[Permanent Preservation Edition] This is what you need first after buying a motorcycle! A guide to essential gear and estimated costs

【Essentials】Essential Motorcycle Gear Set and Estimated Costs

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The absolute essential gear for riding a motorcycle is a "helmet," followed by "gloves," "shoes/boots," and "protectors" in terms of priority.

Beyond that, it's recommended to get a jacket and pants that match your fashion style and the motorcycle's style. Here's a summary of the list:

Helmet: Essential
Gloves: Essential
Shoes/Boots: Recommended
Jacket: As needed
Pants: As needed
Protectors: Recommended

When choosing each piece of equipment, "safety" is the top priority. After that, considering "comfort" and elements like "style" and "fashionability" that suit your motorcycle's aesthetic and personal preferences will help you select the most optimal gear.

Safety is the Top Priority

Motorcycles are prone to body injuries in the event of a fall or accident, so when choosing gear, always prioritize items with high safety features.

Starting with a helmet that properly protects the critically vulnerable head, it's ideal to also wear protectors or innerwear and pants with built-in protector functions.

It's recommended to choose items that offer high safety and protection, while also providing superior comfort, style, and fashionability that align with your personal taste and motorcycle's style.

1. Helmet

A helmet is a critically important item that protects your head from injury, and you cannot ride on public roads without wearing one.

Helmets come in the following types, depending on their shape and other factors:

Types of Helmets

Full-face
Open-face / Small open-face
Modular
Off-road
Half-cap

"Full-face" helmets are the safest, covering the entire head from the top to the chin, and are used in races like MotoGP. "Open-face" helmets are essentially full-face helmets with the chin bar removed, while "small open-face" helmets are open-face helmets without a shield.

"Modular" helmets have a full-face shape but the flip-up chin bar allows for eating and drinking without removing the helmet.

“Off-road” helmets have a protruding chin bar and visor above the head, which protect against flying stones and mud splashes from vehicles in front. The chin bar also has a breathable structure for easier breathing.

The helmet with the lowest safety is the bowl-shaped "half-cap," which can only be worn on motorcycles up to 125cc. In the event of a fall, it offers no face protection and is prone to coming off, meaning it offers virtually no helmet function (safety).

Key Points for Choosing a Helmet

When choosing a helmet for on-road motorcycles, it's best to select from full-face, modular, or open-face types, according to your preference and riding environment.

Sportbike riders tend to ride at higher speeds, so the safest full-face helmet is recommended. For naked bikes and cruisers, it's best to choose an open-face or modular helmet based on your preference and the bike's style.

Recommended Helmet

Source: https://bikeman.jp/

The NOLAN "N702 GT Solid Metal White" is a lightweight, high-strength modular helmet.

It uses ultra-high strength, lightweight AlexAN polycarbonate, offering high impact resistance and light weight, making it less fatiguing to wear for long periods.

The chin guard is removable, allowing it to transform between a full-face and open-face helmet.

Manufacturer: NOLAN
Distributor: DAYTONA
Product Name: N702 GT Solid Metal White
Size: M (also available in L, XL)
Price (incl. tax): 41,184 JPY

2. Gloves

Gloves are another essential piece of gear for motorcycle riding, alongside helmets. They protect your hands in the event of a fall and also guard against flying debris from vehicles in front while riding.

Since hands are often the first part of the body to absorb impact in an accident, gloves with reinforced palms and knuckles, or built-in protectors, are recommended.

Motorcycle Gloves: Season-Specific Use Recommended

It's recommended to use different motorcycle gloves depending on the temperature and season.

On hot days, opt for breathable gloves with a mesh structure, while in cold winter conditions, choose thick, insulated gloves to increase comfort.

Key Points for Choosing Motorcycle Gloves

When choosing motorcycle gloves, the first important factor is whether they fit your hand size correctly.

General leather gloves tend to stretch slightly with use, so it's best to choose a size that fits snugly at first.

Additionally, for those who operate navigation or smartphones, it's recommended to choose touch-panel compatible gloves that allow you to use your device without removing them.

Recommended Gloves

Source: https://www.bikeman.jp/

The RS Taichi "GP-X Racing Gloves" are versatile gloves suitable for everything from street riding to the circuit.

They feature a floating carbon protector on the knuckles, ensuring high safety and operability.

