JustBeginning
Beginner's guide

So you're getting into motorcycling

Motorcycling rewards the prepared. Before you buy a bike — even before you look at bikes — take an MSF Basic Rider Course and get your gear. The course teaches you to ride; the gear decides whether you walk away from your first mistake. Here's exactly what to buy and what to skip.

By Colin B. · Published May 24, 2026 · Last reviewed May 24, 2026
man riding motorcycle on road during daytime

Photo by Yury Kirillov on Unsplash

The 60-second version

If you only buy 3 things to start:

  1. HJC i10 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet — The HJC i10: DOT/ECE certified, comfortable, and what riding instructors recommend to their students on day one.
  2. Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket — Textile jacket with CE armor for year-round riding — right for beginners who don't know their riding style yet.
  3. Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Air Leather Gloves — CE Level 1 certified gloves with palm slider. Don't skip gloves — they're the most regretted item when you go down.
Budget total
$600
Typical total
$1000
Gear alone runs $600–1,000 for helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots. Your bike is additional — budget $3,000–5,000 for a solid used beginner machine.
At a glance

Our top pick in each category

The fastest path through this guide — each best-starter pick by category. Scroll for the budget and upgrade alternatives.

CategoryTop pickPriceWhere to buy
HelmetsHJCHJC i10 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet$$ See on Amazon →
Riding JacketsAlpinestarsAlpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket$$$ See on Amazon →
GlovesAlpinestarsAlpinestars SP-8 V3 Air Leather Gloves$$ See on Amazon →
Riding BootsTCXTCX Street Ace Air Waterproof Boots$$$ See on Amazon →
Visibility & SecuritySafety-FirstChaleco Reflective Motorcycle Safety Vest$ See on Amazon →
Before you buy anything

A few things worth knowing first

Take the MSF Basic RiderCourse before you buy a bike. It's around $300, takes a weekend, and satisfies the license requirement in most states. More importantly, it gives you a controlled environment to drop a bike that isn't yours. Almost every instructor will tell you: riders who take the course have significantly fewer incidents in their first year.

Buy your gear before you buy your bike. You'll need it for the MSF course anyway, and having the gear in hand means you won't rationalize skipping it once you own a bike. Budget $600–1,000 for helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots — and don't treat this as optional.

Start on a small bike: 300–500cc for most people. The instinct is to buy 'enough bike to grow into.' This is a mistake. A 600cc supersport punishes beginner errors in ways a 300cc naked won't. Your first bike is a training tool, not a statement. Sell it in a year when you actually know what you want.

Gear goes on every ride. ATGATT — All The Gear, All The Time — is not a preference. It's a philosophy. The crash you don't expect is the one that matters most, and almost every rider who has gone down without gear will tell you they won't make that choice again.

The gear

What you actually need

man in black helmet riding motorcycle on road during daytime

Photo by Sreenadh TC on Unsplash

Helmets

Your helmet is your single most important piece of gear — full stop. A $50 helmet is a costume prop, not motorcycle safety equipment. Budget at least $150 and buy a DOT/ECE-certified full-face helmet as a beginner. Full-face protects your chin and jaw, where nearly half of all impacts occur. Fit is everything: the helmet should feel snug on your cheeks with zero wobble. If it rocks when you press on it with both hands, it's too large — and too large means it leaves your head in a crash.

Helmets — what's the difference?

A few common shapes, each making a different trade.

Full-Face

Maximum protection front, back, and chin — the only type we recommend for new riders.

Coverage
Full head + chin
Noise
Lowest
Airflow
Vents only

Best for All beginners, highway riding, any speed above 45 mph

Tradeoff Harder to communicate or drink water at stops

↓ See our pick
Modular (Flip-Up)

Chin bar flips up at stops — convenient, but heavier and noisier than full-face.

Coverage
Full face when closed
Noise
Moderate (hinge gap)
Airflow
Open when flipped

Best for Commuters who stop frequently, riders with beards or glasses

Tradeoff Heavier and noisier; chin bar protection less than a dedicated full-face

Open-Face (3/4)

Airflow and peripheral vision at the expense of chin and jaw protection.

