Spring is here and with it comes longer days and the chance of some warmer weather, which makes motorcycle adventures a little more comfortable.
But with springtime riding comes some new requirements for what you wear and the equipment you might take with you. We’ve picked out some of the very best options available today.
Auritech Biker Earplugs – £19.95
A great place to start is to project your ears. During riding, wind noise can reach extremely high levels, potentially exposing your ears to damage. However, earplugs can help to reduce the chance of hurting your ears when you’re on the move.
Auritech is one of the leaders in biker protection, with these rubberised plugs helping to reduce the effects of wind noise while still allowing you to hear ambient sound. They’re good for use with intercoms, too.
Belstaff Brooklands – £550
Belstaff is on a roll with its motorcycle range but the tried-and-tested Brooklands continues to be a mainstay of this brand’s range. With a shorter cut, it’s got more of a classic appearance and is a good option for those who want something that isn’t as long as the famous Trialmaster.
But most importantly, it’s still got all of the key safety credentials that you’d need from a motorcycle jacket. Equipped with D30 armour at the shoulders and elbows – you can add a back protector, too – it’s AA rated for abrasion. A liner under the traditional waxed cotton helps you stay dry, too.
Vanucci VAB-9 Sympatex – £214.03
If you’re after a longer boot then it’s well worth looking at the Vanucci VAB-9 Sympatex. A crossover between an adventure and a touring boot, they’re great for those lengthier journeys and provide ample protection for your feet, ankles and shins.
With oiled nubuck leather, they should age well over time, but the chunky rubber sole means that you’ll have plenty of traction when you’re off the bike, too.
Richa Universal Jacket – £280
If you’re looking for a slightly more modern-looking jacket alternative to the Brooklands, then you could opt for the Universale Jacket from Richa. It’s a lightweight jacket which should be ideal for those warmer days while its AquaShell Pro lining means that it’s got waterproof protection, too.
On a protective level, it is also equipped with lightweight D30 Ghost armour at the shoulders and elbows.
Triumph Brando Raw Jean – £225
Triumph may be a big name in the world of motorcycle building, but it also has a decent range of clothing to go alongside it. Spring provides the perfect opportunity to ride in jeans, too, but though ‘fashion’ versions might be cheaper, they lack the protection and durability of a dedicated motorcycle-ready pair like the Brando.
They’re AA-rated for abrasion and get D30 Ghost protection at the knee and hip. The good news is that they’ll prove just as comfortable and easy to wear as a ‘regular’ pair of jeans.
Shark OXO helmet – £319.99
Ideal for all types of riding, the new Oxo from Shark is a ‘modular’ helmet, allowing riders to switch from a full-face to an open-face ‘jet’ style helmet in an instant. As a result, it’s great for warmer temperatures and instances where you might need to speak more clearly without removing the helmet overall.
It’s available with a variety of cheek pad options for a secure fit, which can be removed and washed to ensure that everything stays as fresh as can be.
Richa Air Jet glove – £29.99
Spring provides an opportunity to opt for a slightly lighter glove and the Air Jet from Richa is ideal for the job. They’re made from high-density mesh with CE-certified knuckle cover for added protection.
Plus, the index finger of the glove is screen compatible which allows you to operate a smartphone when stopped without having to remove the gloves.