Bike Kit

Year: ALL

Airbag review: Furygan Universal Vest tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Furygan airbag vest system uses technology developed by French firm In&motion which also provides the technology to other manufacturers, such as RST, Klim, Held and previous Furygan zip-in...

Jacket review: Knox Urbane Pro tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Knox Urbane Pro Mk2 is a versatile armoured under jacket that can form the foundation of whatever clothing system you want. All in one motorcycle jackets are great, however by their very...

Jacket review: Goldtop Bobber tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Ben Clarke

From the minute you pick up the Goldtop Bobber motorcycle jacket you can feel its quality – there’s a reassuring heft to it, the leather is soft and sumptuous, all the zips, buckles and fasteners feel...

Jacket review: Duchinni Strike tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The recent explosion in retro-styled motorcycles has led to a subsequent explosion in retro-styled clothing to match. This leather from Duchinni, the Strike, isn’t necessarily retro-styled but is...

Jacket review: Richa Charlestone tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Most people know quality when they come across it and the Richa Charlestone jacket really ticks the box. There are numerous ways to judge the quality of clothing and this jacket scores in each and...

Go exploring: Best adventure motorcycle jackets

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Adventure motorcycle jackets tend to have several traits in common; they usually have a textile construction, plenty of ventilation, a waterproof layer of some kind and lots of handy...

Jacket review: Spada Peacedog tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

After a helmet, a leather motorcycle jacket is perhaps the most well-known – and desirable – item of motorcycle clothing that people want – and recognise. And while there are lots of retro-styled...

Helmet review: Shark Evo GT tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

They aren’t for everyone, but there’s no denying that flip-front helmets, like the Shark Evo GT, add a degree of convenience that you simply don’t get with either a full-face or an...

Helmet review: Shark Spartan Carbon tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Shark Spartan Carbon is a comfortable, light and protective helmet and is my go-to sports helmet. For some, a helmet is a distress purchase; it’s the only part of motorcycle kit that is a legal...

Helmet review: Caberg Tourmax tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Caberg Tourmax is a mixture of many things; it is a peaked, dual-homologated flip-front touring helmet that would arguably look as at home on a dusty desert trail as it would on the daily...

Helmet review: Arai RX-7V Evo tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Emma Franklin

This updated version of the flagship Arai RX-7V Evo motorcycle helmet, is now certified to the more stringent ECE 22.06 safety standard. It’s Arai’s second lid to be tested to the new tougher...

Helmet review: Agrius Rage SV tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

There is a well-known adage that you get what you pay for. Generally, this is true and suggests that the more you pay for something, the better quality it will be and conversely, if something is...

Helmet review: HJC RPHA 11 tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Dan Sutherland

The HJC RPHA 11 is the range topping sports motorcycle helmet from the brand that comes in a dizzying array of designs, from race inspired graphics to Marvel movie tie-ins. Certified to ECE 22.05,...

Goggle search: Best motocross and dirtbike googles

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

A pair of motocross goggles is essential to maintain vision and protect the rider’s eyes when wearing certain types of helmet. Goggles are preferred to visors here as they allow that airflow to keep...

Leathers review: Alpinestars Motegi V3 tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Alpinestars Motegi V3 are a brilliant all-round solution. I’ve found over the years that if I want clothing to fit me from top to toe, then I need to mix and match or go bespoke. A long-forgotten...

Keep your legs cool: Best summer motorcycle trousers

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

While multi-season textile jackets, with various detachable linings and waterproof membranes are now commonplace, finding a pair of the best summer motorcycle trousers with plenty of ventilation...

Riding trousers review: Spidi Traveler 2 H2Out tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Justin Hayzelden

Spidi Traveler 2 H2Out: tested for 2177 miles / 6 months These trousers got me through winter – no doubt about it. They’ve taken me through rain, sleet and even 11 snowstorms (yes, I counted) and I...

Apex predators: Best motorcycle knee sliders as chosen by MCN

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

If you’re serious about fast riding, particularly on track, then you’ll already know you need a set of leathers; one-piece for full-on racing, though you can use two-piece for trackdays and they are a...

