Stand out from the crowd: Best hi viz motorbike kit

Published: 31 August 2023 Updated: 26 April 2024

There’s no doubt that if you want to be seen on your motorcycle, then wearing and using hi viz motorbike kit is the way to go. It does what it says on the tin; high visibility.

It means you stand out as much as possible from the surroundings and other traffic so that road users see you and are aware of your presence, giving you room and hopefully, not pulling out in front of you.

While some riders despise hi viz clothing and kit, others embrace it for the additional safety it can offer, particularly in poor weather or darkness – really useful in winter, for example.

There are two main types of hi viz motorbike kit; coloured (either fluorescent yellow or orange) and reflective, that tends to show up better in other vehicle’s headlights.

Of course, the most visible will be a combination of the two and the majority of hi-viz clothing designed for motorcycles – as opposed to other environments such as warehouses or building sites, for example – will comprise both.

Here is a selection of hi viz motorbike kit and kit to keep you seen and safe.

Weise Vision hi viz motorbike kit tried and tested

Weise Vision Jacket

MCN Rated

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Tested by Michael Guy, 6 months, 4000 miles

Another waterproof, this time in pure reflective as opposed to the familiar fluorescent hi-viz. This jacket from Weise (there are also trousers available to make up a full suit, at £39.99) is not only waterproof, with properly taped seams and a mesh lining for air flow but is also completely formed from reflective material, for full 360° vision to other road users. It’s effective at making sure you are seen as well as staying dry.

What Michael said: "With age, comes wisdom... apparently. And over the years my desire to wear dark colours and be as incognito as possible has been replaced with being keen to be seen. I have however resisted the desire to don fluoro yellow clothing, which is why the Weise Vision over-jacket has been a welcome addition.

"Made from highly reflective material it lights up spectacularly the moment any light is shone directly on it. It also acts as a good additional layer, which helps wind chill and while it’s not 100% waterproof it does a good job of keeping the majority of the elements at bay when worn over your usual bike jacket."

Pros

Waterproof
Fully reflective
Trousers available

Cons

Only reflective, not flouro

Quality:

4.0
Value:

4.0

Rev'it Athos 2 Hi-Vis Vest

Price: £49.99

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Although sharing the same functionality as the original Athos, the fresher Athos 2 works with an improved fit, upgraded YKK zips and 3M Scotchlite reflective tape. The PVC-free polyester is water repellent yet the surface is non sticky.

They have adjustable shoulder and waist straps and comprise both hi-viz material with reflective stripes on the shoulder and waist straps. They come as a two pack and each has its own storage pouch.

Pros

Portable
Adjustable
Go over any jacket

Cons

Narrow strips of visibility

Held Hi-Viz Vest

Price: £12.14

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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Another product that does what it says on the tin, this is universal over-the-jacket hi-viz vest from Held is designed to be worn over your usual jacket and highlight your presence to other road users.

It’s a familiar zip-up front, with twin reflective stripes all round and tabs to pull it in at the waist. Its air-permeable fabric makes it less inclined to billow and it’s the classic hi-viz vest.

Pros

Wear over any jacket
Anti-billow material
Hi-vis and reflective

Cons

None

Reflective Vests

Price: $21.95

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This two-pack of reflective hi-viz vests (perhaps a bit of a strong description) has a pair of harnesses that sit over the shoulders and fasten around the waist with a large buckle.

Richa Typhoon Rain Suit

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Not only will this Richa Typhoon suit keep you dry, it will also keep you visible, thanks to the large hi-viz panels on the side. Its a great waterproof a Best Buy triangle winner from sister title RIDE and the one-piece design means no gaping or drafts (there is also a two-piece version available).

The large fluorescent panels will help keep you visible when the rain starts to fall.

Pros

Keep you dry
Large hi-viz panels
One-piece design

Cons

Could do with more flouro

Find more rain suits here

Caberg Duke 2

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There are plenty of helmets around that feature hi-viz graphics or inserts but the Duke 2, from Caberg, is the ultimate in visibility. Finished in pure flouro yellow, the five SHARP stars helmet is dual homologated, so you can ride with the chin-bar down or up and it features a wide main visor as well as a drop-down sub visor.

I can confirm it is all-day comfortable and will stand out on the road to make sure people know you’re there.

Pros

Five SHARP stars
All-over hi-viz
Comfortable and well spec’d

Cons

Bit much for some

RST Atlas Jacket

Price: £149.99

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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This jacket from RST is not really a hi-viz item but a proper riding jacket that is finished in hi-viz to make you seen. It's a waterproof riding jacket with a MaxTex outer and a SinAqua liner to keep water out yet allow the body to breathe.

It has a mesh lining and comes with CE armour in the shoulders and elbows, with a back protector pocket. It has external pockets and adjusters and there is also a pair of matching trousers available, for £129.99.

Pros

Full riding jacket design
Waterproof and breathable
Plenty of flouro panels

Cons

May be a bit much for some

Frank Thomas Raptor

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These sporty leather gloves from Frank Thomas feature hi-viz detailing to not only keep your hands safe but increase your presence on the road as well. They are formed in kangaroo leather with hard armour over the knuckles and there is a hard-plastic slider on the heel of the palm.

There are also section of padding on the palm, the fingers and thumbs and the wrist while two hook-and-loop closures ensure a good fit.

Pros

Sporty construction
Good, CE protection
Flouro hi-viz panels

Cons

Not waterproof

Oxford Aqua 50L Rollbag

Price: £48.98

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

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If you are going to carry luggage on the back of the bike, you may as well make it visible and the RIDE-triangle-winning Aqua range from Oxford includes this version with flouro hi-viz panels for extra visibility. There is a range of sizes available (20, 30, this 50 and a 70-litre version) as well as colours and all will keep your luggage dry and safe.

Pros

Completely watertight
Hi-viz panels for visibility
Easy to carry off the bike

Cons

None

Helite Hi-Viz Airbag Vest

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This is another garment that combines several functions; it is a universal airbag vest that is finished in hi-viz for even more safety. The Helite Turtle airbag vest goes over the top of whatever jacket you are wearing and tethers to the bike so that, if you part company, the tether activates the inflation to protect and support the body.

The hi-viz finish means others will know you’re there, hopefully preventing the airbag to be needed in the first place but if it is, you are protected.

Pros

Universal-fit airbag vest
Fit over any jacket
Simple, mechanical triggering

Cons

May not suit all outfits

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.
Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one. If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.
To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products

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By MCN

The voice of motorcycling since 1955

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