Manufacturer: RS TAICHI
Product Name: GP-X Racing Gloves
Season: All seasons
Sizes: S, M, L
Price (incl. tax): 13,130 JPY

3. Motorcycle Apparel

Motorcycle apparel is designed to prevent wind from entering the body and often has built-in protectors, tailored to the characteristics of motorcycle riding.

Many pieces also feature enhanced fashionability to complement motorcycles, making them items that can achieve both safety considerations and a design that doesn't hinder motorcycle operation, alongside style.

Types of Motorcycle Jackets

Motorcycle jackets come in the following types:

Leather jackets
Nylon jackets
Mesh jackets
Winter jackets
All-season jackets
Racing jackets

Key Points for Choosing a Motorcycle Jacket

The type of motorcycle jacket you choose will depend on what you prioritize, such as the bike's style, riding environment, and season.

Methods for choosing include "choosing by material," "choosing by season of wear," "choosing by functionality," and "choosing by design." Always select a jacket with higher safety features.

Recommended Jacket

Source: https://www.bikeman.jp/

The DAYTONA "DL-002 Single Riders Jacket" is designed to provide a natural fit while riding.

It features a simple design that is not affected by trends, has internal pockets for protectors, and a water-repellent finish on the surface to prevent the back from riding up.

Manufacturer: DAYTONA
Product Name: DL-002 Single Riders Jacket
Material: 100% Polyester
Price (incl. tax): 22,427 JPY

4. Protectors

Protectors are items that protect your body from impact during a fall. There are various types of protectors for different body parts, such as full-body protection, upper body only, lower body only, or just for elbows and knees.

While protector usage isn't high, statistics on motorcycle accident fatalities show that the primary cause is head injury, followed by chest injury. Therefore, it's an item to seriously consider wearing as a precaution.

Upper Body Protectors

Upper body protectors help mitigate damage to the chest, which is the second leading cause of fatalities in motorcycle accidents.

There are various types of upper body protectors, including those worn over innerwear, innerwear with built-in protectors, and jackets with built-in protectors. Choose one that suits your preference and situation.

Recommended Upper Body Protector

Source: https://www.bikeman.jp/

The "TARKA Short Sleeve Protector" is an upper body protector that can be worn as an inner layer.

It features a mesh construction that is highly breathable, moisture-wicking, and allows for good movement, making it suitable for both on-road and off-road riding.

Manufacturer: 100%
Product Name: TARKA Short Sleeve Protector
Price (incl. tax): 24,035 JPY

5. Shoes

While you can ride with regular sneakers, it's recommended to wear riding shoes that cover your ankles, are tear-resistant, and waterproof.

On manual transmission bikes, the left foot used for shifting can get easily sore, but riding shoes are designed with features like reinforced areas where the foot often rubs against the bike and waterproofing, making them suitable for motorcycle use.

Recommended Shoes

Source: https://www.bikeman.jp/

Alpinestars is highly regarded and used by many racers competing in world-class races like MotoGP.

The "FASTER 3 SHOE Riding Shoes" model combines lightweight construction with durability. The toe area, used for shifting, has internal protection, and the ankles are reinforced with TPR material, making these riding shoes highly safe.

Manufacturer: Alpinestars
Product Name: FASTER 3 SHOE Riding Shoes
Price (incl. tax): 21,502 JPY

6. Rainwear

Rainwear protects your body from rainwater during wet weather, and it's an essential item for those who use a motorcycle for daily commuting or go on touring trips.

Especially for those heading to distant or mountainous areas for touring, where the weather can change regionally and quickly, it's advisable to prepare rainwear regardless of the precipitation probability.

Recommended Rainwear

Source: https://www.bikeman.jp/

The ROUGH&ROAD "Dualtex BIB Rain Suit" is rainwear that can be worn over a daypack or waist bag.

By opening the zipper on the back, you can wear the rainwear over your daypack or waist bag, which also protects your valuable belongings.

Manufacturer: ROUGH&ROAD
Product Name: Dualtex BIB Rain Suit
Applicable Season: All seasons
Price (incl. tax): 13,613 JPY

Estimated Cost for Essential Motorcycle Gear Set

Equipment	Estimated Cost
Helmet	25,000 JPY - 50,000 JPY
Gloves	6,500 JPY - 18,000 JPY
Jacket	8,000 JPY - 60,000 JPY
Protector	7,000 JPY - 45,000 JPY
Shoes	6,500 JPY - 25,000 JPY
Rainwear	5,000 JPY - 20,000 JPY
Total	58,000 JPY ~

If you purchase all the equipment listed above, the estimated budget starts from 58,000 JPY.