Coverage
Head only — no chin
Noise
High
Airflow
Maximum

Best for Low-speed urban riding only; classic or cafe racer aesthetic

Tradeoff No chin or jaw protection — chin accounts for nearly half of all helmet impacts

Best starter
HJC

HJC i10 Full Face Motorcycle Helmet

$$

HJC is the most trusted helmet brand for value-minded riders. The i10 is DOT and ECE certified, comfortable, and well-ventilated. The polycarbonate shell earns its keep without feeling cheap. When MSF instructors get the 'what helmet should I buy?' question, this is the answer most give. More head shapes and sizes available than almost any competitor at this price.

What we like

  • DOT and ECE dual-certified — passes the strictest international standards
  • Available in more fits and sizes than most competitors at this price
  • Trusted by MSF instructors as the go-to starter recommendation

What to know

  • Oval fit shell — round-headed riders may find Shoei fits better
  • Ventilation is adequate, not exceptional, in very hot weather
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Bell

Bell Qualifier DLX MIPS Full Face Helmet

$$

Bell has been making motorcycle helmets since 1954, and the Qualifier DLX adds MIPS rotational impact protection that most helmets skip at this price. MIPS is a liner that reduces rotational forces in an angled impact. DOT certified, good face shield optical clarity, and a heritage name that commands respect. The right pick if the HJC doesn't fit your head shape.

What we like

  • MIPS rotational protection at a price most competitors skip it at
  • Bell pedigree — 70+ years of helmet manufacturing history
  • Optically clear face shield with good anti-fog performance

What to know

  • Heavier than the HJC at the same price tier
  • Interior padding feels less plush on longer rides
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Shoei

Shoei RF-1400 Full Face Helmet

$$$$

The Shoei RF-1400 is where serious riders land when they stop compromising. Japanese engineering, exceptional noise attenuation, a plush interior you'll wear on four-hour stretches. The fit difference against a budget helmet is immediately perceptible — it's not placebo. Buy this after your first year when you know motorcycling is your long-term thing.

What we like

  • Japanese manufacturing with noise reduction noticeably better than budget helmets
  • Interior lining you'll actually want to wear for 4+ hour stretches
  • Holds resale value well — a used Shoei still commands respect

What to know

  • Premium price ($450+) — overkill until you're committed to the hobby
  • Round-to-intermediate oval fit only — oval-headed riders may need Arai
See on Amazon →
a woman in a red jacket is sitting on a motorcycle

Photo by HUSQY _OFFICIAL on Unsplash

Riding Jackets

You can't ride without a jacket. Not because of the law — most states don't require one — but because road rash is expensive and unpleasant. Look for CE Level 1 or Level 2 armor in the shoulders and elbows; that rating is on the tag, not in the marketing copy. Leather offers better abrasion resistance; textile breathes and handles rain. For a first jacket, textile wins: versatile, machine-washable, and better for all-season riding.

Best starter
Alpinestars

Alpinestars Bogota Pro Drystar Jacket

$$$

CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor pre-installed; back armor slot ready for an upgrade when you are. The Drystar waterproof membrane handles rain without a separate cover. Alpinestars builds gear that pro road racers trust — the Bogota Pro brings that pedigree to a beginner-accessible price. The right first jacket for year-round riding.

What we like

  • CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armor pre-installed at purchase
  • Textile construction breathes in summer and takes a thermal liner in fall
  • Alpinestars quality — the brand that dresses MotoGP riders

What to know

  • European sizing — measure carefully before ordering
  • Back protector sold separately (the slot is there; budget another $30)
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
ILM

ILM Motorcycle Jacket with CE Armor

$$

Under $100, CE armor in the shoulders and elbows, and better than a T-shirt in every measurable way. ILM's entry-level textile jacket isn't what you'll wear in five years, but it provides real protection at a price that works if you're not certain motorcycling will stick. Decent construction, multiple pockets, and a fit that works for most builds.

What we like

  • Under $100 with real CE-rated shoulder and elbow armor
  • Better choice than riding in a regular jacket or T-shirt

What to know

  • Stitching and zippers are noticeably lower quality than Alpinestars
  • You'll outgrow this jacket quickly once you're riding regularly
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Alpinestars

Alpinestars T-GP Plus R V4 Air Jacket

$$$

CE Level 2 elbow and shoulder armor, a fit that moves with you on a sport or naked bike, and construction that holds up to years of regular use. This is the jacket most serious street riders land on once they know their riding style. Buy after your first year when you have the miles to know whether you prefer touring, sport, or commuter riding.