Liven up your lid: How to refresh your motorcycle helmet

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Helmet cleaning is one of those jobs that many of us put off for as long as possible. Aside from wiping the bugs of your visor in summer, the task tends to drop down the to-do list for months (or...

Repellent review: Ipone Visor Rainoff tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Ipone Visor Rainoff may not be the sexiest or most exciting product you buy this year, but a rain repellent could be something that’s worth giving a go, especially as summer draws to a close. We...

Clear view ahead: Top motorcycle anti-misting visor inserts

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Back in the day, if you wanted to keep your helmet visor free of fog, mist or condensation on the inside, you would wipe washing-up liquid over it, dry it off and hope for the best. Thankfully today,...

Helmet review: Shoei EX-Zero ‘Equation’ tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Ben Clarke

The Shoei Ex-Zero Equation is a lightweight, comfy and fairly practical motorbike helmet (in fair weather at least) but I couldn’t really care less about all that. Look at it. It’s so...

World-class eyewear: Best motorcycle goggles

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Many riders like open-face helmets with motorcycle goggles for a variety of reasons; they like the feeling of air on their face, the bike they ride looks best with an open-face or they are off-roaders...

Lid luggage: Best motorcycle helmet bags and carriers

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Arguably your motorbike helmet is your most important bit of protective kit and it stands to reason that you should look after it. We all know that you should make sure you never drop it, but to...

Look after your lid: Best motorcycle helmet maintenance products

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Helmet maintenance products are often overlooked by bikers, even though a motorcycle helmet is one of the most important – and expensive – investments you can make. It needs to be cleaned,...

Riding shirt review: Resurgence Pekev Ultra tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Simon Relph

This riding Resurgence Pekev Ultra riding jacket/shirt looked so tempting that I couldn’t resist ordering one. When it arrived a few days later, I couldn’t wait to get it out and try it on because the...

In it for the long haul: Best touring motorbike jackets

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The best motorcycle touring jacket is perhaps one of the most versatile bits of motorcycling gear. A decent one will keep you warm and dry when the weather gets unpleasant but allow you to stay cool,...

Punching above their weight: Best lightweight motorcycle textiles

31 August 2023 by Maria Martin

Lightweight motorbike kit can be a versatile option for new riders and seasoned veterans alike. With plenty to choose from, you could opt for the do-it-all textile jacket or trousers, or perhaps...

Riding jeans review: Weise Gator tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

There are plenty of riding jeans available on the market; single or multiple layers, classic or contemporary style, different colours or jeggings for female riders. However, if you’re after a pair of...

Riding jeans review: Spada Rigger tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

One of the most hotly-contested areas of motorcycle clothing at the moment is riding jeans; just about every kit manufacturer has at least one pair in its wardrobe, such as these Spada motorcycle...

Riding jeans review: Oxford Original Approved tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The latest raft of material technology now means that single-layer jeans can do the same job but without the need for heavyweight denim outer layer and a separate protective layer acting as a liner.

Riding jeans review: Furygan K11 X Kevlar tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

There are plenty of riding jeans around on the market and if you are after a pair, you are faced with several decisions; what protective CE rating will you accept? Do you want single-layer jeans or...

Riding jeans review: Merlin Warren tried and tested

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

It’s not difficult to find a pair of riding jeans that look, feel and fit like a pair of regular jeans. The Merlin Warren cargo jeans are a variation on a theme, with a completely different design...

Best motorbike helmets: MCN's guide to choosing your lid

31 August 2023 by Justin Hayzelden

You only have one brain and so it’s important to buy the best motorbike helmet you can afford. That doesn’t always mean spending £1000+ on a race-ready carbon lid, though, and there are plenty of...

Fabulous fabrics: Best textile motorcycle trousers

31 August 2023 by Justin Hayzelden

Getting the best textile motorcycle trousers to go with your textile jacket is a key element of sorting your motorcycling kit. Many manufacturers will produce a matching pair of trousers – or or...

MCN picks the best flip-front motorcycle helmets

31 August 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Unlike a single-piece full-face helmet, a flip-front has a separate chin-bar that lifts up, exposing the face while the helmet is still on. Not only does this allow people to see your face for ID,...