Kit yourself out on a tight budget

Motorcycling is definitely the most enjoyable way to travel. Whether you’re riding a scooter or the latest sportsbike, you’ll experience more on two wheels than in a car. And with the right kit, you’ll be comfortable and safe.

One of the biggest improvements in biking over the years has been that the general level of quality has risen for motorcycle helmets and clothing - and as a result, you can get yourself into good kit at a much lower price. If you’re on a tight budget, we’ve picked out some of the most cost-effective gear around. In fact, you can pick a crash helmet, jacket, trousers, boots and gloves from the list below for a total price of £220.96.

 

Motorcycle helmets on a budget:

The VCAN V190 Rage is a pretty astounding helmet. For just £39.99 you can buy a full face motorcycle helmet which is ECE 22.05 for road use, ACU Gold approved for track days, and has achieved a 4 star rating in the government Sharp test. That’s pretty impressive, although it’s less surprising when you know VCAN is one of the largest helmet producers in the world, making lids for other brands including their own. That means they can pass on the savings they make by producing in bulk onto you.

In addition to the safety ratings, you also get a quick release visor, removable cheek pads and a full venting system. At £40 there’s really no excuse at all for going out in something from the early 1990s that has been in the back of a cupboard for the last decade.

If you prefer a different shell shape or design, we also have the Viper RS-60 full-face helmet in three colour options. It’s also ECE22.05 and ACU Gold approved and costs just £5 more.

If you’re a cruiser rider, you might appreciate the open face Viper RS-V06 with drop down sun visor for when you’ve left your shades behind, whilst cafe racer afficionados might enjoy the same lid with a cool black and white Union Jack design.

 

Bike clothing on a budget:

Even if you’re on a budget, you can still get some of the coolest brands around. When if comes to brands that impress non-bikers as well as fellow motorcyclists, Alpinestars is right up there. And the stylish but practical Gasoline jacket is just £110 with our 35% off deal.

That gets you a fully waterproof jacket with removable thermal liner. Plus CE-approved armour in the elbows and shoulders, plus space if you want to add chest and back protector pockets. It’s a great all-round stylish jacket that’ll look good when you’re off the bike as well as on it.

For those on an even tighter budget, we also have the Frank Thomas Aqua Shadow Waterproof Jacket for just £35. Again, you get waterproofing, a removable thermal liner and CE approved shoulder and elbow armour. For just £35!

For your bottom half, we’ve got Red Route Classic Kevlar Jeans for £49.99 - that’s 50% off. They’ll look cool, and have a Kevlar lining in all major impact areas.

 

Gloves and Boots on a budget:

Gloves are a vital part of your motorcycling kit. Modern waterproof gloves are much less bulky than they were 10 years ago, meaning you can still have fine throttle control, whilst also keeping dry.

The Oxford Bone Dry Hybrid Gloves are great for colder weather with 100% waterproof leather and textile, plus knuckle protection and a handy visor wiping system. And they’re just £25.96.

But for the warmer weather, you could pick some lighter versatile options like the Rayven Aquatec. Top quality cowhide, with a waterproof and breathable lining, plus a Thinsulate liner for when things get a bit chilly. But with added finger and knuckle protection they’ll serve you well all summer.

And for your feet, we have the waterpoof Diora Diablo motorcycle boots with leather, a waterproof and breathable membrane, and reinforcement on the gear-change area, plus important ankle protection for £69.98, which is a 22% saving.

So you can make sure you’re riding in quality kit this year for much less than ever before, or help to make sure any new riders you know are suitably attired. In fact, picking out gear from the selection above could get you a full-face crash helmet, waterproof textile jacket, Kevlar-lined jeans, gloves, and a pair of boots for a total cost of just £220.92! That’s including VAT and carriage.