For those with budget constraints, it's advisable to first acquire a "helmet" and "gloves," then gradually add other equipment.

While there are inexpensive overseas helmets available, for safety reasons, it's recommended to choose helmets from reputable domestic manufacturers like Arai, SHOEI, or OGK Kabuto, or international brands such as NOLAN, BELL, or Simpsons, that meet safety standards.

What You Need for Motorcycle Security

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Motorcycle thefts occur frequently every year. It's essential to take preventative measures to protect your beloved bike from theft.

Thefts can happen anywhere, so always implement thorough security measures, even when touring or traveling, to safeguard your cherished motorcycle.

1. Motorcycle Cover

A motorcycle cover not only protects your beloved bike from wind, rain, and dust but also helps deter theft by making the make and model less identifiable and less conspicuous.

If you put a motorcycle cover directly on your bike, depending on the material, it may cause minor scratches. To avoid this, it's recommended to first cover the bike with a soft blanket, then place the motorcycle cover over it.

Recommended Motorcycle Cover

Source: https://www.bikeman.jp/

The DAYTONA "Motorcycle Cover SIMPLE Silver" is a simple and standard motorcycle cover.

Made of polyester, it features a drawstring at the hem to tighten the cover and a hole at the front for passing a chain lock through.

Manufacturer: DAYTONA
Product Name: Motorcycle Cover SIMPLE Silver
Material: Polyester
Price (incl. tax): 4,521 JPY

2. Motorcycle Lock

Motorcycle thefts are alarmingly frequent, with nearly 8,000 reported cases annually, meaning over 20 thefts occur somewhere in Japan every single day.

To prevent your beloved bike from being stolen, it's highly recommended to use a motorcycle lock in conjunction with a motorcycle cover.

Recommended Motorcycle Lock

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/kpn-0720018000853

The KRYPTONITE "Keeper Integrated Chain" is a chain lock whose strength has been enhanced through a unique three-step heat treatment process.

Weighing 1,059g, this lightweight chain lock has a cross-section width of 7mm and a length of 850mm. It comes with two keys.

Manufacturer: KRYPTONITE
Product Name: Keeper Integrated Chain
Price (incl. tax): 6,618 JPY

What You Need for Motorcycle Maintenance

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The following are necessary for maintaining a motorcycle:

Tool set
Car wash kit
Maintenance stand

1. Tool Set

Tools are necessary for maintaining and servicing your motorcycle.

With a tool set that includes commonly used tools, you can perform basic maintenance and parts replacement such as oil changes, tightening, and exterior removal.

Recommended Tool Set

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/cj-19707297

The Pro TOOLs "Standard Tool Set 67PCS" is a comprehensive set of tools commonly used for motorcycle maintenance and minor parts replacement.

This 67-piece set, including the case, comes with all tools stored in a red chest case with drawers, making it space-saving for storage.

Manufacturer: Pro TOOLs
Product Name: Standard Tool Set 67PCS
Number of Items in Set: 67
Price (incl. tax): 15,090 JPY

2. Car Wash Kit

A car wash kit is a collection of essential items for washing your motorcycle, such as a bucket for water, towels for drying, and brushes for removing dirt.

Recommended Car Wash Kit

Source: https://amzn.to/48NNFq3

The LuxDee "Car Wash Supplies 14-piece Car Wash Set for Small Cars and Motorcycles" is a complete car wash set that includes all the necessary items for washing a motorcycle.

It includes 14 items such as a soft lamb wool mitt for gentle body washing, a microfiber brush for removing stubborn brake dust, brushes with varying bristle stiffness (soft, medium, hard), and microfiber cloths for drying.

Manufacturer: LuxDee
Product Name: Car Wash Supplies 14-piece Car Wash Set for Small Cars and Motorcycles
Price (incl. tax): 2,680 JPY

3. Maintenance Stand

A maintenance stand is an item that lifts the motorcycle's wheels off the ground, which is useful for maintaining the wheels and tires.

Recommended Maintenance Stand

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/cj-13188696

The Pro TOOLs "Rear Motorcycle Stand" features rollers for smooth stand operation.

It has a weight capacity of up to 250kg and can accommodate tire sizes up to 24 inches, making it suitable for small to medium-sized motorcycles and lightweight large motorcycles.

