Complete guide for how to choose motocross apparel covers everything from jackets to gloves and boots, and what you need to look for in each to keep safe and well-outfitted.
When it comes to motocross and off-road riding, clothing becomes very important. You can’t just ride in any pair of pants or boots. There are specific clothes designed to protect and aid you in off-road riding. Due to several options available in the market, purchasing the right one may seem overwhelming to you.
How to choose motocross apparel correctly.
We have included everything you need to know how to choose motocross apparel so that you can make an informed decision while buying.
Enduro Jackets
The primary reason for a motorcycle enduro jacket is to protect you from the elements such as rain, water, and cold temperatures. Of course, a good enduro jacket also protects you from getting injuries when you fall, get smacked by a tree branch, or when your buddy roosts rocks at you. Plus, you’ll want a dirt bike jacket that also looks good on the trail and allows you to ride in comfort.
Buying Criteria For Selecting Your Enduro Jacket:
Comfort
For an enduro jacket to be comfortable, it needs to allow you to move. Especially if you are wearing a chest protector underneath it for additional protection – which many riders do. This means you’ll want to purchase your enduro jacket one size larger than you usually wear. MXstore has a great collection.
When you get too hot while riding, you’ll also want removable sleeves to turn your jacket into a vest. Furthermore, a removable liner is a nice feature that allows you to regulate your temperature, whether the weather is hot or ice cold.
Jacket material
The material for dirt bike jackets is usually either nylon or Gore-Tex. Nylon material usually is Dupont Cordura which is a heavy-duty form of nylon. Usually, the inside of the nylon consists of waterproof material.
If the waterproof material does not breathe, you are going to get very hot. This is why the more expensive enduro jackets are constructed with Dupont’s “Gore-Tex” breathable material.
Pockets
With an enduro jacket, the more pockets, the better. You’ll want a pocket in the chest/abdomen area to carry keys, a wallet, your camera, and a Powerbar.
Vents – lots of vents!
First, We talk about closing the motorcycle jacket up, now ventilation?! On a hot day, it’s nice to be able to open a few ventilation holes without having to open your whole motorcycle jacket (which makes it flap around and curl up on your back). Under the armpits is the most commonplace for ventilation zippers.
Padding
Extra padding is essential to protect yourself in the inevitable event of a wipeout. Your dirt bike jacket should have extra tough material or even padding on the elbows and shoulders.
Foldable Into A Fanny Pack
When the weather turns from cold to warm, you’ll want to take your dirt bike jacket off. But where do you store it when you’re on trial? Many of the better enduro jackets conveniently fold into a fanny pack.
Dirt Bike Pants
Good dirt bike pants are important for having a comfortable ride and being protected during a crash and from the weather. The best way to select your motocross or dirt bike pants is by knowing what type of riding you’re going to use them for. Here are the four types of pants that you can consider purchasing:
Motocross Pants
This type of pants is designed to offer you protection while you’re racing and provide comfort and ease of movement. Most are constructed of nylon and polyester, with vents for air cooling and pads for protection during a crash. MXstore is one of the most popular brands. The prices range from $100-200.
Dual Sport & Over The Boot Pants
This type of pants is a great choice for your dual sport rides when you’re combining both street and dirt. These pants offer a more “casual” design with features like cargo pockets, zip-off legs, durable materials, and even waterproofing.
One version has an “over the boot” style for keeping water, mud, and sand out of your boots. If you plan to ride your dual sport into town or on the highways, you may want to buy “low key” colours like blue, black, tan, or grey, so you don’t look like a “Transformer Robot” or a scallywag motocrosser who’s riding illegally on the road! Prices range from about $100 to $200, and we recommend the following dual sport pants:
Hot Weather Motocross Pants
Hot weather pants are designed to keep you cool during hot summer days and are vented for maximum airflow. One famous design type is the “Sahara” pant which offers lots of ventilation, cool styling, and good durability. Prices range from about $100 to $200.
Cold Weather & Winter Motorcycle Pants
These pants are designed to do two things for you – keep you dry and warm during your cold and/or wet weather motorcycle expeditions. Like the dual sport pants, they’re extra roomy, so you get total freedom of movement. They also come with an overboot design for keeping water and mud from running into your boots. Prices range from about $150 to $300.
Dirt Bike Gloves
The primary reason for wearing motorcycle gloves is to protect your hands from injury during a crash. Plus, they also protect you from getting injuries when you fall, get smacked by a tree branch, or when your buddy roosts rocks at you.
Of course, they protect your hands from getting torn up from your grips and protect you from the elements such as rain, water, and cold temperatures too.
Buying Guide For Selecting Your Motorcycle Gloves
Comfort & Size
For your motorcycle gloves to be comfortable, they need to fit correctly and allow your hands to move freely. This means you’ll want to purchase your motorcycle gloves the correct size of your hands.
Glove Material
The material for motorcycle gloves is usually either nylon or Gore-Tex. Nylon material usually is Dupont Cordura which is a heavy-duty form of nylon. Usually, the inside of the nylon consists of waterproof material.
Padding & Protection
Extra padding is essential to protect yourself in the inevitable event of a wipeout. Your motorcycle or motocross gloves should have extra tough material and padding in the palm and fingers. Plus, you may want to purchase a pair that gives you the extra protection of padding or plastic on the top of your fingers for the inevitable event of a crash.
Final Word
The motocross clothing you choose will determine the smoothness of your ride. It will also be a lifesaver during crashes. It’s your life on the line, so do not hesitate in purchasing quality motocross apparel for your off-road riding endeavours. Use this buying guide as a reference in how to choose motocross apparel, and make informed buying decisions.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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