Riding in Style: What to Wear on a Motorcycle

Under Minnesota law, all riders under 18 and anyone operating on an instruction permit are required to wear a helmet. Adult riders with a full endorsement can legally ride without one. However, a helmet is proven to be the most effective precaution a rider can take to reduce the risk of severe or even fatal injury.

Not all helmets are created equal, however. Here are some details to keep in mind when considering what to buy.

Helmet Ratings

When shopping for a helmet, you'll see certification labels from a few different organizations. Here's what they mean.

• DOT: The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the U.S. legal minimum. Any helmet sold for road use in the U.S. must carry a DOT sticker. One catch: DOT is self-certified, meaning manufacturers test their own helmets. Most reputable brands comply honestly, but counterfeit DOT stickers exist. Buy only from established retailers.
• ECE 22.06: This is the current European standard, set by the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). Unlike DOT, ECE requires independent third-party testing before a helmet can be sold with the certification. It also includes tests for visor strength, abrasion resistance, and rotational impact, all areas DOT doesn't cover. Many riders consider ECE 22.06 the stronger everyday standard.
• Snell M2025: This is a voluntary certification from the independent Snell Foundation. Snell requires the most rigorous impact testing of any street-helmet standard and is required by some racing organizations. For street riding, DOT and ECE cover most riders well, but Snell is worth considering if you want the highest level of quality assurance.

Helmet Styles

Motorcycle helmets come in different styles, offering differing levels of protection and comfort.

• Full-face helmets offer the most coverage, protecting the chin and jaw. These are the best choice for highway speeds and longer rides.
• Half-shell and open-face helmets are popular for cruiser riders and around-town use. They meet legal minimums, but leave your face unprotected in a crash.
• Modular helmets have a flip-up chin bar, giving you the protection of a full-face helmet with the convenience of an open-face design when stopped. This model can be a good middle ground for commuters.

Quick Tip

If you’re a new rider, consider a full-face helmet that carries both DOT and ECE 22.06 certifications. This option gives you the broadest protection and the most rigorous independent testing without going full race-spec.

Note that the right fit matters just as much as ratings. A helmet that shifts around on your head won't protect you the way it should. Always try on a helmet before buying it, testing several options before making your final choice. Check out this guide from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more tips on how to choose the right helmet for you.

A motorcycle jacket does more than just look stylish. The thick material protects your skin if you slide across the pavement, and the armor inside protects vulnerable points like your elbows and shoulders. 

Leather vs. Textile

When picking a jacket, the main choice will be between leather and textile.

• Leather jackets are the gold standard for abrasion resistance. Quality cowhide at 1.2–1.4 mm thickness can withstand several seconds of sliding on pavement before wearing through. It's the material of choice for sport riders and anyone prioritizing maximum crash protection. However, leather can be less comfortable and less weather-resistant than textile.
• Textile jackets are typically made with Cordura, Kevlar, or aramid blends. Textile trades some of leather's abrasion resistance for better weather protection, ventilation, and versatility. For Minnesota riders dealing with unpredictable weather, a textile jacket with a removable liner may be a more practical everyday choice.

Armor and CE Ratings

Motorcycle jackets carry CE ratings that reflect the overall protection provided by their abrasion resistance, seam strength, and armor placement.

• CE Class A offers the lowest level of protection. This class may be suited for urban and commuter riding.
• CE Class AA offers higher abrasion resistance and is a good fit for touring and highway riding.
• CE Class AAA is the highest level, typically found in full racing leathers.
  

The armor inside the jacket is rated separately, either Level 1 or Level 2. CE Level 2 armor absorbs significantly more impact force than Level 1. Most jackets with Level 1 armor allow you to swap in Level 2 inserts, an upgrade worth the extra cost.

Quick Tip

A CE Class AA leather jacket with Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor is a good starting point. If you prefer a textile option, a CE Class AA textile jacket is a reasonable alternative. Either way, make sure your jacket includes a CE Level 2 back protector, since the back is a common injury zone. Most jackets don't ship with adequate back protection out of the box.

Regular denim offers almost no abrasion resistance and contains no armor. Riders who invest in a quality helmet and jacket only to ride in regular jeans are leaving themselves unprotected. After an accident, a serious hip or knee injury can mean months of recovery or even permanent disability.

Material

Motorcycle pants are made from leather, textile, or reinforced denim.

• Like jackets, leather riding pants offer the best abrasion resistance.
• Textile pants trade some of that protection for versatility, breathability, and comfort. This pants type can be a reasonable trade-off for Minnesota riders.
• Riding jeans reinforced with Kevlar or aramid fibers are a popular option for commuters and around-town riders. They look like regular jeans off the bike and offer significantly better protection than standard denim. While these jeans are not a full replacement for dedicated riding pants, they can be enough for shorter, lower-speed rides.

Safety Rating

Motorcycle pants follow the same CE Class A/AA/AAA garment rating system as jackets. The armor inside is likewise rated Level 1 or Level 2, with Level 2 offering significantly better impact protection. In an accident, having armor at your knees and hips can make the difference between bruising and a fracture.

