Good gear is the difference between an enjoyable ride and a dangerous one. Here is a practical guide to motorcycle gear essentials, covering helmets, jackets, and storage.
Helmets: Your Most Important Purchase
By law, you must wear an approved safety helmet when riding a motorcycle or moped on UK roads. Your helmet must meet British Standard BS 6658:1985 with a BSI Kitemark, or an equivalent EU standard such as ECE 22.06, which became mandatory for all newly manufactured helmets in January 2024.
Helmet Types
- Full-face: offers maximum protection, covering the entire head and face, recommended for most road riding.
- Modular (flip-up): combines full-face safety with the convenience of an open-face design when stationary.
- Open-face: a classic choice for custom or retro riders, offering less protection than full-face options.
Checking Helmet Safety Ratings
Beyond the minimum legal standard, the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) rates helmets from 1 to 5 stars based on real-world impact testing, giving you a clearer picture of relative protection than certification alone.
Motorcycle Jackets
A quality motorcycle jacket should include CE-approved armour at the shoulders, elbows, and ideally the back, alongside abrasion-resistant material such as leather or reinforced textile. Look for a jacket that fits snugly without restricting movement, since a loose jacket can shift out of position in a crash.
Motorcycle Storage
A motorcycle storage box or top box adds secure, weatherproof carrying capacity for your helmet, gear, or shopping, while a decent cover protects your bike from the elements when parked outside. Number plate holders are also a small but useful accessory, keeping your plate secure and legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in the UK?
Yes, wearing an approved safety helmet is a legal requirement when riding a motorcycle or moped on UK roads, with limited exceptions such as turban-wearing Sikh riders.
What is the SHARP rating system?
SHARP is a UK government initiative that independently tests and rates motorcycle helmets from 1 to 5 stars based on real-world impact performance, helping riders choose beyond the minimum legal standard.
Do I need CE-rated armour in my jacket?
While not always a legal requirement, CE-approved armour significantly improves impact protection and is strongly recommended for all road riding.
Related reading: choosing your first bike? See our guide on motorcycle types explained.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK motorcycle gear and safety guides.
