Alpinestars Celer v2 Gloves Review

As a new rider just starting your motorcycling journey, you may be wondering if investing in high-quality protective gear is really necessary. After all, can't you just wear regular clothes while you learn the basics? The short answer is no—wearing dedicated motorcycle gear designed specifically for impact protection and abrasion resistance is non-negotiable for all riders, especially beginners who are more prone to mistakes and spills. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine what gear is essential?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the key types of motorcycle gear you need to keep yourself safe and stylish on the road. We've handpicked our top recommendations across five essential categories—helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots—to create a head-to-toe setup designed for new riders. And the best part? Our entire recommended beginner gear ensemble comes in under $1,000. So whether you're concerned about cost or simply not sure where to start, read on for our picks for the best motorcycle safety gear for beginner riders.

## Why Wear Motorcycle Gear?

Before jumping into specific products, it's important to understand exactly why motorcycle gear is so crucial:

- **Prevent or reduce injury in a crash:** Motorcycle gear, especially with armor, is engineered to protect your most vulnerable body parts and absorb impact in the event of a collision. Quality gear can be the difference between a painful road rash or broken bones.

- **Abrasion resistance:** Sturdy materials like leather, textile, or Kevlar prevent your skin from scraping across asphalt in a slide, minimizing painful friction burns. 

- **Weather and environmental protection:** Jackets, pants, boots, and gloves seal out the elements, helping you stay comfortable in hot, cold, or wet conditions during long rides.

- **Increased visibility:** Bright colors and reflective materials help drivers see you for improved safety.

- **Confidence boost:** Wearing proper gear gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on learning to ride safely.

While abrasion-resistant jeans or a sturdy jacket can provide some protection in a pinch, we strongly recommend investing in high-quality gear made specifically for motorcycling. The right gear makes a dramatic difference in accident outcomes and can even be the difference between life and death.

## Helmet - Shoei Neotec II MIPS Helmet

The most important piece of safety gear is a quality DOT- and Snell-approved helmet that fits your head properly. According to a [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4000838/) published by the National Library of Medicine, helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and the risk of head injury by 69%. For beginner riders, we recommend the **Shoei Neotec II MIPS Helmet**. 

With a lightweight multi-ply matrix shell and a comfortable multi-piece inner EPS liner with **MIPS** (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), this helmet provides superior impact absorption from all angles. The ventilation is excellent thanks to the integrated spoiler which aids airflow. An internal drop-down sun shield makes swapping goggles easy, while speaker pockets allow you to listen to music and GPS directions.

Best of all, it's seriously quiet thanks to aerodynamic optimizations like a wind tunnel-tested shape. The price may seem steep for a beginner, but your brain is worth protecting. We believe investing in a premium helmet is one of the wisest decisions any new rider can make.

## Jacket - Alpinestars Oscar Rayburn V2

A quality motorcycle jacket designed with abrasion-resistant materials will become your best friend out on the road. For new riders, we suggest the **Alpinestars Oscar Rayburn V2**, available for both men and women. This subtle street riding jacket has a relaxed fit while still providing real performance.

It features durable 450D poly-textile outer shell fabric combined with PU-coated reinforced ripstop poly-textile in key impact zones—providing abrasion resistance that holds up in a slide without relying on thick leather. 

For protection, removable CE-certified elbow and shoulder armor distributes and absorbs crash impacts while a pocket allows for optional Alpinestars Nucleon back protector upgrade. Multiple large ventilation panels, plus zippered chest intake vents, keep you cool in warm weather.

With a hook-and-loop waist adjustment, volume adjusters at the biceps, and pre-curved sleeves, it's designed specifically for motorcycling with great flexibility. Large reflective details and piping keep you visible at night, while the water-resistant construction keeps light rain at bay.

## Gloves - REV'IT! Summit 3 Gloves 

Don't overlook the importance of full-finger armored gloves which protect your hands and prevent blisters during long days of riding. We recommend the **REV'IT! Summit 3** gloves which come in men's and women's versions. The exterior is constructed from goatskin leather, with stretch panels for flexibility, along with poly-textile and TPU.

The palms feature PWR|shield, an advanced abrasion-resistant material. Touchscreen-compatible fingertips allow you to use devices without removing your gloves. The knuckle is reinforced with PWR|shell with a TPR protector, plus extra TPR on top of the fingers and palm slider.

Boasting three-layer construction, these gloves keep wind-chill at bay. They also feature a wipe panel on the thumb for clearing your visor and touchscreen. Offered in black or gray with reflective detailing to boot, you can't go wrong with these top-notch summertime riding gloves.

## Pants - Bull-it SR6 Jeans

Your legs are extremely vulnerable on a motorcycle, so riding in sturdy abrasion-resistant jeans or pants is a must. We recommend Bull-it's **SR6 Jeans** which have a relaxed fit suitable for all body types. Made from 100% CoolMax lining for comfort and ventilation, these jeans are as stylish as they are protective.

The denim exterior utilizes a 370gsm construction with Dynax poly-blend protective lining. This combination achieves AAA CE Level 1 impact protection and a stiff A-rating in abrasion resistance tests. Despite the rugged build, these jeans don't feel bulky or restrictive thanks to elasticized panels and stretch materials.

For maximum safety, upgrade to the optional CE1 or CE2 armor knee inserts. With dual cargo pockets, stylish stitching and faded accents, these jeans look good enough to wear on or off the bike. If you want armored riding jeans without screaming "biker," the SR6 jeans are a perfect pick.

## Boots - TCX X-Street Waterproof Shoes

The importance of sturdy riding boots can't be overstated when it comes to protecting your ankles, feet, and lower legs. However, we know full-on racing boots may feel excessive for new street riders. As a stylish alternative, we suggest the **TCX X-Street Waterproof Shoes**.

This urban riding shoe looks discreet but offers serious safety features. The upper combines suede and mesh with waterproof inner membrane. Dual hook-and-loop ankle straps ensure a perfect fit while reinforced heel counters and shifter pads enhance protection.

The ergonomic sole maximizes comfort when walking while still maintaining rigidity for riding. And the included torsional midsole provides ankle support and impact absorption. With a sleek design available in three colors, these versatile riding shoes provide a safe foundation without screaming "motorcycle boots."

## Total Beginner Gear

While investing in proper riding gear may seem daunting at first, remember that it can pay for itself in just one accident. Prioritizing high-quality protection over aesthetics alone is wise. Sticking to a [$1,000 budget](https://www.webbikeworld.com/best-budget-motorcycle-gear/) ensures you get gear made specifically for your needs as a motorcyclist without breaking the bank.

The helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots we outlined above provide head-to-toe protection designed for real-world street riding. Choosing versatile, lightweight, all-season gear ensures maximum comfort on longer rides as you build your skills. Proper gear boosts confidence, allows you to focus on the road, and most importantly—keeps you safe mile after mile.

So don't put it off any longer. Investing in these fundamental building blocks helps you enjoy your new riding journey to the fullest. Remember to try gear on in person whenever possible and read sizing charts to ensure proper fit. And don't feel like you need to buy everything at once. Start with your helmet, then add pieces over time. Protective gear can last for years when cared for properly.

Riding a motorcycle is all about freedom, adventure, and fun. But it does come with serious risks that must not be ignored. Following this beginner's guide to essential motorcycle gear helps ensure you can safely experience the joy of riding for years to come. The open road awaits!

Now we'd love to hear from you—are you a new rider shopping for your first protective gear? Or a seasoned veteran with tips to share? Let us know your biggest questions about motorcycle gear in the comments below!e