of an all-terrain, all-weather adventure ride. If you’re looking for the best adventure motorcycle boots, it’s best to choose sturdy, mid-calf or higher boots made from waterproof leather or synthetic materials. Your adventure boots should offer added ankle support and protection, while still allowing for some flexibility for maneuvering the bike. Meanwhile, opt for adventure riding boots with good grip and abrasion resistance to handle off-road terrain and protect your feet from accidental drops.
5. Adventure Motorcycle Helmets
While a regular, full-face helmet might suffice in its protective capability, an adventure-touring specific helmet elevates your overall experience. Oftentimes the best adventure motorcycle helmets are equipped with the ability to easily incorporate goggles and integrated sun visors that help combat glare, not to mention lightweight construction to reduce fatigue. Modular helmet options may offer some added weight but often offset that consideration with the convenience of an open face when needed, as well as added features like Bluetooth® audio and comms to help you keep in touch with fellow riders—or in tune with your own personalized soundtrack.
6. Adventure Motorcycle Gloves
Your hands are crucial for controlling your bike, so protecting them is paramount. Choose adventure motorcycle gloves made from abrasion-resistant materials like leather or textile, with reinforced palms and fingers for added protection. However, be careful not to sacrifice dexterity; look for options with advanced stitching that offer the sensitivity adventure riding demands alongside a secure fit. Meanwhile, as with the rest of your adventuring outfit, handwear that can adapt to changing weather conditions is crucial: explore the top options below that incorporate ventilation for warm days, waterproofing for wet days, and still manage to keep your fingers warm in the winter months.
Best Men's Adventure Motorcycle Gear from Harley-Davidson
Best Women's Adventure Motorcycle Gear from Harley-Davidson
It takes a special type to seek out adventures beyond the traffic lights and busy streets. But it also takes special gear to make the most of your time out there. Confidently embrace whatever adventures await you with gear from Harley-Davidson® and REV’IT! that’s engineered to meet the needs of those riders for whom everything’s a road.
Already have the gear but need the know-how? Add to your adventuring skill set - no matter your current level - by signing up for the Adventure Touring Rider Course from the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy or browse all Harley-Davidson adventure touring motorcycles today at your local Harley-Davidson® dealer.
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