What we like

  • CE Level 2 armor — one rating above the budget jacket standard
  • Sport cut moves with you rather than bunching at the waist

What to know

  • Sport cut works best on naked and sport bikes, not cruisers
  • Upper end of the budget — save this for after year one
See on Amazon →

Gloves

Hands go down first in almost every crash — it's instinct to put them out. Without gloves, you lose skin across your palms, and palm skin doesn't regenerate cleanly. A CE-certified motorcycle glove has a knuckle guard and palm slider that survive the initial impact and protect the bones underneath. Short cuffs work for warm weather and everyday riding; gauntlet cuffs seal to your jacket sleeve in rain. Don't skip gloves because 'I'm just going to the store.' That's when it happens.

Best starter
Alpinestars

Alpinestars SP-8 V3 Air Leather Gloves

$$

Short-cuff leather gloves with CE Level 1 certification, reinforced knuckle protection, and a palm slider that actually does its job when you need it. The SP-8 is what most intermediate riders use because they started with it and never found a reason to switch. Under $90, and one of the best-value pieces of safety equipment in motorcycling.

What we like

  • CE Level 1 certified with genuine palm slider protection
  • Leather palm provides real abrasion resistance in a fall
  • Intermediate riders keep these — you won't outgrow them

What to know

  • Short cuff offers no wrist or forearm coverage
  • Not waterproof — carry a glove cover for commuting in rain
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Cortech

Cortech GX Air 4 Motorcycle Gloves

$

Under $50 and a legitimate piece of safety equipment — not a fashion accessory. The Cortech DX4 has reinforced palm protection and a hard knuckle guard. Not as refined as the Alpinestars, but provides real protection at a price that works if you're still deciding whether motorcycling is your long-term thing.

What we like

  • Under $50 with real knuckle guard and palm protection
  • Breathable mesh construction — comfortable in warm weather

What to know

  • Stitching quality noticeable step down from Alpinestars
  • Knuckle protection is hard shell only — no CE certification
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Alpinestars

Alpinestars Andes V3 Drystar Gloves

$$$

CE Level 2 certified gloves with waterproofing that actually works in sustained rain, a gauntlet cuff that seals against your jacket sleeve, and insulation for shoulder-season riding. When you start commuting year-round, you'll understand exactly why these exist. One pair that handles spring through fall without thinking about it.

What we like

  • CE Level 2 certified — highest street-glove protection rating
  • Drystar waterproofing works through a full rain commute

What to know

  • Gauntlet cuff can feel bulky under some jacket sleeves
  • More glove than needed for summer-only riding
See on Amazon →
a man riding on the back of a motorcycle

Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

Riding Boots

Motorcycles weigh 300–500 pounds, and your feet are the ballast that keeps you upright at every stop. But ankle injuries are the second-most-common motorcycle injury after road rash — and a CE-certified riding boot has a rigid ankle cup that an athletic shoe simply doesn't have. The good news: modern riding boots look like regular boots or sneakers. You don't have to sacrifice style to protect your ankles.

Best starter
TCX

TCX Street Ace Air Waterproof Boots

$$$

The TCX Street Ace looks like a normal lace-up sneaker and rides like a proper motorcycle boot. CE certified, ankle protection you can't see, oil-resistant sole, and a profile that doesn't announce 'I own a motorcycle' when you walk into a coffee shop. The single best argument for wearing proper footwear every day is that these look normal enough that you actually will.

What we like

  • CE certified ankle protection hidden in a sneaker silhouette
  • Oil-resistant sole grips pavement and garage floors equally well
  • Low-profile enough to wear off the bike without looking like a rider

What to know

  • Breathability limited in the waterproof version — feet run warm
  • Lace-up closure takes longer to put on than zip-sided alternatives
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Fly Racing

Fly Racing Maverik Boots

$$

A genuine motorcycle boot under $100 with ankle protection and an oil-resistant sole. Not as refined as TCX, but built for the job. Fly Racing makes gear that gets used, not just worn, and the Maverik reflects that — functional ankle support, durable construction, and a price that doesn't require a commitment to be responsible.