Manufacturer: Pro TOOLs
Product Name: Rear Motorcycle Stand
Price (incl. tax): 6,403 JPY

Convenient Motorcycle Accessories

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Here, we introduce convenient motorcycle accessories and recommended products.

These items will make your motorcycle rides more enjoyable and smoother, so if you're looking for ways to enhance your riding experience, take a look.

ETC

ETC is a convenient item that eliminates the need to pay tolls on expressways. Recently, an increasing number of motorcycles, especially larger ones, come with ETC as standard equipment.

For those who use expressways or go on touring trips, an ETC device allows for smooth entry and exit from expressways as there is no need to take out your wallet to pay tolls.

Recommended ETC

Source: https://www.mskw.co.jp/motorcycle/etc/be700s

The Mitsuba Sankowa "GPS-equipped ETC2.0 On-board Unit MSC-BE700S" is an ETC device with specifications optimized for motorcycles, including waterproofing and vibration resistance.

It features a slide mechanism for easy insertion and removal of ETC cards even in narrow spaces. It meets the highest waterproofing and dustproofing standards of IP68 and IP66, and is a robust model that can withstand vibrations up to 20G.

Manufacturer: Mitsuba Sankowa
Product Name: GPS-equipped ETC2.0 On-board Unit MSC-BE700S
Price (incl. tax): 26,950 JPY

Smartphone Holder

A smartphone holder is a convenient item that allows you to secure your smartphone near the handlebars.

This is an essential item for those who use smartphone navigation apps or Google Maps as a navigation tool while riding.

Recommended Smartphone Holder

Source: https://amzn.to/3uaLbmk

The Kaedear "Motorcycle Smartphone Holder with Vibration Absorption" is a smartphone holder that allows for easy one-handed attachment and removal of your phone.

It is compatible with smartphones with a vertical length of 132-175mm, a horizontal width of 68-85mm, and a thickness of 12mm or less.

Manufacturer: Kaedear
Product Name: Motorcycle Smartphone Holder with Vibration Absorption
Compatible Smartphone Sizes: (Vertical) 132-175mm (Horizontal) 68-85mm (Thickness) 12mm or less
Price (incl. tax): 2,992 JPY

USB Socket

A USB socket is an item that allows you to charge your devices via USB while riding your motorcycle.

This is especially necessary to prevent your smartphone from running out of battery when using it as a navigation device or music player during your ride.

Recommended USB Socket

Source: https://amzn.to/3UpF2NI

The ONVIAN "Motorcycle-specific Waterproof QC3.0 Dual USB Fast Charger" is equipped with two QC3.0 ultra-fast charging ports.

It can connect two smartphones simultaneously and displays the battery voltage, allowing you to monitor the motorcycle's battery usage and lifespan.

Manufacturer: ONVIAN
Product Name: Motorcycle-specific Waterproof QC3.0 Dual USB Fast Charger
Price (incl. tax): 2,099 JPY

Mobile Battery

If you're using your smartphone for navigation or other functions while riding, the battery drains quickly, making it unsuitable for long distances.

This is where a mobile battery comes in handy, as it continuously supplies power to your smartphone while you're riding.

Recommended Mobile Battery

Source: https://amzn.to/3w3diEs

The "High Capacity Lightweight Mobile Battery with 3 Simultaneous Charging Ports" is a lightweight and compact model with a large capacity of 30,000mAh.

It features fast charging that can reach 60% in 30 minutes, an LED display for remaining charge, and an LED light function, which can double as a small flashlight.

Product Name: High Capacity Lightweight Mobile Battery with 3 Simultaneous Charging Ports
Capacity: 30,000mAh
Ports: USB, Type-C input/output
Price (tax included): 2,980 yen

Intercom

An intercom allows you to listen to music hands-free or answer calls while riding your motorcycle.

It also allows riders to communicate with each other wirelessly while riding, making touring with friends more enjoyable.

Recommended Intercom

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-25029

The DAYTONA "DT-E1+" is a model designed with high-quality audio for intercom calls and clear sound quality for music playback.

It features helmet-integrated speakers that are comfortable and reduce fatigue, can connect to smartphones and intercoms from other manufacturers, and supports up to 4 simultaneous calls.

Manufacturer: DAYTONA
Product name: DT-E1+
Price (tax included): 26,045 yen

Motorcycle Bags

There are various types of motorcycle bags, such as tank bags that attach to the fuel tank and seat bags designed for the rear seat.