Overpants

Overpants are textile riding pants worn over your regular clothes and are a practical option for Minnesota riders who commute or need to change at their destination. Many are waterproof, providing useful protection when riding in the rain. The trade-off is the extra bulk of wearing two layers instead of just one.

Quick Tip

A pair of CE-rated motorcycle pants with Level 2 knee and hip armor covers the most vulnerable impact zones. If you prefer riding jeans for everyday use, make sure they carry a CE garment rating and include armor pockets, not just Kevlar lining.

When a rider goes down, the hands go out first. It's an instinctive reaction, and it means the hands take the brunt of the impact in most crashes. Without proper gloves, there is a risk of road rash, broken bones, and damaged tendons, injuries that can affect your grip and your ability to function in day-to-day life.

Safety Ratings

Motorcycle gloves are rated under the EN 13594 standard, which tests for abrasion resistance, tear strength, seam strength, and how well the gloves stay on your hands in a crash. Like other gear, ratings come in Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 2 offering significantly higher protection across all categories.

Protective Features

Riding gloves can come in a wide range of styles. The key protective features to look for are:

• Knuckle armor: Hard knuckle protection absorbs impact force and reduces the risk of fractures. Level 2 certification requires mandatory knuckle impact protection, while Level 1 does not.
• Palm sliders: Reinforced palm panels reduce friction and abrasion during a slide, protecting against road rash and wrist injuries.
• Cuff length: Longer gauntlet-style cuffs cover the wrist and overlap with your jacket sleeve, closing the gap between the two. Short cuffs are more comfortable but leave the wrist exposed.

Quick Tip

A CE Level 2 glove with hard knuckle protection and reinforced palms is a good starting point. Make sure the cuff overlaps with your jacket sleeve, because gaps in coverage are gaps in protection. Some riders keep two pairs: one for warm weather and one for colder temperatures.

Lower limb injuries are among the most common after motorcycle crashes. Ankles, feet, and shins take significant force in an accident, and regular footwear offers almost no protection against the crushing, twisting, and abrasion that can occur.

What Makes a Boot Motorcycle-Rated

Motorcycle boots are certified under the EN 13634 standard, which tests for abrasion resistance, cut resistance, and rigidity. Like all other gear, ratings come in Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 2 offering higher protection in each category.

The CE label on a boot shows four numbers, each reflecting a different test:

• Boot height
• Abrasion resistance
• Cut resistance
• Sole rigidity

Each number is either a 1 or a 2, with 2 being the higher pass. (A taller boot that reaches the shin earns a 2 for height, while an ankle boot earns a 1.) The remaining three numbers indicate how well the boot performs in a crash. A boot rated 2-2-2-2 is a shin-height boot that has passed at Level 2 across all three tests.

Other features worth looking for include:

• Toe and heel reinforcement
• Ankle support panels
• Oil-resistant soles
• Secure closures with no loose laces that can catch on the bike

Styles

• Riding boots offer the most protection and come in sport, touring, and adventure styles. Sport boots are stiff and heavily armored. Touring boots balance protection with all-day comfort. Adventure boots are built for both on- and off-road use.
• Riding shoes are lower-cut and look more like regular footwear. They carry CE ratings but offer less ankle coverage than taller boots. 

Regular work boots, hiking boots, or casual shoes do not meet motorcycle safety standards, regardless of how sturdy they look.

Quick Tip

A CE-rated riding boot with a Level 2 sole rigidity rating and reinforced ankle protection covers the most common lower-leg injury zones. Make sure the boot fits snugly. A boot that pulls off in a crash does not protect at all.

Many motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle share the same cause: the driver didn't see the rider.  In Minnesota, riders deal with low-light conditions for a significant portion of the riding season. Fall and spring rides often start or end in darkness, and overcast skies are common. Visibility gear addresses that problem directly.

• High-visibility colors, such as fluorescent yellow-green, orange, and pink, are the most effective in daylight. These colors stand out against typical road backgrounds in a way that black, gray, and dark colors do not.
• Retroreflective materials are designed for low-light and nighttime riding. Unlike high-visibility colors, retroreflective strips are largely invisible in daylight, but reflect headlights back toward their source at night. Gear that combines both high-visibility and retroreflective materials performs well across all conditions.

Many CE-rated jackets and vests incorporate panels of both. If your primary jacket is dark, a high-visibility vest accomplishes the same goal without replacing your gear.

Quick Tip

A high-visibility vest worn over your riding jacket is the simplest upgrade with the most immediate impact on daytime visibility. For nighttime and low-light riding, make sure at least some of your gear has retroreflective striping, particularly on the back and shoulders, where other drivers are most likely to look.

Donning the right gear is essential for any motorcyclist. With these tips, you can build a riding kit that will help keep you safe on the road. The riders who walk away from serious crashes are usually the ones who are prepared beforehand.

But while wearing the right gear reduces your risk of injury, it doesn't eliminate it. When other drivers fail to see motorcyclists or break other traffic laws, even a fully geared rider can end up seriously hurt.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Minnesota, the attorneys at SiebenCarey can help. We've represented injured riders across the state for decades and understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident cases present, including the bias riders often face when dealing with insurance companies.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today, and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.