What we like

  • Under $100 with real ankle protection and oil-resistant sole
  • Durable construction that handles regular use without babying

What to know

  • More adventure/dual-sport look — not the right choice for street commuting
  • Less refined comfort over long riding days than higher-tier boots
See on Amazon →
Upgrade pick
Alpinestars

Alpinestars SMX-1 R V2 Sport Riding Boots

$$$

CE Level 2 ankle protection, a hard shin plate, and a toe box that deflects impact without transmitting it to your foot. The SMX-1 R is what happens when MotoGP engineers make a street boot — the protection is comprehensive, the fit is precise, and the sole grips through the full range of temperature and surface. Buy these when you're committing to riding seriously.

What we like

  • CE Level 2 ankle and shin protection — the highest street-boot rating
  • MotoGP-derived engineering at a street riding price point

What to know

  • Clearly a sport boot — no disguising these as street shoes
  • Some stiffness in the first 20 miles before the sole breaks in
See on Amazon →

Visibility & Security

New riders are statistically invisible to other drivers. A hi-vis vest or reflective overlay costs $20-30 and makes you measurably more conspicuous at dusk and dawn, when most accidents happen. Add a disc lock for parking security — bikes disappear from parking lots while you're in the grocery store — and a Bluetooth intercom so GPS directions come through your helmet instead of your phone screen.

Best starter
Safety-First

Chaleco Reflective Motorcycle Safety Vest

$

Put this over your jacket every time you ride at dusk, at night, or in rain. Studies consistently show hi-vis gear reduces collision rates for motorcyclists, particularly in intersection scenarios. It slips over any jacket in ten seconds, packs into a pocket, and costs less than a coffee stop. The argument against wearing one basically doesn't exist.

What we like

  • Reflective strips visible at over 500 feet in headlights
  • Packs into a jacket pocket — zero excuse not to carry it

What to know

  • Not a substitute for a properly armored jacket underneath
  • The aesthetic is practical, not flattering — that's the point
See on Amazon →
Budget pick
Kryptonite

Kryptonite Keeper 5s Disc Lock

$

Motorcycles get stolen. A disc lock doesn't stop a determined professional, but it eliminates the opportunistic theft that accounts for most motorcycle losses. The Kryptonite Keeper locks through a brake rotor in three seconds and the 5mm pin is resistant to basic bolt-cutter attacks. Include the reminder cable — you WILL try to ride away without unlocking it.

What we like

  • Eliminates opportunistic theft — the most common type of motorcycle theft
  • Locks through the brake rotor in three seconds — no fumbling

What to know

  • Not proof against determined professional thieves with angle grinders
  • Buy the reminder cable — riding away with it engaged wrecks your caliper
See on Amazon →
Specialty pick
Cardo

Cardo Packtalk Slim Bluetooth Intercom

$$$

Turn-by-turn directions through your helmet instead of a phone screen is genuinely safer. The Cardo Packtalk Slim pairs with your phone, runs GPS audio, and streams music without losing quality at highway speeds. It also enables rider-to-rider communication for group rides. A quality-of-life upgrade that pays for itself in distraction reduction.

What we like

  • GPS directions through your helmet — no looking at a screen
  • Works rider-to-rider for group rides up to 1.6km apart

What to know

  • Speaker fit varies by helmet brand — confirm compatibility first
  • Learning curve for pairing and controls during the first few rides
See on Amazon →
Going deeper

Your first 30 days on a motorcycle

Everyone says motorcycling is dangerous. What they mean is it's unforgiving. Here's what to expect in your first month — the real learning curve, the moments it clicks, and what to practice when.

Read the guide →
Save your money

What you don't need yet

Beginners get pressured to buy a lot of stuff that doesn't help them play better. Here's what we'd skip on day one.