Large-capacity bags are convenient for carrying luggage, but their installation location is limited. Before purchasing, check the bag's mounting location (to ensure it doesn't interfere with tires, suspension, muffler, etc.) and choose a product that fits within that range.

Recommended Motorcycle Bags

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-95735

The DAYTONA "DH-707 HB Seat Bag Red" is a seat bag with a design that suits sport bikes.

Its carbon-patterned exterior and low-profile design make it sporty and less likely to snag your foot when getting on or off.

It's sized to hold one 500ml PET bottle, an A5-sized touring map, a smartphone, a mobile battery, and a long wallet simultaneously.

Manufacturer: DAYTONA
Product name: DH-707 HB Seat Bag Red
Dimensions (mm): (Height) 285 × (Width) 250 × (Depth) 110
Price (tax included): 7,475 yen

FAQ about Motorcycle Essentials

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Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding motorcycle essentials. Please refer to them.

What equipment is essential for starting to ride a motorcycle?

Legally, you only need a helmet to ride a motorcycle, but for enhanced safety, it's advisable to also have gloves, boots or riding shoes, and protectors.

Motorcycle accidents and falls can lead to serious injuries, so it's best to equip yourself to maximize safety in case of an emergency.

If you're also concerned about styling, investing in motorcycle-specific pants and jackets will improve both functionality and fashion.

Are there any essential options that should be added to a motorcycle?

If you're going on tours or using expressways, an ETC device, a USB socket (USB port/power source), and navigation will make your ride much more convenient.

Additionally, a dashcam is highly recommended, as it can record evidence in case of road rage incidents, which are a growing concern, or accidents.

Furthermore, joining a roadside assistance service can help you in case of a breakdown or running out of gas. However, it's often included in voluntary insurance policies, so it's a good idea to check if your current insurance covers it and to have the contact information handy.

I can't buy everything at once... Is there a priority order for necessary motorcycle gear?

If your budget for gear is limited, it's recommended to prioritize and gradually acquire items over about a year. You might want to follow this order:

Helmet: Essential
Gloves
Riding shoes/boots
Protectors
Others

Items that enhance comfort only become meaningful when your safety is secured. Therefore, it's highly recommended to prioritize items that ensure your physical safety first.

Considering safety, it's best to prepare protectors as early as possible. However, they are relatively expensive among gear, so it's advisable to acquire them as soon as your budget allows.

Are Workman products suitable for motorcycle essentials?

Workman, which primarily deals in workwear, also offers products that can be used for motorcycles.

Workman's products are generally affordable, offering good cost performance and making them suitable for motorcycle gear.

4D Super Water Repellent Stretch Field Jacket

Source: https://workman.jp/shop/g/g2300032181226/

The "4D Super Water Repellent Stretch Field Jacket" is a stretch jacket with high water repellency and a focus on storage capacity.

It features pockets on both arms for storing items like lights, a slim Y-silhouette design, and a flexible, easy-to-move construction.

Product name: 4D Super Water Repellent Stretch Field Jacket
Price (tax included): 3,900 yen

Gelide Stretch Jumper

Source: https://workman.jp/shop/g/g2300032120102/

The "Gelide Stretch Jumper" is a stylish rider-style jacket that was featured on Nippon TV's "Shuichi" program.

It features built-in armor pads on the shoulders for enhanced impact resistance and a highly stretchy finish with two-step adjustable slits.

Product name: Gelide Stretch Jumper
Price (tax included): 3,973 yen

Inarem Light Warm Pants

Source: https://workman.jp/shop/g/g2300068518027/

The "Inarem Light Warm Pants" are designed with the concept of being non-steamy (Inarem = Murenai, meaning "won't get stuffy").

They feature waterproof and water-repellent zippers to prevent rain penetration, adjusters to tailor the hem width, and a stretchy design that makes bending and extending the knees easy.

Product name: Inarem Light Warm Pants
Price (tax included): 2,900 yen

Summary

Source: https://pixabay.com/ja/photos/AF-5880126/

We've discussed the essentials for motorcycles and items that enhance comfort.

If budget constraints prevent you from acquiring all motorcycle gear at once, we've provided a priority list. It's recommended to use this as a guide and gradually gather items over approximately a year.

The leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents is head trauma, followed by chest injuries. Therefore, consider wearing upper body protectors or inner wear with built-in protectors.