Dirt Bike Gear Guide

Motocross has earned a loyal following of fans and riders all over the world. As raucous and riveting as this motor sport may be, it is also one of the most dangerous sports in the world. That is precisely why motocross riders require the highest level of body protection. On race day, accidents, collisions, and falls are all too common. Luckily, there are a host of precautionary steps you can take to reduce the risk of ankle sprains, broken collarbones, rotator cuff injuries, and more. In this dirt bike gear guide, we cover all the basics you will want and need before you hit the track or the trail.

Ride Safely with the Right Dirt Bike Gear

1. Helmet: A helmet is possibly the most important piece of protection you will need, because it will serve as the first line of defense for your head when you crash, which you will. A cheap helmet won’t offer the amount of protection you need, and it has probably not been quality tested. In the United States, a quality motocross helmet will have a DOT, Snell M2005, Snell M2010, or ECE R22-05 marking. Depending on your riding style, the type of bike you ride, and personal preferences, you have full-face, three-quarter, and half-helmets to choose from. Although some states don’t require full-face helmets, this will be the best at protecting your head and your brain. Other factors to keep in mind when choosing the right helmet is ventilation, material, field of vision, and design.

2. Boots: A quality pair of boots is essential to staying comfortable while you ride. A good pair of boots will absorb impact when you land from jumps. More importantly, boots will protect your feet from the sharp teeth on the foot pegs of your bike and prevent you from twisting or even breaking your ankles.

3. Goggles: When you’re riding at high speeds, you want to see straight. The goggles you choose will be the window to the finish line, but they will also help you see all those branches, bugs, rocks, and sticks that might otherwise ruin a perfectly good day at the track. There have been many technological improvements in terms of motocross goggles. The best goggles are typically made with Lexan or Plutonite lenses and come fully equipped with features such as tear-offs or roll-offs. These features create several layers of clear film across your goggles, which you can tear or roll off if mud and dirt start to cloud your vision. You might also want to look for goggles with UV protection.

4. Pants, Jersey, Gloves: It would be unwise to take off on your dirt bike without wearing the proper apparel. Contrary to popular belief, a pair of jeans just won’t cut it. Protective riding apparel will keep your skin safe from roosting. Most motocross kits come with a matching jersey and pant combo, but it’s always best to stock up on a few kits in case you get wet early in the day. Your jersey should be made of a durable, abrasion-resistant material, so it can hold up to the hardships of dirt biking. Your pants must also be resistant to rips and tears without constricting any freedom of movement. Most quality dirt bike pants are made of leather and/or a polyester blend. Having the right pair of dirt biking gloves will not only ensure that you find comfort and grip but will also prevent you from getting horrendous blisters and burns from those long or intense rides.

5. Chest Protection: In addition to protecting your skin, you must also protect your internal organs and spine. Body armor comes in all shapes and forms. You will need to decide between a heavy-duty chest protector for full coverage in the event of crashes or a lightweight one that will more or less protect you from flying debris.

6. Knee and Elbow Pads: Some of the most understated pieces of equipment for dirt biking are the pads used to protect your knees and elbows. In a crash, you will more than likely put your arms up and out in front of you as a natural reaction. It’s important to protect your arms and elbows from impact. You should also invest in a quality pair of knee braces, as these will hopefully prevent you from suffering a painful injury. Look for braces with long bars, poly-axial hinges, protection at the front and above the knee, as well as good strapping.

7. Gear Bag: Last but not least, you will need a bag to keep all your gear in. When traveling, it is nice to have all that gear in one place, so you can quickly suit up and be prepared before practice or a race. You want your gear bag to last and you should be able to fit all your gear in it without worrying that the bag will burst at the seams. You might also want a bag that has several compartments with ventilation.

Now that you know all the dirt bike gear you need in your arsenal, it’s time to stock up on the best apparel and accessories for a safe ride. At Kawasaki Parts Nation, we proudly offer an extensive selection of dirt bike riding gear, including jackets, shirts, pants, and much more. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.