  • A 600cc or larger bike — You'll ride it at 20% of its capability and scare yourself the other 80%. A 300-500cc bike lets you explore the full envelope safely before adding power.
  • A track-day suit or racing leathers — One-piece leathers are for closed courses. Street riding is a different skill set. Get established on the street first.
  • Custom exhaust or modifications — Louder is not safer. You're tuning out your own mechanical signals, annoying your neighbors, and voiding your warranty — with zero performance benefit on a beginner bike.
  • A new bike — Everyone drops their first bike. Do it to a used 2019 Honda CB300R, not a new one. Buy used, learn, sell at minimal loss, then get what you actually want.
  • Airbag vest or suit — Excellent technology, genuinely protective, and completely premature for the first year. Learn to ride before optimizing the crash protection.
First week

Your first seven days

A short, real plan to get from gear-on-doorstep to actually playing.

  1. Register for the MSF Basic RiderCourse near you. Most fill up weeks out — do this first. · Action
  2. Order your helmet so it arrives before course day. Don't use a borrowed or used helmet if you can help it. · Buy
  3. Order your jacket and gloves together — you'll need both for the MSF course. · Buy
  4. Get your motorcycle learner's permit. Most states require a written test before riding on public roads. Check your DMV's process. · Action
  5. Read your state's motorcycle operator handbook. Takes 45 minutes and the MSF written test will cover it. · Learn
  6. Search Cycle Trader or Craigslist for a used 300-400cc beginner bike in your area. Budget $3,000-5,000 for a solid one. · Action
FAQ

Common questions

Do I really need to take the MSF course?

Yes, seriously. The MSF Basic RiderCourse gives you controlled practice on bikes you don't own, an instructor who can correct your habits before they calcify, and in most states, a waiver from the DMV riding test. Riders who complete it have measurably fewer incidents in their first year. Budget $300 and a weekend.

How much should I spend on my first motorcycle?

Budget $3,000-5,000 for a used 300-500cc beginner bike in good condition. Avoid anything over 500cc for your first year. Good starter picks: Honda CB300R or CB500F, Kawasaki Z400, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Yamaha MT-03. You'll sell this bike in a year once you know what you actually want — don't overbuy.

New bike or used bike to start?

Used, almost always. Everyone drops their first bike — usually in a parking lot at walking speed — and doing it to a used bike is dramatically less painful than doing it to a new one. Buy a clean used machine in the 2018-2022 range, learn on it for a year, and sell it at minimal loss. Then buy what you actually want.

What gear do I absolutely need before my first ride?

Helmet (DOT/ECE certified, full-face), jacket (with CE armor), gloves (CE certified), and boots (over-the-ankle with ankle protection). ATGATT — All The Gear, All The Time. This isn't negotiable. The rides where you skip gear are statistically the ones where you need it.

Is motorcycling dangerous?

It carries more risk than driving a car — that's honest. But risk is managed, not eliminated. Trained riders in proper gear who ride defensively have dramatically better outcomes than untrained riders who skip gear. Take the MSF course, wear your gear every ride, assume cars don't see you, and the activity is manageable for most adults.

Can I just wear a bicycle helmet or ski helmet?

No. DOT (Department of Transportation) motorcycle helmet certification is a legal requirement in most states and a physical requirement for crash protection. Bicycle and ski helmets are designed for completely different impact velocities and will not protect you in a motorcycle crash. Only wear a DOT or ECE certified motorcycle helmet.

Going further

Where to next

Related hobbies

Browse by category

Authoritative sources

  • Motorcycle Safety Foundation — The MSF runs the Basic RiderCourse — the single most important thing a beginner can do. Their site has a course finder and free online resources.
  • NHTSA Motorcycle Safety — Federal safety data, gear standards, and state-by-state law summaries. Useful for understanding what DOT certification actually means.
  • RevZilla — Best online retailer for motorcycle gear. Excellent size guides, return policy, and the Common Tread blog has honest gear reviews written by real riders.
  • Cycle Trader — Largest used motorcycle marketplace. Set alerts for your target model and price range; deals move fast.
  • MCrider (YouTube) — The best beginner YouTube channel for motorcycle riding technique. Focused on street survival skills, not stunts. Start with the 'new rider' playlist.
  • FortNine (YouTube) — Exceptionally well-produced gear reviews and motorcycle journalism. The helmet safety tier list video alone is worth an hour of your time.
  • r/motorcycles — Active community. Read the wiki before posting a 'what bike should I buy' question — it's answered comprehensively there.
man in black jacket riding motorcycle on road during daytime

Photo by Patrick on Unsplash

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