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Is expensive riding gear really worth it?

Can you really put a price on your safety?

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Oct 16, 2022
Is expensive riding gear really worth it?

A lot of new motorcyclists tend to forget to factor in the cost of riding gear when planning their motorcycle-related finances. Most of the time, we focus on the bike itself, and sometimes even the accessories and upgrades we want to fit onto our bikes after we’ve purchased them. While decking out your newly acquired machine with tasteful modifications is something we can appreciate, it shouldn’t come at the expense of safety.

This means that apart from actually buying your bike, your main priority should be making sure you’re well protected from head to toe. Now, it can be extremely tempting to skip the expensive riding gear and just hit the road with your favorite pair of sneakers, a department-store jacket, some jeans, and a cheap helmet. However, there’s a reason why real riding gear is expensive, and even more reasons why it’s worth the investment.

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Research and development

Is expensive riding gear really worth it?

It goes without saying that manufacturers of motorcycle gear pour in hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars into R&D. Indeed, some of the industry’s most reputable brands continue innovating in the world of safety, offering new products designed to elevate the protective features of riding gear. On top of that, manufacturers need to conform to certain safety standards—most of which are set in Europe—in order to be certified as motorcycle-grade PPE. Needless to say, this all adds up to the cost, and that’s why most motorcycle-approved jackets, helmets, pants, gloves, and boots cost more than thrice that of their department store counterparts. 

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The materials used are more expensive

Is expensive riding gear really worth it?

If you head over to your nearest department store and look at a pair of jeans, chances are what you’ll find are pants made out of a varying assortment of denim, cotton, and other synthetic fabrics all blended together. From a comfort viewpoint, this is perfectly fine. However, if you were to check out a motorcycle-approved pair of pants, you’ll notice that the fabrics used are much more durable, while at the same time designed to keep you comfortable. Naturally, a lot of innovations in the world of materials science has made riding gear what it is today, and a lot of manufacturers dedicate a lot of resources to keep you safe and comfortable, be it on or off the motorcycle.

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You can’t put a price tag on safety

Is expensive riding gear really worth it?

At the end of the day, as motorcyclists, we accept the risk of pursuing our passion on two wheels, while at the same time, taking all the steps to keep us safe while doing so. That also means putting in the effort to get the best riding gear that your budget permits you to acquire. While it is true that you don’t need to most expensive gear from the most respected brands out there, at the very least, you should get riding gear that conforms to the most recent safety standards. Luckily, there are a number of manufacturers out there who produce protective, comfortable, and affordable gear options. 

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